1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer from North America - Comments

3rd Apr 2003, 11:46

"A squirrel squashin' deer smackin' driving machine!"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

When my dad bought it, it was five years old - the year the radiator always blows.

After that, it's been the usual problems associated with these jeeps:

-The Jeep is on it's third or fourth exhaust system.

-Fuel gauge sending unit has been replaced twice.

-Tailgate window brackets have rusted off, requiring a new window.

-Switch in tailgate to allow window to go up when closed seems to always be problem prone when you need it the most. (in winter).

-U joints have been replaced.

-Rebuilt carburetor installed.

-Fuel pump gave it up.

-Power steering gearbox started leaking at bottom seal. Been replaced.

-Replaced EGR valve.

-Ignition module failed at six years old (out of town of course).

-Right side exhaust manifold cracked, caused by a siezed heat riser valve.

General comments?

I am 21 years old and I have grown up with the Grand Wagoneer since I was a baby in the back seat.

It was defenitely a blast to take to school when I got my license! The offroad trips during lunch break kicked @$$! It is the most solid utility vehicle on the road and probally always will be.

On my way in to work one day in late November, I lost control of the rear end on the icy driveway where I work. Being in 2WD, the back end fishtailed immediately going around the corner and I ended up in the ditch further up. The ditch was a fifteen foot drop almost straight down, but what made things worse were the thick cedar trees before the ditch!

The Jeep required both front leaf springs which I replaced myself in minus fifteen degree (celcius) weather, as well as a brake line. The front fenders and bumper are wrecked, but drivable as is. I have another Jeep for parts - thank god!

If this had been any other SUV with plastic bumpers and unibody, the frame for sure would be bent and many windows smashed!


2nd Oct 2005, 19:04

OK, you are still driving it, that is to be expected for a GW... The only real question is, did you drive it out of the ditch with or without winch assist??


7th Dec 2005, 20:29

Yeah...my dad bought a wagoneer when I was little too... I remember all the camping trips and off-roading in it. Great suv. It never let us down, always got itself out of the mud. And now I think it's time that I take it... because she's just sitting in our driveway. : (

Add another comment

Note: A Comments RSS Feed RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site

All Jeep Grand Wagoneer reviews