Goat

Hello all...
Wrangler owner here about to trade-in/up to a larger 4x4, 2 kids don't fit in a Wrangler with a dog very well :P

Trying to figure out what the best route to go is...Cherokee vs Grand Cherokee vs what years?

I do go out into the back country of Tahoe quite often, hiking, mountaineering, camping, backpacking, K9 Search & Rescue etc...and need a truck that can handle a bit of after market work yet not be a crazy rock climber.

i6 vs v8? Grand vs Laredo, vs Sport...I have no clue of the differences and such...

Thanks
-Goat

Diesel

L6 has almost the same hp/tq but will last longer and get better fuel mileage.

Fidishund

The XJ is the best way to go you can get a 4.9 stroker motor with 350 hp 390 fpt wich is way more then you need.. Love my xj's .. never any thing else can compare to it in the woods.. 96 is the best year has the better drive train dana 30 frount and the chrysler 8.25 rear but still the same hp stock as the 2001 modles..

BLACKSPORT

I would go with 97-99 cherokees. Chrysler 8.25 rear axle which would have 29 spline instead of the 95- having 27 spline. 96s are apparently hit or miss from what i have read. 00 and 01 have coil packs i believe and people shy away from them. If you wanted a manual good luck finding it because they seem pretty rare as far as being sold.

Goat

That may be a bit over the top for what I need, performing a motor swap.

I'm looking for out of the box power/drivetrain with some luxury...my current Wrangler is fully modded already with an RE 4" LA, custom bumpers and sliders, tummy tuck, snorkel kit, rhino lined interior instead of carpet, hardtop with tent/cargo rack etc etc.

So the question is which year is the best for a XJ vs a WJ and is a WJ in the same cost range for after market?

BLACKSPORT

I answered above but probably posted as you were typing, anyway i have heard bad news about wj transminisions never owned one, but that is what i have read to be expected

Goat

all years or specific?

BLACKSPORT

not sure but it would be worth looking into to make sure.

mcssls

yeah, grands have more probs.

Tural

comfort ride - grand
search&rescue - see which one the law uses (i'll give u a hint... it's not so grand)
reliability - I6 (although i've seen a few V8s tip the 200k mark with all original parts)

Tankerblade

I'll chime in. The Xj would be a great offroad for SAR Stuff. Its cheaper, more aftermarket support etc. but if your looking for space and comfort a ZJ or WJ will be the way to go. My dad has a WJ and it drives like a dream and is comfortable. i can sleep in the back while doing some serious offroading...its that comfortable. From what i've heard is there are issues with the tranny. But in our course we've never had any troubles with ours and its the same 4.7 engine/tranny combo thats in our dodge ram and that truck is pushing 130k and havent had a real issue...only downside to the wj or zj is aftermarket prices. theyre a little higher...

Also on a side note, if your carrying more then yourself and one other person in your vehicle for SAR i would go with a grand. the space is much better for adults in terms of leg room..

brutalxj

Would never say this and don't ever quote me. But for kids and confert I would go with a 97-99 wj with the I-6 and optional 2wd. The wj trans problems are with the all wheel drive crap or what ever they call that mistake. The reason I say wj and not xj for the first time in my life is more room and more creacher conferts then an xj. Also the rear coil suspension dosnt hurt. U could do a 3" lift run 31s with a lock-right rear. And go were ever u need to with the kids and dog. Like u said not looking for a rock monster. It will cost more then an xj but with ur situation u will be better off. And ya my spell check is going crazy. Lol
PS I never said this!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock Toy

I'll have to agree with the GC, more room, more confort, and they can be set up as a serious trail machine. If you get Four Wheeler magazine you may have seen Willie Worthy's write up about his GC build Aint it Grander. It is real good on the trails, it has more room than the Cherokee and it makes a good highway cruiser.