[Tru2Chevy]

To answer your question, yes you can use the Jeep for both DD and wheeling, but what you want to do alters my recommendations for you. Same as the type of wheeling you would be doing would alter my recommendations.


If you are looking at a Grand Cherokee, I would stick with the 96-98 or 02-04, earlier ones with the straight 6, later ones with either the straight six or the 4.7 v8. 98 was the last year for the first generation, and there were some issues with the first few years of the 2nd gens that make the later ones more desirable. Chances are you won't find an 02-04 in your price range though.

Either way, look for one that has a 2wd option in the transfer case, that will save you some mileage. You can lift either 1st or 2nd gen Grand Cherokees fairly cheaply, depending on how high you wanna go - both are on coils all around, so you can start with 2" spacers and new shocks to get into wheeling on a budget.

Personally, I prefer the Cherokee to the Grand - I don't need all the frills. If you want to look into these, I would stick with a 95-96 or a 98-99, all with the straight 6 and either the auto or manual, whichever your preference. They were redesigned for 97, all new interior (with cupholders!) and a facelift.

Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions. I can go into more detail about either one. I have a '96 Cherokee with the straight 6, and my wife has an '04 Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 v8.

- Justin