PDA

View Full Version : Thinking about a Grand Cherokee



joshs1ofakindxj
04-21-2015, 10:31 AM
My Avalanche is tentatively sold.

I'm looking for Grand Cherokee buying tips. I have a wealth of info in my head about XJ's, and I wrenched on a ZJ and a WJ a few times, but I never payed a lot of attention to them.

I'm thinking 99-04 WJ. I want the nicer interior so I'm probably going to end up with a V8 Limited model.

Things to look for?

Transfercase? Mileage to avoid on the motor or transmission?

This isn't going to be a wheeler or get lifted, just a daily driver in winter and tow a 5x8 trailer with a bike or ATV occasionally.

jeepxj3
04-21-2015, 11:51 AM
The 4.7 is a boat anchor. They also have terrible electronics, tail lights, etc. Have fun.

2002wranglerX
04-21-2015, 02:25 PM
i say look for an 05/06. the styling isn't the same, but you can get a hemi with quadratrac II, which is FANTASTIC. and mine had no issues towing my TJ on a trailer (around 7,000 lbs). I can't speak highly enough about QTII.

if you want to build it up though then WJ makes sense. I had one with a 4.7 and 242 and really liked it. the quadradrive on them have issues though and the coupling in the tcase is known to go. which was why i bought the one with the 242 in it.

2002wranglerX
04-21-2015, 02:29 PM
wow, i'm kinda surprised what these are going for...


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/4981074734.html

The_War_Wagon
04-21-2015, 02:31 PM
The 4.7 is a boat anchor. They also have terrible electronics, tail lights, etc. Have fun.

^^^THIS.

I'd get an '05 or newer with a Hemi. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/images/smilies/driving.gif

joshs1ofakindxj
04-21-2015, 02:49 PM
I'm looking to spend no more than $4000. Should of mentioned that.

I need a few more NFA items and I want to kill off my student loans before 2017. #priorities

I'm fine with working on things, and I currently have 2 motorcycles in good running condition, a daily driver car, and two antique military vehicles to get me around, so I have back ups if I have to fix something.

What I don't want is the motor/tcase that always goes at XXX,XXX miles.

PatF10
04-21-2015, 04:26 PM
my dad had a 4.0 it was miserable towing a small trailer with a SV650 on it. The 4.7 may not be fantastic but it has to be better than the 4.0

sethman15210
04-21-2015, 04:26 PM
From my current experience with the wj's I'll give you someone my experiences.
The 247 cases sucks ass, either swap in a 242 or there are some limiteds that came with them.
There not any better in gas than a 4.0 but do get better power.
Parts for the 4.7 cost a bit more than the 4.0
tail light socket connections stop working and you must replace the sockets.
I've got a mis idle that I can't figure out
the tranny's don't shift very smoothly
headlights suck

theres just lots of things that'll nickle and dime ya to death if you buy one. That being said its a comfortable ride and a good DD as long as you keep up with all the quirks.

joshs1ofakindxj
04-21-2015, 04:32 PM
I guess for the naysayers, if you were in the market for a mid-size SUV around $4k with a nice interior, for DD only, what would you be looking at?

Christopher
04-21-2015, 08:31 PM
I have an 02 wj with 4.0 and 242 case. I love the simplicity of it. I found one with 58k miles on it for just a little more than you want to spend. Its very comfortable.
Plain Laredo package I did not want dual climate control, sunroof and other bells and whistles. Only problem so far is factory cd player.

justin'sbig7
04-21-2015, 08:32 PM
I guess for the naysayers, if you were in the market for a mid-size SUV around $4k with a nice interior, for DD only, what would you be looking at?

TBH, a 97-99 XJ... If I was staying jeep. I went through two powertec 4.0's in the WJ I had, both within 300 miles of each other, and both threw the #6 rod through the block. the transmissions aren't very good and they have a ton of electrical issues.

Not an s-10 or trailblazer fan, not a ranger/escape/explorer fan, neither do I like the durangos. I always SEM to come back to the XJ for the mid size SUV like you are describing.

