It's Official -Wife hates her new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[macabethiel]

Well last night it all game out in a blurt the Missus is not keen on her new motor.

She thinks its very slow - compared to the Santa Fe petrol it is but its very similar if not a tad faster than the old r3mR.
She hates the ride its so prehistoric - well the Santa Fe was very car like and quick off the mark too. The r3mR was rack & pinion the Jeep is a steering box.

The short term fix is we keep it for a few months to see if she can live with its shortcomings and if not look for something else in the spring.

I am wondering if there is any easy and not too expensive way to improve the ride such as wheels/tyres or suspension mods?
I am posting on the Jeep website but the response rate is nothing like what it is here if you have a question or problem.

[AlexD333]

Yeah it's all mods, need to find out exactly what she does not like, if it's speed, get some sort of tune it box.

And if ride is horrid, get some comphy seats or different springs, poss offroad ones :thumb2

[macabethiel]

Yeah it's all mods, need to find out exactly what she does not like, if it's speed, get some sort of tune it box.

And if ride is horrid, get some comphy seats or different springs, poss offroad ones :thumb2

I think the performance once you reach 30 mph is acceptable but its not my motor so some sort of chip upgrade is an option if I can sort the ride.

The seats are pretty comfy leather with loads of electric adjustments.
Its the ride on poor road surfaces that lets it down it just seems to be deflected by every little bump or rut. You feel its like a "weeble that wobbles but won't fall down" as it negotiates the road surfaces.

What would offroad springs do as I have never ventured into changing springs except for lowering decades ago? There is even the possibility that its got some sort of heavy duty springs on her already as the vehicle has tow bar & electrics. Springs are well rusted so not recently changed maybee there are some decent tappered replacements available I will look into this option in detail.

I am sure someone on this site has a J.G.Cherokee but it might be a later model.

[SpaceCowboy]

Something not right there.
I have had 2 Grand Cherokees (both T reg) and an older Cherokee HO Ltd and they went like the proverbial off a shovel. Took almost everything at the traffic light drag racing and I didn't hang about on A and B roads. All were the 4.0 Ltr version though. They didn't like bumpy roads, but it didn't slow me down any.
The Terrano I have just bought is a dinosaur compared to them. I wouldn't dream of doing anywhere near the speeds I could drive at with the Jeeps.
I quite like the Terrano, but it's going to be a while before I can relax driving it. It's tail happy in the wet, top heavy in the corners and like a tractor everywhere else.
Just what you get used to, I suppose.

[Blocky10]

Might be a good idea to find a couple for sale you can both test drive to see if there's any difference. Could just be you're still used to the santa fe.

[Barrbeast]

Try somewhere like Pedders for some aftermarket springs and shocks - if you give them a call and tell them what you're trying to do they should be able to tell what combination to go for :thumb2

Even without ARBs my ride and handling is much better now I've got aftermarket springs and shocks fitted

[supergnome]

If the wife don't like it, you'll be getting rid. Women.:nenau

[AlexD333]

We had a Santa Fe during the Iceland trip, it was very car like, not very 4x4 if you get what I mean.

Surely there just be some comfy springs about?

[Terrano Steve]

If the wife don't like it, you'll be getting rid. Women.:nenau

I think getting rid of the wife is a bit extreme :lol not really her fault

Did she take it for a test drive before you bought it? I always insist Mrs Terrano Steve takes a test drive before we buy a car.
It gets expensive otherwise.

[terrano bob]

shogun :thumbs

[firebobby]

shogun :thumbs

Shotgun!!, bloody hell mate, he doesn't want to get rid of the Mrs :lol:lol

Oh, Shogun :augie

[Ogri]

She's now experienced the comfort of a monocoque with independent suspension. My guess is that no ladder chassis rigid axled vehicle will now be as good.

You could change springs and shocks to make it more comfortable but she'd probably just hate it a bit less and still not love it.

My other half can't seem to get to like the Terrano and I think it's for much the same reasons.

[terrano bob]

Shotgun!!, bloody hell mate, he doesn't want to get rid of the Mrs :lol:lol

Oh, Shogun :augie

:lol:lol:lol:thumbs

[briggie]

at least she likes the colour ....... that's a big start :augie

[macabethiel]

Might be a good idea to find a couple for sale you can both test drive to see if there's any difference. Could just be you're still used to the santa fe.

