I am a toy guy but am looking at a '96 grand cherokee limited. I am real interested in the car, but was wonding how reliable these bad boyz are. I think its got the 5.2L v8. How good an engine is this and also hows the tranny in these?? Any comments appreciated. thanx

I've got a 93 ZJ with over 220,000 miles still running. The engine needs a rebuild, burns a quart of oil every 500 or so miles but the tranny is still going strong. I have only done routine maintenance to both never had a problem. A 96 V8 will have the NP-249 which uses a viscous coupling for all wheel drive, these don't seem to last as long as they should but it's a simple swap to a 231 or 242 when it goes. I would recommend the ZJ it's not a bad station wagon.
Jeff

I have 140,000 on mine in a 94 dakota, runs great uses about 1/2 quart every 3000. Cant help on the tranny, mine has a NV3500.

-Jeremy

seeker,

is yours' a 4.0 or the v8? I'm driving a '93 ZJ with 4.0 it has 216,000 miles... It still runs very strong, and hardly burns oil, tranny was replaced around 30k miles along with transfer case, all under warranty, and haven't had any problems since..... I know this isn't 5.2 information....... you might want to check JU :D

5.2's, althought they are basically a 318, are not quite as reliable as the old-school 318's (pre magnum days)

FWIW, i would look for a 4.0L, it will be a stronger motor in the end. unless the v8 ends up being a deal that you can't say no to. both are excellent motors, but the 4.0L will take much more abuse and not show it

my 4.0L in my XJ had about 312K miles on it. all it really needs is valve seals. still had great compression and will run a 16.8 sec 1/4 mile. (yeah, it's still got balls)

I've got the 5.2L V8. It has always burned a little more oil than I would like, but the last 20K have been rough. I am saving my pennies for a swap to the Mopar crate 360MPI probably rebuild the tranny while I'm at it.

I've got the 5.2 Magnum in my 98 Durango. I've got 84K miles on the engine and original tranny... Only drivetrain problem so far has been an oil leak at the timing chain cover. Runs great, guzzles gas, and never burns a drop of oil. I'm not exactly "nice" to it either.... :flipoff2:

Thanks Guys