[ejschultz]

I'm going to be purchasing a 97 Grand Cherokee TSi in the next couple of weeks here. My friend is selling it when he gets his car back from the shop. Is there anything in particular to look out for? The truck has all wheel drive and the 5.2 L V8. Everything on it is completely stock and it's only got 64000 miles on it. It's also been garage kept since it was brand new. Thanks for any heads up ahead of time.

[SILASPRIT]

Look up VISCIOUS COUPLING TEST...... when they go out it dosnt wanna turn smoothly, all though i doubt its bad at 64k

[ejschultz]

Originally Posted by SILASPRIT

Look up VISCIOUS COUPLING TEST...... when they go out it dosnt wanna turn smoothly, all though i doubt its bad at 64k

Thanks. That's one thing that I did know to look for. If that is an issue with it, how hard is it to fix/change? I'm assuming it's within the transfer case? I don't know much about the all wheel drive systems on these. I'm switching over from a 95 Jimmy that is about to die on me.

EDIT: By the way, nice Jeep. I see it's also a 97. If I do end up getting the Jeep, I'll for sure become a supporting member so I can post a bunch of pics and have a cool avatar like that.

[Mike97ZJ]

If it only has 64k on it, the VC should be fine. Sounds like a good find! Other than the VC thing, only other big issue with these is that the AC never works. The condensors or something love to leak, and you always end up with an empty system.

If the VC does need to becahnged, you can either fix it (I hear the part is 300-ish on ebay), find a junkyard or rebuilt 249 t-case, or what's probably the most popluar, swap out the 249 for a 242 Selec-Trac case, which will give you the 2wd option.

What color is it, btw? I have a '97 TSi, black, with the 4.0. Wish I had the V8!

[ejschultz]

Originally Posted by Mike97ZJ

If it only has 64k on it, the VC should be fine.

What color is it, btw? I have a '97 TSi, black, with hte 4.0. Wish I had the V8!

It's black on black. I don't really want a black vehicle, but this is one I'll make an exception for.

Another question, these all have solid front axles correct?

[ejschultz]

Yeah, the AC doesn't work on it. That's something I'm used to though although I'm pretty sure it's going to get fixed because it's black on black leather. That'll be HOT in the summer without it.

[ejschultz]

Are there any other major issues that I should look into other than the couple of previously mentioned issues?

[ejschultz]

How are the TSi's offroad? I was reading that the suspension is tuned more for on road performance than off road performance.

[Mike97ZJ]

Yeah, I'm not fussy about the black either. I think it looks good on the TSi, but I'll never own another black vehicle. I have the darl leather too, Agate, I think it's called. An yeah, it gets hot. I find that leaving the sunroof open slightly (just the back portion raised, not slid back) with the inside shade almost closed lets out a little heat w/out letting in the sun.

Yes, these have the solid axle, it's a Dana 30.

I had my TSi offroad stock a few times, and I was really impressed with it. I don't think the suspension is any different than any other GC. I think the TSi package is more of a trim package, not anything performance related. You'll notice the wheels are unique, as is the pattern on the leather. Also the interior woodgrain is darker than the others, it's the same trim that's in the '98 5.9, but our 97 TSi's had it first, haha. We also get body colored cladding, although not gloss painted like a LTD, and also that great periwinkle pinstripe, haha. (mine is long gone)

I can't think of any other mech issues that are common, excpet maybe that I bet the parking brake doesn't work. Just check all the electric gizmos to see if they work. The TSi's are pretty loaded, so it'll have power seats and all that jazz.

The only options that my TSi is missing compared to a Limited are the heated seats, auto climate control (which I hate), and the homelink garage door interface thing (don't have agarage anyway).

I don't htink you can go wrong with it if the price is decent. I'd love to get my hands on a ZJ with that low miles. And mine just hit 147k, btw. Everything still works except the AC.

[ejschultz]

Hearing that yours hit 147 and is still running well really makes me excited about this vehicle. I'm at 144xxx with my Jimmy right now and it's knocking pretty bad. It's actually been knocking for the last 10000 or so miles, but it's gotten a lot worse in the last thousand. I really can't wait for my friend to get his STi out of the shop so I can get this TSi. BTW, I'm only paying 4k for it which I feel is extremely reasonable.

[Mike97ZJ]

Yeah, 4k sounds like a good price for one with those miles, especially if everything else works and it's in nice shape.

And I love mine... I can't wait to hit 200k with it! Right now with 147, I'd hop in it tomorrow and drive across the country with no worries. (having said that, knock on wood, lol)

[ejschultz]

Haha. I've definitely been dying for a roadtrip but haven't had a worthy vehicle for it in a few years, well at least not a daily driver. My last road trip was about 4 years ago in my 94 Caprice that is a show car now (and that's only got 40000 on the clock ).

[ejschultz]

Just an update, I'm still waiting for my buddy to get his car back before he sells me the Jeep. Also, I did come across one problem problem with it. When the headlights are on, sometimes the instrument lights all go out and you have to play with the dimmer switch on it to get them to come back on. Does anyone else have this problem with these or have a fix for this problem?

[Mike97ZJ]

My IP lights work okay, but every once in a while the overhead console display lights and radio display are real dim, and then all of the sudden brighten up. I've just accepted it as one of it's quirks.

[ejschultz]

Maybe this one is the same way.