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.
>

Robert Holdaway

billy ray wrote:
> 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.
>
Re: Transfer cases

The NV249 (viscous coupling) was in the V8 ZJs. The WJs have the NV247
(gerotor coupling). I was not aware that it's as failure-prone as the 249.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

Bob - 1999 WJ Limited V8/QD, Tow Hooks/Skid plates, 245/70R16 BFG AT/KO
- 109k.


> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

Robert Holdaway

billy ray wrote:
> 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.
>
Re: Transfer cases

The NV249 (viscous coupling) was in the V8 ZJs. The WJs have the NV247
(gerotor coupling). I was not aware that it's as failure-prone as the 249.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

Bob - 1999 WJ Limited V8/QD, Tow Hooks/Skid plates, 245/70R16 BFG AT/KO
- 109k.


> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

Robert Holdaway

billy ray wrote:
> 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.
>
Re: Transfer cases

The NV249 (viscous coupling) was in the V8 ZJs. The WJs have the NV247
(gerotor coupling). I was not aware that it's as failure-prone as the 249.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

Bob - 1999 WJ Limited V8/QD, Tow Hooks/Skid plates, 245/70R16 BFG AT/KO
- 109k.


> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

Robert Holdaway

billy ray wrote:
> 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.
>
Re: Transfer cases

The NV249 (viscous coupling) was in the V8 ZJs. The WJs have the NV247
(gerotor coupling). I was not aware that it's as failure-prone as the 249.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

Bob - 1999 WJ Limited V8/QD, Tow Hooks/Skid plates, 245/70R16 BFG AT/KO
- 109k.


> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

EDWARD BELLUS

The K&N on my '01 cost 27 bucks at Advance Auto parts... clean & re-oil
every 30 to 50K miles w/million mile warranty. Better mpg and
performance. Look on Ebay for the Quadradrive viscous couplings....I
guess they go bad often. In Ohio those WJ prices would get the seller
laughed at, or beaten. I saw a Technical Service Bulletin on the
alignment remedy(pulls right) thing. If you buy 4.7 V8 , they also made
H.O.(high output) in certain years. Do a web search on Grand Cherokee
groups.... NorthAmericanGrandCherokeeAssociation(NAGCA) or
MallCrawlin'.com are two of MANY. After you get a 4.0 broke in (100K)
there are "stroker" kits and other hop-up tricks galore.


http://community.webtv.net/EDdaTREE/MUDTHUGS4X4CLUB

EDWARD BELLUS

The K&N on my '01 cost 27 bucks at Advance Auto parts... clean & re-oil
every 30 to 50K miles w/million mile warranty. Better mpg and
performance. Look on Ebay for the Quadradrive viscous couplings....I
guess they go bad often. In Ohio those WJ prices would get the seller
laughed at, or beaten. I saw a Technical Service Bulletin on the
alignment remedy(pulls right) thing. If you buy 4.7 V8 , they also made
H.O.(high output) in certain years. Do a web search on Grand Cherokee
groups.... NorthAmericanGrandCherokeeAssociation(NAGCA) or
MallCrawlin'.com are two of MANY. After you get a 4.0 broke in (100K)
there are "stroker" kits and other hop-up tricks galore.


http://community.webtv.net/EDdaTREE/MUDTHUGS4X4CLUB

EDWARD BELLUS

The K&N on my '01 cost 27 bucks at Advance Auto parts... clean & re-oil
every 30 to 50K miles w/million mile warranty. Better mpg and
performance. Look on Ebay for the Quadradrive viscous couplings....I
guess they go bad often. In Ohio those WJ prices would get the seller
laughed at, or beaten. I saw a Technical Service Bulletin on the
alignment remedy(pulls right) thing. If you buy 4.7 V8 , they also made
H.O.(high output) in certain years. Do a web search on Grand Cherokee
groups.... NorthAmericanGrandCherokeeAssociation(NAGCA) or
MallCrawlin'.com are two of MANY. After you get a 4.0 broke in (100K)
there are "stroker" kits and other hop-up tricks galore.


http://community.webtv.net/EDdaTREE/MUDTHUGS4X4CLUB

EDWARD BELLUS

The K&N on my '01 cost 27 bucks at Advance Auto parts... clean & re-oil
every 30 to 50K miles w/million mile warranty. Better mpg and
performance. Look on Ebay for the Quadradrive viscous couplings....I
guess they go bad often. In Ohio those WJ prices would get the seller
laughed at, or beaten. I saw a Technical Service Bulletin on the
alignment remedy(pulls right) thing. If you buy 4.7 V8 , they also made
H.O.(high output) in certain years. Do a web search on Grand Cherokee
groups.... NorthAmericanGrandCherokeeAssociation(NAGCA) or
MallCrawlin'.com are two of MANY. After you get a 4.0 broke in (100K)
there are "stroker" kits and other hop-up tricks galore.


http://community.webtv.net/EDdaTREE/MUDTHUGS4X4CLUB

billy ray

The Dana44 in question is the 44a (aluminum), not the regular 44 which is
iron. The two share little in common.

There are strength issues for both available axles (d44a & d35c) and it may
well be a toss-up as to which one is preferable or superior.

I believe that both WJs in question had the factory tow package which comes
standard with the d44a and 3.73 gearing.

The 4 liter engine gets a lot of criticism on some boards in regards to
performance. It is true that it won't win many drag races but is perfectly
adequate for normal operation and towing. When towing in the mountains it
is necessary to lock out overdrive.

On the other hand it had a proven durability of several hundred thousand
miles before a major rebuild is required.

Please note that in my previous post I mentioned the NV249 transfer case.
While it also has its problems I should have said nv247 AWD case.

In any case be sure to get a 'build sheet' from the dealership (or via
e-mail). They offer a wealth of information at no charge.


"D" <dpfer@r.com> wrote in message
news:X37wg.1853$D%4.1630@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>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
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>
>