Expo WK

[KSJeep]

Not knocking my TJ for off road travel, it's been great for short adventures. However.......after our first long off road trip and feeling like we had just been beat to death (either that or were just getting old...er) We decided a little more comfort was in order. The wife 05 Grand has just been waiting to take over duty, so she is becoming our new expo/adventure vehicle. First mod was new shoes (needed them anyway) decided to give the Wal Mart/Goodyear Wrangler ATs a try. Didnt want to go any wider so just went taller (gained 1" in clearance) with no problems so far, 245/75/17s. Of course the usual lift, skids, and roof rack will be in order, but all in good time.

So here she is with her new shoes. I know the WK may not be perfect, but shes ours.

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/23363/2758268190054084051S600x600Q85.jpg

[Amauri]

Sweet I love WK's :smiley_drive:

Can't wait to see some progress.

[Amauri]

Some motivation/ Jeep porn :sombrero:
http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/miscellaneous/moab-report-hangin-with-the-crew-from-the-mopar-underground/17382244+cr1+re0+ar1/grand.jpg
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da34b3127ccec68b6ab759a400000040O01AbNWTdozasQ e3nwE/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da34b3127ccec68aa6c979f000000040O01AbNWTdozasQ e3nwE/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

[KSJeep]

Nice, think I'll be going with the 2" lift, after that it pricing just gets out of hand.

[The Swiss]

Nice, think I'll be going with the 2" lift, after that it pricing just gets out of hand.2" worked very well on my Commander, which has the same suspension as the WK.

Reading your case study however, I think you would be ready for a JK Unlimited. Comfort-wise drives like a WJ (and my Commander did not ride any better than my WJ), but it's a "real" Jeep :o :D

[Mr. Leary]

The one I rode with in Bandelier had no low range t-case and struggled significantly with the altitude change at Sandia. Be very careful adding weight... you will make it hard to go uphill!

[Amauri]

Nice, think I'll be going with the 2" lift, after that it pricing just gets out of hand.

Well you know how that goes :sombrero:

I started with a 2 inch on my grand.

[KSJeep]

The one I rode with in Bandelier had no low range t-case and struggled significantly with the altitude change at Sandia. Be very careful adding weight... you will make it hard to go uphill!

Ours does have the low range along with elec auto lockers front and rear. A JK would be nice, but we allready own this one and not really in a position to trade her in.

[Backwoods Rambler]

I've been eyeballing a WK for future mild expo duties. The 2" lift is all I would do also (due to cost factor). I don't know how they handle over the rough stuff, but I imagine with the V8, eLSD's, a short lift & some nice AT's, things would be looking really good behind that windshield.

Enjoy :sombrero:

[bugman]

I know you like the Grand but if you want to expand and grow in your expedition ventures then I would consider the TJ Unlimited. There are MANY more parts and upgrades to suit your specific needs with the TJ. The longer wheelbase will dramatically improve your ride over the short wheelbase and will also be able to handle more weight. You need to look at where you'll be in a year or two after spending the money on your Grand, which will ride smooth but be far less capable for the trail, as opposed to spending the money on the Unlimited and have the comfortable ride as well as trail capability. Whatever you decide, don't be hasty in your decision. Look at where you want to go and the end result.

[Root Moose]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the WK.

He's got the good 4x4 system with the ELSD.

Put some skid plates on it.

Lift it a bit with spacers or equivalent.

Drive the wheels off it.

Be happy.

[KSJeep]

As for the future, the WK will take us everywhere we want to go and then some. One issue Iwe have not addressed here is our future plan of full time RVing with a well set up trailer (ie: Every Miles A Memorys set-up) This plan has been in the works for some time now and the WKs towing capacity fits the bill just right. Were not looking for an overbuilt rig, just a mildly built rig to get us in and around the backcountry plus double as our tow vehicle.

[oz97tj]

For WK parts, check out 4xGuard.com

Lots of cool stuff.

[KSJeep]

For WK parts, check out 4xGuard.com

Lots of cool stuff.

