The BEST BUDGET JEEP Isn't a Wrangler, It's A WJ Grand Cherokee!

[@albertodonn8581]

My girlfriend and I are planning on working from the road while traveling the country (US). A couple of months ago I started weighting pros and cons on different off-road vehicles that would be a good balance of a lot of different criteria we had (off road capability, highway manners, reliability, MPG, towing rating, etc, etc). I arrived to the conclusion that the most bang for my buck was a pre 2004 Grand Cherokee, so I started looking from the years 1997 to 2004, with the starting year being dictated by being the first to have a passenger airbag, which we prefer for highway traveling. The ZJ looked cooler to me, but I kept noticing how comfortable the WJ looked. I may have looked at 8 different ZJs and WJs, and I ended up buying a $500 2001 Limited with the 4.0, knowing that I had to wrench the thing to get it back in shape. I paid for a $1300 tranny rebuild and did the rest of the work myself, all of it. I changed the rear main seal, put a new water pump and thermostat, rebuilt brakes all around, put a set of Bilstein shocks, took the dashboard off and rebuilt the HVAC system with aluminum blend doors, replaced front CVs, fixed the sunroof, etc, etc. Our target budget? $6k; I have yet to reach that number, and that includes the car itself, the tiling and registration, a rebuilt transmission, and all the parts for all the fixes I did. Yet, there is something that isn't really mentioned much, and that is the confidence bump I now have on both my machine and my skills to get us going may we have issues while on a mountain pass or some other remote area. This project has been an insane confidence boost for my future adventures, and I do not think there is another vehicle out there that would have allowed this for the budget we imposed on ourselves. Would it be easier to drop 45k for a brand new Gladiator or Tacoma/4Runner? sure thing.. but if you want to develop real skills and self-reliance, and truly grow as a person, the cheaper option may be the best one.

[@MattKester]

"Would it be easier to drop 45k for a brand new Gladiator or Tacoma/4Runner? sure thing.. but if you want to develop real skills and self-reliance, and truly grow as a person, the cheaper option may be the best one." - This, my friend, is exactly the way I see things and the ethos I want to build our #2ndHandOverland community around! Thank you so much for watching and sharing your story and keep doing what you're doing!

[@Potatofarmer1898]

Bro... You are the very essence of the expression. “built, not bought”.

[@jimbill6205]

Please delete this video. Let's keep this a secret and keep the prices down! 03 Laredo here that has surprised a few Toyotas, TJs, JKUs, and more.....

[@ianclark6354]

I agree this is why cos are getting harder to find and more pricey bc people know the secrets

[@dankdizzl3546]

99 Laredo 4.0 Shitbox here. Even have the emblem... haha. I surprise the Wranglers and "Tacos" and I don't even have a lift. haha But yeah, please delete.....lol

[@nofooter4130]

Facts!!! I love my 04.

[@jimbill6205]

@O Kl you broke your parking sprawl inside your transmission. It will need to be repaired. Do a search, lots of videos and information on line.

[@ROCKETMANN56]

2000 Laredo. Yes pls delete and keep it to ourselves. Had a 3 inch lift kit on my with 32s but could never go offroading and was my daily so i lowered it back down. But now ima buy another WJ as my vacation vehicle in Mexico and install my lift kit on that for when i go in the summer times in the mountains

[@BigMateo24]

Just to note, just because the wj has a unibody construction does not make it weak. These vehicles do have a full length ladder frame built into the uni body, add a couple of sub frame rails like off of a long arm kit, or rear 4 link conversion and you have basically a full c channel ladder frame underneath it. Plus the skeleton of the frame was designed by Porsche engineers to be rigid and stronger than a zj or xj and uses thicker steel.

[@MattKester]

Oh wow! That's pretty incredible! Just one more reason why it's so sad (or advantageous) that these things got so overlooked when they really are so capable!

[@station08]

Just watch some tough truck and you'll see how tough the unit bodies are. Chrysler out done them selves in hind sight.

[@station08]

However , Grands can be the most difficult to build correctly. Especially if you wheel different types of terrain.

[@DEATHWINGS5000]

Doesn't the jeep commander also share that same unibody?

[@soundrecordings2659]

@@DEATHWINGS5000 no

[@JoshRD]

I literally just bought a WJ weeks after this came out lol, don't see why people don't appreciate these things more for what they are.

[@MattKester]

Because we all remember our buddy Timmy’s mom drove one when she came to pick him up from hockey practice! I think that’s where they ended up in most people’s minds, they never even assumed they’d have any off-road prowess ‘cause no one who bought one new ever truly used a tenth of its capability!

[@smoovguyj]

Bro there's almost a cult following behind these

[@JoshRD]

@@MattKester Only issue is mine has some nice and rusty coil spring perches and a good rot spot by the rear control arm mount.

[@Behrwang]

Watch out for the death wobble.

[@jasonprince8655]

2004 4.7L, 197k miles. No problems other than rust. I live in a Salt zone, so it doesn't matter what vehicle I have. The WJ is an awesome wagon. Enjoy!

[@leutrimhakaj9569]

I have a 2000 WJ with 225k on it and it still runs awesome

[@timetravelingwolfman5387]

I understand that. I have a 1999 wj with 260,000 runs like a tank.

[@ozvulcan]

I just bought a 2004 WJ the day before watching this video, near mint condition and one owner its entire life. So freaking excited, not only my first Jeep but my first 4x4

[@MattKester]

Nice! We're excited for you! What kind of big plans do you have in store for it?

