jdmarti1

I am buying my daughter a '99 Grand Cherokee Laredo for her first vehicle. I found one that is absolutely cherry. The front end seemed a bit loose when I drove it though. This is the 4.0L, 4WD (2WD or 4WD) with 174k on it. This thing was taken care of - the drivers leather seat isn't even worn. I am not sure what they did to it, but I would love to know. It has had two owners, with the second only having it a year. What should I look at, or be ready to replace to make this 100% safe for the daughter? She also would like it lifted just a bit, something simple would be best. She also would like a bit beefier tires. When I get it I will post some pics. I think I am excited about this as much as she is - LOL.

basegrinder

Loose compared to other cars you've driven, or compared to other Jeeps you test drove?

jdmarti1

Compared to other cars. On a bumpy section of road it seemed to wander a bit and just felt loose.

Bustedback

You have to remember that this Jeep has a solid live axle up front, it's going to feel different from anything with IFS. But you should check the steering and suspension for anything that is loose or worn out. The beauty of the WJ is that it is very easy to work on and parts are not very expensive. I wouldn't recommend a lift right off the bat, let her get some seat time in it for a while.

jdmarti1

One thing I notice is the rear end seems to sit a bit low. Might need shocks all around. I have a guy going to look at it tomorrow. Does 2900 sound good?

caronaxtr

Doesn't sound like a bad price. With 174k miles, I'd say most bushings, shocks, etc will need to get replaced. Not too bad or too expensive of a job. The WJ grand cherokee's are my favorite Jeeps.

dave1123

Yes, the steering is a little vague, but that's because the live front axle and steering was designed around bias-ply tires and isn't rack&pinion steering. My '00 WJ was a garage queen from Washington, PA and was detailed just before I bought it. It also had immaculate maintenance records with it. It's a basic Larado model with the 4.0, 242 Selectrac t/case, and 245/70R16 tires. I've owned it 3 years now and pound it delivering newspapers in all kinds of weather. It's been wonderful to drive and has never let me down. I have BFG All-Terrain tires on it and and it will plow thru snow up to the headlights without any problems.

I would like to put a simple 2" lift on it just for snow pack in the wheel wells, but other than that, I'm totally happy with it. I paid $4200 for it and haven't put much into it beyond normal repair stuff like brakes and wheel bearings. It's the best, most reliable used car I've ever owned. I have 168K miles on it now. I am also the second owner.

jdmarti1

Here is a pic, seems to sit lower than most.

dave1123

It looks right to me. Park it on a level surface and measure between the rocker panel and the ground just in front of the rear wheel and compare it with the measurement behind the front wheel. I don't think you'll find more than 1/2" difference. Mine is higher in the rear by that.

jdmarti1

Some pics of the inside

dave1123

Very nice and clean. BTW, if you need to load up the back seat like I do with newspapers, You can flip up the seat cushions and tuck the belt buckles underneath. Also, to collapse the seats for cargo, you need to fold the head rests forward by pushing the releases on the back of each seat. They don't come out like the ZJ's did.

jdmarti1

Drivers side axle boot is torn, passenger side is totally gone and has no grease. How hard is it to fix, and what else should I fix while I am there?

Bustedback

You can get the whole shaft for each side for about 65 bucks each. Check www.rockauto.com for the best price, but check the shipping before ordering. The shafts are easy to replace. Remove the brake calipers and rotors, remove the spindle nut, and then remove the three twelve point 13mm bolts and the pull it all out.



I just checked the price and found the half shafts for less than 40 dollars on rockauto.

jdmarti1

Bearings while I am there?

Bustedback

Not a bad idea. Don't cheap out on the unit bearings, you get what you pay for. Timken is my top choice.