smtippin

Hey all, I'm an XJ owner who is into the simplicity of manual locks and windows so the JGC is out of my league for sure. My brother, on the other hand, is looking for an 03-04 WJ or 05+ WK. Here is what he said:

"The last two years of the WJ look better (03-04) as they made a lot of improvements in '03. Not sure I want to spend the money on a WK (05+). I can fit a base Laredo in the budget, but not seeing any with Quadra-Trac II in my price range. Only the full-time (no 4-Lo) Selec-Trac...bah. I can get a 03-04, 4.7L, QTII, etc, easily. Quadra-Drive would be even better, but I can only find those on Limiteds and I don't want leather."

What should I know about these models with regard to reliability, handling, and what not? I imagine it will be his dedicated mallcrawler but since he is in Michigan, he will need a decent snow and ice rig. The other vehicle he is looking at is the 04+ Ford Exploder. I seriously need to help him out andhe is buying in 2 days!

,
s

RRAM

well never owned a ford explorer, but there are people who seem to drive them. We have an 04 limited 4.7 with quadra trac. this vehicle is so nice in the winter its hard to explain. And it drive absolutely great all year. I would think it has more room then an explorer. More power with the v8. more towing capacity. Ours gets very good milage. did I mention how great in the snow. That said I would never tell anyone to buy any vehicle. He needs to drive them and see what he likes. For the most part these cars and most newer cars have pretty long lives. Good luck to him in his decision.

NYcherokee94

There is nothing wrong with Ford. Tell him to buy a bronco they are the shizzy. Mine does awesome in the snow. But at the moment Im baised I havent gotten to drive my jeep yet.

smtippin

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with Ford. I come from a Ford family where all of us drove Ford until I bought my XJ. My brother lives in Detroit and worked in Ford's SVT department for about 10 years before making a career change. I think the bias is toward Ford rather than bashing it. Plus, my brother isn't in the market for a Bronco. He wants an 01 model rig is too old for him and he is really in the market for an asphalt assassin.

s

Twehttam

Hey, guys, just wanted to drop in and confirm that I picked up a 2004 Grand Cherokee. This is my 5th Jeep (previous: '75 CJ5, '77 Cherokee, '78 Cherokee, '91 Cherokee) and I'm very happy to be back in the family.

It's a Selec-Trac, which I know may not get the most love around here, but it'll mainly be a pavement pounder with occasional light OR use in Upper Michigan. My main goal was to find the cleanest, low mileage Laredo (did not want a Limited) at a good price nearby. I think I accomplished that goal.

Here's a pic:


In addition, I also requested the build info from Jeep and here are the specs (apologies for the length). Notice anything that stands out?

Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats
Dark Slate Gray
Convenience Group
Trailer Tow Group
Monotone Paint
4.0L Engine(ERH)/4Spd Auto Trans(DGK
136 Amp Alternator
625 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Low Back Bucket Seats
Highline Door Trim Panel
Rear 60/40 Folding Seat
Child Seat Anchor System-LATCH Ready
Next Gen Multistage Front Air Bags**
Floor Carpet
Cargo Compartment Carpet
Cargo Tie Down Loops
Front & Rear Floor Mats
Cargo Trim Panel w/Storage Net
Door Sill Scuff Pads
Passenger Assist Handles
Mini Overhead Console
Full Length Floor Console
All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
4-Spd. Automatic 42RE Transmission
Lock-Up Torque Converter
Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
Dana 30/186MM Front Axle
3.73 Axle Ratio
Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
4.0L Power Tech I-6 Engine
Tinted Windshield Glass
Front Door Tinted Glass
Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
Flipper Liftgate Glass
Rear Window Defroster
Rear View Day/Night Mirror
Sun Visors w/Vanity Mirror
Power Mirrors, Fold-Away
Remote Keyless Entry
Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Air Conditioning
Hood Insulation
Deluxe Insulation Group
Instrument Cluster w/Tach
120 MPH Primary Speedometer
Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Dual Note Electric Horns
Locking Glove Box
12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
Power Accessory Delay
Power Locks
Power Windows, Driver One-Touch
Power 6-Way Driver Seat
Illuminated Entry
Warning Chime
Vehicle Information Center
Courtesy Lamps
Glove Box Lamp
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lamps
Cargo Compartment Lamp
Traveler/Mini Trip Computer
Halogen Headlamps
CHMSL Lamp
Front License Plate Bracket
Body Color Grille
Black Windshield Moldings
Jeep Badge
Side Roof Rails
50 State Emissions
Federal Tier 2, Bin 9A Emissions
20.5 Gallon Fuel Tank
Speed Control
Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
All Radio Equipped Vehicles
AM/FM Compact Disc Radio w/Chgr Ctrl
6 Speakers
Fixed Long Mast Antenna
Power Rack and Pinion Steering
Steering Wheel
Normal Duty Suspension
Tilt Steering Column
Full Size Spare Tire
Inside Mounted Spare Tire
P245/70R16 OWL All Terrain Tires
Goodyear Brand Tires
16" Steel Spare Wheel
16X7.0 Lux Alum Silver Wheels
All Steel Wheels
All Aluminum Wheels
Trailer Tow Wiring Harness
Protective Coating and Remover
Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications
Manuf Statement of Origin

Happy trails,
Matt

ol"blue

Good deal Matt, Congrats on your purchase and Welcome to CF from Dan in Tenn..
With the Trailer Tow Group you should have the aux. trans cooler. That's a big plus even if you don't do any towing. Here's a website full of useful maintenance info., as well as TSBs, recalls (check those out ASAP), and lots of good tid bits about your WJ. http://www.wjjeeps.com/index.htm
That Looks great!
Enjoy your ride.

losingxinsight

I love Fords but most older Bronco's rust out really easily.

Twehttam

Dan, thanks for the info.

I was told by the seller that it had the tow package, which included these type of upgrades...however there isn't a tow receptacle in the rear. Looking at the site above it seems I may have the "Trailer Tow Prep Group", which gets the 3.73 rear, a mechanical cooling fan and the wiring...but no trans cooler.

smtippin

Hey bro. I can't believe that you're WJ came with a steering wheel. I'm sure glad they put that on the build sheet or else we may have never noticed. All kidding aside though, the 'prep' tow package may have at least bought you better gearing. Congrats again on the buy.

s