Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

Right now I'm driving a 1990 Mazda 626 that's nearing the end of its effort to
return to its natural elements. Plus a tree fell on it. It's been a good car
but I can't keep on going like this, and I'd like something that can tow and go
offroad.

Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ Grand
Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500). V8 engine,
2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny. It's in excellent shape, garage-kept,
regularly serviced, only 84K miles. It's had the recall brake work done, a new
exhaust somewhere along the line, and while the transmission pops out of park
she says her dealer will fix it under recall.

It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding out
recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad considering
they're original.

So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely, at
least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for years,
stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists and
equipment for it).

So what would I be getting into? Thanks

John

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

Sounds like a good deal. I sure wouldn't sell my '93 for that. The
A/C problem is no doubt a failed evaporator which was an infamous
failure for those years. It means tearing the dash apart to get to
it. At least $1,000 at the dealer. Probably more. Depends upon how
important A/C is to you. But you still would have only $2,500 or so
in a vehicle that has a lot of miles left in it.

----

On 06 Nov 2004 21:48:03 GMT, gto69ra4@aol.com (GTO69RA4) wrote:

>Right now I'm driving a 1990 Mazda 626 that's nearing the end of its effort to
>return to its natural elements. Plus a tree fell on it. It's been a good car
>but I can't keep on going like this, and I'd like something that can tow and go
>offroad.
>
>Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ Grand
>Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500). V8 engine,
>2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny. It's in excellent shape, garage-kept,
>regularly serviced, only 84K miles. It's had the recall brake work done, a new
>exhaust somewhere along the line, and while the transmission pops out of park
>she says her dealer will fix it under recall.
>
>It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding out
>recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
>transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad considering
>they're original.
>
>So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely, at
>least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for years,
>stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists and
>equipment for it).
>
>So what would I be getting into? Thanks
>
>John

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

Sounds like a good deal. I sure wouldn't sell my '93 for that. The
A/C problem is no doubt a failed evaporator which was an infamous
failure for those years. It means tearing the dash apart to get to
it. At least $1,000 at the dealer. Probably more. Depends upon how
important A/C is to you. But you still would have only $2,500 or so
in a vehicle that has a lot of miles left in it.

----

On 06 Nov 2004 21:48:03 GMT, gto69ra4@aol.com (GTO69RA4) wrote:

>Right now I'm driving a 1990 Mazda 626 that's nearing the end of its effort to
>return to its natural elements. Plus a tree fell on it. It's been a good car
>but I can't keep on going like this, and I'd like something that can tow and go
>offroad.
>
>Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ Grand
>Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500). V8 engine,
>2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny. It's in excellent shape, garage-kept,
>regularly serviced, only 84K miles. It's had the recall brake work done, a new
>exhaust somewhere along the line, and while the transmission pops out of park
>she says her dealer will fix it under recall.
>
>It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding out
>recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
>transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad considering
>they're original.
>
>So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely, at
>least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for years,
>stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists and
>equipment for it).
>
>So what would I be getting into? Thanks
>
>John

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

GTO69RA4 did pass the time by typing:

> Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ
> Grand Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500).

Good price especially if the body is in good shape like you say it is.

> V8 engine, 2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny.

Probably Command Trac
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/xfer/np231.html
Good case. 2W full time, 4W Hi full time, 4W low part-time.
The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.

> It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding out
> recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
> transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad considering
> they're original.

At that Jeeps age, a leak is common. Could be the accumulator, they had a recall
on those.

> So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely, at
> least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for years,
> stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists and
> equipment for it).

You could do worse.

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

GTO69RA4 did pass the time by typing:

> Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ
> Grand Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500).

Good price especially if the body is in good shape like you say it is.

> V8 engine, 2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny.

Probably Command Trac
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/tech/xfer/np231.html
Good case. 2W full time, 4W Hi full time, 4W low part-time.
The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.

> It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding out
> recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
> transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad considering
> they're original.

At that Jeeps age, a leak is common. Could be the accumulator, they had a recall
on those.

> So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely, at
> least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for years,
> stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists and
> equipment for it).

You could do worse.

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

>The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
>loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.

