Year and model info would help.

 

2008 jeep grand cherokee overland 5.7 Hemi engine

 

I had an 07 GC hemi. Bought it in 2009 with 63k. Ran it to 266k and still would be driving it if a drunk driver hadnt totaled it. Replaced water pump twice, radiator once. Changed all fluids every year. If you dont have any service history, I would have a shop you trust look it over and do what ever needs to be done. Then stay on top of maintance and just enjoy driving it.
Just as a side note, we would run from Seattle to Sacramento ca - 638 miles one way - and do it in about 11.5 hrs including gas stops averaging 19 mpg.

 

Thanks. I picked it up from a salvage auction for $1200. Have no history on it at all. I was already planning on changing all the fluids and having a mechanic look at. Alot of what I read online people say to keep up with the maintenance but I haven't been able to find if these jeeps have anything specific I should keep an eye out for.

 

They’re good engines, good Jeeps. Check and or change the fluids all the way around (including trans and differentials). The only 2 things that pop into my mind are the water pump…if it’s original, might be good to replace. And make sure your rad is nice and healthy.

But for that price, if the fluids are good, just drive it and deal with things as they arise. Any photos? Overlands were nice jeeps in their time.

 

Differential Bushing above driveshaft, always goes bad.

 

there is a company in OR that makes a poly bushing set for the front diff. It's Creative Steel in Eugene

 

Thanks guys for all the tips. I have always been a honda man. I had an 05 pilot didn't change the oil for 40k miles constantly towed over the limit with it and it never once let me down but the prices of hondas are ridiculous right now and this is my first jeep

 

Take a look at my full service history and you'll see what I've had to do from new right up to 139,000 miles. As far as MPG goes on a good drive, you'll get 320 miles from a tank at 70mph average, or 360 miles at 60mph average.

 

Here’s what I’ve had to replace on mine in 14 years of ownership, beyond normal maintenance:
Cat converter (warrantee)
Radiator & water pump
AC evaporator
Front diff bushings
Front driveshaft CVs
Starter
Alternator
Rear pinion seal
Totally integrated power module

I bought mine at 25,000 miles 8/2009 and it just turned 125,000.
Compared to my 1st Jeep the old 98 Laredo the amount of repairs was about the same but some on the WK are more difficult/expensive…example:
Radiator much more difficult
Starter same

however the WK is a great Jeep to drive & is more stable/safer at high speeds & rides & handles better with much better brakes. Very good tow vehicle, I tow a 5,000 boat with mine.

 

I love those seats man. I remember when they first introduced the Overland on the WKs, the seat color grabbed my attention.

 

That's the reason why I bought it. Looked nicer than the rest of them

 

Wow, Lou, that's quite a few things you've replaced. I wonder if some of those things are due to the environment you drive in? I bought mine in October of 2009 and have 123K and some change on it. Mine had 49K on it, so you've driven more miles than I have. The only things I've replaced beyond normal and/or scheduled maintenance, aside from my mods, are:

--front differential bushings and ball joints
--shocks/struts (Now Bilsteins)
--rear brakes (fronts were replaced by stealer when I bought it...they're still good.)
--starter The original was still good, but replaced it when I put the long tube headers on. For sure I'd never want to change it again.
--water pump The original was still good, but replaced it when I installed the performance cam.
--cats The originals were still good and the long tube headers came with high flow cats.
--passenger side heater control valve gear
--multi-function switch
--cruise control accel/decel/cancel switch
--PCM/TCM The original is still good, but I installed an 08 unit so the transmission could be made into a six speed.

 

Well my environment is coastal Long Island NY so it’s damp much of the time we are near salt water & can have snow in winter. We have not had a really snow winter in a long time though.

 

Thanks again for all the information. Still waiting for the jeep to show up from auction to do a full inspection. I know some cars are finicky when it comes to oem fluids. Should I stick to Mopar for antifreeze, transmission and transfer case or aftermarket will be fine

 

Coolant is HOAT you can use the Zerex antifreeze available in auto parts stores
Auto trans use ATF+4 this is available in aftermarket from Valvoline & others
Transfer case I’d use only the Mopar stuff
Power steering fluid with the Hydraulic fan (Hemi & Diesel) takes a special fluid that Mopar discontinued but is available from Lubeguard & Ravenol.
Motor oil I’ve always used 5/20 Mobil 1
Differentials I use the Mopar 75/140 syn & friction modifier for the QDII diffs.

 

Thanks I'll add that to my notes

 

I plan on replacing the radiator and water pump as some have recommended. Should I stick to oem or aftermarket? Also anyone have any suggestions for what tires to get. I got 18s on mine

 

OEM I always your first choice if you can afford to.

 

My go to tire on all of my 4x4's have been the Yokohama Geolander. Great in wet weather & snow. Mileage is good. I have gotten an average of about 70k on a set.