burnsaZJ

Ok, to start out I just bought this '93 Grand Cherokee Laredo for only $600! 157,XXX miles. It has the AMC 242 straight 6 with a 4 speed auto tranny. I went to see this truck hoping that it wasn't gonna be a rust bucket that this guy just needed to get off his hands... As we arrive i am filled with joy seeing this jeep. NO RUST! Fairly clean all around in fact (dings here and there). Interior in decent shape and after some tlc will look reeeal nice. Here's the thing.....

The guy says that the head gasket has blown and that is HAS smoked while driving. Probably from coolant burning. For a brief moment a cracked head was mentioned by a friend who i brought with, noting that the 4.0's might be prone to this???

Another issue is the exhaust (pipe) is cracked or bent under the body from "hitting a snow bank". The fellow I'm going to be working on this jeep with told me that he has some machining and welding skills so that should be a quick fix.

Also just some minor things to note; the rear driver's side window does not role down. the key is actually broken off in the ignition as of now and i do not have another (hoping we can get the key out and make a copy?). and the rear hatch has to be "bumped" before it unlatches itself.

Other than these few things everything seems to be fine and in working condition and also had newer tires installed recently.

I bought this jeep tuesday and am working on everything this weekend with an experienced "jeep guy".
If you have any additional pointers or things you think i should look for and pay attention to please note in a reply.

Thanks, proud new owner of a '93 zj!

makingaZJ

The exhaust = easy (quick fix)

The rear latch being stubborn is VERY common (needs new latch)

You most likely will need a new window motor (not to difficult)

The MOTOR on the other hand... you may want to get it looked at professionally, the 4.0's are VERY strong motors and it takes alot to kill them.

I would say that your going to spend at LEAST a grand on the Jeep if you want it done RIGHT.

Good luck!

(anything else just ask)

-Nate

dave1123

I would drop the tranny pan and change the filter and fliud while checking for clutch material and metal in the pan. Some have magnets in the pan and any steel on the magnet shows wear on the clutch driven plates. A soft powder is normal, any slivers would be a red light. The tranny is your weakest link in the powertrain and requires the most care. These transmissions are good, but not bulletproof like the GM THM 350 was.

My 4.0 has 190K on it and still has good compression and oil pressure. Starts anytime and runs strong with no oil usage. I changed the converter recently because the matrix was breaking up, but the matrix was still clean. This engine is strong and reliable. It is lacking in power because it was built for longevity, not performance. I have a friend who has 256K miles on his, but it needs a rebuild badly.

burnsaZJ

Thanks Makinga

My mom actually owns an 06' TJ with the 242 and I've done quite an exstensive amount of research on the engine since receiving the jeep tuesday. From what I read they are actually one of the most reliable and strongest engines. Can't wait to get down in there!

But on another note, I am actually working with a guy that owns his own shop as well as many CJ's and has worked on just about any truck you or i can think of. So there won't be any need to get it checked out "professionally".

hopefully everything goes according to planned this weekend and she'll be ready to go. I'll let you know if i need anything in the future. THANKS

breakkthrough

The rear latch is a pain in the ***. When I bought my 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo, I tore apart the rear latch. The previous owner had a C clamp to keep the latch from getting loose. It worked, but I took the clamp out because I didn't know back then. But, the latch has always been an issue for me. It's an irritating problem to fix.

burnsaZJ

well the only way to find out what is wrong with it is to get in there and check **** out (tomorrow). it could be something as small as a loose cable or bent latch... not too worried about that.

plus if it runs i could care less