HoodRN
04-21-2015, 08:58 PM
My brother in law gave my son a 2000 Grand Limited w/ around 180K on it. It had leather, power everything, satellite, etc.
It was a 4.7 Quadradrive. Junior put a Flowmaster on it and flogged the crap out of it. Transmission finally went at 260K give or take. Some kid from Kittanning has it, put another trans in it and is still driving it.

Super Scout
04-21-2015, 09:03 PM
I hate Jeeps, the Cherokees are to damn small, and the WJs always seem to need something. That said, for the money I don't think you can beat it. Libs 4.7 limited has been pretty decent. Oil pan, and T case were the biggest issues. But you could fix both, and they are not huge cost item. I think the tcase swap cost less then 400 dollars all said and told. Seth is right its the little shit that will drive you nuts, but its a Jeep, you understand.
Lib gets about 15-16m mpg, with her 4.7 and knock on wood its been reliable. Far better then her old 4.0. My biggest concern would be rust, other than that everything is fixable.

DMG
04-22-2015, 08:00 AM
We have an 04 grand that my gf drives. It is not a bad vehicle. It goes great in the snow and has adequate power.

The ac evaporator a tend to go bad on them and that is not a fun job. The rear axle is problematic. The motors aren't as good as the 4.0s used to be. They just seem too small to me now but that is probably because we have a baby and two 75 pound dogs.

Azzy
04-22-2015, 08:32 AM
In all seriousness.. have you thought about a tactical minivan for your DD? Ive thought about it only because in most of them the seats can come out, and a motorcycle can sometimes roll in.

Deadman 94 xj
04-22-2015, 09:01 AM
Minivans have a very high owner satisfaction rating.

XJchris98
04-22-2015, 11:11 AM
What about a Envoy/Trailblazer? They come in a I6 and V8 option and parts are plentiful should you need something used. Also if you look hard enough, you can find the 6 cylinder with 4.10 gears/towing package that would do decent towing a small utility trailer, but not suck as much gas the 8 if its a DD.

Stay away from the 2002/early 2003's as they had some electrical gremlins, but for the most part the motors/transmissions are pretty reliable.

sethman15210
04-22-2015, 11:21 AM
I hate Jeeps, the Cherokees are to damn small, and the WJs always seem to need something. That said, for the money I don't think you can beat it. Libs 4.7 limited has been pretty decent. Oil pan, and T case were the biggest issues. But you could fix both, and they are not huge cost item. I think the tcase swap cost less then 400 dollars all said and told. Seth is right its the little shit that will drive you nuts, but its a Jeep, you understand.
Lib gets about 15-16m mpg, with her 4.7 and knock on wood its been reliable. Far better then her old 4.0. My biggest concern would be rust, other than that everything is fixable.

how in the world does she get that kinda mileage? Best I've seen is 13.5mpg

joshs1ofakindxj
04-22-2015, 01:40 PM
I have a tactical minivan, and I'm only marginally satisfied.

I test drove a WJ last night and the truck deal went through today, so I might pull the trigger.

2002wranglerX
04-22-2015, 03:13 PM
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/4979201656.html

joshs1ofakindxj
04-22-2015, 04:11 PM
Not looking for a toy (wrangler). I need something with comfort and room for lot's of guns. I see a lot of traveling around to shooting competitions in my future.

Plus I don't buy vehicles I can't sleep in the back of.

Azzy
04-22-2015, 04:35 PM
My buddy woudl drive his Honda element to events, and lay a mattress on top of the 2 layers of rifle cases that fit perfectly in the back. Its like Honda designed it just for transporting cased guns.

joshs1ofakindxj
04-22-2015, 05:24 PM
Ugh, I just peeped Elements, that's def not happening haha.

Super Scout
04-22-2015, 05:53 PM
how in the world does she get that kinda mileage? Best I've seen is 13.5mpg

I put in the sneaky transfer case, and she drives slow. Tune your shit up seth !!

justin'sbig7
04-22-2015, 07:49 PM
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/4979201656.html

Damn, I need to come up with some quick cash

ridgerunner97
04-22-2015, 08:25 PM
I don't want to sound like Steve, BUT you have a piddly hooptie to drive for the foreseeable future and bikes etc. Go with a newer 'Burban. Be done with it. Fuel mileage is ****ing overrated. Multiple vehicles are required for life, one doesn't do it all.

