strokerspeed

I'm looking at a 94 grand cherokee. Has 152K miles, lifted with skyjacker kit and rocksliders (obviously been played with, I realize this

I went and drove it, checked it out a bit. The guy says he replaced the tranny himself (about a month ago with a used one). It seems to work good, the engine sounds and runs great (aside from needing a new belt).

The tires are pretty well shot, this is where I'm unsure what to do. When driving this thing, it feels like it wants to veer from side to side pretty badly (probably the tires, but they don't look bad enough to cause this...I realize it could be a seperated tire, but he has a spare in the back, same wheel and tire, why hasn't he tried that one then...?) It also sways pretty bad (probably needs shocks, or maybe all lifted jeeps do this?) and just feels like it Tracs down the road funny if that makes any sense. Just didn't feel good...not sure weather to buy or not, its a good deal, but I'd rather not buy something tweaked (bent, twisted, dog walking)

advice? I want this thing, what else should I check out to make sure the weird feeling veer is just tires. (doesn't feel like sway bar bushings although could probably use some, I don't think bushings would make it feel like this, just feels funny, don't know how to explain except it tracs funny...)

So, all you jeep experts, what should I look at closely on this thing!?
Thanks!!

P.S. I've never owned a jeep, know nothing about them...
here is the jeep http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/2919012184.html

captainwoot

How big of a lift? usually anything over 3" will give it a few undesirable street manners. With that said prob a alignment issue ask the po if was aligned after the lift... does it still have a front / rear sway bar? a lot of people ditch these when lifting....
Good luck!

katowkalin

what motor is in it? doesnt have a timing belt. they are timing chains. they way you are describing it driving sounds to me as possible bump steering. search bump steer and see if this is what you are feeling

strokerspeed

I'm not sure how much lift and the guy doesn't know either (he bought it lifted).

After reading about bump steer, I think thats the problem, and I'm not so sure I want to deal with trying to make it better...

katowkalin

if you do buy it (I think hes asking to much) remove that redneck front bumper thing. looks like crap

strokerspeed

katowkalin - who said anything about timing? Yes I agree, bumper looks bad but its the least of my concerns. I've got him to $2000 as of now, won't take 1800...

katowkalin

must have read it wrong or you edited it regarding the timing belt. $2K sounds like a decent deal if the motor and trans is good.

keep in mind those trans are very weak and problematic behind that v8

RTorrez1

Maybe you should post this in the correct section. Like the Grand Cherokee section???

Bustedback

2500 is not a bad price, but keep in mind you'll have to spent another thousand for tires right off the bat. You can use that as a bargining tool. Tires and alignment will do wonders for the road manners. The transmissions in the grands can be problematic if not maintained and if they're abused.

strokerspeed

Sorry for posting in the wrong section

After doing my research, I'm guessing the track bar on this jeep is either missing (causing dangerous tracking) or far from inline with the drag link.

I'm thinking I'm going to pass on it, I did find some nice used 32" MT tires (currently on 33's and rubs pretty bad) for $450 mounted and balanced I would be happy with. But then probably need a drop pitman arm (guessing $100), and to be safe a new aftermarket track bar to align with the drag link (guessing $300+) then all the time to do it...not really looking to have to dump time into something right off the bat, would rather pay $1000 more

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I'm still looking at a couple other jeeps but stock height (keeping eye open for one with a lift done right)

Happy 4xing!

tjwalker

Get an XJ, not a Grand...............

Lostfisher1

i would pass. look for something with an iline or straight 6

RTorrez1

^^ x2 ^^
Personally speaking, I don't like the Grand Cherokee. I would definitely look for an XJ with the 4.0.

Dluzier

Are you looking for one to use as a daily driver or just for off road?

desertdog

Rule #1 about Jeeps: NEVER buy a Grand Cherokee. In certain circumstances it may be ok to accept one that is given to you.