I think you have nailed it in your last sentence. Maybee with time and a few decent jouneys under her belt things might change.

[macabethiel]

I think getting rid of the wife is a bit extreme :lol not really her fault

Did she take it for a test drive before you bought it? I always insist Mrs Terrano Steve takes a test drive before we buy a car.
It gets expensive otherwise.

Ah now we getting close to some issues. Wife had not driven since accident - 2 weeks or so previously. She was a passenger when we road tested her and refused to drive on the basis that it was always me that drove any new motor on road test.

I should have insisted but did not want confrontation. Plus the Missus is still not well and is in a lot of abdominal pain & sciatica. She loved the look of the Jeep and the brand. I think there is still time for her to come to like it. At present am looking at some plattitudes to get through the early weeks of ownership - am hoping she will come to love it with time.

I found an interesting contact via the Jeep owners site who I know from wey back who has pointed me in the direction of a local Rural Garage who knows his Jeeps. Have been told that a set of Overland springs and shockers might help the ride as she will sit an inch or so higher. It might be a cheaper option than changing vehicles.

[macabethiel]

shogun :thumbs

As you know that was an option and in our price range but I prefer a cam chain to a belt.

[macabethiel]

She's now experienced the comfort of a monocoque with independent suspension. My guess is that no ladder chassis rigid axled vehicle will now be as good.

You could change springs and shocks to make it more comfortable but she'd probably just hate it a bit less and still not love it.

My other half can't seem to get to like the Terrano and I think it's for much the same reasons.

To my surprise it looks like IRS at the back with coil springs and drive shafts though it drives like a cart axle! Same at front end.

Maybe time will help - not. lol

[macabethiel]

at least she likes the colour ....... that's a big start :augie

I am thinking a nice Gun Metal Handbag might pour oil on troubled waters !

[briggie]

I am thinking a nice Gun Metal Handbag might pour oil on troubled waters !

:jesterbg ...... don't mention guns to her :augie:lol

[macabethiel]

:jesterbg ...... don't mention guns to her :augie:lol

Actually Battleship grey sounds worse than Gunmetal now I think about ! lol

I might have found a nice rural garage out at Horsley Woodhouse that can sort the handling / ride. The bloke there is an ex-Jeep mechanic - am taking a run over Tuesday afternnon for him to check it over.

[terrano bob]

As you know that was an option and in our price range but I prefer a cam chain to a belt.

shogun is cam chain :confused: :thumbs

[AlexD333]

Between the two I would choose belt over chain and follow the schedule religiously. A chain is a nightmare to get to, atleast a belt is reachable :thumb2

I'd choose gear drive over belt or chain all day long though :sly

[terrano bob]

Between the two I would choose belt over chain and follow the schedule religiously. A chain is a nightmare to get to, atleast a belt is reachable :thumb2

I'd choose gear drive over belt or chain all day long though :sly

I agree with you alex 100% gear drive every time but the shogun is chain drive

[AlexD333]

I agree with you alex 100% gear drive every time but the shogun is chain drive

Chain = pain
Belt = melt
Gear = beer

I'm no Shakespeare but..l :augie

[terrano bob]

Chain = pain
Belt = melt
Gear = beer

I'm no Shakespeare but..l :augie

we're going to have to stop agreeing alex people will start talking :augie :thumbs

[AlexD333]

we're going to have to stop agreeing alex people will start talking :augie :thumbs

Yeah.. Imagine if I had made your profile, and you are indeed me :eek:

[terrano bob]

Yeah.. Imagine if I had made your profile, and you are indeed me :eek:

:naughty :thumbs

[macabethiel]

shogun is cam chain :confused: :thumbs

Dunno why thought they were still a belt driven camshaft, academic now we have the Jeep.

In the seventies I worked at a Mitsubishi dealership they were imported under the brand Colt back then and the engines were chain driven cams with balancer shafts but changed over to belt drive due to chain noise issues. Not kept up to date! lol

Missus might be drawn to a Shogun if she does not settle with the Jeep. I am hoping she will get used to the Jeeps ride. Looks like there is a rear ARB upgrade that sorts them for use on tarmac.