I've seen their site and have heard lots of good about them. I'll be picking up a few of their products.

[Viggen]

I like it. I often think about a diesel powered WK for extended camping/ mild off road duties. Something like what you are describing would fit the bill. There are a lot of overbuilt rigs out there that wont see anything remotely close to what you will be doing out there. Build it for what you plan on using it for. If youre not planning on serious off roading with a lot of rocks and such, then theres nothing wrong with your WK. I like them a lot and everything that I have read about the Quadratrac system sounds very good to me. Build it for what you plan on doing and get out there and use it. In my opinion, the best vehicle is the one you own. Keep updating what youve done to it. I for one will be watching

[JPFreek1]

We have an 07 Grand with the diesel engine that we're turning into our adventure vehicle and it is a great platform. We went with the 2" TeraFlex budget boost to negate the factory issues with ground clearance and anything larger than that (suspension-wise) requires a lot of work to the geometry due to the IFS. Plus, it's really expensive.

We'll have a full write-up on the build for our spring issue. In the meantime, best of luck with your build and keep the photos/mod updates coming!

[JPFreek1]

For WK parts, check out 4xGuard.com

Lots of cool stuff.

4xGuard.com makes some VERY sweet stuff and Russ, the owner, is a top-notch guy who knows just about everything there is to know about the WK platform. We're using their front/belly/rear skid plates as well as their rock rails and Matrix front bumper system. Excellent quality products designed specifically for the WK. Also, the Grand Canyon Cherokee photos taken by Chris Collard at EJS this past spring feature the rock rails designed by 4xGuard.

[winkosmosis]

I love it. To everyone sayind to get a TJ/JK, keep in mind that as soon as you start adding lift, there is no way a solid axle vehicle will ride as well as an IFS. There is no way to get around the physics.

[getlost4x4]

i've been running my commander hard for the last two years. it has more the 70K miles on it. my brakes are finally dead and i have my first broken CV joint. well, its not broken yet, just making a lot of popping noise.

these are pretty strong platforms with plenty of power and room. there isn't much aftermarket support.

get the OME suspension lift and shocks. its the best kit out there for the money. the stock springs and shocks are far to soft of off-roading.

[zigsrig]

Here is my WK. It has the Rocky Road 2" lift with 265 BFG's. The ride is great, has lots of room inside for me, a passanger, dog and our gear... Looked at getting a JK before i bought this, and having traveled with JK's i dont regret my decision. Now i just hope work picks back up so i can finish her with a nice rack, and more protection from 4Xguard!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/05%20grand/IMG_7498.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/Red%20Cone/IMG_8267.jpg

ZIG

[Viggen]

Thats it, Im going to pick up a diesel WK when I get back from England. They reported mileage no lower than 18 mpg. Drool worthy right here:
http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/10515374/0808dp_01_z+diesel_jeep_grand_cherokee_road_test+r ock_climb.jpg
http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/10515380+w750+st0/0808dp_07_z+diesel_jeep_grand_cherokee_road_test+o ff_road.jpg
http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/10515434+w750+st0/0808dp_18_z+diesel_jeep_grand_cherokee_road_test+w heelie.jpg
http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/8465631+w750+st0/0803dp_01_z+baja_1000+jeep.jpg

[KSJeep]

Next on the list was a lift, decided on one from Rocky Road 2 1/4" but actually gained a solid 3" with it.

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42032/2657186270054084051S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/44270/2354050900054084051S600x600Q85.jpg

Of course had to take her to the local Mtns for a test drive!!!

Next up, Skid plates and a Roof Rack.

[JPFreek1]

Thats it, Im going to pick up a diesel WK when I get back from England. They reported mileage no lower than 18 mpg.


Yep, I'm averaging about 18mpg in the city and between 20-21mpg on the highway with my diesel WK and love it!

[xterraoffroad]

Yep, I'm averaging about 18mpg in the city and between 20-21mpg on the highway with my diesel WK and love it!

:Wow1::drool: