EDWARD BELLUS

I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
virtually bullet-proof.

EDWARD BELLUS

I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
virtually bullet-proof.

EDWARD BELLUS

I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
virtually bullet-proof.

D

I really enjoy this group. You guys are giving me such good information!
I'm not sure if the V8 w/ Selec-Trac have the Dana 44. Maybe someone else
will chime in.
I never fail to look underneath. There's always a story there.
Thanks for your input Al.
D

"Al J" <ajsmail@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f2a7c61332554ec9898ae@news.xnet.com...
> I've been looking at WJ's as well and another somewhat common problem
> area I encountered is pulling to the right. An '04 I test drove would
> lane-change in a millisecond at 70 mph if I let go of the wheel. Even in
> the left hand lane crowned the opposite way it wanted to go right. A
> search of this newsgroup and the WJ site turned up something about
> variations in a weld location causing a bad caster angle on some WJ's.
> I'm not sure if there's a fix for this, but I passed on that one.
>
> Regarding gas mileage, at least with the I6 trailer tow gets you a lower
> axle ratio which will probably hurts mileage more than the transfer
> case. Do V8's with Selectrac have the aluminum Dana 44?
>
> I did run across what I call a 'Katrina' '04 WJ this past weekend. The
> bottom edge of the trans cooler was solid rust and the paint was gone
> off the bottom 2 inches of the AC condenser up front. There was rust on
> the front pumpkin which was leaking and a freshly painted rear axle with
> new sealer on the cover. It also had brand new rotors all around. It
> must have been sitting in something pretty toxic to eat the paint off
> the condenser. I passed on that as well, but it confirmed that a good
> look underneath is worthwhile.
>
> In article <a83dc$44c0281f$48311eaf$5046@FUSE.NET>,
> billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net says...
> > The doo-dads, gee-gaw, and bling bling in the Limiteds and Overlands are
the
> > most common cause of expensive repairs.
> >
> > The Limited's automatic temperature control system have a well known
> > tendency of developing the 'blend door' syndrome where you will get in
the
> > vehicle one day and find yourself needing a $1000-$1200 worth of labor
to
> > get the heat or A/C to work as the dash needs to be removed to replace
$12
> > in parts. There may well be no warning before failure
> >
> > The nv249 transfer case is also a point of weakness, especially in a
vehicle
> > that hasn't had 'severe service' maintenance performed. Pay special
> > attention to ANY noise, stiffness, resistance, clunking when
accelerating
> > and especially turning which would indicate failure is approaching.
When it
> > fails you will be, literally, stuck wherever the failure occurs. The
real
> > 'fix' for this situation is to swap in a nv242 Selec-Trac transfer case.
> >
> > The Laredo's heat/air system lacks the trouble prone components of the
ATC.
> > There is a known problem in the resistor block that controls the fan
speeds.
> > It is located underneath the glovebox and is easily replaced in your
> > driveway in a few minutes
> >
> > If you want tow hooks they are available at the dealer parts department
in
> > chrome or black for less than $100 for the front or, if you are handy,
you
> > can install them yourself and save the labor charge The CD changer can
also
> > be added at anytime, the changer controls are, most likely, already in
your
> > factory radio.
> >
> > Other differences.
> >
> > Laredos have 16 inch wheels that offer a large amount of choice in
highway
> > and off-road tires. The Limiteds have 17 inch wheels and their specific
> > size (235/65x17) is only made by a couple brands.
> >
> >
> >
> > "D" <dpfer@r.com> wrote in message
> > news:73Vvg.1760$D%4.711@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > > Hi All,
> > > I hope you might indulge me with an exercise on the value of two
vehicles
> > > I'm comparing for purchase.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 1 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Limited with 82,500 miles. Very
clean
> > > and mechanically inspected. 4.7 Liter V-8 with the Quadra-Drive
system.
> > > Other baubles, leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., tow hooks on
front,
> > > dual temp controls, 10 CD changer and cassette player, side impact
> > > airbags,
> > > 90 day warranty. Car drives out very nice. Asking $13,999, will come
down
> > > some from that.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 2 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Laredo with 37,950 miles. Also
very
> > > clean but as-is. 4.7 Liter V-8 with a Selec-Trac system. Other options
> > > make
> > > it like a Limited. Leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., no tow hooks
> > > though, single temp control, single CD and cassette player, driver and
> > > passenger airbags, 30 day warranty. Drives out very nice. Lowest
price,
> > > $15,200
> > >
> > > V-1 is cherry, obviously a highway car.
> > > V-1 seems like a mongrel with the V-8/Selec-Trac system and the
Limited
> > > trim
> > > on a Laredo.
> > > Any candid thoughts?
> > > I'm particularly interested to know if the Selec-Trac system is good
> > > behind
> > > that V-8. I think it might save a bit on gas mileage maybe.
> > > Thanks.
> > > D
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

