Yet another WJ.... 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

[pikeintheboat]

I'm new to overland travel, and, living in Indiana presents its own challenges. Luckily, I am close to the Hoosier National Forest for some local exploring. But I yearn for traveling west. Arizona, Utah, and Colorado are just a few places I want to spend time "adventuring" with my new family. The upper-midwest are other destinations I feel drawn too.

Seemingly commonplace, I really love this Jeep. 2004 WJ, V8, Quadra-trac 2, bone stock. It's pretty thirsty, has open diffs, needs some repairs, and wasn't really designed for heavy duty overland travel. But, there is a moderate amount of aftermarket support for it and it is in-expensive to fix. In my current "phase of life" it is going to allow me to get out and explore.

My task is to set it up to try to enhance the WJ's off-road abilities and still make it safe enough to run 1000 miles on the highway towing a 16' fishing boat(my other passion!).

It's in the shop now getting axle and brake work completed. Next will be other worn steering and suspension parts. Some repairs I'll complete myself but with 2 little ones under 2 years old at home I just don't have much time to play around anymore. I'll post updates as I finish them here. TTFN,

 

[maxfederle89]

Hey glad to find your thread. Yeah post pictures and ideas! I always like seeing what people come up with. And I think the WJ will serve you well. Already have about 3 oil changes in mine haha.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[pikeintheboat]

No problem! I just got it back from the shop. Shout out to Extreme Performance in Ellettsville, IN. They work on most to all of the off road trucks in this area and understand 4x4's. Here's what I had them do:

1. Front brakes
2. Replace front CV axle for the Dana30
3. Replace seals/bearings/retainer collar for both Dana44 rear axles(I thought only one was bad).
4. Change front and rear Diff fluid
5. Change transfer case fluid.

Drives a lot better and stops as it should. No more clicking from the CV, and the whine from the drive-line is still there but quieter. I'd actually let it hit the dirt now.

Next on the list is:
1. New ball-joints
2. Rebuild suspension/steering bushings
3. Purchase and install OE skid plates for front suspension and transfer-case.
4. Replace transmission pan with aluminum PML aftermarket pan. Install temp gauge for towing and off-road duty.
5. Investigate oil leak. Hope it is worth it. If not, I may consider rebuilding engine. Or, maybe find a newer Hemi from a wrecked out Commander. Or that new diesel from Cummins to drop in.........

Considering OME + Addco suspension updates versus an Off-roader 4" lift from BDS. Leaning to the OME suspension because it should be better for overland travel.

Remember, Jeeps are "built" and not "bought". :)