Fuel economy from Grand cherokee laredo

[xj]

Coop,

So youve got a point of reference, i paid $8500. 4.5 inch lift, 33s, arb front bar and front locker. (front locker really isnt relevant with the 249)
CVs seem to be holing up ok with the 33s, and havent broken a axle yet. To be honest, the only jeep axles I have broken have ever been the front left, and while forcing shit with lockers in. (and for that matter, the only ones Ive seen other people break have been under the same conditions)
Im getting to think the whole thing surrounding the "weak" axles/cvs is urban myth.

good luck with however you decide. Youre welcome to gimme a bell at any time to discuss.

mark

[yeti]

hey mark this is a xj

[xj]

no ya wally, its a freaking camel, look at the state of it!

(yes... its an XJ... albeit a 2wd model )

[yeti]

ricks building it will pm more pics....um it farken tall

[xj]

ricks building it will pm more pics....um it farken tall

dems aint no jeep diffs.... cheat!!

[coop]

I had a look at that ZJ on TM on 33s and it was pretty rough considering what price was on it (imo), still covered in mud from the last outing, wheel arches been taken to with a sledge hammer (yep I know its a 4wd, but still). Ended up buying a city slicker ZJ for $2200, a 3.5'' lift off ebay for NZ $960ish including shipping, and new 31" Kumho MTs for 1 grand. All in all a cheaper Jeep that hasn't been thrashed in the bush. XJ I might be keen on that transfer case will see how I go, also I'd be keen for a trip up Thompsons or Maratoto if it's still open, make a jeep day of it lol, my flatmate has an XJ on 32'' MTs with a 3" lift should be a bit of fun cheers.

[xj]

one thing with buying something already modded, you can also be buying someone elses cock-ups. Sounds liek you got it sorted though.
Happy to go for a trot up Thommos whenever you feel the need.
If I can help you in any way with your new project feel free to gimme a holler.

[tga_4x4]

Looking like I will get the ZJ in stock trim..does any one know why so many on Trademe have had engine work at such low milage, especially head work..??

[xj]

Wasnt aware there were "many". They should be good for 400,000kms+! I cant say Ive ever heard of a problem with the I6s in any format in any way, they just keep on going. The 4.7L 8's however do have head and heating issues "apparently".
www.ausjeepoffroad.com have had a few threads about the 4.7 head issues lately.

[tga_4x4]

Currently looking at a Black Laredo with 174k, leather interior etc for 3k...lift kit from ebay for 900, still getting told to stay away from the jeep's...gggrrrr the frustration...

[xj]

well i cant speak for others experiences, but from mine: 1st cherokee had done 160000 and i had no issues, 2nd cherokee had 212000 had begun to have torque converter problems, engine was fine. Both tjs were around 160000-170000 and were sweet, and my current zj 's sitting on 318000 and is strong as. Again, i have never heard of the i6 having head problems.

[xj]

out of interest, have you guys got links for the ebays kits you bought?

[coop]

I mentioned above I bought one for $2200. It was from repo cars on TM, they are taking it back as the finance co wants it. Useless c.nts still owe $6000 on it. tga_4x4 I think I bought that black one you were looking at today, on the North Shore? lol sorry.

xj this is the kit I bought. NZ $975 all up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWNX%3AIT

And as some one who likes Aussie and Euro cars I will guarantee you that anything thats not over rated, over priced boring jap shit will get a bad rap in this country. People will still recommend a head cracking 2.4t Surf or piston eating ZD30 Pathfinder over a Jeep or Disco because of the badge.
As far as I know, and have experienced, these Jeeps have no major known faults, in saying that the early ones are nearly 20 years old so anything can happen, as with any car.

[tga_4x4]

I mentioned above I bought one for $2200. It was from repo cars on TM, they are taking it back as the finance co wants it. Useless c.nts still owe $6000 on it. tga_4x4 I think I bought that black one you were looking at today, on the North Shore? lol sorry.

xj this is the kit I bought. NZ $975 all up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWNX%3AIT

And as some one who likes Aussie and Euro cars I will guarantee you that anything thats not over rated, over priced boring jap shit will get a bad rap in this country. People will still recommend a head cracking 2.4t Surf or piston eating ZD30 Pathfinder over a Jeep or Disco because of the badge.
As far as I know, and have experienced, these Jeeps have no major known faults, in saying that the early ones are nearly 20 years old so anything can happen, as with any car.

That is it....Was suppose to be getting it tommorow and i got a call to say they crashed it..lol...it was a good one by the looks of it...