D

I really enjoy this group. You guys are giving me such good information!
I'm not sure if the V8 w/ Selec-Trac have the Dana 44. Maybe someone else
will chime in.
I never fail to look underneath. There's always a story there.
Thanks for your input Al.
D

"Al J" <ajsmail@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f2a7c61332554ec9898ae@news.xnet.com...
> I've been looking at WJ's as well and another somewhat common problem
> area I encountered is pulling to the right. An '04 I test drove would
> lane-change in a millisecond at 70 mph if I let go of the wheel. Even in
> the left hand lane crowned the opposite way it wanted to go right. A
> search of this newsgroup and the WJ site turned up something about
> variations in a weld location causing a bad caster angle on some WJ's.
> I'm not sure if there's a fix for this, but I passed on that one.
>
> Regarding gas mileage, at least with the I6 trailer tow gets you a lower
> axle ratio which will probably hurts mileage more than the transfer
> case. Do V8's with Selectrac have the aluminum Dana 44?
>
> I did run across what I call a 'Katrina' '04 WJ this past weekend. The
> bottom edge of the trans cooler was solid rust and the paint was gone
> off the bottom 2 inches of the AC condenser up front. There was rust on
> the front pumpkin which was leaking and a freshly painted rear axle with
> new sealer on the cover. It also had brand new rotors all around. It
> must have been sitting in something pretty toxic to eat the paint off
> the condenser. I passed on that as well, but it confirmed that a good
> look underneath is worthwhile.
>
> In article <a83dc$44c0281f$48311eaf$5046@FUSE.NET>,
> billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net says...
> > The doo-dads, gee-gaw, and bling bling in the Limiteds and Overlands are
the
> > most common cause of expensive repairs.
> >
> > The Limited's automatic temperature control system have a well known
> > tendency of developing the 'blend door' syndrome where you will get in
the
> > vehicle one day and find yourself needing a $1000-$1200 worth of labor
to
> > get the heat or A/C to work as the dash needs to be removed to replace
$12
> > in parts. There may well be no warning before failure
> >
> > The nv249 transfer case is also a point of weakness, especially in a
vehicle
> > that hasn't had 'severe service' maintenance performed. Pay special
> > attention to ANY noise, stiffness, resistance, clunking when
accelerating
> > and especially turning which would indicate failure is approaching.
When it
> > fails you will be, literally, stuck wherever the failure occurs. The
real
> > 'fix' for this situation is to swap in a nv242 Selec-Trac transfer case.
> >
> > The Laredo's heat/air system lacks the trouble prone components of the
ATC.
> > There is a known problem in the resistor block that controls the fan
speeds.
> > It is located underneath the glovebox and is easily replaced in your
> > driveway in a few minutes
> >
> > If you want tow hooks they are available at the dealer parts department
in
> > chrome or black for less than $100 for the front or, if you are handy,
you
> > can install them yourself and save the labor charge The CD changer can
also
> > be added at anytime, the changer controls are, most likely, already in
your
> > factory radio.
> >
> > Other differences.
> >
> > Laredos have 16 inch wheels that offer a large amount of choice in
highway
> > and off-road tires. The Limiteds have 17 inch wheels and their specific
> > size (235/65x17) is only made by a couple brands.
> >
> >
> >
> > "D" <dpfer@r.com> wrote in message
> > news:73Vvg.1760$D%4.711@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > > Hi All,
> > > I hope you might indulge me with an exercise on the value of two
vehicles
> > > I'm comparing for purchase.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 1 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Limited with 82,500 miles. Very
clean
> > > and mechanically inspected. 4.7 Liter V-8 with the Quadra-Drive
system.
> > > Other baubles, leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., tow hooks on
front,
> > > dual temp controls, 10 CD changer and cassette player, side impact
> > > airbags,
> > > 90 day warranty. Car drives out very nice. Asking $13,999, will come
down
> > > some from that.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 2 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Laredo with 37,950 miles. Also
very
> > > clean but as-is. 4.7 Liter V-8 with a Selec-Trac system. Other options
> > > make
> > > it like a Limited. Leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., no tow hooks
> > > though, single temp control, single CD and cassette player, driver and
> > > passenger airbags, 30 day warranty. Drives out very nice. Lowest
price,
> > > $15,200
> > >
> > > V-1 is cherry, obviously a highway car.
> > > V-1 seems like a mongrel with the V-8/Selec-Trac system and the
Limited
> > > trim
> > > on a Laredo.
> > > Any candid thoughts?
> > > I'm particularly interested to know if the Selec-Trac system is good
> > > behind
> > > that V-8. I think it might save a bit on gas mileage maybe.
> > > Thanks.
> > > D
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

