Thoughts on '96 Grand Cherokee

[JoeColeman]

Have a chance to buy my brothers '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 4.0L I6, 4WD. has 100k miles. I just put on a new alternator and water pump a few weeks ago.

How long do these trucks generally last? Are they good for towing? Should I buy, or pass it up?

[nester]

Engine is generally solid. The 4 liter is a great engine. Has a 5k towing capacity. Tranny is questionable if it's not been taken care of.

Jeeps are famous for electrical gremlins since they became a dodge product.. generally nothing serious.. just things like pinched wires in the door jambs... and loose grounds..

If it's been taken care of, and the price is right, I'd buy it..

[JoeColeman]

Kinda what I was thinking. It will get a good size external tranny cooler before it sees a trailer. It's been generally maintained since my brother has owned it. unsure about before then. I've already chased a few electrical problems :D

From what i hear, the motor is rock solid. It's the tranny/diffs/transfer case that have me wondering...

[nester]

I wouldn't worry too much about the Diffs or the transfer case.. They put up with a lot of abuse.. I believe the Grand has Dana axles front and back. Dana 30 in the front, Dana 35 in the back.. 3.55:1 or 3.73:1 with LSD.

Yeah, I'd def recommend a cooler for towing.. and you should be golden.

[DeadTeg]

Jeep motors if they have been taken care of are 'million mile motors', its usually the tranny that causes problems.