Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About the 1-Ton Jeep WJ, Answered!

#psfgarage #jeepwj #1ton
In this episode Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About the 1-Ton Jeep WJ, are Answered! Plus, the Police weigh in on their feelings about tire size and fender trimming by providing me with a ticket. Over the last couple of months, I’ve had loads of you reach out with great questions, awesome comments, and feedback. First of all, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and positivity! I’m excited to see more of the builds you’re all working on too. We’ll have to find a way to showcase some of them. If you would like to share your build, no matter what it is, hit me up on Facebook or Instagram, or as always, leave a comment on the video and let us all know what you’re working on and where to find it!
The questions I’ve received aren’t necessarily ranked in any particular order below, but number 1 has to be the most common question asked, usually by those that may not be into the off-road community or are new to it. I hope this video helps those of you thinking about your build or planning a 1-ton swap on your WJ Grand Cherokee.
1. Why a WJ (and not a Wrangler)?
2. Aren't you worried about the trans? 42RE vs 45RFE?
3. Why the NP242, why not the NP231?
4. What did you do about ABS, Speedometer, and Cruise Control?
5. How are the 4.10's working out for you with 37’s?
6. What did you do about the wiper reservoir and the vacuum box?
7. Why did you hack out the fenders like that?!?
As always, if you want to be in the loop on these updates, remember to SUBSCRIBE and hit that bell icon 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE this video with your friends and let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments! Your feedback and suggestions are truly appreciated and thanks so much for watching and supporting the channel!
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DISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of PSF Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. PSF Garage assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this or any video on this channel. Use this information at your own risk. PSF Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, vehicles, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not PSF Garage. Please be safe and build and wheel responsibly!

[@garyd.7294]

Thank's man, that was so cool. I'm the proud owner of an '01 Grand Cherokee that I coil lifted 3" w/Core 4×4 all adjustable. Never flexed because I know how unique '99-'04 solid axle is. Chrysler did it right back then. My baby is loaded, power everything with heated leather. Even radio control on the back steering wheel. Did the lift, adjustable trac bar myself. I'm 67. Did the math, measurements. Never had to align it.4.0 will run 80-90 mph all day long. After 15,000 miles since I lifted NO Cooper AT3 tire wear. New drag links/tie rod ends. Select-trac transfer case.

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks for watching man! Hit me up on IG if you have it, be cool to see your rig too.

[@garyd.7294]

I've owned a 3" lifted 4.0 quadra-trac(my son wrecked) anyway I I bought an '01 Grand w/select trac. I installed Core 4x4 adjustable control arms w/Core adustable trac bar, Core spacer block above rear diff. mount. 175,000 miles doesn't burn oil. Our Grands aren't potty trained very well. But @ the end of the day my little mule has been through a foot of snow & mud. I bought it for $3,000, put about $3,000 in suspension. The '99-04 Grand Cherokee is the "Swiss Army Knife" of JEEP/COMFORT.

[@garyd.7294]

Oh, and "no brainer" all synthetic fluids. My tires are Cooper AT3 on 17" '06 Wrangler aluminum. Perfect combo for 80 mph highway and offroad.

[@PSFGarage]

Hell yeah! I love to hear this and totally agree! Thanks for watching man!!

[@PSFGarage]

Nice man, good call! Always pumped to hear about a wheeler that does 80 on the highway too 💪🏼

[@robertwarren1735]

I purchased a 99 WJ back in 2019 with 112,000 miles on it for 2,700 dollars.Absolutely love 3 years later.Did alot of mods inside and out.BTW I had a supreme suspension 3 inch lift kit and this baby handles like a caddy.Now i have a duratrac 2 transmission and so far so good.Any inexpensive mods would surely be appreciated.

[@PSFGarage]

Sounds like a great rig man! Can’t beat ‘em!!

[@revanmotors15]

I've had my wj since October and it's been great. Was lucky enough to find a 242hd transfer case in the wrecking yard and swapped that in behind the 4.7ho. Great combination. I live in western Washington and want to find more people to wheel with, especially once I get my jeep lifted. I like what you've done with the one ton axels and look forward to seeing what's next on your build

[@PSFGarage]

Sounds like a great project you have lined up! I make it over that way pretty often. Keep us posted on the build, be happy to connect and do some wheeling! Thanks so much for checking out the channel and for your feedback on the build!

