Hey guys I got a question, I've been looking at some older grands for my wife and am just curious about the 5.2l V8. How reliable was it? Any things to look out for?? And how many miles would you look for one used before you would pass it up?? I know the 4.0 is a sure bet no matter what jeep you buy as far as reliability, but so many are getting too high in mileage to buy used. So if you could help a Toyota guy out, it would be greatly appreciated.

The Crysler 5.2l (318ci) engine is in my opinion one of the best/most reliable engines ever made. 100k is nothing if it has been taken care of. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I had one of those motors with 225000 on it with nothin but periphrials (water pump etc) that went bad. Strong motors. It was in a small motor home so it was worked hard.

outstanding! so far anyways. thanks a bunch guys. So my next question is I'm looking at a 97' WJ with the 5.2 it has 80,000 miles for 7900.00 Everything that I can see looks great. So what else might be trouble spots on a grand with that many miles??

my parents have a 97 (with the 4.0) and about 200,000 miles (road miles) and they have had very little problems. It needed some AC work and it got a rebuilt tranny last month (probably not the same one as the 5.2) but overall it has been a very reliable vehicle.
that being said, my dad complains the 5.2 in his dakota is a gas hog, but he puts a lot of road miles on that too,

Josh

I understand the brakes are a bit short lived on that model. I have never owned one. As for the 4.2 and the 318 engines. They are both invented by American Motors. In the early 70's Mopar bought the right to manufactor them from AMC! Most folks think the 318 is all Mopar but it IS NOT! Them two engines are about the most reliable, longest lived of the USA products. Always a good choice.
Big Jim
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

i'm assuming that you're looking at a '97 ZJ since the WJ's didn't come out until '99, and they all had the 4.7L.

in any case i bought my '97 ZJ LTD a little under 2 years ago with the 5.2L and 74k on it. i can tell you the rotors will warp, it's just a fact of life. take the advice i've read here often and get the cheapest rotors and pads, because the front rotors will always warp. look at the pinion seal on the front axle, mine leaked around 80-85k. i replaced the power steering pump around 100k and the water pump gasket went about a month ago at 110k. also, i just replaced the rear differential bearings today (took care of the loud grinding noise). regular maintinance keeps most things away though.
that being said, my 97 ZJ is very reliable, parts are easy to get, and is one of the most comfortable vehicles i have driven.

oh, and it'll beat most cars off the line too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

BJ, where did you get that info? I aint sayin it aint so but, the MOPAR "A" series 318 was produced from 1956 through 1966, the "LA" series (the same basic engine found in Jeeps and Dodge trucks today) from 1964 till the present. IF Mopar bought the design from AMC, it would have to have been in the early sixties. Unless they stole it first and bought it later. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I admit I am a little hazey in remembering all the facts.
But in the late 60's Chrysler was having a lot of trouble with what is the epa today. The HEMI's were horrible poluters and EPA had a fine that would equal a billion dollars today ready to slap on Chrysler. In a flurry to get things under control a 3 way deal was made between Chrysler AMC and the EPA. In the deal Chrysler admitted certain things, promised certain things for the future, and took up patent rights to certain AMC engines. It is 35 year old history and is spoken about rarely now. But it is the reason the hemi's went away. I guess we could google a little and find out what I have forgotton over the years... or what I might have added to it over the years.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />