i have decided to buy a grand cherokee for my daily driver. i am looking for 2004 to 2008 models. i want to avoid the transfer case that doesn't have "low lock". i have read that there was a case produced (quadra-trac I) that didn't have a low range that locked the front and rear drive shafts together. i would like to avoid that one since i will probably make it a trail rig one day.

so lets say i am looking at an ad on the net that sparks my interest but it is 100 miles away and the owner has no idea what i am talking about. how do i determine if it has the wrong T case?

i also have a question about the V8 options. when i build it i will want 33 to 35 in tires and 410 gears. will the 4.7 engine pull well at highway speeds on interstate hills or do i definitely want the 5.7?

any other tips would be appreciated.

thanks

 

4.7 should be fine. it makes more HP and torque than a 5.2 ZJ, guys run 37s on stock 5.2s. if you have the extra cash, get the 5.7, just for the coolness factor of beng able to say "yeah, its got a hemi"

 

WJ transfer cases. >->http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm
*Notice that the Quardra Drive system also has locking front/rear axles.
WK 4X4 systems. >->http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_4x4.htm
* Notice that the only WK system that offers a neutral position and 4-lo that locks the driveshafts together is the Quadra Drive II system.

I have an '04 WJ w/the 4.7 V8, and owned a '97 ZJ w/the 5.2 V8. The 4.7 has lots of power, but won't tow as good as my ZJ would.

In the WJ you can find either the standard 4.7, or from '02- '04 the 4.7 HO was offered.
4.7V8: 235 HP; 295 lb ft tq. @ 3,200 RPM
4.7 HO: 265 HP; 325-330 lb ft tq. @ 3,600 RPM