Super Scout
04-22-2015, 09:14 PM
Holy balls mileage, talk about a dead horse.

ridgerunner97
04-22-2015, 09:27 PM
Agreed. Mileage is stupid. More than one vehicle solves the world's problems.

Deadman 94 xj
04-22-2015, 09:53 PM
Should've bought a real truck to begin with. You would'nt be in this mess.:flipoff2:

J.M.
04-22-2015, 10:20 PM
I owned my WJ for over 6 years now. I would not recommend a WJ as sole vehicle. There are a lot of annoying issues and once you fixed the last one, the first one breaks again. With that beeing said, it's comfortable, goes everywhere, and is big enough for my family (2adults, 2 kids) to go on week long self sufficient camping trips.

Azzy
04-23-2015, 12:02 AM
What? No rolling toaster?

Get a new Renegade. Ive heard they are actually nice inside. And if milage is no concern, why not a commander?

joshs1ofakindxj
04-23-2015, 08:24 AM
Reminder:

Budget is $4k.

Mid-size SUV. Tired of a full size vehicle.

I have the deuce when I need to move things.

Super Scout
04-23-2015, 07:18 PM
Lol, Renegades are so GAY.

4k, Burban, Tahoe, WJ, ZJ, XJ, etc.

ridgerunner97
04-23-2015, 09:49 PM
Burban burban burban! And honest to god It fits your needs way better than a midsize. Only vehicles worth a shit in this thread are Suburbans, Tahoes, and damn XJ Cherokees...suck it up buttercup, fullsize is where it's at.

DMG
04-24-2015, 09:17 AM
I agree about the suburban. Or Tahoe.

justin'sbig7
04-24-2015, 11:58 AM
I can't think of anything worthwhile in the midsize category other than XJ... Maybe an old waggy?

joshs1ofakindxj
04-24-2015, 01:07 PM
XJ market drives me nuts though. They seem so overpriced.

justin'sbig7
04-24-2015, 06:53 PM
They're definitely in an upswing it seems at the moment.

ridgerunner97
04-24-2015, 10:02 PM
Huge upswing, hence my stance on burbans

Super Scout
04-24-2015, 10:06 PM
Used Jeeps went up because the Italian Chrysler is building mega shitboxes now. Give a few months and they will go down. All the kool aid drinking jeep bros will be buying renegades.

joshs1ofakindxj
04-27-2015, 11:40 PM
Brought the 2000 WJ home tonight. I like it so far.

Ordered new tweeters and rear glass lift struts.

Previous owner threw me receipts for all new brakes, a tcase replacement, and a mess of other work in the past year and a half. He spent about $50 trying to fix the rear taillight. Still didn't work. Piece of tape fixed the loose socket. That confirms my suspicion he wasn't that smart.

No to figure out what to do for a trailer hitch, front tow hooks, and a way to connect an auxillary input to the radio.

Christopher
04-28-2015, 08:19 AM
Summit seemed reasonable on hitches. They have Hitches that go below bumper cover or one you have to cut the bumper cover. Im not wheeling mine so I will probably go with the no cut option. I've seen oem radios modified with inputs on ebay.

sethman15210
04-28-2015, 01:08 PM
I swapped my limited radio with a aftermarket one fairly easily. Just need to figure out the amp wiring to do it.

Mykal
04-28-2015, 04:41 PM
Diy Aux in (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f197/gray-goose-build-thread-1089523/#post9992383)

A good resource
http://wjjeeps.com/

joshs1ofakindxj
04-28-2015, 09:45 PM
I was reading about tapping into the CD changer but the only thing my jeep doesnt have is a factory CD changer so that option isnt there for me.

Christopher
04-29-2015, 08:05 AM
I bought a $30 oem radio with cd and... cassette on ebay. ....( my wife is an old metal head)... Now cd player only plays for short time.

