FINALLY!!!! No more friggin' Subaru Outback!

[Hokie]

Hey guys, I apologize for the considerable absence from this forum. I haven't forgotten y'all, I've just gone through a tremendous amount of crap in my life in the last 9-12 months...

Anyway, I FINALLY got rid of the freaking Les-baru Outback, that I've been driving for going on 2 years now (after, in a moment of insanity in early 2008, I got rid of my super stock, 32" tire, 5.0 4x4 Mountaineer... )

Anyway, I finally got back into a 4x4. But, unfortunately, its not a Ford. (Don't worry, as soon as I move back to CO I'll have a Ranger or F150 parked in the driveway). Dad had two 3rd Gen, 2002 Explorers that I got to drive over the years, and I really tried to like them. But for my needs they're too big (I really wanted something right between the length of my old '98 Mountaineer and my 2 door '99 X Sport) So, try as I might, I just didn't like the 3rd Gen Explorers that I saw here in Houston. Anyway, when I saw this I was hooked...

Here are the specs.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 "Rocky Mountain Edition"
* 4.0L I6 engine - standard (42RE 4-speed transmission)

Rocky Mountain Edition Unique features:

* Production start/end: May, 2004
* The last "WJ" series model (1999-2004, last of the fr/rr solid axle Jeep Grand Cherokees)
* Limited production run
* Special "Rocky Mountain Edition" badging

Other features:

* Adjustable Roof Rail Crossbars
* AM/FM, Cassette, CD, Equalizer, 10-Disc Changer
* 6 Infinity® Speakers with 180w amplifier
* Automatic Headlamps
* Auxiliary 12-Volt Power Outlet
* Cargo Compartment Cover
* Water Resistant Cloth Bucket Seats
* Covered Cargo Storage
* Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
* Front and Rear Floor Mats
* Fog Lamps
* Luxury Group
* Mini Overhead Console
* P235/65R17 OWL All-Terrain Tires
* 17-inch Spare Steel Wheel
* 17-inch Rogue cast aluminum wheels, chrome finish
* Power Seats
* Power Sunroof
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Security Alarm
* Selec-Trac transfer case (2HI, AWD, 4HI, 4LO, N)
* Sun Visors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
* Traveler/Mini Trip Computer
* Universal Garage Door Opener
* Vehicle Information Center

Options:

* Power heated mirrors
* Skid plate group

Best part is, the Jeep has spent all but 3 (summer) months of its life in rust free southern Texas!

So... I really didn't want a Jeep (read: subpar Chrysler build quality) but I figured if I was going to buy one, why not get solid axles fr/rr and a bullet-proof 4.0 I6? Yeah the interior fit and finish (switches, plastics, etc.) looks/feels like crap, but it rides pretty well, has as a smooth & torquey 4.0 I6 under the hood and leaves me LOTS of potential for the inevitable off-road build up! (Long arms, 32-33" tires anyone?)

Anyway, as any thread is worthless without pics:

 

[section525]

Looks like it might have a little potential, Hokiebert.

Where you working now?

 

[Hokie]

Where you working now?

Working as an Application Engineer for Cummins in Houston, TX. I'll be here until the economy decides to quit sucking (or I say screw a career and move back to CO to be a ski-bum)

 

[BradR]

I dislike automatic Jeeps. I've driven 3 automatic Jeeps (about a week each) and they just have no balls.
But I'm talking the CJ YJ TJ style, etc.
My friend has a 87 YJ Manual, and I love it, lol.

Looks nice! I hope you have fun with your new toy!

 

[kert0307]

I like the seats. Should look good with an off road bumper and some larger tires.

 

[Tbars4]

...Glad to see you still alive...:biggthump

 

[mrboyle]

Good to hear from you. If you hadn't noticed I'm not wheeling an Explorer anymore either (still DD one though). The Grand should treat you well.

 

[FlyBoyCoe]

WTH BRETT? You never told me you got rid of the Outback. Congrats! I like the new ride a lot better. I can already see the roof rack, 33"s, and tube bumpers.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

nice jeep u plan on doing mods to it

 

[Hokie]

WTH BRETT? You never told me you got rid of the Outback. Congrats! I like the new ride a lot better. I can already see the roof rack, 33"s, and tube bumpers.

Already been researching lift/tires... my dad's Murano has 1" taller tires than my GC for crying out loud!

When these tires wear out I'll probably go with a 2.5-3" lift and 255/70R17's (31.1x10 tire)

Once I move back to CO I'll eventually work my way up to a 4.5" lift (maybe long arms) and 285/70R17's (but I'd probably need to regear to 4.10's for a 33" tire)

 

[jenren81]

that jeep is purdy brett! so you are gonna move back to CO sometime? we never got to snowboard together when you lived here, boooo hoooo !