Skool me on WJs

benXJ

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2005
Location
Raleigh NC
Looking (casually) for a 2003-2004 6 cyl 4wd WJ with 100-150K miles

Want cloth seats and non-auto climate control

What do I need to be on the lookout for? I've owned XJs throughout the years and love the 4.0 and know the wokrings/how to work on them, but no knowledge of what is different besides the trans.

Will be used for DD and some light beach use.

Thanks
 
The biggest complaint about WJs is the 4.7 V8, so you are already ahead of the game looking for a 4.0. I am not aware of any other "known" issues with besides usual wear and tear.
 
Rear axle is a D44A which has an aluminum center section and a believe not many after market carriers fit it.
 
I've had a WJ for the last few years, here are my observations. The transmission seems to be ok if taken care of. I agree to go with the 4.0 and avoid the V8. Some of the common problems are: The HVAC system blend doors almost always break. When you go to test drive, if you have the dual zone AC you can check the codes on the AC system itself. This is separate from the CEL codes and gives you an idea of the health of the HVAC system. See here for more info http://www.wjjeeps.com/climate.htm Other than that, the full time transfer cases wear out. I'd look for one with a 242. If not, it's a pretty easy swap. The front drive shaft on the i6 WJs have a Rezzepa CV joint that tends to wear out quickly, especially if you lift it, although this can also be swapped for a regular ujoint equipped driveshaft from a v8 WJ. Also the front axle shafts have cv joints instead of ujoints. There's not much you can really do about this; the only conversion shafts are $$$. Luckily the lifetime replacement cv shafts are cheap. I think that covers most of it. Mine was pretty solid and reliable as a DD.
 
Kegcrawler on here has one that he and his wife have driven for years as a DD. 4.0, Auto, Laredo pkg. Its around 180k+ and has had the rear end rebuilt (bearings were toast IIRC) and what we believe is the torque converter is starting to act a little weird but it doesn't really affect drivability. Other than that they haven't had many issues out of it.
 
I for sure avoid the blend doors. Dealt with that before. That is only on the automatic climate control correct? If there are dials for the HVAC then all is good?

It won't be lifted or wheeled, but that is good info about the front driveshaft.
 
Blend doors break on the non-climate control ones as well, it did on ours. It still has blend doors, but they are joined together in the middle.
We bought a 2002 WJ with 27000 miles on it in 2003. We sold it 2 years ago with 212,000 miles on it. I regret selling it. It had a slight valve click when it was cold outside, but went away when warmed up. It did that probably from the time it had 120,000 miles on it.
 
benXJ said:
Is the blend door fix as involved on non-auto systems as it is on the auto systems?

Best way to check for proper operation?

Thanks
Click to expand...
The blend doors can be fixed in less than an hour for $50-$100 on either system. You can go at it behind the glove box instead of pulling the dash
 
2004, Special Edition Laredo with the 4.0 is the Holy Grail of WJs. Last year of production and most bugs were worked out, better seats, body cladding was painted to match paint and brushed nickel accents on the interior.
 
11412158_10206085758478282_2315423467641368809_n.jpg

Like this one jody?
 
Driver seat lean: the welds let go and the seat leans to one side. Drill a hole and run a bolt where the seat back frame meets the lower frame.

Transmissions are weak. that being said sold mine at 180k with no trans problems. i ran 31's with no regearing, seemed to take it well. the trans is a 42re not the aw4 of the XJ. computer controlled so not easily swappable.

Speaking of not swappable, the 4.0 is a different block. motor mounts are located in a different place than XJ 4.0s. so dont think you can just drop in any junkyard and pick on out. Needs to be from a TJ or WJ.

I'd have to double check, but i think the lug nut pattern for the wheels are odd as well.

aftermarket products are few and expensive. be ready to fabricate.


get past these few draw backs and they are great vehicles. a little more heavy than an XJ so the capable 4.0 doesnt feel as peppy but plenty strong for my 31s.


If you plan to go beyond a weekend warrior or move beyond 33s this may not be the rig for you. axle upgrades are nearly limited to rubicon dana 44s unless you plan on swapping to an earlier XJ t-case (minor fab work required) with a speedo port on the tail housing. Otherwise, the computer gets the reading from the axles, swap those out and the computer goes haywire.

I did some light family wheeling in mine. Now that my daughter is old enough to get into some heavier trail riding the WJ is gone and im on to something a little more mod friendly.
 
All of these guys are on point. I have been DDing a WJ for over a year now with the 4.0 after getting mine from friend for a real good price. Looking to retire an XJ from DD duty I was looking for another jeep with a bigger cab and comfier suspension. I was in between buying a ZJ or a WJ. There were a few ZJ in the area at the time with mileage close to 100k that were looking really nice but it wasn't until my friend mentioned he was selling his WJ that I went with that.

The WJ was a lot slower than I had imagined. It didn't help that I put the largest tire on stock suspension but I feel like the shift points are very conservative. That is my only real complaint, the 42re transmission. As low as everything hangs below the unibody rail I could never imagine it being a good off road platform. People make it happen but it isn't as simple as a ZJ or XJ for sure. Even with a strait front axle the suspension is very smooth.

It will forever be a street queen as long as I drive it.
 
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