I figured I would update the kind folk here on the status of my recently acquired 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as referenced in this thread:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2000-jeep-grand-cherokee-score.340425/
I've taken some time to knock out a few repairs that were needed to make it reliable and safe. The list is short, because this truck really is in good shape considering the age, mileage, and what I paid for it. Here's where I stand now that I've been able to spend a couple weeks with her to put some miles on and see what's what:
Replaced high pressure P/S hose, the main reason I got the truck
Degreased engine and drivetrain to see what leaks I may be dealing with. So far, nothing, however it does look like the rear diff pinion seal has a bit of a leak
Replaced wiper blades for maintenance
Replaced the crappy aftermarket radio that was installed (poorly) with my flip-out DVD unit. It was plug and play, since I previously had it installed in my 2001. However, I now have the Infinity Gold stereo which is leaps and bounds better than the base 6 speaker system
Continuing the above, the factory dash speakers were blown (as most of them are). I replaced them with upgraded 2.75" speakers from Amazon. $35 and they sound great
Brakes. I knew they were needed, but boy did they go south fast. Turns out the LF caliper had a piston that was literally falling apart, 3 separate chunks fell out when I removed it. That being said, I was still thrilled to discover that my Jeep had the Akebono brake upgrade performed at some point. For those that don't know: the '99-'01 Grand Cherokees came with ATE/Teves front calipers that applied uneven pressure on the brake pads and caused the rotors to warp prematurely. The '02-'04 models used an upgraded caliper from Akebono. Back then, owners of the early models could get the calipers swapped under warranty per a TSB and my particular unit has the upgrade. In addition, the OE Akebono calipers used phenolic (plastic) pistons which get brittle over the years and tend to crack. Aftermarket rebuilt calipers come with metal pistons as an upgrade. Anyways, the RF caliper had already been replaced with a metal piston unit which was in good shape so I slapped a new LF caliper on along with fresh pads and rotors and she stops like new. The caliper was $50, the pads and rotors set me back $65 all in.
Other than that, I haven't found any pressing issues so far, except for one: the 4x4 doesn't seem to be working. It has the NV247 t-case, and being as it was rainy today I took the opportunity to test the system. Hitting the throttle from a full stop produced nothing but rear wheel spin. My Jeep has the Quadra-Drive option, which adds Vari-Lock differentials front AND rear in addition to a full time 4wd transfer case. It wouldn't surprise me if the clutch pack in the t-case is bad, it tends to happen to the 247 when the fluid isn't changed regularly. I haven't decided what to do about it yet, I could find a good used 247 or swap it for a 242 like I had in my last Jeep. We'll see.
So, as of today I'm in for a little over $400, including purchase price. I really couldn't be happier, even with the 4wd issue. The running gear is completely solid, I'm actually surprised at how smooth it drives given the age, aftermarket wheels and tires, and the fact that it's still a 20 year old solid axle SUV. I have to say, my favorite part is having the 4.7 vs the 4.0. Yes, the V8 has it's faults, however the power gain over the 4.0 is unreal. My Laredo was fine, just slow. You had to plan things like merges, lane changes, and passing situations well in advance. With the 4.7, you just hit the go pedal and that's it. Quite the change.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2000-jeep-grand-cherokee-score.340425/
I've taken some time to knock out a few repairs that were needed to make it reliable and safe. The list is short, because this truck really is in good shape considering the age, mileage, and what I paid for it. Here's where I stand now that I've been able to spend a couple weeks with her to put some miles on and see what's what:
Replaced high pressure P/S hose, the main reason I got the truck
Degreased engine and drivetrain to see what leaks I may be dealing with. So far, nothing, however it does look like the rear diff pinion seal has a bit of a leak
Replaced wiper blades for maintenance
Replaced the crappy aftermarket radio that was installed (poorly) with my flip-out DVD unit. It was plug and play, since I previously had it installed in my 2001. However, I now have the Infinity Gold stereo which is leaps and bounds better than the base 6 speaker system
Continuing the above, the factory dash speakers were blown (as most of them are). I replaced them with upgraded 2.75" speakers from Amazon. $35 and they sound great
Brakes. I knew they were needed, but boy did they go south fast. Turns out the LF caliper had a piston that was literally falling apart, 3 separate chunks fell out when I removed it. That being said, I was still thrilled to discover that my Jeep had the Akebono brake upgrade performed at some point. For those that don't know: the '99-'01 Grand Cherokees came with ATE/Teves front calipers that applied uneven pressure on the brake pads and caused the rotors to warp prematurely. The '02-'04 models used an upgraded caliper from Akebono. Back then, owners of the early models could get the calipers swapped under warranty per a TSB and my particular unit has the upgrade. In addition, the OE Akebono calipers used phenolic (plastic) pistons which get brittle over the years and tend to crack. Aftermarket rebuilt calipers come with metal pistons as an upgrade. Anyways, the RF caliper had already been replaced with a metal piston unit which was in good shape so I slapped a new LF caliper on along with fresh pads and rotors and she stops like new. The caliper was $50, the pads and rotors set me back $65 all in.
Other than that, I haven't found any pressing issues so far, except for one: the 4x4 doesn't seem to be working. It has the NV247 t-case, and being as it was rainy today I took the opportunity to test the system. Hitting the throttle from a full stop produced nothing but rear wheel spin. My Jeep has the Quadra-Drive option, which adds Vari-Lock differentials front AND rear in addition to a full time 4wd transfer case. It wouldn't surprise me if the clutch pack in the t-case is bad, it tends to happen to the 247 when the fluid isn't changed regularly. I haven't decided what to do about it yet, I could find a good used 247 or swap it for a 242 like I had in my last Jeep. We'll see.
So, as of today I'm in for a little over $400, including purchase price. I really couldn't be happier, even with the 4wd issue. The running gear is completely solid, I'm actually surprised at how smooth it drives given the age, aftermarket wheels and tires, and the fact that it's still a 20 year old solid axle SUV. I have to say, my favorite part is having the 4.7 vs the 4.0. Yes, the V8 has it's faults, however the power gain over the 4.0 is unreal. My Laredo was fine, just slow. You had to plan things like merges, lane changes, and passing situations well in advance. With the 4.7, you just hit the go pedal and that's it. Quite the change.