[@joshbacon8241]

My dad used to have a 2002 WJ Grand Cherokee Limited with the 4.7-litre PowerTech V8 when I was a kid, as a replacement for his old Vauxhall Frontera. It had possibly the most comfortable seats of any car I've ever sat in - however, I use the term 'car' loosely here, since it was actually closer to a giant sofa with a big engine and four wheels attached to it. I remember the day we went to pick it up back in July 2010, and from the moment 10-year-old me sat in it for the first time, I was in heaven as the seats were just oh-so-comfy, and I felt myself almost sinking into them with just how soft and comfortable they were - they were more like comfy armchairs than actual seats! 👌 We even went on a caravan holiday to Great Yarmouth in it the following month in August 2010, and it made light work of hauling our caravan and all our luggage to our campsite, even if it was a TREMENDOUS gas hog and went though petrol like there was nowt tomorrow, though it did make a nice noise which we called the 'V8 roar'.

[@kingwiththeax6880]

Summer 2016. New baby, new job, new house, and new opportunities for outdoor adventure. I asked my mechanic (who is one of my best friends)... "what do you recommend for a mid size, 4 door, 4WD SUV for camping, hunting, and mild off-road use?" I had a short list of usual suspects in my budget range. Considering the half dozen vehicles presented, he replied (without hesitation) that he would go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ). I went to work. I found every model for sale locally, and I landed on a 2002 Laredo with 160K on the clock, for about 2/3 of my budget. 4.0 I-L, 242 4x4, factory tow package (you know why that upgrade is essential;) ). I wheeled it, completely stock and truly off-road, on my hunting land. "Larry" tiptoed over logs, ruts, stumps, and rocks; with zero road to follow, in 2wd, and never had an issue (except when brush pulled the plastic lower fan cowling off). Later, I swapped the front calipers to Akebono (that's the official, Jeep OEM fix for death wobble on pre-May 2002 WJs), added a 2" lift, and 245/75/16 tires on stock rims with no trimming. I wouldn't claim its better than a 4-Runner, but it certainly was cheaper (for similar age and mileage). I'm still not a "Jeep guy", but I am a "WJ guy".

[@areject17]

These are such good vehicles! I have 12 grand into one I bought with 51k miles

[@ascendantrobin3230]

Ive owned 2 of these (4.0L and 4.7) and theyre both great motors in their own ways. The WJ can be pretty versatile as a daily driver or a serious off road animal if you know what youre doing. IMO its one of the nicest Jeeps you can get at an affordable price that handles and rides better than a wrangler, and is easy to work on and upgrade. finding a rust free one here in northeast is getting rare 😢

[@MattKester]

I hear you on the rust. I see one where I live quite frequently that has Wisconsin plates and appears to not have very much left in the rocker panels!

[@bennapier9260]

I bought my wj because it was the cheapest 4 wheel drive out there. I didn't have high expectations for it. But it has far exceeded them. It is capable offroading, it's smooth and quiet on the road and doesn't squeak and pop like the zj does.

[@jeepstertj556]

My tj and zj pops, rear bushings on the front trailing arms are worn out

[@OutnBacker]

@@jeepstertj556 That's why they "pop." Otherwise, I haven't noticed the ZJ to be any different than the WJ in average off-road use. Get into rock rolling , etc., then everything out there will pop and complain.

[@robertgolden1080]

I just picked up a 99 WJ 4.7 with Quadra Trac . Love it. Going to do a 3’’ lift, bigger tires ect. Looking forward to the build. Then hitting some trails with it. I actually did quite a bit of research before buying it, the WJ hit on all the points I wanted. The $ 1500 I spent on it leaves some money in the budget for the project.

[@clydesuckfinger8068]

I have a 2000 WJ Limited that was a TOAD behind a motor home. It has the 4.7 and Quaradrive, 6” IRO long arm front, IRO short arms rear, bumpers and 10,000 warn winch. I have been able to astonish numerous Wrangler drivers with what it can do.

[@MattKester]

Gotta love those TOAD specials. The chassis might have 200k miles on it, but the engine's only ever been run for 50k! I was so impressed by what Rene's WJ was able to do, it made that trail look effortless.

[@markcarpenter3600]

UPGRADE to the long arms in the rear! I did the upgrade after running the short arms, it is incredible! Getting rid of the a-arm in the rear you can really take advantage of the rear coils. I did add the 1" swayed bar because we run an RTT, but even with the sway bar it a beast on the trail. I'm considering stepping down to the 7/8 sway bar, and putting a larger bar on the front, and disconnect it when needed.

[@darrenbishop4327]

I have a 2000 limited with the 4.7 and 230,000 on the dash with very few issues that couldn’t be easily resolved. Btw, it has a non rebuilt power train. It’s a fantastic daily driver and weekend getaway vehicle.

[@MattKester]

Heck yeah!

[@riverbankfisher]

Out here in the tropical badlands where the roads are cratered like a lunar surface, every commute is an offroad adventure, but as the owner of TWO Jeep WJ V8-powered chariots, I fear no evil knowing I will never get stuck on or offroad, rain or shine. My 2004 WJ Overland's High Output 4.7V8 motor requires only modest acceleration to leap from a sedate canter into a G-force-inducing full gallop. The sleek contemporary lines and curves of a Jeep WJ belie the heart of a rampaging monster that makes short work of the roughest terrain or the deepest mud, all with the vehicle occupants enjoying the view while ensconced in a cocoon of luxury. I will drive any vehicle at all PROVIDED THAT it is a Jeep WJ.