[xj]

I mentioned above I bought one for $2200. It was from repo cars on TM, they are taking it back as the finance co wants it. Useless c.nts still owe $6000 on it. tga_4x4 I think I bought that black one you were looking at today, on the North Shore? lol sorry.

xj this is the kit I bought. NZ $975 all up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWNX%3AIT

And as some one who likes Aussie and Euro cars I will guarantee you that anything thats not over rated, over priced boring jap shit will get a bad rap in this country. People will still recommend a head cracking 2.4t Surf or piston eating ZD30 Pathfinder over a Jeep or Disco because of the badge.
As far as I know, and have experienced, these Jeeps have no major known faults, in saying that the early ones are nearly 20 years old so anything can happen, as with any car.

Coop, have you got front and rear track bars sourced? And honestly, Id be getting the other 4 control arms too.

If needed, SAS can do the track bars. (branches in Auckland and Hamilton)

Have you got a link for the Wagon you got?

[coop]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =369026384

Thats the one there.

Haven't given any thought to the track bars, will check out that supplier cheers. After thinking about it, only fitting longer lower arms will rotate the axle around, exaggerating the driveshaft-diff flange angles??

One question with the ZJ and its full time 4wd system under normal driving, it feels as though the centre diff lock is still in and it is binding up on tight turns, or is this a typical characteristic of them? Cheers.

[tga_4x4]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=369026384

Thats the one there.

Haven't given any thought to the track bars, will check out that supplier cheers. After thinking about it, only fitting longer lower arms will rotate the axle around, exaggerating the driveshaft-diff flange angles??

One question with the ZJ and its full time 4wd system under normal driving, it feels as though the centre diff lock is still in and it is binding up on tight turns, or is this a typical characteristic of them? Cheers.

yep thats the one i was going to get... found another one though a little dearer with cloth seats...bummer wanted the leather ones...

[coop]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=369026384

Thats the one there.

Haven't given any thought to the track bars, will check out that supplier cheers. After thinking about it, only fitting longer lower arms will rotate the axle around, exaggerating the driveshaft-diff flange angles??

One question with the ZJ and its full time 4wd system under normal driving, it feels as though the centre diff lock is still in and it is binding up on tight turns, or is this a typical characteristic of them? Cheers.

yep thats the one i was going to get... found another one though a little dearer with cloth seats...bummer wanted the leather ones...

Yeah the higher spec Limiteds are a bit nicer especially with the leather. That repo car place has a lower spec $1 reserve finishing on Wednesday. Otherwise hang out for a cheap one to pop up, they come along every so often as it looks as though the cheapest ZJ atm is 4 grand.

xj I just checked out the price of upper suspension arms, not bloody cheap lol. I'm a truck mechanic and a lot of older shit without airbags have adjustable torque rods so might try and patch something up with them instead, weld the Jeep bush eyes on the end of them.

[xj]

a couple more points.... you guys note the maroon one said it had a 3-3.5 inch lift, which ended up giving it 4-4.5 inches?

Coop, your black one will do the same.

With the XJ's, the limited sits 1 inch lower stock compared to the sport. I believe the same thing occurs with the ZJ's limited-laredo.

Point of difference with the kit you got Coop, and I hope Im wrong, the concept of swapping the front springs to the back on a limited to create the lift wont match apples with apples. Sure the front to the back will add the 3 inches to what you already have, but its already starting 1 inch lower than the allowance for the springs youre getting, the front may well go up 4 inches.

Does that make sense, Im thinking Im confusing myself now. Might want to check with the manufacturer. It can of course be levelled out with some nolathane spacers.
Ive purposely set mine higher in the front. I have 4.5 inch springs in the rear and 3.5 in the front with Adjustable coil over spacers on the top of them which have it sitting arout 5 inches. Logic is that with the winch and bar on the front, the springs are likely to sag, and with the ACOS I can adjust them up to suit.

No it shouldnt be binding up on corners... (lucky Ive a spare 249 case aye, half price just for you.)

Yes (IMO) the other 4 arms are required (preferred) to allow proper alignment of the pinion and other settings.

[tga_4x4]

a couple more points.... you guys note the maroon one said it had a 3-3.5 inch lift, which ended up giving it 4-4.5 inches?

Coop, your black one will do the same.

With the XJ's, the limited sits 1 inch lower stock compared to the sport. I believe the same thing occurs with the ZJ's limited-laredo.

Point of difference with the kit you got Coop, and I hope Im wrong, the concept of swapping the front springs to the back on a limited to create the lift wont match apples with apples. Sure the front to the back will add the 3 inches to what you already have, but its already starting 1 inch lower than the allowance for the springs youre getting, the front may well go up 4 inches.

