This might sound like a dumb question and it’s honestly not a technical question, I’m just asking to see what you guys think 🤔 So I bought a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 over 8yrs ago, when my wife and I first got married. It was suppose to be her car but because it had its fair share of issues, I decided to keep it and she kept my car. So my Jeep was manufactured in August of 1992. It’s equipped with the OEM underbody protection (which honestly isn’t much) front underbody protection, I think is what it’s called, transfer case skid plate, and the gas tank protection. It’s also equipped with the LSD, a grey leather interior, infinity sound system, and it had the CD player but my stupid self tossed it! 😭😭😭 if my understanding is correct, AMC or Chrysler, whoever made this car, did not introduce the v8 until September of 1992. So my question is, do you guys think that one day these early ZJs may one day become valuable or collectible? I have not done any modifications, it’s bone stock and it’s now my project car, so I’m working towards getting it back to its glory does. It does have its original power train (engine, transmission, and transfer case) Just wondering what you guys think lol and yes it runs and drives, not perfect, but it’s gotten me from point A to point B for the past 8yrs.

 

A perfect original low mileage one in 20 years? sure. anything other than that and any time soon? nope.
But if I've learned ANYTHING about cars, never buy one to be an investment. never keep one hoping it becomes an investment. Enjoy the vehicle as it is today.

 

The first generation ZJ is a great vehicle. I special ordered mine in '94 and it is my daily driver.

They made lots, so it won't be a collectible item.

It is perfect for a shade tree mechanic because everything may be serviced by the owner.

 

That’s great advise!!! I’m still going to keep it for as long as I can because I have truly become attached to the thing lol

 

There are many common operations required on this vehicle.

Start w/ the correct Factory Service Manual (FSM). It is complete, well written and accurate.

This reply shows the Moog parts I used on my Up Country ZJ to replace the deteriorated rubber parts.

Follow the TSB, not the FSM when assembling the intake plenum. Use new plenum bolts. This link has the intake plenum TSB and the plenum bolts.

Has the spark plug wiring TSB been implemented?

The timing chain is probably shot. This reply shows the Miller 6635 tool for locating the timing cover to be concentric to the crankshaft.

Try to extend the life of the A/C evaporator because replacement is a royal butt pain. Removal of the blower permits access for internal HVAC plenum cleaning that might help decrease the corrosion that killed mine.

There was a factory recall to inspect / install a trailer hitch for rear end collision protection of the fuel tank. It included a $100 gift card for the trouble. The gift card might not be part of the equation anymore.

 

Thanks for all the information! I’ve done the spark plugs, but definitely didn’t implement the tsb! Not even sure where to find the tsb. I definitely need to do the plenum gasket, it burns oil for sure and I’m pretty sure that it’s because of the plenum. I did my timing cover this year and the chain was in good shape, my wife’s cousin is an ASE certified mechanic and took a look at it to make sure it was good! My A/c was going out so I haven’t had an a/c for at least 7yrs! Lol I just used a shorter belt. And when I bought it, it came with a tow hitch so I never took it to the dealership to claim the $100

 

YW

The TSB is attached to the link.

Some prefer the thicker aftermarket plenum plate. I instead retained the OEM plate and chased the holes and bolts with a tap and die to permit proper torque to the TSB, also attached to the link.

Yours must be the only chain that has not stretched. The best solution is a double roller chain and sprockets. It runs much more smoothly w/ the new chain.

This is the worst service operation I have performed. I also swapped my intact heater core and my functional power antenna at the time, to not have to revisit this service.

 

I don't think the '93 ZJ's with 5.2's will become any more collectable than they already are, and both engines are desirable. The most collectable ZJ's will be the '93 ONLY Grand Wagoneer Limited, the '98 5.9L Limited/LX, and any early '93 or '94 with the 4.0L I6 and the Aisin AX-15 manual transmission. Maybe also the 1995-1997 Orvis Editions. You are correct that all ZJ's produced in early-mid 1992 had the 4.0L I6, and possibly the 4-speed automatic (which I believe was the Aisin AW4, which was replaced by the more traditional Chrysler 42RE (which was on all 4.0L Grand Cherokees through 2004) in late 1993 or early 1994).

On another note, I miss my old '94 5.2L ZJ. Lots of pickup, fun to drive, very capable in the snow.

-Vince

 

I forgot that some zj’s were made as the or is edition! Those are definitely a collectible. I’m still very attached to my Jeep and plan on holding on to it as long as possible! 🙌

 

Oh so true! Unless you have unlimited resources like Jay Leno and keep them in climate controlled storage and spend the money to maintain them, you'll never get any value out of them. When he does a video on one, it's because it needed to be driven to keep it running properly. If it were mine, I'd do everything needed to maintain it, but drive it and enjoy it while you can. The guys I know with classic cars don't bring them out until late April after the state has swept the winter crap off the roads and it's not raining. They wouldn't sell one unless the offer was too good to pass up. They are a labor of love and are usually treated better than their wives! My buddy has a 51 Pontiac and every time I get into it, he'll remind me to not slam the door! He'll be pissed at me all day if I close it too hard. These guys are so fanatical they will search the web for OEM bolts!

 

Another question for you guys, I know we said that it won’t ever be considered a collectible or really have much value, because there were so many produce. What makes the grand wagoneer and wagoneers so valuable now a days. I’ve seen them going for a minimum of $30,000