Hi, New Guy here.

[BrianAbington]

Came across this website while researching fuel saving techniques.

My Vehicle:
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Engine:
5.2 L V-8
Drive line:
Full Time AWD

I am discovering ways to improve the fuel economy of this vehicle and if yall are open to it I will post the things I try out and my results as I make changes.

[SVOboy]

Welcome to the site! We have a very activer jeeper, so hopefully he'll chime in with some good jeep-specific tips.

[H4MM3R]

Welcome to the community!

[DifferentPointofView]

mmmm. that's some nice Jeep you got there. Good for Jeepin'... not so much fuel economy. That all time 4 wheel is gonna kill your FE, as well as the 5.2L V8. That thing is a beast.

I'm running the AMC 242 4.0L I6, which I can run low 20's consistently on, but I don't know about that v8.

One thing that I find is helping is a block heater, gives me heat in the morning when it's around -6 to 9 degrees outside (don't think it'll be a problem for you) and help the motor be at optimum running temperature quicker, even in warmer weather. If you haven't done it yet, tuning up your engine will help alot as well, if your spark plug wires haven't been changed in you don't know how long and the engine isn't running as nice as you'd like, changing those will help, also cleaning your throttle body from built up gunk will help, as well as a new air filter.

If you need more stuff, I've experimented with alot of duct tape but the problem is, the limited actually has painted bumpers and side trim, instead of medium grey plastic, so you might not wanna duct tape that. A grille block helps great too.

[zjrog]

Another ZJ!!! I'm new too. But I can tell you from a friend's experience, replace that AWD transfer case with a NV242. It will give you 2wd for better economy. And also give AWD for winter piece of mind, as well as real 4wd when needed AND real Lo range. He doesn't know exactly what the gain was, but he is sure it is 3 MPG better than before. He thinks I'm nuts to try and find more mileage with our bricks.

Good luck brother...

[DifferentPointofView]

man, you guys that already have 4 wheel drive have it easy , us 2 wheel drive fella's have to find a donor ZJ with a live front axel, a transfer case, and 4 wheel drive transmission, then have to swap all that stuff out. really hard on a daily driver

[zjrog]

Yes, but you are running with less weight and rolling resistance than we are. Which is why I was suggesting ditching the AWD only transfer case for one like mine. I would also suggest the NV231 which is more stout overall, but lacks the Fulltime AWD capability. Though that case is in many Cherokees out there.

DPoV, if you are willing to change so much to get the 4x4, you might consider swapping in a AX-15 5 speed from the Cherokee, or maybe even the 6 speed from a Wrangler. If I were to go manual with my ZJ, the 6 speed would be the way to go. Just make sure you find a transfer case with the right input shaft to match. The AX-15 is plentiful in the junkyards. And if you watch the classifieds, or Craigslist for your area, you find a complete Cherokee for very cheap. Non-running would be a great deal for your donor... As long as when you start your swap, you do all the maintenance on the axle and driveshafts... But this is all stuff for a different section...

[BrianAbington]

So is it relativley easy to swap a manual transmission in to these ZJ jeeps? The only grand cherokees I've seen with a manual are the euro ones with the diesel engine.

I guess my question is what would it take to do a manual transmission swap...and swap to the RWD with selectable 4wd configuration.

[zjrog]

Define easy... I guess it depends on your mechanical ability. I could do it, I have a 4 banger Ranger apart with the cab sitting in my garage and the motor in my shed.

Everything should be mostly bolt in. If you could find a pedal assembly from a manual tranny ZJ in a junkyard, you'll need the pedals and the mounting braces. Plus the manual tranny. If you are swapping just the transfer case, get the case and the shifter as well as the console bezel so you will know what mode you are using. Honestly, for the ZJ check out http://www.nagca.com for most anything ZJ mechanically related. If you don't want or care for the Fulltime option, the NV231 is a more stout transfer case, and those are found in most of the Cherokees after 1987. Just being able to drive it in 2WD is a bonus. Argh... I forgot you have the V8. You might need to look for a 5 speed from a fullsize Ram or Dakota since the inline 6 bellhousings are different from the V8.

Oh, the 96 and later might have some issues with the computer. Since there wasn't a manual with the V8 (why not?), the ECM will be looking for the TCM (trans controller) information and will likely through a code. Thank you OBDII.

And just one more bit of Jeep info, for those that might have a Cherokee with the automatic, it is different than the one in the Grand Cherokee. There IS a kit available that allows you to shift it manually (electrically), so you can hold whatever gear you want. Again though, the OBDII 96 and newer will throw Check Engine Light and codes, but still function.

[BrianAbington]

I'm pretty mechanicaly capable. I also have a fair amount of help from friends as needed.
will the NV231 handel the power of the v-8 engine?

I know this is a lot for a introduction thread.