Grand Cherokee
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The Grand Cherokee is a vehicle produced by Jeep a division of DaimlerChrysler. It is a larger version of Jeeps Cherokee and was made to replace the Grand Wagoner as a mid-size SUV.
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ZJ 1993-1998
The Grand Cherokee was first manufactured in 1993 known as the “ZJ” it came in 5 trim models Base, Laredo, Grand Wagoner, and Limited. The Grand Wagoner was only manufactured for the first half of 93. The Grand Cherokee came with a 4.0L I-6 engine or an optional 5.2 Liter V8, except in 1998 where you could also purchase a 5.9L V8. Jeep built off of what they had learned from the '84+ XJ, and strengthened and stiffened the uni-frame design measurably to aid in a more consistent and less "jittery" ride. An excellent family vehicle as well as weekend trail-warrior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee became extremely popular amongst two-car families who wanted to be able to get away from it all and escape the city, as well as with people who live in snowy and icy climates due to the full-time four wheel drive systems that were standard.
Models:
1993 Base, Laredo, Grand Wagoner, Limited
1994 SE, Laredo, Limited, ----
1995 SE, Laredo, Limited, Orvis Edition
1996 ---- Laredo, Limited, Orvis Edition
1997 Laredo, Tsi, Limited, Orvis Edition
1998 Laredo, Tsi, Limited, 5.9 Limited
Engines: The venerable 4.0L 242 cu/in fuel injected Jeep engine made it into the '93, as well as a Magnum 5.2L...a very close relative to the good old 318 cu/in, which Chrysler had built for many years previous.
Transfer Cases: Two transfer cases were available in the ZJ from 1993 to 1998: an NP (New Process or New Venture...same company) 242 and NP 249. The 242 typically stays in 2wd, and has available full-time AND part-time 4 wheel drive, as well as a 2.72:1 ratio low range. The 1993-1995 NP 249 was a full-time only transfer case which used a viscous coupler to combine the front and rear drive shaft outputs, which allowed for some slippage around corners when on pavement and hard-packed dirt. Unfortunately, it also allowed slippage when you needed the traction the most...when you were offroad or in icy situations, so the issue was rectified with the introduction of the "updated" 1996 model ZJ. This NP249 case came with a variable viscous coupler which allowed an 80%/20% split rear/front in traction in normal usage, but when it sensed slippage from the rear, varied seamlessly into a 50%/50% mode, which sent more bias to the front axle, pulling the Jeep along rather than allowing mostly the rear axle to push. A 50/50 "Low-Lock" mode was also added, which the earlier 249 did NOT have.
Transmissions: AW4: A four-speed automatic which was used in 1993 and 1994 behind the 4.0L engines. This was a left-over tranny from the XJ, and not really up to the strength necessary for this heavier model, so it was discontinued in favor of the 42RH 42RH: 44RH: 46RH: The strongest automatic transmission offered in the ZJ. Same tranny as the 5.2L and 5.9L Dodge Ram and the 5.9L Limited ZJ. It was available in 1993 and 1994. 46RE: An electronically controlled version of the 46RH which came standard behind the 1998 5.9L Grand Cherokee Limited
WJ 1999-2004
This Jeep, the JGC WJ debuted by crashing through a pain of glass on stage eventually taking the 1999 Truck of the Year award. The freshened styling and the elegant ride were the ticket that America had waited for. The 1999 model year proved to be the most highly produced vechicle of the entire run.
The year 1998 marked the end the ZJ body style of grand Cherokees, a new body style came out known as the WJ which came with the 4.0L I-6 or the 4.7liter V8. Also new 4x4 systems were introduced- the gerotor based couplings in transfer cases (Quadra-trac II and Quadra-drive) and axle differentials (only with Quadra-drive).
WK 2005-Present
The year 2005 marked a redesign of the basic Grand Chrokee with newer technologies resulting in a more versatile vehicle.
The incorporation of both rack and pinion steering, a new modern v-6 engine and an independent front suspension gave the JGC a new technological front end. Likewise the vechile had become wider and shorter, with a new pronounced techno styling that marked a turn away from either the harsh squarish angular look or the bulbous rounded curves other SUV's had embraced.
Powertrain
1999-2004 Engines:
4.0 liter In-line 6 cylinder (242 C.I.) 195HP @ 4600 RPM 230lb.ft. torque @ 3000 RPM(SAE net) EPA est. MPG: 2wd=15 city/21 highway 4wd=15/20
4.7 liter V8 (287 C.I.) 235HP @ 4800 RPM 295lb.ft. torque @ 3200 RPM(SAE net) EPA est. MPG: 14 city/19 highway
4.7 liter V8 HO (high output) (287 C.I.) 265HP @ 5100 RPM 325lb.ft.torque @ 3600 RPM(SAE net) EPA est. MPG: 14 city/19 highway.
This motor was introduced in 2002 and was standard on all 2002-2004 Overland models. Optional on 2002-2004 Limiteds. Also offered in 2004 as an option on Freedom, Columbia, and Rocky Mountain editions.
All three motors run on regular unleaded 87 octane but it is recommended to use 93 octane with the 4.7 HO to get maximum performance although 87 will NOT harm the 4.7 HO.
All three motors have a 6 quart oil capacity.