Does that make sense, Im thinking Im confusing myself now. Might want to check with the manufacturer. It can of course be levelled out with some nolathane spacers.
Ive purposely set mine higher in the front. I have 4.5 inch springs in the rear and 3.5 in the front with Adjustable coil over spacers on the top of them which have it sitting arout 5 inches. Logic is that with the winch and bar on the front, the springs are likely to sag, and with the ACOS I can adjust them up to suit.

No it shouldnt be binding up on corners... (lucky Ive a spare 249 case aye, half price just for you.)

Yes (IMO) the other 4 arms are required (preferred) to allow proper alignment of the pinion and other settings.

out of curiosity how much for the 249 case ?

[tga_4x4]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =369436413

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =368415960

xj or zj....which would be the better ?

[haydgq]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=369436413

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =368415960

xj or zj....which would be the better ?

The ZJ would be the model to go for as they have Coils in the rear instead of the cart springs, and they are a newer face lifted model prob with higher specs in some area's.

[xj]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=369436413

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =368415960

xj or zj....which would be the better ?

The ZJ would be the model to go for as they have Coils in the rear instead of the cart springs, and they are a newer face lifted model prob with higher specs in some area's.

what haydgq said.

The 249's seem to be going at the wreckers at the mo for $500-$650 (inclusive of freight and GST) $300 would see mine out of the garage.


EDIT -
JEEEZUZ!!! - I just, out of curiousity, called Active 4x4 in Auckland.... $950.00 + $65.00 fgt to hamilton + gst = $1167.25

About that $300.00......

[tga_4x4]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=369436413

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =368415960

xj or zj....which would be the better ?

The ZJ would be the model to go for as they have Coils in the rear instead of the cart springs, and they are a newer face lifted model prob with higher specs in some area's.

what haydgq said.

The 249's seem to be going at the wreckers at the mo for $500-$650 (inclusive of freight and GST) $300 would see mine out of the garage.


EDIT -
JEEEZUZ!!! - I just, out of curiousity, called Active 4x4 in Auckland.... $950.00 + $65.00 fgt to hamilton + gst = $1167.25

About that $300.00......

if i get the zj this weekend i will certainly be into that $300 case for sure, will keep you posted...

[xj]

might have to play you off agin each other..... coop...... any advances on $300.00??? hehehehehehe

[coop]

300 bux farkin hell I was gonna offer you a couple boxes of piss. Na tga_4x4 can have it, if/when it shits itself I will most likely pull it apart and price up overhauling it or go for the 242 transfer case out of an XJ.

Thanks for the advice you gave above xj, one point to note though in regarding the different height levels front/rear after the kit is installed, it will most likely be greater than 1" as the springs are 15 years/180k old so would have sagged a bit, dropping the rear down even further. At this stage I'm not stressing, will get that kit in there and see how we go as getting spacers made aren't expensive.

Am fitting the 31" MTs this week, we will probably hit up Woodhill in the weekend, it's pissing down all week so should make it interesting.

[xj]

300 bux farkin hell I was gonna offer you a couple boxes of piss. Na tga_4x4 can have it, if/when it shits itself I will most likely pull it apart and price up overhauling it or go for the 242 transfer case out of an XJ.

Thanks for the advice you gave above xj, one point to note though in regarding the different height levels front/rear after the kit is installed, it will most likely be greater than 1" as the springs are 15 years/180k old so would have sagged a bit, dropping the rear down even further. At this stage I'm not stressing, will get that kit in there and see how we go as getting spacers made aren't expensive.

Am fitting the 31" MTs this week, we will probably hit up Woodhill in the weekend, it's pissing down all week so should make it interesting.

Alcohol has no place here Im afraid bud, Im a refrainer.

Could be keen on Thommos on Sat 30th if you dont do Woodhill this weekend.

[coop]

Yep I wasn't serious, I know the transfer cases are worth more than that.

The 30th sounds good, will get back to you at the start of next week about it, cheers.

[xj]

Yep I wasn't serious, I know the transfer cases are worth more than that.

The 30th sounds good, will get back to you at the start of next week about it, cheers.

Hopefully the correct RandP make it here on time for the 30th.... long story short, Im not going anywhere this weekend. Who knew that some early 97 ZJ's had early 96 dana 30s in them??? I fukn didnt, and nor did the bloke from Superior Axle and Gear that told me what parts I needed. She sitting on a hoist, with the rear D35 done, waiting for the matching front to arrive next week. There goes my weekend in the Hokianga.

On the bright side, I now have a D30 4.10 RandP for a TJ Wrangler for sale as well.

[tga_4x4]

Filled the jeep 79 litres and returned 570km around town not all bad considering

http://www.accommodationz.co.nz/economycalculator.

works out to be 20mpg or 13.85 litres/100km

Not much more than the AU Fairmont so pretty stoked really, most of the driving is only 9km to work in the morning and back