History
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV made by Jeep, a division of Daimler-Chrysler. The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model (also known as SE) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, and a five-speed manual transmission; The SE model was dropped in 1996 in favor of the Laredo. The Laredo is the mid-scale model, features included added body cladding, fancier seats, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features display a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five star spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited is the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasts features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV made by Jeep, a division of Daimler-Chrysler. The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. The Base model (also known as SE) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, and a five-speed manual transmission; The SE model was dropped in 1996 in favor of the Laredo. The Laredo is the mid-scale model, features included added body cladding, fancier seats, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features display a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five star spoke aluminum wheels. The Limited is the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasts features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.
In 1996 some cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), better wind aerodynamics, and integrated fog lights; Interior features added dual-airbags and increased fabric quality for seating. At the same time, the American Motors-fonted "Grand Cherokee" fender emblems were replaced with a font style used on other Chrysler vehicles (e.g. Sebring, Breeze). The AMC 4.0 L I6 engine was also refined, though receiving slightly less horsepower (185hp) but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. Limited models that year and on had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and variable assist while driving and parking. A sporty TSi model (1997-1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling, with a light blue striping accent. TSi packages came equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seats and premium sound system. The 5.9 Limited was produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury than that of the regular Limited. It housed a powerful 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 foot-pounds of torque, going from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest SUV available that year. Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model, such as mesh grille insert, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, improved premium stereo, and softer leather trim.
4WD systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel assistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Select-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; Both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Select-Trac were already available for the Cherokee XJ lineup, and were adopted to the ZJ platform. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Two-wheel-drive models were sold though only for "Laredo" trims in late 1993, it wasn't until 1994 when 2WD was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2 L V8 engines were sold along with 2WD.
What to Check and Inspect
For general check please read my previous post in this blog. After general check at exterior and interior, lets go more detail for ZJ inspection:
ZJ Interior:
- check the driver side power window control panel, makes sure all power window are works. This power window control is easy to be failed caused of electrical problem. To fix it is pretty easy, normally the mechanic add on/off switch between the fuse and the power window control. If the control failed, simply disconnect the electric current for a while and reconnect again, usually the PW will work normally again.
- Check the steering wheel cover quality, most of them easily to torn, its minor problems but you will facing it for every time you drive this ZJ
- Inspect the spare tire location on the rear cabin, make sure all the tire lock parts still in there, if the ZJ used 31” tire, the hanger must be have been modified, caused its design for 29” spare tire.
- If the ZJ equipped with electric seat, try to operate it.
Under the Body:
- inspect the CV boots, if it already torn, look at inside the boot, if you find some grease still in there it might be ok, but if you find a dirt or sand, its better to look at for another ZJ.
- Check the CV boot and joint at front drive shaft (this is for 97-98 ZJ), this part is easy to damage especially if the Jeep have been lifted more than 2” without modification on its drive shaft. The older ZJ used U-joint and slip yoke same as the one installed in XJ Cherokee.
4WD systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel assistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Select-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; Both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Select-Trac were already available for the Cherokee XJ lineup, and were adopted to the ZJ platform. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Two-wheel-drive models were sold though only for "Laredo" trims in late 1993, it wasn't until 1994 when 2WD was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2 L V8 engines were sold along with 2WD.
What to Check and Inspect
For general check please read my previous post in this blog. After general check at exterior and interior, lets go more detail for ZJ inspection:
ZJ Interior:
- check the driver side power window control panel, makes sure all power window are works. This power window control is easy to be failed caused of electrical problem. To fix it is pretty easy, normally the mechanic add on/off switch between the fuse and the power window control. If the control failed, simply disconnect the electric current for a while and reconnect again, usually the PW will work normally again.
- Check the steering wheel cover quality, most of them easily to torn, its minor problems but you will facing it for every time you drive this ZJ
- Inspect the spare tire location on the rear cabin, make sure all the tire lock parts still in there, if the ZJ used 31” tire, the hanger must be have been modified, caused its design for 29” spare tire.
- If the ZJ equipped with electric seat, try to operate it.