The_War_Wagon
04-29-2015, 08:16 AM
Spotted an older WJ for sale yesterday (its got the square headlights) - on Greenlee Rd., just off 51. I'll be over there again today, and take a closer look at it - might be JUST the project you need! :040:

joshs1ofakindxj
04-29-2015, 08:31 AM
Spotted an older WJ for sale yesterday (its got the square headlights) - on Greenlee Rd., just off 51. I'll be over there again today, and take a closer look at it - might be JUST the project you need! :040:

That would be a ZJ, and I don't need to be hording jeeps like I used to.

The_War_Wagon
04-29-2015, 10:06 AM
What's the point of owning a deuce & a half, if you can't bring home the occasional stray Jeep in it? :tongue:

joshs1ofakindxj
04-29-2015, 10:09 AM
This was my jeep collection at one point:

https://scontent-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t35.0-12/898976_469782629854710_158864177_o.jpg?oh=4e02c8d3 10c5494baf90ae6d020b04f7&oe=55433853

50% ran and could move on their own power. Now I strive for quality over quantity.

I used to make smart vehicle purchases before I bought an Avalanche.

Left to right:

94 2wd XJ, paid $250, drove to college for 2 years, sold for $500
89 XJ, paid ?, wheeled and drove for 9 good years, scrapped and parted, got my moneys worth
63 CJ5, paid $2000 in 2006, still driving in parades and plowing snow every winter
56 CJ5, paid $50, sold for $500 not running, didn't touch a thing on it
3 Willys Trucks, paid $350, sold for $1500 not running, didn't do a thing to them
94 XJ, paid $250, wheeled it till it fell apart, scrapped and parted to get my money back

I bought 2 or 3 more 94-ish XJs, wheeled them all till they died, and scrapped and parted them out to get my money back. What a business model that was...

joshs1ofakindxj
04-29-2015, 11:11 AM
Here is another question.

Will the side windows from an 04 fit a 00? I know where there is a wrecked 04 with tinted windows I would like to swap.

joshs1ofakindxj
04-29-2015, 10:23 PM
Pictures!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11010524_470119429821030_206776515885079450_n.jpg? oh=dc7a228dd1dac7ae5c35fae0e844cf77&oe=55D8774F&__gda__=1439073650_8462d2532989937c1b787e4bea3082a d

https://scontent-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10665119_470119456487694_4726840553632723372_n.jpg ?oh=dc717356218b50c4349a29dbdb15b473&oe=55D76976

https://scontent-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11140331_470119476487692_7335523373206863131_n.jpg ?oh=d9e47851019ddb8154ad5e912c5bb3ae&oe=55CDAE41

https://scontent-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/19212_470119493154357_1505119728762183693_n.jpg?oh =097eaab96a555a26ca2fd1cb3a7165c7&oe=55C7391B

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11138641_470119513154355_5592497793841519942_n.jpg ?oh=32f39279538751a525dac7ea9db627bd&oe=55D418E2&__gda__=1440704724_9722f2188138628975a59fa035b92b8 9

joshs1ofakindxj
04-29-2015, 10:27 PM
Today I picked up a set of used factory hooks from HoodRN (big thanks) and they were a 30 minute job. Real easy.

I ordered a Curt Class III hitch and their wiring kit that connects right to the factory harness. I think that's all it needs... ;)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11188316_470648866434753_7110800149413406493_n.jpg ?oh=ba8457d977b72362d389cf0d06ff17ac&oe=55DDA916&__gda__=1436211580_faa17825cf2d00af79ef21768e708ee d

Not fun stuff I ordered were lift supports for the back glass and tweeters for the dash. I want to replace the trim bezel around the shifters too, looks like something melted into it.

This WJ is better than every XJ I've owned in many ways, but one complaint I have is the lack of storage space. The space under XJ rear seats was huge! They really shrunk it in the WJ.

sethman15210
04-30-2015, 04:43 PM
I e also got the trim plate from the quadratrac case if you want that to. Just trade me yours for it

joshs1ofakindxj
05-04-2015, 08:47 AM
Slapped on a Curt Class III hitch Friday night. Went pretty well. Only had to fight with one bolt, but it's on there with all the bolts required miraculously. I found the passenger rear quarter was rusted to hell. I have to swing by Lowe's and get some expanding foam. Nice how the plastic rear bumper cover wraps around and hides those...