[@redhandedreviews3482]

I got my 2005 WK for 4200. I put some work into it, but the quadra drivve 2 is nice....took me places I thought were impossible..love these grand cherokees

[@samjames2007]

I bought my '02 WJ in summer 2020 and love it. $3600CAD got me an old-man owned low km car that was in great shape having barely been driven the last few years. The increase in driving when I bought it (it regularly sees FSRs and other off road trails) means that some issues have cropped up but parts are cheap and plentiful and it's easy to work on. I did my research and bought the 4.0 L6 with selectrac transfer case and I'm super happy. Also happy to know that it might increase in value a bit. Even if it doesn't, I'm happy to keep maintaining it and taking it off road for years to come. It's really surprisingly good off road, even fully stock!

[@MattKester]

I was just out wheeling with Rene today and we saw no less than three stock looking WJ's out having a blast on the trails! Super jealous of the 4.0 man!

[@kwmoore3464]

This is the third time I've watched this video. I own a 2002 WJ. Your humor and sarcasm is spot on. Thanks for the video. It's extremely entertaining and informative.

[@tylerdubois9020]

The only advantage I can see coming from more people getting WJs is the aftermarket selection increasing. Right now the WJ doesn't have a whole lot of variety when it comes to offroad accessories, and they are a little more costly due to them being limited in demand. I think the price of WJs will go up in the future, so get one now while they are still cheap. Side note, they tend to rust pretty bad on the rocker panels in the rust belt (ask me how i know). If you live in a snowy region and want a WJ, i would consider driving south and getting one with no rust. Other than that it is a Jeep so you will have to do work on it, but as long as you do the maintenance on time and consistently, they will be fine.

[@MattKester]

I hear you on the rust, it's something that's easy to overlook where we live. I did see a midwestern transplant WJ Limited the other day that looked like she had stage four cancer in the rockers. Always sad to see...

[@tylerdubois9020]

@@MattKester Good news is that normally the frame remains solid. Rockers go and fenders, but frame is good thats the key. You can always weld on new rockers or fabricate rocker guards/bars.

[@717UT]

@@tylerdubois9020 I was going to say the same thing that you did. Rust on a cheap vehicle just means good excuses to replace rockers with home build sliders and rotted fenders give you a good excuse to cut and fold all four corners if you want to off road your WJ a little harder and not put a tremendous lift on it. My way of turning lemons into rainbows.

[@hadleyhayes7569]

Nice video. So excited that an older friend is giving me his 2004 Limited. 4.0 80k miles. Original owner.

[@tophersupreme5573]

I've bought a WJ for $2500 5 years ago. It just clicked over 300,000 miles with minimal repair over the 5 years. Top value in my opinion. My 3rd gen 4Runner is great but it was significantly more expensive.

[@MattKester]

Gotta love stretching your money out past 300k miles! I hear you on the 3rd Gen. I love mine, but I also love that I bought it a few years ago before they started getting stupid on price!

[@jdm2626]

Bought a 2002 WJ a few months ago for about $500. All it needed was new breaks at the time. I’ve put a total of about $1,500 in it since then and don’t regret it one bit. It runs great and looks great.

[@MattKester]

Heck yeah! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@ragingfloridagrass172]

What all have you done to it? Right now I'm trying to repair my blend doors and I'm at a crucial thinking point of cutting the dash or pulling the dash apart.

[@jlsgarage872]

8:09 *that moment when a random jeep video turns into a Mr. Rodgers episode for a few seconds*

[@travisjohnston6447]

Bought a WJ a little under a year ago. Mild budget lift 2nd hand set of bigger wheels and tires. Aside from replacing the passenger side front axle shaft (20 year old vehicle problems it was only 90 bucks and 2 hours of my time.) It has not only been a solid off-roader that we take out on the weekends. But a daily driven work vehicle (yes I actually use this thing and work out of it easily gathering 400+ miles in a week as an electrician it holds all my tools has a tow hitch for trailers and a roof rack for ladders.) 4 liter straight 6. Select trac 4x4 and its easy to find parts. Easier to work on and an all around GEM of a vehicle. Considering I got it for 1800 bucks (and have only spent 800 on parts in upgrades and repairs since purchase) I can't find anything to complain about. Best vehicle purchas I've ever made. I'll likely buy another one as this one is in amazing condition. So I can have an extra to REALLY beat up on the tougher trails. Its that good. So if your in the market for a reliable offroader for what you might pay for something else. Just get 2 of these.

[@trakkerp4202]

I used to run a tricked out 03 Ford Escape, got an 01 WJ for cheap cause of minor trans issues. Ford's long gone, the WJ is now my long term daily driver and project vehicle. The amount of mods, spare parts, accessories and gear available for it make it one of the best even 21 years later for the oldest model.

[@MattKester]

Yup... They really are something. Rene actually finished putting a new 4.0L in his last week and got to take it out over the weekend. They definitely are a great rig!

[@trakkerp4202]

@@MattKester I'm actually debating on rebuilding mines 4.0 and trans or putting a vortec 350 sbc in that I'm currently working on, got 2x 42re trans but prefer the 700R4 that would go with the 350 as its a lot less problematic and no electronics.

[@jamesdewer]

Got 242k on my 01 WJ, I quadruple flushed the brake lines, rebuilt the front dual piston calipers $12 a kit. The braking is amazing.very little effort to stop from 70mph thanks to the RCN3 shocks. I just put a new engine in it after 10,000 mi I installed in the 47 some HO cams. I really love it. H o cam upgrade was seamless. I have yet to get a check engine light. It's a pretty nuanced installation, the cams in terms of the amount of stuff you have to disassemble to get to the valve covers, but definitely worth it

[@isaac62rebel]

I got my 1999 WJ for $1,000. She now has a 4 inch lift and 33's. I trust this Jeep on any trail and trip going 500 miles in a day a few times

[@MattKester]

That's awesome! They really are so undervalued!