D

I really enjoy this group. You guys are giving me such good information!
I'm not sure if the V8 w/ Selec-Trac have the Dana 44. Maybe someone else
will chime in.
I never fail to look underneath. There's always a story there.
Thanks for your input Al.
D

"Al J" <ajsmail@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f2a7c61332554ec9898ae@news.xnet.com...
> I've been looking at WJ's as well and another somewhat common problem
> area I encountered is pulling to the right. An '04 I test drove would
> lane-change in a millisecond at 70 mph if I let go of the wheel. Even in
> the left hand lane crowned the opposite way it wanted to go right. A
> search of this newsgroup and the WJ site turned up something about
> variations in a weld location causing a bad caster angle on some WJ's.
> I'm not sure if there's a fix for this, but I passed on that one.
>
> Regarding gas mileage, at least with the I6 trailer tow gets you a lower
> axle ratio which will probably hurts mileage more than the transfer
> case. Do V8's with Selectrac have the aluminum Dana 44?
>
> I did run across what I call a 'Katrina' '04 WJ this past weekend. The
> bottom edge of the trans cooler was solid rust and the paint was gone
> off the bottom 2 inches of the AC condenser up front. There was rust on
> the front pumpkin which was leaking and a freshly painted rear axle with
> new sealer on the cover. It also had brand new rotors all around. It
> must have been sitting in something pretty toxic to eat the paint off
> the condenser. I passed on that as well, but it confirmed that a good
> look underneath is worthwhile.
>
> In article <a83dc$44c0281f$48311eaf$5046@FUSE.NET>,
> billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net says...
> > The doo-dads, gee-gaw, and bling bling in the Limiteds and Overlands are
the
> > most common cause of expensive repairs.
> >
> > The Limited's automatic temperature control system have a well known
> > tendency of developing the 'blend door' syndrome where you will get in
the
> > vehicle one day and find yourself needing a $1000-$1200 worth of labor
to
> > get the heat or A/C to work as the dash needs to be removed to replace
$12
> > in parts. There may well be no warning before failure
> >
> > The nv249 transfer case is also a point of weakness, especially in a
vehicle
> > that hasn't had 'severe service' maintenance performed. Pay special
> > attention to ANY noise, stiffness, resistance, clunking when
accelerating
> > and especially turning which would indicate failure is approaching.
When it
> > fails you will be, literally, stuck wherever the failure occurs. The
real
> > 'fix' for this situation is to swap in a nv242 Selec-Trac transfer case.
> >
> > The Laredo's heat/air system lacks the trouble prone components of the
ATC.
> > There is a known problem in the resistor block that controls the fan
speeds.
> > It is located underneath the glovebox and is easily replaced in your
> > driveway in a few minutes
> >
> > If you want tow hooks they are available at the dealer parts department
in
> > chrome or black for less than $100 for the front or, if you are handy,
you
> > can install them yourself and save the labor charge The CD changer can
also
> > be added at anytime, the changer controls are, most likely, already in
your
> > factory radio.
> >
> > Other differences.
> >
> > Laredos have 16 inch wheels that offer a large amount of choice in
highway
> > and off-road tires. The Limiteds have 17 inch wheels and their specific
> > size (235/65x17) is only made by a couple brands.
> >
> >
> >
> > "D" <dpfer@r.com> wrote in message
> > news:73Vvg.1760$D%4.711@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > > Hi All,
> > > I hope you might indulge me with an exercise on the value of two
vehicles
> > > I'm comparing for purchase.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 1 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Limited with 82,500 miles. Very
clean
> > > and mechanically inspected. 4.7 Liter V-8 with the Quadra-Drive
system.
> > > Other baubles, leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., tow hooks on
front,
> > > dual temp controls, 10 CD changer and cassette player, side impact
> > > airbags,
> > > 90 day warranty. Car drives out very nice. Asking $13,999, will come
down
> > > some from that.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 2 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Laredo with 37,950 miles. Also
very
> > > clean but as-is. 4.7 Liter V-8 with a Selec-Trac system. Other options
> > > make
> > > it like a Limited. Leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., no tow hooks
> > > though, single temp control, single CD and cassette player, driver and
> > > passenger airbags, 30 day warranty. Drives out very nice. Lowest
price,
> > > $15,200
> > >
> > > V-1 is cherry, obviously a highway car.
> > > V-1 seems like a mongrel with the V-8/Selec-Trac system and the
Limited
> > > trim
> > > on a Laredo.
> > > Any candid thoughts?
> > > I'm particularly interested to know if the Selec-Trac system is good
> > > behind
> > > that V-8. I think it might save a bit on gas mileage maybe.
> > > Thanks.
> > > D
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