Super Scout
05-04-2015, 06:50 PM
Expanding foam for what ? To make your quarter panel rot away even faster ?

muddeprived
05-04-2015, 09:50 PM
I guess for the naysayers, if you were in the market for a mid-size SUV around $4k with a nice interior, for DD only, what would you be looking at?

4-door dodge dakota with v-8. It's a suv and pickup in one.

I had a 2000 two-door single cab and LOVED it. I test drove the 4 door model and filled a bucket with drool.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv294/Chriseatsmud/2002-dodge-dakota-quadcab_zpsjdxr0eo5.jpg (http://s693.photobucket.com/user/Chriseatsmud/media/2002-dodge-dakota-quadcab_zpsjdxr0eo5.jpg.html)


oops, guess i'm too late.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-04-2015, 11:33 PM
4-door dodge dakota with v-8. It's a suv and pickup in one.

I had a 2000 two-door single cab and LOVED it. I test drove the 4 door model and filled a bucket with drool.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv294/Chriseatsmud/2002-dodge-dakota-quadcab_zpsjdxr0eo5.jpg (http://s693.photobucket.com/user/Chriseatsmud/media/2002-dodge-dakota-quadcab_zpsjdxr0eo5.jpg.html)


oops, guess i'm too late.

Haha nice try!

ran through my first tank if gas and got 16.2 mpg, 75% city driving so that aint bad.

sethman15210
05-05-2015, 02:49 AM
Damn, everyone gets better mpg than I do. I'm doin 75% highway for the last few weeks.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-05-2015, 12:32 PM
Does your right foot look like this?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/23/88/7d2388203629c553bacbe7c41e9417a5.jpg

justin'sbig7
05-05-2015, 04:38 PM
So much win in that pic... Boots made here, the old logos, NASCAR wasn't as "rule ridden" and PC

ridgerunner97
05-05-2015, 09:13 PM
^ AMEN. Cale Yarborough was a badass, I love watching that footage of him and I think it was Davey Allison or Bobby can't remember getting into a fist fight after they spun out.

justin'sbig7
05-05-2015, 09:21 PM
Hell ya, I forget who won but that was awesome. I remember Cale was on the Dukes of hazzard a few times too

ridgerunner97
05-06-2015, 06:33 PM
Haha yup he was testing a turbocharger on a white 68 or 69 charger lol

joshs1ofakindxj
05-07-2015, 03:16 PM
If you guys are done taking a drive down Memory Hollow...

I still don't know how I'm going to connect an aux input to the factory radio and retain all factory components. I replaced the tweeters in the dash with a new set from jeeptweeters.com and the factory stereo sounds so good I don't want to mess with anything.

First I'm going to try this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HIATW04/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2KV19AYUKS3X0

If that doesn't work I'll try one of the boxes that plugs into the radio input.

http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431026144&sr=8-1&keywords=fm+modulator

The_War_Wagon
05-07-2015, 05:46 PM
You need the Dodge factory stereo outta my '92 Ramcharger. 3 channel graphic equalizer AND cassette player! :080:

DMG
05-07-2015, 08:30 PM
You need the Dodge factory stereo outta my '92 Ramcharger. 3 channel graphic equalizer AND cassette player! :080:

I don't know if that would make a better doorstop or paperweight.

The_War_Wagon
05-07-2015, 10:43 PM
I don't know if that would make a better doorstop or paperweight.

Canoe anchor! :040:

hyperbuzzin
05-08-2015, 05:41 AM
You need the Dodge factory stereo outta my '92 Ramcharger. 3 channel graphic equalizer AND cassette player! :080:

Well.... with the cassette player all you'd need is one of these for an aux in function...
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z280/hyperbuzzin/Mobile%20Uploads/cassette-adapter_zpsyjfbmx51.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
05-08-2015, 10:21 AM
I tried a cassette adapter. It's in the garbage at a Get-Go on Rt 51, only because I don't litter.