[@MegaCoolguy1996]

I am planning on doing a 242hd swap into my 02 wj 4.7...have acquired the transfer case. Can you help me out with what additional parts I'll need for this swap? Shifter assembly? Driveshaft?

[@slimboiu3890]

why is the 242HD swap better than the original? my 01 v8 already has double cardone drive shafts somehow and im assuming the original transfer case. im just going on the highway most of the time@@MegaCoolguy1996

[@slashxr176]

I have a quadradrive and right now it’s in the shop cause when I bought it the 4w drive didn’t work so I’m fixing it now but I haven’t had too many issues with how it drives. It has a 4 inch lift with 33s

[@PSFGarage]

Nice! Sounds like a fun rig!

[@carloshereaud5463]

Great stuff man... straight to the point. 👌🏼👌🏼 it looks awesome and you are right, its not a raptor, it looks great as is

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much man! I appreciate that. Haha, definitely not a Raptor 🤣

[@jacobrocha5734]

Cool to see a wj getting some love. I have been building on them for awhile. I do have some buddy's that wheel pretty hard with the 247. 4 low is just fine in them. Not the best t case but like you said "it's already in there). Also i agree with the cut fenders. that's how I have done mine. I have never seen a cut and fold look good. I have had an idea for a long time to weld in a small tube around the fender opening to give it a finished look. But obviously don't care enough to actually do it.

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback Jacob! I’ve thought about that too with the fenders. Considered getting a tubing roller to do it with the larger wheel well radius on my Durango build but like you said, don’t care enough to actually do it 😂 Too many other things to focus on.

[@MrSrtman18]

A wealth of information! Damn son!

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks man! Appreciate you checking it out and your feedback!!

[@k3rrystudios]

I drove an 04 WJ with the 4.7 v8 quadra-trac for a few years. have a 4 inch lift on 33s. never had any issue with the trans, but i did have my transfer case blow up and shrapnel all over the highway on me once. other than that, no other drive train issues.

[@PSFGarage]

Oh damn! That’s crazy to happen on the highway. Thanks for sharing that! Sounds like a cool rig, those v8’s got some power!

[@_Machine631_]

i love it man. People think we have some magical, unlimited budget when we film our youtube vids. most of my jeep build has been budget. only reason I haven't gone 1 tons yet. and it's hard to find them sometimes.

[@PSFGarage]

For sure, I feel ya! Your channel is great man. You still have the Supra? I’m actually from NY originally too, but upstate. Thanks for checking this out. I’m subscribed to yours now too!

[@twistdshade]

I got a free 01 WJ, beat up, ugly gold, but running, 2wd. It had a fairly new engine in it. Then I bought a 4wd cherry red, same year, same engine, but the engine was blown. $500, So I bought it and swapped the engine over.

[@PSFGarage]

Nice man, those sound like good projects and exactly the way to do it!

[@eliasderieux2180]

Great build bro she looks awesome 👌

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that 🤘🏼

[@8bitsamurai6]

U got a great deal. I paid few more than that for my v8 but was in really good shape. Def one the better cars for money with the jacked up market

[@PSFGarage]

I did, but also got it 5 years ago and the market was different, you’re right! Like you said, great bang for the buck though. Thanks for watching!!

[@xTinBenderX]

Subbed from MM Hollie. You're right I have watched a few of your vids without subbing lol

[@PSFGarage]

Haha, I appreciate it!! Thanks so much for the sub 🤙🏼

[@trakkerp4202]

Interesting, the EVAP box was under the hood and stuffed in by the ABS and brake stuff on the drivers side when I got mine. Funny thing is I got my 313k WJ cheap cause the 42re had the infamous slipping in all gears issue, fixed that (governor sensor and solenoid) and used it for over three years with little to no major issues. Swapped out the coil pack for a Viper coil mod, swapped out the still factory (I'm 2nd owner) injectors for 12 hole ones and even tested an HHO system on it last summer. One of the most reliable vehicles I've ever had and I've had a few. Unfortunately the engine decided it was time to give up just before this past Christmas, at 352k a connecting rod let go and took out the block. Currently setting up for an engine swap , Vortec 350sbc with 700R4 and NP241C.