Forgive me for asking with my limited 4WD knowledge, but what's the mechanical
reason behind this? Like the old military vehicles with totally locked
drivetrains that would pop an axle unless driven over a curb to "unwind" now
and then?

John

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

>The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
>loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.

Forgive me for asking with my limited 4WD knowledge, but what's the mechanical
reason behind this? Like the old military vehicles with totally locked
drivetrains that would pop an axle unless driven over a curb to "unwind" now
and then?

John

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

GTO69RA4 did pass the time by typing:
>> The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
>> loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.
>
> Forgive me for asking with my limited 4WD knowledge, but what's the mechanical
> reason behind this? Like the old military vehicles with totally locked
> drivetrains that would pop an axle unless driven over a curb to "unwind" now
> and then?

Exacly. Except with weaker powertrain it tends to snap the drive chain in the
transfer case.

--
DougW

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

GTO69RA4 did pass the time by typing:
>> The key is never drive it in 4W low on pavement or packed dirt, only on
>> loose dirt/sand or gravel and it will last a long time.
>
> Forgive me for asking with my limited 4WD knowledge, but what's the mechanical
> reason behind this? Like the old military vehicles with totally locked
> drivetrains that would pop an axle unless driven over a curb to "unwind" now
> and then?

Exacly. Except with weaker powertrain it tends to snap the drive chain in the
transfer case.

--
DougW

Re: Looking at '94 GC Laredo, new to Jeeps--bad idea?
 

Recall notices were sent out recently for the P/R detent work.. GC's had
problems in the early days, but would have been fixed by now by the old
lady.. :) .. the V8 option was a 5.2.. more power and torque than the I6,
greater gas consumption too.. one should never expect real economy out of
any Jeep.. Selectrac shift allows for shift on the fly, and you can use
permanent 4x4 if you wish.. there is an explanation of the transfer case
functions in the driver manual and behind the driver sun vizor..

They lack the interior room of other vehicles, and storage space is
limited.. but the GC is shorter and narrower than the majority of vans, has
good vision all round and is easily parked in the average mall parking
space.. seating is pretty good, and the heater works well.. ride can be a
little jiggly over rough surfaces, but that is to be expected running two
solid axles..

I live in Eastern Ontario, Canada.. roughly an hour from Ottawa, Montreal
and Cornwall.. weather in the winter can be vicious with copious amounts of
snow.. my '94 GC (I6, nv242) has been a lifesaver (literally) and I would
not be without it.. Jeeps are made to cope with all kinds of terrain and
conditions.. this is why we Canadians like them.. when the Great Wite North
is throwing its worst at us, we know that our Jeeps will get through..

My advice would be to go for it, especially at that price.. you will hear
good and bad about all vehicles.. take it for a drive, remembering what it
is and what it can do that other vehicles can't.. I am fairly sure that you
will like it..

"GTO69RA4" <gto69ra4@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041106164803.08274.00000274@mb-m05.aol.com...
> Right now I'm driving a 1990 Mazda 626 that's nearing the end of its
> effort to
> return to its natural elements. Plus a tree fell on it. It's been a good
> car
> but I can't keep on going like this, and I'd like something that can tow
> and go
> offroad.
>
> Anyway, I'm contemplating a (little old lady, seriously) friend's 1994 ZJ
> Grand
> Cherokee Laredo that she'll probably sell very cheaply (<$1500). V8
> engine,
> 2+4+4+4L transfer case, auto tranny. It's in excellent shape, garage-kept,
> regularly serviced, only 84K miles. It's had the recall brake work done, a
> new
> exhaust somewhere along the line, and while the transmission pops out of
> park
> she says her dealer will fix it under recall.
>
> It's never had any major failures or problems other than the AC bleeding
> out
> recently. Unknown if it's a line, condensor, or compressor. I noticed the
> transfer and differential seals need replacing but it's not bad
> considering
> they're original.
>
> So is this a good or bad idea? Getting something a lot newer is unlikely,
> at
> least in 4x4s, due to my budget. I have done _all_ my own car work for
> years,
> stopping at major engine or drivetrain pulls (although I have the hoists
> and
> equipment for it).
>
> So what would I be getting into? Thanks
>
> John