[@jasonliblick9879]

I’ve only got a 2.5 inch lift and I’ve surprised all sorts of jeeps, yotas, rangers, s10’s and pretty much anybody under the sun how capable these things are off road and a really nice daily at the same time

[@MattKester]

Absolutely. Every time I go wheeling with Rene I'm kinda jealous of how much of a beast his WJ is!

[@jasonliblick9879]

@@MattKester all I’ve got to do to mine now is weld in some rocker panels. They’re pretty much done for unfortunately, but after that I’m gonna hit most of the underside of the car with a wire wheel, weld in metal where it needs it and throw some pain/sealant down there and I’ll have mean one clean ride. The biggest problem right now is rust

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

They do the same thing with the Cherokee Trailhawk and it's a monster once you put a 2-in lift on it.

[@peverill64]

I am not much of an offroader.. But looking at how careful you guys are with your 4x4, I can appreciate it. I hate people who wreck cars or destroy them going into deep water and mud. Keep the videos coming... Even though I am Land Rover, I like seeing other models

[@MattKester]

Thanks, Laurence. We try our best. I hate having to work on these things any more than I have to, especially when it's fixing something that shouldn't have been broken in the first place!

[@peverill64]

@@MattKester I hear you. I have spent many hours working on my vehicles. It is never easy but paying others to do it is not an option.

[@OutnBacker]

I agree. I don't do anything remotely technical with my cream puff ZJ. Just a 3" lift and 30x9.50x15" KO2's on it. It's for getting me to remote camping sites - not for "wheelin" One of the reasons these things are going up in value is because people are destroying them by super mods. For some reason, people with not a lot of money are the ones who just junk out a wrecked vehicle, thus, they dissappear. After they get rolled and torn up, they're gone forever, leaving my soccer mom ZJ appreciating in value. Not everyone os careful offroad. Boy! Have I seen some sh!t shows. Attrition Matters.

[@vincearmstrong5654]

Ahahahaaha! All you haters keep hatin'! My '04 has 302,000 miles on it, and runs like a Swiss watch. I can go anywhere I want in my beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, and drive around every day in town. Cheap, available parts everywhere. Only gripe i have is finding affordable mods like off-road bumpers, skid plates, etc., without a bank loan for each piece.lmao

[@JasnoGT]

I've had my 2004 select-trac, 4.0 I-6. since 2007. Beautiful then and starting to look even better now. Only 130K. I've noticed I'm starting to get offers. I do want a newer vehicle but I'm not looking to sell anytime soon. I'm just fixing it up and upgrading as I go. It still has great paint too! Excellent video, thanks.

[@BladeGorilla]

Nice video. Helped erase some of my offroading doubts for a 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4wd in the same color as your friends. Looked great!

[@mechsupernova]

I have a 1999 WJ 4.7, I have it setup as a work vehicle, I haul ladders, conduit, and all kinds of tools, I put a Goliath roof rack on it and whoever had it before me put a 2" lift. I love my jeep, it doesn't have a spec of rust on the frame and I bought it for $800 5 or 6 years ago.

[@grumpygeorge]

Bought ‘04 in 2013 for $5k, put over 100k miles on it since then, and it still runs great and goes anywhere. I haven’t put $5k into it other than fuel, so I’d say for south of ten grand, and almost ten years of daily use, it’s been a bargain. And it towed my jet skis or camper with ease. Probably the best vehicle I’ve owned. And definitely a luxury feel.

[@Theultrazombiekiller]

I have a mint 2004 Limited 4x4 with the 4.0 i6 I bought in 2021 for just $6.5k with only 118k miles. It has been fantastic, minimal issues, it was super clean inside and out when I got it and I have kept it that way. Literally does not even have a single door ding. With how expensive new cars are getting, and the fact I do not have a car payment, I do not plan on getting rid of it any time soon.

[@iggy151]

Cool video. Ive had a 99 v8 4x4 WJ for a few months now. I paid 300 bucks for it. Drove it home and went on a week long offroad excursion in Jefferson National Forest. Didn't do anything to it besides change the oil and fix the AC. Fast forward to very recently and now it has a 3in spacer lift and a set of Rubicon takeoffs like the one in your video except mine are all black. It's a damn fine offroad machine. It climbs nearly vertical sand dunes and everything.

[@MattKester]

Thanks man! Yeah, I never even gave WJ's a second thought until I saw what Rene had done with his and I started digging into them. Totally awesome and underrated/undervalued off roader!

[@codyadams707]

Just picked me up a 2001 WJ with the 4.7 can’t wait to fix it up and start having some fun with that beast! Enjoyed the video my friend and learned a couple things as well👍

[@MattKester]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy your WJ even more!

[@charliedee9276]

On my 3rd WJ, love em! Why better then a ZJ? Also owning 3 of those there are many reasons why the WJ is better IMO. Roomier, better looking, better handling, stiffer frame, etc. The 4.7 is finicky however work the bugs out, don't overheat it, bleed the coolant system perfectly, run good oil and it will last a while, my first did 185,000 before I rebuilt it, it still ran good with a little valve seal smoke. My current 04 has a 4.7HO with some added goodies, Aussie locker in back, TruTrac in front with 4.10 gears, put a 242HD transfer case in with a SYE and a double cardan, 3.5" IRO front long arm rear short arm suspension and 33" tires. It is reliable, comfortable, fast and will go anywhere anything else with comparable tires will go and do it with heated leather seats and ice cold AC. Oh and I have a total of $6000 into it including what I paid for it.