Azzy
05-08-2015, 12:40 PM
I have a WJ infinity system amp if you want it. Got it from Beat's pile o parts.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-09-2015, 02:14 PM
This is how the pile of spare jeeps parts I will probably never use starts...

cjw94xk
05-11-2015, 09:30 PM
Bad timing on my part. I was going to see if you wanted to buy my 5.9. haha

ridgerunner97
05-12-2015, 05:13 AM
^ message me price and details

Azzy
05-12-2015, 09:46 AM
This is how the pile of spare jeeps parts I will probably never use starts...

Oh, I can help add to that pile :D

joshs1ofakindxj
05-12-2015, 05:41 PM
16.3 mpg on my second tank for anyone that cares.

The_War_Wagon
05-12-2015, 07:16 PM
Gassed up the RC yesterday - I'm up to 8.6 mpg around town!!! :080:

joshs1ofakindxj
12-28-2015, 10:39 AM
Had my first fit of sensor trouble with the WJ. I'll put down the details here for the benefit of anyone else that gets a 4.7L WJ.

Jeep started having a rough idle, it "missed" or "bucked" a few times while driving, and it even stalled at low speed a few times, eventually getting to the point that it wouldn't idle without touching the gas, and when it warmed up it would miss and run like crap. I got two codes, CPS and a transmission fault code. Found people with similar issues online and they said replace crank and cam position sensors.

I ordered a set of sensors for dirt cheap from RockAuto, Carquest/BWD brand. Cam sensor was easy, single 10mm bolt, bottom front of passenger side head, easily had from below. Crank was a pain, single bolt a little bit further back the passenger side of the motor, above the starter. Disconnect battery, jack up body to make room above the axle, remove two starter bolts, sit it on top of the UCA, and then change the sensor.

I got good at the second time. Why a second time? Because the cheap sensors didn't work. I got Mopar sensors from Amazon. Ended up being $80 for the pair, but they fixed the issue I had with it running like crap, but the jeep still wouldn't idle.

I replaced the IAC with one from Advance and I'm back in business now. I don't know if it was a coincidence the IAC died or it happened when I cleaned the throttle body while changing the other sensors.

Typical Jeep fun.

muddeprived
12-28-2015, 11:21 AM
Had my first fit of sensor trouble with the WJ. I'll put down the details here for the benefit of anyone else that gets a 4.7L WJ.

Jeep started having a rough idle, it "missed" or "bucked" a few times while driving, and it even stalled at low speed a few times, eventually getting to the point that it wouldn't idle without touching the gas, and when it warmed up it would miss and run like crap. I got two codes, CPS and a transmission fault code. Found people with similar issues online and they said replace crank and cam position sensors.

I ordered a set of sensors for dirt cheap from RockAuto, Carquest/BWD brand. Cam sensor was easy, single 10mm bolt, bottom front of passenger side head, easily had from below. Crank was a pain, single bolt a little bit further back the passenger side of the motor, above the starter. Disconnect battery, jack up body to make room above the axle, remove two starter bolts, sit it on top of the UCA, and then change the sensor.

I got good at the second time. Why a second time? Because the cheap sensors didn't work. I got Mopar sensors from Amazon. Ended up being $80 for the pair, but they fixed the issue I had with it running like crap, but the jeep still wouldn't idle.

I replaced the IAC with one from Advance and I'm back in business now. I don't know if it was a coincidence the IAC died or it happened when I cleaned the throttle body while changing the other sensors.

Typical Jeep fun.

Maybe that's my issue on my 2.5. I cleaned the blacked and gunked up IAC and now having a strange idle.

joshs1ofakindxj
12-28-2015, 11:51 AM
Cleaning mine killed it I guess.

sethman15210
12-29-2015, 06:29 AM
The other thing I've noticed about the 4.7 is how picky it is with sensors. You either need the mopar or napa echlin parts. Either way they're the most expensive.
I don't think I have one old sensor left on mine in the year and half I've owned it. Still doesn't stop it from running funny.