Under the Body:
- inspect the CV boots, if it already torn, look at inside the boot, if you find some grease still in there it might be ok, but if you find a dirt or sand, its better to look at for another ZJ.
- Check the CV boot and joint at front drive shaft (this is for 97-98 ZJ), this part is easy to damage especially if the Jeep have been lifted more than 2” without modification on its drive shaft. The older ZJ used U-joint and slip yoke same as the one installed in XJ Cherokee.
- Inspect for transfer case seal leaking, its not a major problem, however you should replace the seal as soon as you buy the car.
- Check the exhaust system, the catalytic converter, muffler and also fuel tank. A poorly dent, bent and scratch in this area indicated an abuse using while off roading by the previous owner.
- If the ZJ have been lifted, make sure its installed properly, including proper wheel alignment. Death Wobble is common in this ZJ.
- I’m not recommended to buy a ZJ which have lifted more than 2”.
Under the Hood
- As mention in my other post, the AMC i6 engine is really a bullet proof, not many problems with it. Just check for the fluid, especially the coolant, make sure there is not oil trace in there.
- Pick the auto transmission oil dip stick, check the quality and the quantity. If still red and not dirty, it will be fine. Check also the volume. Note to check the auto transmission fluid level, the engine should be running and move the gear stick to “N”.
- Inspect the electronic fan, this one is proven to broke easily.
- Check for any leak from hoses, especially the for high pressure hose from automatic transmission and power steering.
Test Drive
- Turn on the engine, move the gear from P to R or D, do not press the throttle, let the gear engage than slowly pulling the car. If there is any delay, it is a poor auto transmission indicator, find another ZJ. Try also the 2 and 1 gear.
- Drive the car slowly and if possible go to dirty road or drive along side of the road, listen for any strange sound coming from the front and rear suspension. Any “dug” or ‘clunk” sound is indicator of poor tie rod and stabilizer link condition.
- Drive the car constantly at 35-40 mph, listen for any noise coming from lower part. The latest product of ZJ (1997-1998) are using “low-pinion” or normal-cut pinion for its front final gear (Dana 30). This type is less strong than the “high pinion” which is installed in the previous product, and lot of reports mention the damaged of front ring and pinion in very low mileage ZJ (mine was change at 9000 miles).
- Body roll is quite excessive in ZJ, its normal, you can install a harder spring and shock later on.
- Check the exhaust system, the catalytic converter, muffler and also fuel tank. A poorly dent, bent and scratch in this area indicated an abuse using while off roading by the previous owner.
- If the ZJ have been lifted, make sure its installed properly, including proper wheel alignment. Death Wobble is common in this ZJ.
- I’m not recommended to buy a ZJ which have lifted more than 2”.
Under the Hood
- As mention in my other post, the AMC i6 engine is really a bullet proof, not many problems with it. Just check for the fluid, especially the coolant, make sure there is not oil trace in there.
- Pick the auto transmission oil dip stick, check the quality and the quantity. If still red and not dirty, it will be fine. Check also the volume. Note to check the auto transmission fluid level, the engine should be running and move the gear stick to “N”.
- Inspect the electronic fan, this one is proven to broke easily.
- Check for any leak from hoses, especially the for high pressure hose from automatic transmission and power steering.
Test Drive
- Turn on the engine, move the gear from P to R or D, do not press the throttle, let the gear engage than slowly pulling the car. If there is any delay, it is a poor auto transmission indicator, find another ZJ. Try also the 2 and 1 gear.
- Drive the car slowly and if possible go to dirty road or drive along side of the road, listen for any strange sound coming from the front and rear suspension. Any “dug” or ‘clunk” sound is indicator of poor tie rod and stabilizer link condition.
- Drive the car constantly at 35-40 mph, listen for any noise coming from lower part. The latest product of ZJ (1997-1998) are using “low-pinion” or normal-cut pinion for its front final gear (Dana 30). This type is less strong than the “high pinion” which is installed in the previous product, and lot of reports mention the damaged of front ring and pinion in very low mileage ZJ (mine was change at 9000 miles).
- Body roll is quite excessive in ZJ, its normal, you can install a harder spring and shock later on.
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