[@PSFGarage]

Yeah, the later model WJ got the EVAP canister right in a bad place to relocate if you want clearance 😂 Sounds like you got a ton of life out of that drivetrain!! The swap sounds awesome, keep me posted and let us know where we can see pics and progress. Good luck with it 💪🏼

[@trakkerp4202]

@PSF Garage it's a 2001, some of the stealerships here in Southern Alberta relocate the EVAP boxes so they don't collect so much dust on back roads. Actually was a way to help and get a little bonus for techs when I worked for Dodge ages ago, just had to put a note recommending it's relocation.

[@joshhurley3247]

Just pick a 98 up for 2000 . 4.5 Rough Country lift , 35 on it, upgraded to hime joints. It's bin supper fun

[@PSFGarage]

Congrats! That sounds like a great find and awesome deal, they’re super fun for sure!

[@joshhurley3247]

@@PSFGarage Atlas Locker in front Spartan locker and rear just picked up the Apex Badland 12K dual hitch receivers and quick connect cables

[@FalconsLedge]

I'm with you on the 242, I'd much rather have a 2WD option. I do plan to LS swap when the Trans or engine goes buhbye. I also have an 03 WJ Laredo.

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks for sharing man! Always love the positive feedback 🤘🏼

[@vincearmstrong5654]

'04 WJ for $500. I have the inline 6. I've put maybe 6500 in it building for pretty easy trail ridin'. Nothing big time, but i love my WJ. Stock went some crazy places in the mountains here in Virginia. Totally capable off broader, and you can keep the comfort. Awesome platform.

[@PSFGarage]

Couldn’t agree with you more! Great rigs, very comfortable, very capable and lots of upgrades available. I’m the last video my buddy in the Toyota buggy during our night run was in full rain gear and has no heat, my WJ felt like a Cadillac to him when he hopped in to ride back haha 😂

[@cravenadventures]

I built a ZJ and get the same question. I love misfit, bastard Jeeps

[@PSFGarage]

I’m with ya! I love ZJ’s too 💪🏼

[@denniswarner2150]

Thanks for making this video. Very informative!

[@PSFGarage]

Absolutely! Love doing it, appreciate you watching and your feedback Dennis!

[@anthonyreyna4237]

Very nice wj man!!! I have a very low idle on mine, I found that I had a line disconnected at the evap canister.. are you saying I can delete my evap charcoal canister??? I love your content. I appreciate the help!

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much! I’m not saying you can delete it necessarily, in fact I would like to delete mine but haven’t spent the time to find out what will happen if I do. It was disconnected for a long time and I just ran it that way but it triggers a check engine light every time. There’s probably a way to delete the canister and connect the lines in a closed loop but I’m not sure. Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to try and help when I can. Thanks so much for watching, I really appreciate it 🤙🏼

[@OleNasty79]

I had the 247 awd case, wasn't a fan of it. Eventually cracked it in half on a rock. Went with a 231 w'SYE, much better. Was able to use spartan lockers front and rear.

[@PSFGarage]

Crazy! I bet you’re happy with the 231 now though, huh?!

[@OleNasty79]

@@PSFGarage Yep, simple to rebuild and they're cheap and plentiful to replace if needed.

[@kevinclevenger8741]

will my wj build is defront. I used dodge one tons axles and it has about 12in lift and has a 5.9 magnum motor transmission and tcase. and 40in tires .

[@chazbrust3068]

I love the build. I have a question on your brake setup. Did you have to change the jeep master cylinder or did it make enough pressure to stop the bigger axles and tires. If this has been asked before I apologize.

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that. Naw, great question. I bought a bigger master cylinder to swap it out but it didn’t end up needing it. The WJ comes equipped with a pretty good size MC as it is.

[@zanemeyers164]

I mean i know the transmission that went with the 4.0 is like garenteed to go out somewhere after 200k miles but why are people scared of blowing up this transmission when there is only 200 horsepower if that? And what transmission would you even do if you wanted to make your motor run more horsepower?

[@PSFGarage]

You’re right! I mean, anything mechanical has a limit. If the trans were to go, I’d probably swap in a rebuilt version of the same one. If I wanted more horsepower, it would probably get a GM drivetrain with an LS V8 and trans.

