Faults:

When I first received this Jeep, the tranny pan constantly leaked (black RTV silicone sealant and the right bolts solved that problem).

The brakes needed to be done.

There was a battery cut-off switch on it... otherwise it'd be dead in a few hours.

There was the phantom lock problem that drove my wife batty (still does -- I could fix it... but...).

The rear doors wouldn't open from the inside (I still like that problem! --- though my kids hate it.)

There were major vacuum problems (stuck in 4hi, though being selec-trac, that was okay).

The back window not only did not work, but it was off the mangled track (we fixed it over 3 days, cleaned motor and reshaped track, made parts from scratch, and made a new rear widow sill gasket).

The rear window wiper arm was gone (still is).

The rear window defrost was disconnected (still is).

The rear gate key switch was shot (ripped it out and modified a bolt as an interior handle).

The headliner was down all over (we later found black mold above the liner board).

The roof rack rattled like a ghost in the attic. (missing screws & nuts)

The overhead console didn't work. (water damage)

The A/C didn't work. (removed it for weight reduction)

The heater switch melted that winter (2 ago).

The cushy dash was badly hardened and rolling up at the defroster vents. (we ripped it off to bare metal)

The gas gauge didn't work (still doesn't). When we took up the rear carpet to locate the problem, we found three inches of water in the rear fender where the gas filler is.

The factory radio didn't work, & when I opened up the door panels, the rotted speakers fell out on the ground.

The windshield leaked on the driver's side.

The engine hood pull cable broke a few weeks ago (we just use a screw driver to push the flapper inward, now)

The pollution system was missing most of the parts (so we removed the rest and put a new catalytic converter on it, and THEN it passed emissions!)

Now, I could continue, but you get the point.

General Comments:

This was loaned to me by a dying, retired Police Chief who eventually sold it to us for 500 dollars. He bought the parts for the brakes and the tranny job; but otherwise, after purchase, I've weaned as much weight from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer as possible: the whole A/C system (which is being converted to onboard air), the smog pump, etc., upholstery, the rear seat (part-time), the arm-rest console (being redesigned), the 30x10.50 tires are still almost bald and still go everywhere we need off road, and handle exceptionally well in the snow and ice.

In spite of the aesthetic problems of the vehicle, it is still the vehicle of choice for me (and I have a 1989 GMC Suburban 4x4 (with a tow-truck push bumper) on it that's loaded - a real ego stroker to drive, as well as an Airforce 15 passenger Dodge Ram350 Bus.

I had always wanted one of these Jeep's, and, well, since having it, it has performed above and beyond my expectations, both on road and off.

It's a crying shame that they discontinued the full-sized Jeep Grand Wagoneer!

Arguably the best stock 4x4 vehicle I've ever had the pleasure of operating in all types of Inland Northwest weather and terrains.

I have owned a few different models of 4x4 trucks, and I must say that I am not so hesitant to leave the beaten pathway even in the winter, having driven this beast!

I've gotten other rigs stuck, but this one has yet to let us down... even having taken it to the same places!

Faults:

When I first got it, I had to replace the brakes, my power steering pump was leaking, and the gaskets form my roof rack leaked. It throws oil. I had a blow out with really bald tires. I had to replace the head liner. Driver side window came off of the track. Both the driver side door and the back left door won't open from inside. Had to replace the rear-end because it got flooded. Speedometer cable went out. The gas guage quits working when it gets to about a half a tank. There is no rear windshield wiper. I had to replace the starter solenoid. I rebuilt the carburetor. I replaced the valve cover gaskets (twice). I have to replace the radiator and water pump. I've replaced the spark plugs and spark plug wires.

Other mods:

I put a Flowmaster exhaust system in. A K and N air filter in. I put a sound system in with a Clarion CD player, a SPL 400watt amp, and a 10" JL Audio sub. When I had my blow out, I replace the tires with 31" Roadmaster All-Terrain tires. I also replaced my fog lights with higher power fog lights. I replaced the head liner with formica to match the outside wood grain pattern.

General Comments:

I love my car.

I wouldn't give it up for anything.

My dad and I love Grand Wagoneers.

Even though my dad and I spent more money in fixing it than buying it, I think it is worth it.

When I'm through with it, it's going to be the best off road 4x4 that we own.