Purchasing Jeep for Towing

[lightningd]

I was told the Grand Cherokee would be a good cheap vehicle to tow my race car with. So right now, i'm in the market for one (93 to 97), but i would like to know what to look out for when looking over one, what goes bad, and if anyone has any recommendations as far as auto/manual and 6/8 cylinder. The total trailer weight would be about 4000 lbs, and i plan on using the weight distribution hitch. any help would be wonderful

[FatAlbert]

unless you go with a 93 or early 94 (and get lucky), you are only given the option of an automatic tranny. As far as I6 vs V8 and towing is added in the mix? V8 all the way. I have a I6 and it just barely has enough power to satisfy me, I couldn't imagine pulling 4000 lbs with it.. My dad has a V8 and it is truly a night/day difference. Also, think about investing in a tranny cooler in whatever you get.

[slick2570]

Welcome to the forum! I'd totally go with the V8. I also own an I6 and don't see it living a decent life if you pulled 4000lbs on a somewhat regular basis. On a side note, got any pics of your race car??

-Eric

[lightningd]

ok, judging from that, looks like V8 all the way. As far as tranny coolers, i've heard they are definitely worth it when it comes to towing.

How well do the automatic trannys hold up, and does the V8 come with the manual in those early years?

pics of the racecar are in the link below about halfway down the page. it's a bit rough around the egdes right now, but thankfully it's a lot faster than it actually looks. and if 700 hp V8 monsters are you thing, it probably isn't your cup a tea, heh
http://www.accordinglydone.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14442

[JG_Canuck]

Def. get the V8.

Heat is the #1 killer of transmissions. If you can find a ZJ with the tow prep package it will have an aux cooler. If not, it's quite easy to add one.

[madcabbie]

98 5.9!

I would but hey thats me. YOu dont need a stick shift. So i wouldnt base your search off it(its gunna make it harder)

As much as I hate to say this....you dont need a jeep either. I can think of a ton of better tow vehicals that would be low priced...

[dooboy2112]

If it was me and I was going to get a vehicle for towing I would get a truck and stay away from a unbody anything that’s my

[Joeyicu]

the GC's stock suspension is softly sprung, towing, witch i have done alot of with the girls truck is a varry uneasy feeling because of the way they are sprung

with the V8 and 4k you wont notice the load back there power wise, just with the suspnesion, a car trailor and my 3900lb tbird back on the trailor, probably weighs in around 4500 or 5000, when i towed with that power was plentiful, it was just the swaying and taking higher speed corners, it makes your stomach turn.

but all this considered i am also usually use to hauling with my F250 diesel's so i dont know how it compares up vs other 1500 and smaller type trucks

and yeah i would also consider alot of different options before geting heart set on a GC

what kind of requirements do you need for this tow vehicles

[lightningd]

Originally Posted by madcabbie

98 5.9!

I would but hey thats me. YOu dont need a stick shift. So i wouldnt base your search off it(its gunna make it harder)

As much as I hate to say this....you dont need a jeep either. I can think of a ton of better tow vehicals that would be low priced...

I can't afford something that high.

What other vehicles do you suggest?

I don't really need an SUV, but decent trucks are kind of expensive. Here is what i'm looking at. I don't need the jeep to daily drive, i already have a gas friendly commuter. I could rent a tow vehicle for the 7 times i need it during the year, which would be about $2100. But, I have to select it without them knowing i'm towing. However, I wouldn't have to worry about maintenance of the vehicle. So, $2100 was kind of the range I was looking around. I just bought the car and a trailer, and if i get something i have to make payments on, which includes full insurance, then i won't have enough money to legitly race. If the truck lasts 3 years and dies, then so be it, i still saved money.

Originally Posted by Joeyicu

the GC's stock suspension is softly sprung, towing, witch i have done alot of with the girls truck is a varry uneasy feeling because of the way they are sprung

with the V8 and 4k you wont notice the load back there power wise, just with the suspnesion, a car trailor and my 3900lb tbird back on the trailor, probably weighs in around 4500 or 5000, when i towed with that power was plentiful, it was just the swaying and taking higher speed corners, it makes your stomach turn.

but all this considered i am also usually use to hauling with my F250 diesel's so i dont know how it compares up vs other 1500 and smaller type trucks

and yeah i would also consider alot of different options before geting heart set on a GC

what kind of requirements do you need for this tow vehicles

From what i've been reading, if you get a weight distrubution hitch along w/ the sway kit, it really helps in this department. People i've talked to that use it say it's a night and day difference.