[firebobby]

Make her catch the bus for a few days, just say the Jeep is off the road or something, I'm sure she will welcome it with open arms after roughing it on public transport or walking :augie

[terrano bob]

Make her catch the bus for a few days, just say the Jeep is off the road or something, I'm sure she will welcome it with open arms after roughing it on public transport or walking :augie

:jesterbg :thumbs

[macabethiel]

Make her catch the bus for a few days, just say the Jeep is off the road or something, I'm sure she will welcome it with open arms after roughing it on public transport or walking :augie

I have not caught a Bus in the UK since I was 15 years of age. (Excluding drunken coach trips to breweries in the 70's)

The Missus has not caught a Bus in the UK since 1978.

She would just take my car or make me tax the SL for winter use !!

[macabethiel]

The wisdom on the Jeep website is new rear shocks, consider rear springs , check rear suspension arms etc for wear.
Replace the standard rear ARB with an ADDCO one from the US it sorts the rear suspension for Tarmac use allegedly!
The guy recomending the ADDCO rear ARB imports them so might be vested interest not truly independent advice.

[AlexD333]

The wisdom on the Jeep website is new rear shocks, consider rear springs , check rear suspension arms etc for wear.
Replace the standard rear ARB with an ADDCO one from the US it sorts the rear suspension for Tarmac use allegedly!
The guy recomending the ADDCO rear ARB imports them so might be vested interest not truly independent advice.

Gotta be worth a go, tell the missus there has been an emp disturbance in the area and all your vehicles aren't working :augie

Tv and kettle will have to be off too :lol

[macabethiel]

I went to see the local Jeep man at Horsleylane Garage. He went out in the motor with me and then checked underneath the rear suspension.

He found one ARB link worn with a fair bit of play in it, otherside had some movement but not loads. Some movement in the clamp D bushes and a poor brake pipe - long one that runs length of most of the vehicle otherwise all sound.

Said changing the whole rear ARB was a waste of good money as the Jeep ones are OK. Awaiting his estimate but sounds promising that it will help steady the back end jitery ride.

[Terrano Steve]

:clap Sounds promising then.

[macabethiel]

:clap Sounds promising then.

Yep but have decided that an ADDCO ARB upgrade is the way to improve things trouble is they are on back order from the USA so its going to take a few weeks to get one. Found them on Amazon but postage and customs ramps the cost up. There is an importer in the UK so hope they can give me a realistic delivery date.

Might do the rubbers on the existing set up to tide me over ?

[Bigbunny2007]

Yep but have decided that an ADDCO ARB upgrade is the way to improve things trouble is they are on back order from the USA so its going to take a few weeks to get one. Found them on Amazon but postage and customs ramps the cost up. There is an importer in the UK so hope they can give me a realistic delivery date.

Might do the rubbers on the existing set up to tide me over ?

Did you fit the Addco rear arb?
I have a Grand Cherokee and it has a Skippy/swaying back end! Going to fit new rear trailing arms and was thinking about replacing the ARB drop links and D bushes.

[macabethiel]

Did you fit the Addco rear arb?
I have a Grand Cherokee and it has a Skippy/swaying back end! Going to fit new rear trailing arms and was thinking about replacing the ARB drop links and D bushes.

I replaced the rear ARB links first but found that the Jeep clamp bushes would not fit.

Measured the ARB and it turned out that the previous owner who had fitted the tow bar had also fitted a 1" ADCO rear ARB.

Managed to get a pair of clamps and bushes from the USA complete with grease nipples - cost around £30 with postage. First set only lasted 18 k miles as I did not grease them.

The 1" upgrade is great if you are towing or the vehicle is fully laden but it's too stiff in my opinion for everyday use.The ride at low speed on B roads is dreadful but it's okay if you drive over 30 mph but still bouncy firm. It's actually 700% stiffer.

If you Jeep has the 1/2" diameter standard ARB I would fit the 9/16" version for everyday use. The rear shock absorbers had also been upgraded as they are much fatter than standard ones. I would be minded to try high quality shock absorbers like Koni or Bilstein first. I am not sure but some later WJ's were fitted with a factory 5/8" rear ARB.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/swaybars.htm

The above link is very good.

