I am looking to get either an XJ or a Grand(ZJ?). For the Grand Cherokee,what would be the better year? I have read so many posts about tranny failures,and electrical issues,but want to get something reliable and fairly easy to work on. Not looking to build a rock crawler as I am not into that. Just something to take family to the snow,vacations,trail riding,fishing,etc... I cannot do to radical wheeling as I have a "special needs" 4yr old son with a severe seizure disorder.
So any input would be greatly appreciated on what to look for and what NOT to get. Thanks
Lance

 

Engine/Trans

4.0/AW4 matched up for auto.

4.0/AX15 for standard.

 

Would recommend buying the newest that you can afford. Possibly something with a comprehensive warranty.

 

I've had both a '97 ZJ w/the 5.2 V8 AWD, and an '04 WJ w/the 4.7 V8 AWD. Both were nice trucks, but they were quite different. Both had factory tow packages/heavy duty cooling systems. Both had heated seats.
The '97 drove and rode more like a truck, had more power, a 4-spd auto trans, would tow more and better, spare tire mounted vertically in cargo area cutting into volume, 12-14 city, 16-18 highway MPG. 23 gallon gas tank.
The '04 had quicker, easier steering, a 5-spd auto trans, more comfortable seating front & rear, much smoother ride, heated seats stayed on longer, spare mounted inside under cargo floor allowing more cargo room, 14-16 city, 17-20 highway MPG. 20 gallon gas tank.
I liked the '97 more, but sold it to my son. My wife loves her '04. She uses it every time she wants to haul the grandkids around during a visit.

 

I love my 95ZJ, the 96-98 ZJs have some updated features that the 93-95 ZJs don't. I like the first gen Grand Cherokee body style more than the rounded gen two Grands.
Grand Cherokees will have more room and less wind noise than an XJ.

 

So, I am not sure where I heard or read that the GC's have many tranny and electrical problems. Is that true? If so why are they so different than the XJ and far as reliability? Which engine/trans combo would be best? Right now I am on the fence of a Grand WAGONEER(FSJ) or a Grand Cherokee. I've had a GW(FSJ) before and loved it,also have had a few XJ's and one MJ and loved them all. Thanks for input.

 

It's just a guess, but I think the story behind Grand's having more electrical problems is that they all came with the same wiring harnesses, for the full range of optional equipment that was available on them. They might have had quality control issues with the vendor, or something else. I never had an electrical issue with my '97.
The trans issues could have been caused either by lack of maintenance, or a weak trans, I can't say. Mine went out shortly after I bought it w/160,000+ miles on it. They said the fluid looked like it had never been changed, and the clutches were fried. I had the dealer instal a new crate trans. (I know very little about trans internals).

 

I own both the 4.0/42re and the 5.2/44re in the ZJ and I would go for the V8 over the I6. More power to do what you want to do. Especially when your loading it down for a road trip or a weekend get away. Plus it makes towing that much easier.

I have 199k on my 5.2 and its all original. I have a 97 4.0/42re that blew a headgasket at 212k all original. My 96 4.0/42re has 105k on it and had to put in new motor. Previous owner hydrolocked the motor and blew a softball size hole in the side of the block.

My V8 gets better mileage than both of my I6s also.

Neither of them have had any electrical problems to date.