[@MattKester]

That's awesome, Charlie! I'd love to see your's. Tag us on Instagram @2ndhandoverland for a shout out and a feature sometime!

[@deputydillhole]

WJs are my 2nd favorite Jeeps, classic Grand Wagoneers being my first.

[@MattKester]

That’s surprising, I wasn’t aware you could get a Grand Wagoneer past 88 miles per hour, Doc!

[@sidneycoakley1524]

Theirs a 79 golden eagle grand wagoneer drives around. It’s gorgeous!

[@deputydillhole]

@@MattKester you can but you're going to see some serious shit

[@G2offroad]

BTW gotta love my quadra drive with d44a with hydro lock overland .

[@HankandBrutusLiveForever]

The WJ 4x4 4.0 Selec-Trac is THE BEST for off roading

[@ZRZ71]

That’s what I have lol

[@ZRZ71]

I use it for the winter, it’s great

[@markcarpenter3600]

The absolute best model was the Lorado with the I6, Slec-Track, with Tow package. Not many of them around. I searched for a while to find this one. When I see one I tell them how special this WJ is. They are like OK. LOL!

[@bobby26050]

@@markcarpenter3600 exactly like mine. I bought it without even knowing how rare it is to have the towing package on my 4.0. That rear limited slip surprised me offroad.

[@Potatofarmer1898]

@@bobby26050 The unspeakable things I would do for an LSD on my WJ...

[@johngaston308]

Man Great Video! I've had my 1999 WJ since 2005. When it was a fresh low mileage pup. Its been bone stock until this year 2023. I'm gonna lift it and do some other stuff. It's identical to the one featured in this video. Same color and selec trac with 4.0. I don't care what people say. If you don't know 4.0 you don't know jeep. I can definitely claim to be a "jeep guy" after 18 years of daily driving.

[@mattepple6759]

I have a 2001 4.0 on an iro 3" kit. Does everything i ask with no complaints. Buddy of mine has one on 6" of lift. It outwheels nearly everything in our jeep club with ease

[@MattKester]

After seeing what Rene could do with his, I believe it. Such an awesome rig!

[@quentincooley1851]

I bought an 02 wj a few months ago, now ive owned probably 3-4 trucks with in the past year, but this wj tops them i payed 350 shes not the clenest but shes the best out of my trucks i had, smaller more reliable imo and i can turn it into an hunting/ ice fishing rig and not worry about half the stuff i would have to with a truck, their very budget friendly and tbh they look bad ass!!

[@ElChipper]

I really like these and wouldn’t mind having one. My 4.0 ZJ has treated me really well and sold me on GCs. I’m actually selling it since I bought an over built XJ for a steal but wouldn’t rule out having another ZJ or better yet WJ as a nicer daily driver.

[@MattKester]

"I bought an overbuilt XJ for a steal..." Words I'd love to someday be able to say!

[@BadmunkyWRX]

I currently own a 2002 WJ with the 4.7HO in it. A 1997 ZJ with the 5.2 in it. And a 2004 TJ with the 4.0 in it. I have owned 13 4.0 powered Jeeps in the past as well. Overall, the 4.0 from 99 and up is just a JUNK engine. They changed nearly every part of the engine for 99 and the parts that where not changed the manufacturer was changed. A good example of this is the pistons. 99 an up 4.0s are well known for piston skirt failures. Hell, that has killed four of my 4.0s including the original 4.0 in my TJ. (It now has a built 4.2 in it.) The 4.7 in the WJ is a FANTASTIC engine and is backed with the much better 545rfe trans. This trans has much fewer problems than the 42re behind the 4.0s. And it has an extra gear. Of the 4.0 WJs I have owned 1 made it past 150k with its original engine but did not see 200k. Many people will claim they have a 200k+ WJ on the original engine , but that's usually not the case. Most have been changed at some point before the current owner got their hands on the vehicle. My buddy said his was the original 4.0 in his 2003 as the last owner told him it was. Well when we did a car fax on it after he owned for like 4 years we found a few things. One of them was that at 48k the original engine was replaced by the dealer under warranty. After a little checking, the engine they used at the dealer did not match the engine in the Jeep currently. How do I know this? the Block casting numbers show its from a ZJ. No dealer is going to do that. Warranty will not pay for that. The block is from a ZJ but the head is from a WJ as its the newer head. Most WJ 4.0s are going to be like this. My WJ has its original 4.7 in it. I know for sure as I have all the records and bought it from the original owner. And it only had 89k on it when I bought it. Of the 3 Jeeps the TJ is by far my favorite! But the WJ is for second. I love my ZJ, but the WJ is just better. It looks better, rides better, wheels just as good, its more comfortable, and it has more power than the ZJs 5.2 does. The WJ is a great budget friendly wheeler. But avoid the GOD AWFUL 4.0 if you can. They just have far to many problems in the WJs. Any many will happen no matter how well you take care of them. 4.0 1999 and up common problems list. Rear main seals leak. (Nearly imposable to get one to seal for any length of time. 3.5 years is my record. This was a common complaint when these where new eve.) Lifters fail and tick. Cams like to wipe out. (They were not properly heat treated) Piston skirts break off. (Piston castings are trash.) Heads crack. (This is mostly the 99 to mid year 01s Then the TUPY head was used and is much better but do still crack sometimes.) Coil packs fail. (Stupid design, it's too long, and heat kills it.) They like to overheat. (Mostly do to lack of maintenance and or failed parts) Crank sensors like to die. (It's in a dumb location and the exhaust heat kills them.) Likes to vapor lock the fuel system. (Stupid cat placement causes crazy high under hood temps and the fuel actually boils in the rail.) Stupid upstream cats like to fail and then plug the downstream cat. Its very sensitive to spark plugs and sensors and will not run right or even at all with some brands. The ODP (Oil Pump Drive Assembly) is prone to failing and sending metal threw the engine. (This killed one of mine) The oil pumps are know to fail. The timing gears were not heat treated correctly and are prone to strip the teeth off. They like to blow the head gasket even if you don't overheat it. If you do your almost guaranteed to blow the head gasket. The exhaust/ intake manifold gaskets like to leak. (Its a stupid design and that's all one gasket) The trans behind it (42rfe) is straight up JUNK and they don't last. And all of that is crap that can and will happen even if you take the best care of it!!!

