1998 Grand, questions from a rookie.

[beagle]

Hi all,
Very new to the world of jeep, but they have certainly taken my fancy.
Had a little bit of experience with 4x4's (Yota, zooks), but in the market for something with four seats and a bit of room for longer trips.
Im looking at a 1998 Grand Cherokee, with the 4L 6.

Initially I was interested in Cherokees. But I am a little wary of their overheating issues, and steering box/chassis issues.
So first question, will the Grand have the same motor/tranny overheating issues as the Cherokee?
Second question being, will the Grand have the same steering box/chassis cracking issues as a Cherokee?

Next question, would a 1998 Grand have a solid front end or IFS?
EDIT - answered own question, solid front.

Any other things to look out for with a 1998 Grand?
Diffs are strong, trannys ok, where can I source a decent lift from (3-4inch)? What brand is recommended to use for the lift?



Thanks in advance for your help Jeep guru's!

[Doctor W]

Originally Posted by beagle

So first question, will the Grand have the same motor/tranny overheating issues as the Cherokee? NO! it won't
Second question being, will the Grand have the same steering box/chassis cracking issues as a Cherokee? NO ! it won't


Any other things to look out for with a 1998 Grand? Check the Stickys above
Diffs are strong, Within reason, but not abuse proof......more likely that rear axle shafts will wear - replace with quality alloy axles.



Thanks in advance for your help Jeep guru's!

************************************************** **

[beagle]

Thanks Doc, good to know!
That was really off putting about the XJ's.

Apparently the read diff of the car Im looking at has a bit of a whine under no load, but alright under load. Is this a precursor for any common problems? (Cars only done 160,000km)


Thanks again for ya help!

[turbomart]

Any lift over 2" may cause death wobble so research carefully.
Rear axle runs directly on bearings so new bearings may require new axles too.

[beagle]

thanks turbo! good heads up for the whiny diff on this bus. may look further into that, maybe ban....
you had any experience with lifts about 2inch??



also, do 15inch rims clear the brake calipers on the grands or 16 needed??
thanks again all!!

[turbomart]

15" will fit but only with steel rims and the right offset.

[ZG Doug]

I've got a 97 grand which I bought stock and have placed a 4.5'' lift into with no real ride changes whilst cruising around etc. As previous comments anything over 2" will give you death wobble etc only if dont place adjustable front and rear track bars under your rig to centre the diff back to original location other wise you will both diffs hanging 3'' out to one side as you raise it. other mod you will need above 2.5'' + are things like adjustable lower control arms, extended front brake lines, longer shocks, longer front and rear sway bar links, transfer case drop spacers etc.

All these goodies can be sourced in aus etc but big $$$$, got most of my parts ex us and will include brands like procomp, rubicon exp, rough country etc all good $$$. good luck with the jeep mate.