The_War_Wagon
12-29-2015, 09:41 AM
The other thing I've noticed about the 4.7 is how picky it is with sensors. You either need the mopar or napa echlin parts. Either way they're the most expensive.
I don't think I have one old sensor left on mine in the year and half I've owned it. Still doesn't stop it from running funny.

Mine runs OK, but the 4.7 is still a dog. If I knew THEN, what I know NOW, I'd of gotten a 5.7 Commander. :disgust:

J.M.
12-29-2015, 10:33 AM
I bought my WJ 4.7 with 65k miles on it, and added over 100000 miles over 7 years. I had the cam and crank sensors replaced 3 years ago. No other sensor problems so far. Don't get me wrong, plenty of issues in general, but not with sensors.

muddeprived
12-29-2015, 11:33 AM
The other thing I've noticed about the 4.7 is how picky it is with sensors. You either need the mopar or napa echlin parts. Either way they're the most expensive.
I don't think I have one old sensor left on mine in the year and half I've owned it. Still doesn't stop it from running funny.

I think all jeeps are picky with sensors. I used parts store sensors on my first TJ and that was a bust. I had to spend again on mopar once I read that they don't like cheap sensors. Since then I've only used mopar parts on anything related to the engine. And yeah it's expensive but at least you can install and forget.

joshs1ofakindxj
12-29-2015, 12:09 PM
The 235 hp 4.7 in my 3700 lb jeep feels very sporty when I get in the skinny pedal. It accelerates quick and always has a little more. It will go faster than I feel comfortable driving it.

Your 07 Commander is about 1000 lbs heavier and is rated at 235 hp. In 2008 it jumped to 305 hp. You just missed it!

I changed oil last night and it looks like my transmission pan has a rust hole leak, so I will be ordering a new from Rock Auto for $23. Going to change filter(s) for my 45RFE while I'm in there as well. Looks like it has the normal sump pan filter and a threaded canister return line filter that is internal as well. Might as well grab a PCV valve for less than $3. Weeee what fun.

Also read that the transfercase uses a dealer only honey colored fluid, not ATF. I'm going to check that since it was replaced last year by an independent shop for the previous owner, who was a moron.

redbank
12-29-2015, 02:45 PM
The 235 hp 4.7 in my 3700 lb jeep feels very sporty when I get in the skinny pedal. It accelerates quick and always has a little more. It will go faster than I feel comfortable driving it.

Your 07 Commander is about 1000 lbs heavier and is rated at 235 hp. In 2008 it jumped to 305 hp. You just missed it!

I changed oil last night and it looks like my transmission pan has a rust hole leak, so I will be ordering a new from Rock Auto for $23. Going to change filter(s) for my 45RFE while I'm in there as well. Looks like it has the normal sump pan filter and a threaded canister return line filter that is internal as well. Might as well grab a PCV valve for less than $3. Weeee what fun.

Also read that the transfercase uses a dealer only honey colored fluid, not ATF. I'm going to check that since it was replaced last year by an independent shop for the previous owner, who was a moron.


my 03 GC limited 4.7 was peppy. when I gave it to the wife and picked up a ram 1500 reg cab with the 4.7 motor it turned into a turd and cut my gas mileage almost in half.

joshs1ofakindxj
12-29-2015, 03:55 PM
my 03 GC limited 4.7 was peppy. when I gave it to the wife and picked up a ram 1500 reg cab with the 4.7 motor it turned into a turd and cut my gas mileage almost in half.

Again, same HP numbers as listed above and a heavier vehicle. My mom had a Dodge Durango with a 4.7. I don't remember performance or anything because I was too young to drive, but it was one of the first motors I changed the spark plugs in!

sethman15210
12-29-2015, 10:03 PM
I you still got the 247 case then ya the oil is dealer specific. And very pricey, but it wouldn't be a jeep if parts were cheap.

joshs1ofakindxj
12-30-2015, 09:12 AM
Also found two cheaper direct replacement fluids: Mobil Fluid 424 and AMSOIL Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic / Transmission Fluid (ATH)