What, if any, mods are there to do to the suspension to make it a better tow vehicle?

thanks a ton for the help guys

[SteelBlue_WJ]

Originally Posted by dooboy2112

If it was me and I was going to get a vehicle for towing I would get a truck and stay away from a unbody anything that’s my

i may be off from drinking but doesnt the WJ have a sub frame in the back portion of the vehicle to raise towing capacity?

Edit:
Yes it does...
http://www.usedtrailers.com/mrtruck.htm

[Sporer65]

If you get a ZJ. Try your best to get one with a tow package. Class IV hitch and tranny cooler stock. No doubt the V8. You might like to add some air bags in the rear springs to help out some.

[will_b]

buying another vehicle actually cost more, when you put tag, tax, maintenance, insurance and repair cost into consideration. Is it possible you can make the race car street legal? or maybe just sell your dd and have a all-purpose suv/truck.

Originally Posted by lightningd

I can't afford something that high.

What other vehicles do you suggest?

I don't really need an SUV, but decent trucks are kind of expensive. Here is what i'm looking at. I don't need the jeep to daily drive, i already have a gas friendly commuter. I could rent a tow vehicle for the 7 times i need it during the year, which would be about $2100. But, I have to select it without them knowing i'm towing. However, I wouldn't have to worry about maintenance of the vehicle. So, $2100 was kind of the range I was looking around. I just bought the car and a trailer, and if i get something i have to make payments on, which includes full insurance, then i won't have enough money to legitly race. If the truck lasts 3 years and dies, then so be it, i still saved money.



From what i've been reading, if you get a weight distrubution hitch along w/ the sway kit, it really helps in this department. People i've talked to that use it say it's a night and day difference.

What, if any, mods are there to do to the suspension to make it a better tow vehicle?

thanks a ton for the help guys

[nitecop]

under $2100? a decent tow vehicle? I am not sure these two go togetherusually if i would tow 4000 lbs with somthing often
it is not gonna look decent if it good mechanicly. If it looks nice its going to have mechinal problems.
Example I bought a truck for farm use. a 77 f150 12mpg looks primer grey hood roof and one fender. whats the black truck worth?? $1k-$1500 just a good old 4wd work truck.
I bought a 79 f150 for a project/future parts towed it with 77.
79 on the heavey trailer weighed 7500 lbs the older truck towed it fine.
But this old truck look like a heeping pile.

[lightningd]

Originally Posted by Sporer65

If you get a ZJ. Try your best to get one with a tow package. Class IV hitch and tranny cooler stock. No doubt the V8. You might like to add some air bags in the rear springs to help out some.

thanks...

Originally Posted by will_b

buying another vehicle actually cost more, when you put tag, tax, maintenance, insurance and repair cost into consideration. Is it possible you can make the race car street legal? or maybe just sell your dd and have a all-purpose suv/truck.

well i punched all the numbers, and not including maintenance, having both vehicles while daily driving the commuter, costs the same as just having the jeep only as a commuter.....thanks to gas mileage.

no way in hell i'm driving that thing on the street, especially in VA. sometimes i think you could get pulled for having a non-stock paint job.

Originally Posted by nitecop

under $2100? a decent tow vehicle? I am not sure these two go togetherusually if i would tow 4000 lbs with somthing often
it is not gonna look decent if it good mechanicly. If it looks nice its going to have mechinal problems.
Example I bought a truck for farm use. a 77 f150 12mpg looks primer grey hood roof and one fender. whats the black truck worth?? $1k-$1500 just a good old 4wd work truck.
I bought a 79 f150 for a project/future parts towed it with 77.
79 on the heavey trailer weighed 7500 lbs the older truck towed it fine.
But this old truck look like a heeping pile.

yea, i don't really care about the looks, as long as its mechanically sound. I can do maintenance myself and have good resources when it comes to that (think, 20ft tall garage with lift )

bringing me to....if i bought a V8, what things would i want to check that are a regular problems (ie, honda accord valve cover O-rings aka oil soaked spark plug wires, etc.)

thanks again

[mendelmax]

And, if you'll be looking at ZJ anyway, then take post lifting one- after 96. It will give you stronger rear axle and a bit better tranny, not mentioning better t-case (with on demand engaged front instead of all time 4wd).