D

I really enjoy this group. You guys are giving me such good information!
I'm not sure if the V8 w/ Selec-Trac have the Dana 44. Maybe someone else
will chime in.
I never fail to look underneath. There's always a story there.
Thanks for your input Al.
D

"Al J" <ajsmail@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f2a7c61332554ec9898ae@news.xnet.com...
> I've been looking at WJ's as well and another somewhat common problem
> area I encountered is pulling to the right. An '04 I test drove would
> lane-change in a millisecond at 70 mph if I let go of the wheel. Even in
> the left hand lane crowned the opposite way it wanted to go right. A
> search of this newsgroup and the WJ site turned up something about
> variations in a weld location causing a bad caster angle on some WJ's.
> I'm not sure if there's a fix for this, but I passed on that one.
>
> Regarding gas mileage, at least with the I6 trailer tow gets you a lower
> axle ratio which will probably hurts mileage more than the transfer
> case. Do V8's with Selectrac have the aluminum Dana 44?
>
> I did run across what I call a 'Katrina' '04 WJ this past weekend. The
> bottom edge of the trans cooler was solid rust and the paint was gone
> off the bottom 2 inches of the AC condenser up front. There was rust on
> the front pumpkin which was leaking and a freshly painted rear axle with
> new sealer on the cover. It also had brand new rotors all around. It
> must have been sitting in something pretty toxic to eat the paint off
> the condenser. I passed on that as well, but it confirmed that a good
> look underneath is worthwhile.
>
> In article <a83dc$44c0281f$48311eaf$5046@FUSE.NET>,
> billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net says...
> > The doo-dads, gee-gaw, and bling bling in the Limiteds and Overlands are
the
> > most common cause of expensive repairs.
> >
> > The Limited's automatic temperature control system have a well known
> > tendency of developing the 'blend door' syndrome where you will get in
the
> > vehicle one day and find yourself needing a $1000-$1200 worth of labor
to
> > get the heat or A/C to work as the dash needs to be removed to replace
$12
> > in parts. There may well be no warning before failure
> >
> > The nv249 transfer case is also a point of weakness, especially in a
vehicle
> > that hasn't had 'severe service' maintenance performed. Pay special
> > attention to ANY noise, stiffness, resistance, clunking when
accelerating
> > and especially turning which would indicate failure is approaching.
When it
> > fails you will be, literally, stuck wherever the failure occurs. The
real
> > 'fix' for this situation is to swap in a nv242 Selec-Trac transfer case.
> >
> > The Laredo's heat/air system lacks the trouble prone components of the
ATC.
> > There is a known problem in the resistor block that controls the fan
speeds.
> > It is located underneath the glovebox and is easily replaced in your
> > driveway in a few minutes
> >
> > If you want tow hooks they are available at the dealer parts department
in
> > chrome or black for less than $100 for the front or, if you are handy,
you
> > can install them yourself and save the labor charge The CD changer can
also
> > be added at anytime, the changer controls are, most likely, already in
your
> > factory radio.
> >
> > Other differences.
> >
> > Laredos have 16 inch wheels that offer a large amount of choice in
highway
> > and off-road tires. The Limiteds have 17 inch wheels and their specific
> > size (235/65x17) is only made by a couple brands.
> >
> >
> >
> > "D" <dpfer@r.com> wrote in message
> > news:73Vvg.1760$D%4.711@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > > Hi All,
> > > I hope you might indulge me with an exercise on the value of two
vehicles
> > > I'm comparing for purchase.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 1 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Limited with 82,500 miles. Very
clean
> > > and mechanically inspected. 4.7 Liter V-8 with the Quadra-Drive
system.
> > > Other baubles, leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., tow hooks on
front,
> > > dual temp controls, 10 CD changer and cassette player, side impact
> > > airbags,
> > > 90 day warranty. Car drives out very nice. Asking $13,999, will come
down
> > > some from that.
> > >
> > > Vehicle 2 is a 2002 Grand Cherokee, Laredo with 37,950 miles. Also
very
> > > clean but as-is. 4.7 Liter V-8 with a Selec-Trac system. Other options
> > > make
> > > it like a Limited. Leather, moon-roof, factory tow pkg., no tow hooks
> > > though, single temp control, single CD and cassette player, driver and
> > > passenger airbags, 30 day warranty. Drives out very nice. Lowest
price,
> > > $15,200
> > >
> > > V-1 is cherry, obviously a highway car.
> > > V-1 seems like a mongrel with the V-8/Selec-Trac system and the
Limited
> > > trim
> > > on a Laredo.
> > > Any candid thoughts?
> > > I'm particularly interested to know if the Selec-Trac system is good
> > > behind
> > > that V-8. I think it might save a bit on gas mileage maybe.
> > > Thanks.
> > > D
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >

D

Thanks Edward.
I think the 4.0 is actually bullet-proof. Mine's over 276K. Only big
problems' been in the accessories. That tells me a lot about the bling bling
on the Limited's too.
What is a K&N filter? Seems like I should know, but didn't sleep well last
night.
THanks again.
D

"EDWARD BELLUS" <EDdaTREE@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25484-44C0E435-261@storefull-3313.bay.webtv.net...
> I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
> The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
> and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
> for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
> GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
> w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
> a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
> work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
> virtually bullet-proof.
>

D

Thanks Edward.
I think the 4.0 is actually bullet-proof. Mine's over 276K. Only big
problems' been in the accessories. That tells me a lot about the bling bling
on the Limited's too.
What is a K&N filter? Seems like I should know, but didn't sleep well last
night.
THanks again.
D

"EDWARD BELLUS" <EDdaTREE@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25484-44C0E435-261@storefull-3313.bay.webtv.net...
> I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
> The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
> and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
> for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
> GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
> w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
> a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
> work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
> virtually bullet-proof.
>

D

Thanks Edward.
I think the 4.0 is actually bullet-proof. Mine's over 276K. Only big
problems' been in the accessories. That tells me a lot about the bling bling
on the Limited's too.
What is a K&N filter? Seems like I should know, but didn't sleep well last
night.
THanks again.
D

"EDWARD BELLUS" <EDdaTREE@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25484-44C0E435-261@storefull-3313.bay.webtv.net...
> I would go with the 4.0 sixer and selec-trac in an option heavy Laredo.
> The 4.7 has a powerband that's not far above the six...add a K&N filter
> and free-flowing muffler to the 4.0 and you will catch yourself trolling
> for hotrods on the wet streets while in the NP242 fulltime mode. ALL the
> GC auto trannies have "issues"......do a search. My bud bought his WJ
> w/4.7V8-Quadra-crap....lousy MPG. I run my '01 4.0 -selec-trac 650 miles
> a week, good mpg and pass everything on the road in rain/snow/late for
> work mode. I'm on my third 4.0 powered Jeep and have found these motors
> virtually bullet-proof.
>