PROJECT VICTORIA: HEMI GC Limited

XJsavage

XJsavage

CounterCulture
Joined
Aug 15, 2009
Location
Lyle's Ford SC
Greetings NC4X4 family. Warlock of Zante Plantation, again.
I recently purchased this beautiful 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with the factory 5.7 HEMI to replace my worn out Yukon XL for daily driver purposes. The background story is as follows; Some friends of the family have ran a car lot for many years. Mr. Dinkins owns the lot and before that used to be one of the top salesman for the Chrysler Dodge division of Wilson's in Winnsboro SC (owned by my relatives). He decided to split off and go on his own back in the mid 2000s as he approached retirement age. Fast forward to 2017, at age 71, is now ready to start downsizing. Between my father and I, we have bought several vehicles from him. Seven to be exact. A huge Jeep fan himself, he was generous enough to let go of one of his own personal favorite rides. Here we have it...
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Right now it's bone stock. Ultimate and gradual plans include a small lift (2.25" at most) and more aggressive tires. Since the lug pattern is common with the JKs, I'll be taking advantage of the profusion of readily available wheel/tire combinations.
First order of business was to put together a hitch for the boat, 1 7/8" ball and snag proof.
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After a few days behind the wheel of this Jeep, I've already fallen in love with it. It is pure driving pleasure to say the least. 150k miles have been kind to it with the exception of a slight premature engagement coming from the driveline (which I've pinpointed to be the actuator solenoid in the front differential). At worst, if the transfer case needs to be rebuilt, so be it. Everything else seems 100%

I have a developed fixation with welding and fabricating stainless and aluminum, so the majority of custom parts built for this Jeep will be made with such.

Owning a Jeep this new is a learning experience for me, and any input is greatly greatly appreciated! I cannot wait to get back into the lighter wheeling I enjoyed over the years.
 
My 06 had some issues with the front diff. Turned out, the wiring harness needed replacing in the diff. I think that's a common problem in the quadradrive jeeps. Might could find you the part number for the harness if you need it.
I've got a 06 commander it's actually our second 5.7 commander. They are very capable, in fact it's no fun in snow. It goes when you hit the gas and stops when you hit the brake.


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BlueDriver scan tool supports all the body engine and transmission codes if you don't already have a scanner. 100 bucks well spent.


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Also look for the upper front diff bushing to be worn out. That'll cause a knock up front and feels like excessive driveline slack.
A simple pry bar test will show you if the front diff has any vertical movement at all.
Easy to replace if that's what it is.
 
Does that rig know it's way to my crib?
 
Paul said:
Does that rig know it's way to my crib?
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Depends on what caliber bullet a phone book in the door will stop. That's my only defense at the moment.
 
XJsavage said:
Depends on what caliber bullet a phone book in the door will stop. That's my only defense at the moment.
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Damn brother, no need for self defense.
You are welcome here anytime. Just rsvp first.
;)
 
I know how to get to the mountain!
 
Had an 06 Commander Hemi, loved it. OME makes a nice lift for these ifs Jeeps and it'll ride nice as well. You'll be able to run 33s as well if you desire.
 
99JeepXJ said:
Had an 06 Commander Hemi, loved it. OME makes a nice lift for these ifs Jeeps and it'll ride nice as well. You'll be able to run 33s as well if you desire.
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I was really looking hard into that and also Rocky Road.
 
OME hands down. I had the RR before and was a ton more happy with the OME. Having a GC, you can run the MD lift instead of the HD and get an even better ride. The MD will net you closer to 2-2.25" and the HD will net 3", but the ride will be more stiff. I prefer a stiff ride and wanted more lift as the MD only gives 1.5" on the heavier Commanders. On the Cherokee, you can fit 33s with the MD and some massaging of the pinch weld.
 
In for the females.... I'm parting an 01 right now that has the 4.7 in it. I've been researching the 5.7 and from what I have found the motor likes to drop valve seats under certain conditions and likes to eat cams/lifters. Good Luck with it! I'd like to find a diesel from 08 or 07 I think it was personally.
 
Man y'all suck. @NickMaul @ghost

If you think for one second....one second... I'm gonna break character and post up some bland, themeless build thread with no tech or more importantly, naked women, you got miles to go before you figure me out.

Outdoor theme?
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NOW, it's a build thread.
 
If you meet some of these in the wild and need a photographer call me! ;) Hell if you know any women that want to be photographed call me! You can hold the reflector for fill light!
 
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