Looking at a 1997 Grand Cherokee, loaded with 193K on it, new tranny put in last year. Needs rear wheel bearing replaced and exhaust from cat back. Trading even up for my 1986 F250 that has only 54K original on it and no rust. Not sure if I am going to make the trade or not, will see how the 97 looks Saturday.

Anything I should watch for beyond cancer and the tranny?

 

what engine does it have?

 

The best, 4.0L!

 

Owner says it has a hole in the exhaust just behind the converter, I figured no biggie with the rebate on the summit cat back. I am currently unemployed, so time is on my side.

 

nice. i'd say sure, just as long as those pesky electrical gremlins are at bay. also, check to see what 4wd system it has. i know some guys go out, buy a jeep, and find that the transfer case is jacked. if every feels and looks sound, then it could be a good trade. even the slightly better MPGs will be nice compared to the beast of a truck those old F-series pick ups are.

 

Well, had to pass on this one. Body, frame, floor, paint, everything looked good, but it had a knock when I started it, nothing major, but enough for concern. I crawled under it and saw fluids on both pans and the transfer case. Also whatever was leaking had a spray back about another 2' behind the transfer case. May have been nothing, but I am not going to take the chance. Usually I would have just made the trade and went from there, but my gut just said don't do it. Also the onboard computer kept saying ZERO MILES UNTIL MAINTENANCE or something to that effect. That makes me nervous as it would seem that if you drive it a mile, you are now XXX miles from some sort of maint.

Thanks for the info and PM/s I really appreciate the support on this site.

 

Your truck sounds as if it's worth well more than any ZJ with close to 200K miles on it. Pics?

You sound familiar with the 42re trans.. junk. If it hadnt been rebuilt you could have been in for a 1500+ rebuild.

The moisture underneath could just be a rearmain, valve cover and the like. Not expensive to fix if your somewhat handy with a wrench.

Sounds to me like you made the right decision in this case. Doesnt sound as though it was well cared for.

 

I added a pic of my truck. It is well worth the $3K I am asking for it, actually probably worth $3600-3800. It does need a new valve cover gasket on the passenger side though.

Yeah well, maybe something else will come along. I need to put it out by the road for sale as people see an online ad for an 86 and then $3,000.00 next to it and they instantly pass it by.

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