[@bolshoibooze8010]

Hey. Just found your vid. I ran gm14 rear too...wondering what rear sway bar do you use???

[@PSFGarage]

Nice! No sway bar on this one. Had one in the front but got rid of it. Just don’t run one at all.

[@taranwyant2609]

First off looks sick love ton wj's. I actually had a question about the tubs you cut out under the headlights. What'd you do to support the weight of the headlights? I'm worried if I cut them out my headlights will be bouncing around.

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much! So for me, the plastic header panel that the headlights clip into has worked just fine and the don’t bounce around. I have notice a little “sagging” from time to time and push them up. I may add some low profile support bracket of some sort but the clearance getting rid of the tubs offered is definitely worth the little bit of sag I’ve seen.

[@ICOM1219]

Off topic for sure. But did you ever consider planetary (axletechs) or rockwells for the Durango? Im tossing up a Dana 80 built vs axletech 4000 for 44"+ tires. Hydro front and back.

[@PSFGarage]

No, that’s a great question. I decided a while back that Rockwells were just too big and heavy for what I wanted to do so I didn’t give those much thought. I did think about Axletechs but the weight on those is a lot too. For what I wanted to do and looking at the options, to get the strongest but lightest axle setup, it seemed like a 14 bolt front and rear was the best way to go. I’ve seen the Dana 80 used too. I think that’s what Tim Cameron runs on some of his buggies. My fully built front 14 bolt weighs somewhere between 500-600 lbs, the steering Rockwell weighs somewhere between 850-1000 lbs and an Axletech weighs in at around 1,500 lbs. To me, when you’re trying to move so much machine over obstacles already, to save 1000-2000 lbs in unsparing weight makes more sense to me. Don’t get me wrong, Axletechs are badass and I may try them out someday but I would probably weigh options between Dana 80 and 14 bolt for your build. The only thing that pushed my to the 14 bolt over the 80 (and I have an 80 sitting at the shop too) is that it has the pinion bearing and bolts at the pinion to add the guard which protects the yoke and u-joints, it has a ton of aftermarket support in terms of axles, lockers and everything else, and the outside of the carrier allows for more clearance than the center section of the 80, plus it has shave kits available for it that make it easy to trim down for even more clearance. Hope that helps!!

[@ICOM1219]

@@PSFGarage didn't expect such a good answer. The weight is what pulled me away from the axletechs and if something broke on the trail it's going to be a disaster to fix. Love the knowledge you have on these rigs. Great videos, thank you!.

[@zanesmith2320]

I’m starting a wj one ton swap. 4.7 v8 swapped to a 231 t case out of a Durango, and have a sterling rear and Dana 50 front. 3.73 out of an 04 super duty. 8” long arm. I’d love to be able to ask you question asking the Build if you have an email or social media

[@PSFGarage]

Sounds awesome man! Good for you for getting started on this. You can find me on FB, IG and TikTok @psfgarage. IG is usually the best for DM 🤙🏼

[@cobrazz_yt472]

What front bumper do you have I have a 2000 wj with a 4.7 and a select trac and this is my goal nice build

[@PSFGarage]

Thanks so much! It’s a D.Till Fabworks bumper. He does great work.

[@Eric-uh6hx]

Where did you get the mounting clamps for the light bar to go on your front bumper?

[@PSFGarage]

Great question. I’ve been using Nilight products. They have a good variety and quick delivery from Amazon. They make these brackets too. I’ll add the link below ⬇️

[@PSFGarage]

amzn.to/3Hsaapc

[@Eric-uh6hx]

Thank you very much! Love your content btw. New subscriber to your page

[@OleNasty79]

Also did you trailer it or flat tow it behind your RV?

[@PSFGarage]

I trailered it. I had planned to flat tow it but figured if anything let go (mostly something axle related) having it on my trailer was a better option.

[@ochocinco2030]

Does your WJ get Death Wobble at speeds over 50?

[@PSFGarage]

No sir, it’ll do 80 MPH without a problem. Runs straight down the road.

[@ochocinco2030]

@@PSFGarage who do you recommend buying a lift kit from?

[@OleNasty79]

How is your stock steering handling tons and 37s?

[@PSFGarage]

So far so good man, have had no issues with the box. The crossover setup is from Artec and it does have a drop pitman arm but other than that, the stock steering has worked great!