Solid Axle Cherokee / Grand Cherokee

[4Rescue]

Thanks for the input guys. The Grand Cherokee seems like a good platform for an Expo / Family 4x4 rig.
Is it the only sealed cab SUV / Truck with a solid axle built in the last 5 years? (Not including fullsize Dodge / Ford)

Reliability IS an issue. You've been warned. The solid axles used are less durable than some of our IFS suspensions. The transfersace/4wd system is really killer, espescialy in the WJ, as it basicly has F/R lockers.

[Haggis]

Lets not have a repeat of the Commanche thread.

[toledotimber]

There is some argument as to where the Liverty or the Patriot is the replacement.

I can't imagine why there's any argument about it. I thought it was common knowledge that the Liberty was the replacement, and the Patriot and new Liberty got their styling due to the backlash about the earlier Libby's reputation as a girl Jeep.

[toledotimber]

The transfersace/4wd system is really killer, espescialy in the WJ, as it basicly has F/R lockers.

I believe that only those WJs with the NV147 (Quadra-Trac I) and NV247 (Quadra-Drive) use the gerotor differentials. The NV147 doesn't have a neutral or low-range, though, and some WJs also came with the NV242 (Selec-Trac). I know there's another one I'm forgetting, but when those viscous couplings go out (when, not if) the owner's looking at a very expensive repair. Most just swap in a 231 or 242 t-case after that happens.

[4Rescue]

Lets not have a repeat of the Commanche thread.

Fair anough, but I feel like if people are asking questions about vehicles they might purchase they need to hear the good AND bad, there are issues with Jeeps (and all trucks for that matter)both good AND bad... Don't forget, I've owned more Jeeps than I have Toyotas...

I believe that only those WJs with the NV147 (Quadra-Trac I) and NV247 (Quadra-Drive) use the gerotor differentials. The NV147 doesn't have a neutral or low-range, though, and some WJs also came with the NV242 (Selec-Trac). I know there's another one I'm forgetting, but when those viscous couplings go out (when, not if) the owner's looking at a very expensive repair. Most just swap in a 231 or 242 t-case after that happens.

So only the WJ's with the full time case had the special diffs??? Bummer, but I still remember the first testing vids I saw of those "new" Wj body styles (that one never grew on me) churning through the nastiest muck outside of the rainforest challenge with 3 people sitting in Leather seats listening to a BOse sound system. Pretty imoressive.

What's really odd to me is how Jeep put a pretty good drivetrain in the new Grands but made them Car like low, and put a bunch of oddball spoilers hanging off of it. I guess that market segment shifted a bit over the years

[goodtimes]

We actually have a 4x4 and a 4x2 Patriot sitting on our sales lot right now. They are within $400 of each other... The 2wd feels quite a bit faster. I have to wonder how slow the 4x4 would feel loaded with gear!

The 4x4 moves down the road pretty well when loaded down. Even with the 4 cyl and 5 speed, it does a great job once you get it going. Off the line they are kind of slow...but it pulls hills much better than my TJ with the 4.0L.

[toledotimber]

So only the WJ's with the full time case had the special diffs???

I don't know Grands too well, but I believe that's a correct way of looking at it.

What's really odd to me is how Jeep put a pretty good drivetrain in the new Grands but made them Car like low, and put a bunch of oddball spoilers hanging off of it. I guess that market segment shifted a bit over the years

Totally agree here. One of the only reasons I didn't go with a Grand was that I'd have felt horrible cutting, drilling, and welding on one; now, I wouldn't even consider one--way too low and way too much plastic crap hanging off in every direction that would have to be modified or removed.

[Lawrence]

Thanks for the input guys. The Grand Cherokee seems like a good platform for an Expo / Family 4x4 rig.
Is it the only sealed cab SUV / Truck with a solid axle built in the last 5 years? (Not including fullsize Dodge / Ford)

I'd look into the Toyota FJ Cruiser: It is extremely capable offroad, it has a ton of aftermarket support, it has a very reliable powertain, and you and your family can ride in comfort. My wife has one, and if it weren't for having too much money invested in my Jeep, we would have 2 FJCs. My $0.02.

[toledotimber]

If you have ~$96,000 you could get a TLC Icon. I'd love one of those.