timmy51193

Im tim ive been into jeeps awhile i started with a 93 wrangler that i wheeled alot then i bought my xj cherokee n wheeled it ive been lookin into grand cherokees ive heard bad things about there transmissions jus woundering what the pros and cons are also how do u think it would do towing a 15ft speedboat?

dave1123

I don't think the transmissions are any different than what you had in the XJ. If you are going to tow a boat, I would recommend a 5.2 or 5.9. not the 4.7. A properly loaded boat and trailer shouldn't be a problem. You'll need a jeep with the tow package because of the lighting, extra trans cooler, and other assorted goodies, like 3.73 gears.

timmy51193

Thanks and i wasnt sure on the trans ive also heard dnt get the fulltime 4wd and what is the upcountry package?

Bustedback

It's true the transmissions in the ZJs are not as bullet proof as the AW4 in the XJ, but they are a good transmission if taken care of and not abused.

SaraJo

I have an 03 grand cherokee loredo. It has the 4.0 inline 6 that I have in my 95 xj. But my zj isnt in 4WD all the time like most of them. I have the options to put it in 4WD or whatever just like my xj. Its just more luxury and a smoother ride...although I rather drive my xj any day! I had no transmission problems with my 95 xj what so ever and I havent had this zj long enough to figure out if theres any transmission issues so far...

timmy51193

thank you all for the responses so far. i plan on wheeling it if i do buy it but i usually just do trail nothing crazy like i did in my wrangler(sank it in a creek/mudhole) and ive been looking at a 96 with the part time 4wd transfer case 4.0 tow package 117xxx on it ino miles dont matter as long as its been taken care of (my xj had 230xxx on it and still did everything my wrangler did and never had and engine or trans issues) i mean as long as the trans is taken care of it should last right? also with lifts whats a decent one im looking for prolly 3in-4in and 31s. what are reasons you zj guys and girls bought them and like them?

dave1123

Creature comforts mostly. What goes wrong with the 42RE to 46RE transmissions is the forward clutch wears quickly if it is shifted into forward while rolling in reverse to rapidly. Best to come to a stop and then shift. Also, high transmission temperatures from pulling a heavy load. That's why the tow package includes an aux cooler.

Why buy a ZJ? there are a lot more of them out there that haven't been abused.

timmy51193

thanks dave and yea ur right thats why ive been lookin into them all the xjs around here are beat to crap and i want a decent dd/trail capable jeep and zjs around me are every where but alot have high miles

dave1123

You know jeeps enough to know miles don't mean anything if it's been maintained and treated well.

I just bought a 2000 WJ with the 4.0 and 128K miles. It came from western PA, had been detailed, and had complete maintenance records. The only thing wrong so far is the passenger's rear window is binding. It wasn't even scratched! Had to have belonged to a soccer-mom. $4500.

caronaxtr

My 03 WJ had the same issue with the drives window, the pully that runs the electric windows had the cable jump off the track. Their not rebuildable, just gotta buy the complete window rail system. I think it was like $100 to get a completely new power window assy., pull the door panel, pull the window out, pull 4 bolts & the assy comes right out. 30 min fix. (love those WJ's)!

My 94 ZJ had the All Wheel Drive Transfer Case (242?) & automatic tranny (AX_ _?), the complete drivetrane crapped out on me, would't shift till like 6000 rpm. Not everyone has that problem though, I'd buy another ZJ or WJ in a heart beat. Get one that came with the tow package from the factory. MY WJ did & I never had any issues (except the window).

dave1123

I personaly like the 242 Selectrac because it gives you the 2WD option. It doesn't save gas, but it saves wear and tear on the front end parts on the highway.

timmy51193

i know miles really dont mean anything if its taken care of and i can tell which ones have been and havnt been and i really like the 242 transfer case it was in my xj i just like knowing im able to change it myself. i found a nice zj i wana go check out

andrewmp6

Just be kinda **** when you look at one for sell,Check all fluid levels and colors check the horn wipers power windows every window you get what im saying.If you find things wrong you can always use them to talk the price down.

dave1123

I can't stress this enough! If the car is from the "Salt Belt", that is where they use salt on the roads, Look at the frame near the suspension attachment points. My ZJ ripped a lower control arm out of the frame. Well, body, because it doesn't have a frame.

timmy51193

I will definitly look for frame rot thanks tho the one im gunna look at looks clean in the pics ino pics can be decieving but its worth looking at ill let u all know how it goes thanks for all the replys