[macabethiel]

The standard rear ARB is 7/8" diameter and the next upgraded is 9/16" that's some 382 % stiffer. This is the ADCO recommendation if you are upgrading the rear only. TBH I have not checked if I have an ADCO upgrade at he front.

I measured my existing bar diameter with a Caliper Tool I bought from Aldi a few years ago great little device that measures Metric or Imperial at touch of a button.

[Bigbunny2007]

Thanks for the info mate, looks like I have standard 1/2" arb on the rear. Once I get Christmas out the way I'm going to replace the rear trailing arms as they need to be done! Once I've done them I think I'll look into getting the 9/16 arb :thumb2

[Daemo]

Personally i dont think she will ever like the jeep and you will be wasting money on upgrades.. my wife did the same with a v6 long wheel base suzuki vitara some years back... we just sold it and moved on..

[perelaar]

Playing advocate of the devil here, but you can also change the wife instead of the car :p

[Bigbunny2007]

Personally i dont think she will ever like the jeep and you will be wasting money on upgrades.. my wife did the same with a v6 long wheel base suzuki vitara some years back... we just sold it and moved on..

A Suzuki is not quite in the same league as a jeep :D
Although I'm not knocking a Suzuki :thumb2

[macabethiel]

Thanks for the info mate, looks like I have standard 1/2" arb on the rear. Once I get Christmas out the way I'm going to replace the rear trailing arms as they need to be done! Once I've done them I think I'll look into getting the 9/16 arb :thumb2

Is yours a WJ series ?
The later ones were fitted with the 7/8" but I believe the earlier production runs had 1/2" ones.
If yours is the 1/2" one you might find a standard 7/8" one stiff enough. Either way I would put some heavy duty adjustable rear shock absorbers on at the same time if funds will allow. That way you can tinker with the ride.

I seriously considered reverting back to a standard rear ARB but we have got used to the ride over the last 23 months of ownership.

[Bigbunny2007]

Yeah its a WJ 4.0 6 cylinder :sly
The motor is on gas so its not too harsh on the wallet! Gas at the moment is pretty cheap at 49p a litre :thumb2
Not looked into the shockers yet but I like the sound of adjustable ones! I'm sure my Arb is 1/2"

[Banshee]

Yeah its a WJ 4.0 6 cylinder :sly
The motor is on gas so its not too harsh on the wallet! Gas at the moment is pretty cheap at 49p a litre :thumb2
Not looked into the shockers yet but I like the sound of adjustable ones! I'm sure my Arb is 1/2"

Trick bit of kit when I saw it mate :thumb2

Deffo a truck I'd consider in the future :naughty

[elty001]

I've been offered a 1998 4.0 grand Cherokee.
LPG kit on it,2" lift and almost new mud tyres.
Guy wants a grand or nearest offer.
Runs fine on gas but a bit lumpy on petrol.
If crimbo wasn't just around the corner I would be very tempted.

[Bigbunny2007]

That's a bargain at that money!


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[macabethiel]

Yeah its a WJ 4.0 6 cylinder :sly
The motor is on gas so its not too harsh on the wallet! Gas at the moment is pretty cheap at 49p a litre :thumb2
Not looked into the shockers yet but I like the sound of adjustable ones! I'm sure my Arb is 1/2"

Sounds great but as we use the Shuttle it's a none starter as they do not allow gas powered vehicles. I almost bought a Nissan Murrano with a LPG conversion until I realised this.

Koni do a Heavy Track unit http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=kono+jeep+shock+absorbers&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xkoni+jeep +shock+absorbers.TRS0&_nkw=koni+jeep+shock+absorbers&_sacat=0

[solarman216]

Yeah its a WJ 4.0 6 cylinder :sly
The motor is on gas so its not too harsh on the wallet! Gas at the moment is pretty cheap at 49p a litre :thumb2
Not looked into the shockers yet but I like the sound of adjustable ones! I'm sure my Arb is 1/2"

Where do you get gas at that price, last I looked it was 70 here, Rick

[Bigbunny2007]

Local Texaco garage, first time I filled up it was 0.46p a litre! Guessing it might drop again after Christmas!


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[elty001]

That's a bargain at that money!


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thats what i thought,will see if its still for sale after xmas:thumbs