Faults:
The rear main seal was changed at 66,500 miles. This is a common problem with the 4.0L engine.
The transmission cooler lines were changed at 66,500 miles since they were leaking at the fittings.
The sway-bar bushings were changed due to wear at 66,500 miles. Grease-able polyurethane bushings were installed to replace the rubber to give a better road feel and reduce the side to side characteristics of a solid axle vehicle.
The water pump was changed at 71,000 miles due bearing failure in the pump pulley.
Oil changes are at 3000 miles with 15w40 motor oil and an over-sized oil filter.
Shocks were changed since the old ones did not have any life left in them. The old oil filled shocks normally have a life of 40,000 miles.
General Comments:
This Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle. It has had its fair share of problems, but that could due to neglect by the previous owner. The Jeep has never let me down. When I am on campus, I drive about 200 miles per month. Once a month, I make a 300 mile trip back home. This vehicle makes the trip with no problems, even after sitting for long periods of time.
Even though it does not have 4 wheel drive, it does have the "Trac-lock" limited slip differential, which is very effective in low traction situations. The 4.0L engine provides decent city acceleration, but excels on the highway when you need to pass. Having the towing package with the 3.73 gear ratio enables the 4.0L engine to accelerate with ease and with little trade off in gas mileage.
The leather seats are very supportive on my road trips home from college. The speaker system is great in OEM form and I have left the majority of it intact.
The vehicle information center provides the date and time and any problem that the Jeep has. This feature really helps. It notifies me if any of the fluids are low, doors are open, or rear taillights have burned out. The overhead console provides good storage and with the trip computer, I can monitor gas mileage, outside temperatures, distance till my fuel tank needs a tank of gas and the direction I am traveling in.
The flexibility of the interior allows me to pack my whole dorm room in the back of my Jeep. The seats are very easy to fold down for additional storage.
On the outside, I see signs of rust, but this is due to the neglect of the previous owner. The Jeep will need a paint job, but it will last until I graduate. The 15 inch wheels look outdated now, but I still like them. The tires are a little on the small side, but a larger tire can fit without lifting the vehicle.
Even though the third generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been released, my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee still looks up to date.
26th Jan 2005, 14:33
When the Viscous Coupler went bad, did it pop worse when making tight turns in reverse? Was that the installation price, or the price of just the coupler? The reason I ask is because mine is doing the same crap..