Best WJ Grand Cherokee?

[Java]

what is the best year of the WJ series Grand Cherokee to get? V8 only. I've been looking into vehicles to swap out my daily driver for and I've gone from truck and van to Grand Cherokee now. I've been looking on CL tonight and a lot of them are pretty affordable, I'm kinda sold on the idea but don't know much about them. Anything helps, thanks!!

[xaza]

Halfway through 2001? They changed the programming on the transmission to utilize an additional gear.
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/545RFE.html

[Shane]

Mine has the Quadra Trac II if I would have had the choice I would go with something with a select Trac. just my opinion, although I was quite pleased with how she did on the sand hills run, curious on how she will do on a regular run.

[glacierpaul]

I don't know Paul, Matt's is pretty sick!! I know it is a ZJ.

[Native ZJ]

I love my 98 zj but I didn't care for the stock Tranfer case had a custom bolt in 242 built to replace it $800

[Java]

nothing wrong with a ZJ, especially the coveted 98 5.9, but I want the lowest mileage I can find, and I like everyting I've read about the 4.7 and 5 speed auto, seems like a great towing rig. If I can find a ZJ or WJ for a steal I'll keep my DD and the mileage isn't as important, but I'd rather not have too many cars so I'm hoping for an 03 or 04 with around 100k.

[mattzj98]

As far as trannies on the WJ, $120 bucks at a dealer and they can flash programming to be able to use the 5th gear..

[Java]

I guess you mean to fix what Clifff posted? any problems associated with doing that? Thanks!!!

[Clickpopboom]

I would take a 2001.5 to 2004 as long as it has the upcountry package with the 4.7 HO. I think 02 is when they ditched the mechanical fan.

[06HokieTJ]

Too bad you want a V8... I'll soon be selling my 4.0L '04 Rocky Mountain Edition with a 242 Selec-Trac. It was made in the last month of the last year of production for the WJ's. Just rolled 125k on it.

[Java]

thanks Brett, I'm semi-open to a 4.0, although I really like the v8. If you want, PM me a price and such.