[@mrtwon2277]

As a auto mechanic for 27 years I’ve owned a few XJs and WJs and still own a WJ. But what’s surprising or maybe not surprising. Is for how many of them there is on the road over those years. I never really had to work on very many of them. All with the 4.0 . I did work on a WJ once with the 4.7 but it needed a radiator. I love the WJ on and off road. A few inch lift and some decent tires and I’ve never been stuck off road anywhere in the Florida swamps

[@schled7505]

Hello Viewer from Norway here. In Europe we got these with 2.7 CRD diesel enginge from Mercedes in them. I've got a 2004 WJ Overland and love it! Only issues have been inside heating and some minor eletrical issuses.

[@WatchCollectorsGuild]

Picked up a 2004 Special Edition 4x4 4.0 a couple years ago. Be prepared for some work, the more you can do yourself the better, luckily there are plenty of help videos on KZbin. Failures: track bar (death wobble), radiator and a hose, alternator, a few computer sensors, and a tail light housing. Maintenance updates: spark plugs, serpentine belt, shocks, battery cable upgrade, and fuel filter. Replaced front light housings to get rid of the faded plastic look and it made the WJ look new again. Upgraded with proper off road tires and a stereo touch screen with a backup cam. The stock Infinity speakers sound great. Weird: the sunroof collects water onto a tray that runs down tubes to the bottom of the frame. These can get clogged up and need to be cleaned out or the sunroof tray will overflow onto the front passenger area. Also the AC on this struggles with Texas heat, but I may look more into that later. So you may at least have to double what you pay for this thing, but you also have an SUV that will go the distance.

[@STR8ARRW]

i just wrecked my f150 not long ago, and with insurance payouts off that i bought a 2004 4.0 laredo wj for $1200. been a great car since then and once i get my hands on some more parts itll get better

[@HeiseyMotors]

WJ's are ridiculously impressive when paired with the Quadra Drive option with Varilock axles. They wheel SO well because you essentially have front and rear lockers from the factory

[@ragadallas1982]

ZJ paint jobs are eternal !! if there where treat right , great great quality paint jobs from factory

[@GomezGarcia1]

I just got a 2004 limited with the 4.0 for 1400 everything runs and works best purchase ever

[@MattKester]

Gotta love that man! Now go make some great memories with her!

[@michaelangelos5117]

I have a very nice ZJ. 1997 Grand Cherokee limited 5.2 4x4 230k runs very well

[@santiagohernandez..]

This is brilliant!! 😂 awesome video. I love my WJ

[@Miohunter444]

Me too, 201000 and going strong!!

[@santiagohernandez..]

Miohunter 220000 on mine!! We made it to the 200s club!! 😂

[@MattKester]

Thanks, I'm so glad you guys are enjoying it! Keep those awesome old rigs going guys!

[@josephpelletier4810]

Thinking about buying one with 168K miles - is maintenance expensive to keep it running past 200k?

[@rileymartin7325]

@@josephpelletier4810 depends on the engine and transfer case combination that you are looking at. Generally speaking the maintenance on the 4.0 will be cheaper than on the 4.7 and the select-track will be easier to maintain than the quadra-drive. The 42RE tranny that comes attached to the 4.0 is known to have some issues with higher milages but, a used one can be found for under 400$ at a local junkyard.

[@asawolfe_]

this was a great video. I just bought a 1996 ZJ super stoked to join the elite jeep family. Haha

[@julespatten8336]

I bought one brand new in 04 and I finally got the wife a new grand but I was handed down the wj. Of course it has the straight 6 and 242 t-case. I put a fat bobs 2.5 lift when they were still 300 bucks and 265 70 17 wildpeaks with jl rubi rims. I put a 44a out of an overland same 373s as the front. I absolutely love this thing and I've had it now since 04. Great road manners and awesome in the snow and can do moderate trails. I own 2 built tjs and yes they are way more capable but the wj is fun and comparable to rigs way more expensive.

[@MattKester]

Right on! Rene and I just went out again today and people were saying how impressed they were with what his could do! I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to enjoy yours for as long as you have!

[@dashawnr3712]

I have a 2003 WJ 4.7L with 288k on it and it still runs Great

[@Paul.Douglas]

I miss my WJ! Shoulda never sold it. Looking for another one. Trying to decide between V8 vs I6. Might like to manual swap if I end up w/ I6. I like your friend's WJ. It looks good without giant mudders. The proportions look right.

[@rayo8482]

I’ve owned 2 wj and 3 zj and 3 yj. Zj was the best v8 4wd. But the wj had so many ac issues and death wobble after the lift. If no lift they are great.

[@717UT]

The fun of people saying "it's not a REAL Jeep" just shows they don't know squat about vehicles in general. Solid axles, 4lo, coil spring suspension, etc. Doesn't get more "Jeep" than that.

[@MattKester]

I know you're right!

