The ZJ Grand Cherokee was produced from '93-'98. The 225hp/300lb-ft 5.2L V-8 was offered throughout the lineup and in '98 the 5.9L offering 245hp/345lb-ft was made available on the high-end Limited models. The WJ ran from '99-'04 and was available with the 4.7L V-8 making 235hp/295lb-ft from '99-'01. In '02 the 4.7L was upgraded to the 4.7L H.O. making 265hp/330lb-ft.
Both the ZJ and WJ 4x4 Grand Cherokees came equipped with a solid front axle. It wasn't until the '05 WK Grand Cherokee was introduced that Jeep went to IFS. The V-8 models were only available with the full-time transfer case. Axles are Dana 30 fronts and either Dana 35 or an aluminum-centersection Dana 44 rear that's hard to get aftermarket parts for.
ZJs are very inexpensive, but by now many of the switches and knobs will be non-functional and the drivetrains have well in excess of 150,000 miles on them. The quality control isn't as good as on the WJs. There can be issues with the cooling system, head gaskets, and valve seals on the 318 and 360 V-8s and since the engine is so far under the cowl, they're a nightmare to work on. WJs are very ergonomic inside and, in my opinion, have a much higher level of quality control than the ZJs. I really like the Grand Cherokee WJ.
If your budget allows, look for a '02-'04 WJ Grand Cherokee Limited. It'll have the 4.7L HO engine and Quadra-Drive system that included a full-time T-case and axles with front and rear Gerotor limited slips. It's a very good off-road system that works well with tires up to about 32-33-inches. Furthermore, they're insanely comfortable, quick, and capable. Still, you'll be just as happy with any '99-'01 V-8 powered Grand. The HO engine is nice, but the standard 4.7L is no slouch in the WJ platform.
Rube=Carnie-speak for Sucker?
Do you know what happened to Rube Adapters? I have their TH350-to-Bronco Dana 20 adapter in my Jeep and need a new seal. I have no part number. Do you how to get in touch with somebody?
James Kurtnacker
via e-mail
Try calling 559/299-5736 for Rube. I heard very mixed reviews of those Rube adapters, but I never used one myself. The consensus seemed almost split 50/50 that they were either very good units or total piles of crap
Take the adapter down to your local NAPA. The counter monkey should be able to match up the seal for you. They're mostly all off-the-shelf parts. Just walk up to the oldest guy working behind the counter. Chances are he's got a dial caliper handy to measure the bore for you. Even if they don't have the seal in stock, they should be able to measure yours and find a replacement in the catalog.
I don't have any resources for finding the part number, or I'd try to track it down for you. Good luck.
Bargain Hunter at Heart
It seems I'm always trying to outdo you on Jeep purchases and you always bury me. The last time I picked up a $1900 yellow YJ only to read of your $500 YJ and the following rub-it-in articles.
I picked up an '04 Rubicon off eBay for $8,000 with 72,000 on the clock. After bringing cash, he knocked a few hundred bucks off and I drove 576 miles back from Charlotte to Mississippi with no issues. It's got a 4-inch BDS suspension with 3-inch coils, Rock Krawler steering, 305/70R16s on Pro Comp 1059 wheels. It looks like the M8000 winch has never been used. It was filthy and the front fenders are scratched in a few places, but otherwise pretty cool. So, your turn.
I really do have a question. I have a couple of Currie Rock Jock Dana 60s I pulled out of my '99 TJ. They both have 5.13s with a Detroit Locker in the rear and an OX in the front. I don't want to lift it anymore and I'm not afraid to cut it, so where am I headed with tires? I know I'll be buzzing the 33's and engine even with the five-speed.
Anyway, I'm 63 and you're my hero because of your trading prowess and hands-on building. Most folks don't have a clue how to wheel and deal these days. Keep up the good work.
Ron Crumpler
via e-mail
Thanks for the kind words. If you've got the five-speed it's the NV3550, which is one of my favorites. It's got a 0.78:1 Overdrive and with the 5.13s, you'll effectively have an overall 4.00 ratio in Overdrive. Since it's got 4.10s now, just pop it into fourth gear and cruise down the freeway to get an idea of what the increased rpms will feel like on the highway.
Those 305s probably spec out at around 31.5 inches in diameter when you consider the static load radius (distance from center-hub to ground multiplied by 2). Going by that guesstimate, at 70mph you'll be spinning the engine at 2,387rpm with your 305s and the stock 4.10 axle gears when in Overdrive. Swapping in the 5.13 axles will bring the rpms up to 2,987rpm.
My advice? Put in the Rock Jock axles, sell the Rubicon axles, and use the money to put a Eaton E-Locker in the rear axle. Then sell the Detroit Locker you take out for even more cash. I love Detroits, but I'm not a fan of 'em in the rear of any Wrangler.
That 4.0L engine is an anvil. I put over 40K on Jp's XJ with 4.88 axle gears and 33-inch BFG Baja terrains at way-faster than 70mph. My drive to work is 125 miles each way, and I'd spin that engine at more than 3,000rpm for over 4 hours in a single day. When you get around to it, swap on some 315/75R16 tires with a little cutting or maybe a 1-inch body lift. Or, look into the AEV Highline kit (or something similar) and go up to 37s. Bottom line, don't wait for the tires to swap your axles if Dana 60s are really what you're after. The Rubicon axles are good, but the housings aren't any better than the factory TJ Dana 30/35.
Got a tech question you're just itching to get answered? Send it on in to Jp magazine, Your Jeep, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail christian.hazel@jpmagazine.com.