Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7

Author
Discussion

bozmandb9

Original Poster:

673 posts

187 months

Wednesday 6th March 2013
quotequote all
Hi there,

I'm considering buying a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 High Output Overland, saw we have a few experts in this section, and just wondered if you could help me with a couple of questions.

Firstly, it's LPG converted, does this present a problem with the High Output V8 lump? Anybody have direct experience?

Secondly, not really important, but I'd love to know if the 'Up Country' suspension package was fitted to UK cars.

Also, any other advice? It'll have a full warranty including wear and tear (will be inspected by the warranty company before I buy it), so that should help keep it on the road without breaking the bank (I'm coming from Range Rover ownership, so used to big bills!).


skyrover

12,686 posts

211 months

Thursday 7th March 2013
quotequote all
personally I avoid LPG in general as it opens up a whole new can of worms.

The 4.7 isn't the most resilient engine Chrysler have built, so I would be avoiding anything which might add to the risk of failure.

See of you can find one with the 4.0 straight 6.

jay140285

626 posts

191 months

Thursday 7th March 2013
quotequote all
Well I have the same Jeep, mine been an anniversary model.

The 4.7V8 in my opinion its a great engine, I have had one issue, it dropped a valve seat. Looking at the US forums this can happen regardless of LPG or not and does not effect many. I repaired it myself so kept costs down.

Ensure the LPG has valve saver fitted and working, I have a system called flashlube on mine and it prevents the dry LPG causing problems.

I went from RR P38 ownership to my Jeep and I would never go back, its comfy, powerful and reliable and good mpg on LPG.

Yes the 4litre is a bullet proof engine (I also have one of these in my Cherokee), but the power and sound of the V8 is worth it.

pcn1

1,253 posts

226 months

Thursday 7th March 2013
quotequote all
Check the blender doors in all positions (cheap fix if needed), get an Addco rear sway bar and your sorted ! cool

psychoR1

1,082 posts

194 months

Sunday 10th March 2013
quotequote all
These two websites will tell you almost everything you ever need to know about them:
http://www.wjjeeps.com/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/

We have had a 4.7 limted (low output) for the last 30k miles - I rate them - its a solid well built car that will last. Not the last word in design but a good comfy drive.

Do the usual checks etc for leaks - in particular look at the diff, driveshaft, transfer case and halfshafts for leaks - probably the worst is the rear halfshafts that soak the drum operated handbrake making it inop. Dont worry too mch though as the handrbarke cannot be tested on the MOT. The car can't go on the rollers because of the diffs.

The engines are very robust as is the transmission - look out for whip and whine on the test - it shouldn't do much of either.

Set the OH console on MPG for the test drive and watch the economy - at 70mph it should be over 20mpg if healthy.

Also look out for:
- engine warning light (MIL)- often a lamba sensor, fault codes read thro the speedo,
- brakes - they're heavy cars so the brakes take a pounding - front calipers can stick and discs can warp,
- blend doors - tho ours have been ok,
- seat heaters - easy fix tho',
- stereo - if the infinity system sounds crap the dash speakers have probably gone - easy fix,
- indicators - relay sometimes sticks - easy fix,

check the rad for corosion at the bottom and make sure the AC runs cold.

Most parts can be bought from wreckers or specialists at sensible money.