[@frasiec]

I’ve loved the Cherokee since the 90s when this friend took me off-road in Mexico. I’ve already have a YJ and a GX470 so, no need

[@mrblondeheart9562]

My 04 WJ 4.0 Freedom edition😎 has been a moody build. The previous owners neglected her a bit so I’ve been catching up on maintenance. Overall I love mine and want to keep it. She is stupid comfortable for a older jeep and took a 9 hour trip in her with 2 buddies and we all were very comfortable. I have a Dana 30 front and 35 rear (standard) and she feels more comfortable offroad than my buddies 2nd gen tacos and a 2019 ranger, stock. It’s been cheap af to work on BUT she has plenty of issues. Bring a scan tool if you plan on buying one. The front cv driveshafts are prone to going out like mine did so I plan on a double Cardin swap. Hopefully I can sort out her remaining issues and keep her for a while longer

[@MattKester]

I hope you can keep her going, she sounds like she’s been a good rig for you. Hopefully you can keep her going for quite a while longer and really get your money’s worth out of her!

[@Crustobusto]

I’ve got a 4.0 selec trac as my first vehicle can’t wait to lift it

[@MattKester]

Good for you! That’s an awesome choice for a first car! Have fun and enjoy it!

[@willfarmer8183]

Lifted my 4.0 selec trac 2.5 inches on 245/75/16

[@rileymartin7325]

Same setup here man 220K running like a top

[@xmo552]

2004 WJ 4.0 270k runs like new. It'll probably hit 500k.

[@1945tigers]

Same here 2001 never spun a tire in our recent Colorado snow storm.

[@sidstevens9035]

I am in Australia. I drive a 1998 Grand Cherokee Ltd ZG which still runs great. The ZG was made in Graz, Austria hence the 'G' in ZG. Can still buy parts no problem

[@dragon1indo162]

A couple weeks ago I bought me a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for only $1,300 bucks it runs and drives great I love it

[@virgiltoepfer7087]

I love my 03 WJ, btw her name is Lucie. When I purchased her 5 years ago everything was loose EVERYTHING! Hence the name Lucie. She's all tighten up now and much happier.

[@rod_at_adelaide5766]

Great video, love your sense of humour, I have a WJ 4.0, handles anything the outback in Australia can throw at it!

[@floridafireflow6708]

This is my first time seeing your videos…. It won’t be the last. Keep it up. You have great humor and this was a pleasure to watch. I just got a 2002 4.7 with 80,000 mile. Grannies church vehicle…. Unicorn

[@frasiec]

A lot of what you are saying applied to the Lexus GX . It was weird, I got my GX for less than a comparable 4Runner. Plus it has a v8. But overlooked no longer. Glad you’re sharing your jeep knowledge

[@frasiec]

I also bought my YJ on the cheap. Nobody likes square headlights 😂 they are climbing now though but still the cheapest wrangler

[@ajfromca]

I have an old 93 XJ I got when I was 20 as a daily driver 16 years ago long before I knew anything about Jeeps, it was just a car. It is an I6 with the AW4 Transmission and has 290k on it today. I drove it daily for years. It always had its issues as with most Jeeps. About 5 years go I gave it to my brother who abandoned it in a field when the breaks gave out. While I found it, had to towed to my garage to start working on it. I was looking for an overlander, and figured nothing better than what you already own (My bother never moved the title). Got her running again all be it like crap after years in a field, now to get the Jeep to stop on its own.

[@MattKester]

That’s awesome! We’ve got a lot of respect for people who put in the work to keep these old rigs alive and outta the scrap pile! What do you think it’s gonna take to get the brakes fixed?

[@ajfromca]

@@MattKester I think its the master cylinder, so it should not be too hard of a job. The peddle goes to the floor and you got nothing, may not be a bad idea to do the booster also. I never got this thing to be an off road rig of any kind. But in all these years she has never left me on the side of the road so long as I remember to put gas in her. I can't let her go out like this lol, and I have been wanting an overland vehicle. Her daily driving days are probably done, but nothing topping her from getting out and having fun.

[@MattKester]

@@ajfromca That would be awesome if it was just the master cylinder! You may not have originally acquired her with off-roading in mind, but it’s definitely one of the better ones out there!

[@BruceBaileyAD]

My 04 V8 WJ has 350,000 miles on the original running gear. It surprises me every time I take it on the trail, and a few simple upgrades go a long way on them.

[@rlan3677]

I have a 02 WJ, 168k on original front end, drive train and shocks. Put on KYB shocks, new brakes, new Ball Joints, burns no oil, no drips, 4 wheel drive engaged and it will climb a tree.

[@emmanuelh.2763]

Watched before my wj, and still watchin after lol ur a cool narrator bro lol

[@project_ij]

The video quality and style for this is awesome

[@brandonchristian7914]

No mention of the varilock axles with the quadradrive transfer case package? Kind of a big deal

[@bob_frazier]

Yep! My wk's Quadradrive2 is flat out perfect for my needs.

[@JohnBtons]

Nice Mr Rogers moment. New to the channel and love that you detail more everyday and affordable offroad and not purpose built winch machines

[@MattKester]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[@Chunter_mk4]

I’m about to buy my second one. This video sold me. I miss my old WJ 4.0 but I think I’m gonna get the 4.7

[@elsydeon666]

I got my WJ (02 Overland, $38k+ MSRP when new!) for $900 since it had a bad shock that cut the TCM harness. Also, the WJ is about the same size and weight as a JKU, uses the new Jeep wheel bolt pattern, and comes with crossover steering, which wasn't used on the TJ, XJ, YJ, or ZJ.

[@FattHoLLiday]

This video convinced me to buy a WJ

[@kawieguy86]

just bought an 04 from somebody's gma for a grand. 4.0 selectrac and it all works...

[@Girth.Brooks11]

Just bought my first zj!!!

[@georgemullin7772]

Couldn't agree more young man I'm about to build an 05 Cherokee

[@WilliamCooney-l2v]

Flipped and totaled my built 03 limited last December. Sadly in law school so I'm now driving a 2000 accord with a v6 for cost becuase school leaves no spare budget. However, once I'm done in a year and making that attorney money I'm finding a buying a low mileage overland and turning it into a all around 4x4 aka a true overland vehicle. My 03 kept up with my buddies 2016 back country edition jk all day and fell in love ever since seeing this almost 20 year old jeep never fail to keep up with the Rubicon. Plus those dam leather seats are bar none and with simple upgrades they infinity audio system can bumb and you can sleep in a wj. Just an overall better jeep imo. Covers more bases and is just about there to a wrangler for off roading.

[@MattKester]

Dang, sorry bout your old rig! I could think of a lot worse whips to have to drive while your in school than an Accord of that vintage, though! It will be worth it when you get through school and you can pay cash for an awesome rig AND know you’ll have a lot of money left over to throw at it! Good for you, man!

[@bruceallen6016]

Bought a 99 Laredo with the 4.7 V8. Love it,. Thumb up for the video.

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@pnwadventurer9674]

I have a midnight blue 04’ 4.0 laredo with selec-trac 4wd with only 121k and I’m in love!!! I’m gonna baby the engine and deck it out!! Engine is practically new, the look of these are like the least ugly for Jeep in my opinion so there’s that, and I love they they retain a sleek look as well!

[@LuisMendoza-hu5st]

The WJ v8 is the best of the best !!!

[@barrya.6212]

Until it drops a valve seat....the 4.0's last forever...for the most part...

[@markcarpenter3600]

Many people don't understand the inline 6, it has an incredibly flat torque curve. From idle until you float the valves there's almost no change. You don't rev an inline 6 out like you do a V8, because the torque is already there. You can really see this in high range from a stop on a really steep climb. If it doesn't start moving just above idle, it probably won't at full throttle. Horsepower is nothing without torque. Now if you were trying to pull some kind of heavy trailer down the freeway, the V8 would be a better choice.

[@xmo552]

Come back in a few years and we'll see if we both have our stock engines. I'm at 270k on a 4.0. Runs perfect.

[@joeyprice8571]

ive had my wj for over a year now and the only problem ive had was my radiator and electric fan but other than that it's completely stock with a set of wrangler wheels and tires and its the best vehicle ive ever went mudding in

[@mikefahy482]

I just bought one of these last Friday and adore it already

[@MattKester]

They really are a forgotten gem!

[@grilledlettuce4028]

My I6 has 120k miles. Replacing all fluids this weekend. One thing about these bois, remember to change that tranny fluid every 11k miles. Should be reliable otherwise.

[@motoman22atgmail]

Keeping my ‘02 Overland mint so when they appreciate, I can bank 😁

[@xmo552]

Keeping my 04 Freedom Edition used and dirty so I can enjoy it.

[@NickTarterOKC]

WJs are good vehicles. I used to have one. I currently have a WK which gets even less love but it's a CRD and will put almost any other 4x4 out there to shame. The diesel is a torque monster! There is a ton of value in vehicles which tend to fly under the radar. Not only can you get a lot of vehicle for the price you pay, but it's a ton of fun outpacing 4runners in a well built Grand Cherokee. It's basically an off road sleeper. If people understood what these things really are though, they would not sleep on them.

[@MattKester]

Yeah, it’s insane how good they are. We went out again today with Rene and ended up passing like three more WJ’s that were almost bone stock out running the same trails we were in our Discovery and Rene’s lifter WJ. I think at some point soon the after market is gonna get wise and these things are gonna be the new XJs!

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

In the early release of the WJ, the Limited's could also get a factory option of what was called the "Up Country" pack, which included the engine and trans underbody guard, as well as the fuel tank guard. The also included uprated springs, which gave an extra inch of ride height. This is what my 2000 Limited had when I lucked into a $900 deal. A few minor fixes, a budget lift and a few minor additions, and it's been going strong. It's very capable offroad, but not a big car internally. It tows very well with the v8, but really needs the addition of electric trailer brakes to be safe.

[@felipeiturreyes3385]

So, purchase a WJ is a smart, intelligent and cheaper Jeep options... I nailed it!!!

[@MattKester]

Yes you did!

[@overgrownmidget1904]

I don’t know what is wrong with the wrangler snobs I don’t just NEED to have a Jeep I personally think the WJ looks way better than the other Jeep’s

[@MattKester]

I definitely think it’s one of the better looking vehicles from the Daimler Chrysler era. I think it’s also held up pretty well compared to a lot of other vehicles in general.

[@Formerlywarmer]

I have a couple WJ and XJ cannot be beat on value and fun for the $.

[@walkonwaterwalkon]

Fantastic production value as always!

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@judedavidson5453]

I've got a 2,7 crd love it Australia 🇦🇺

[@codegreen5213]

Love my WJ, we don't have many crazy offroad tracks like you guys in the UK, but it kills it in the snow and deep mud - Mine has the Select Trac II trans, no idea if this is a "good" one or why though!

[@rileymartin7325]

IMO the selec-trac (242) is the transfer case you want. They tend to be more durable and get much better traction in a majority of situations compared to the quadra-drive models

[@nonope1774]

There is a whole segment of the 4x4 market that is completely designed around unibody and even all independent suspension, that hauls heavy loads off road, and certainly isn't weak; they aren't well known in the US though.