Jo6pak's WK2

[Jo6pak]

I'll link this one here, just to tie it all together

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/what-did-you-do-your-jeep-today-50782/index1779.html#post740747

 

[Jo6pak]

Almost a year and about 14k into owning the WK2.

I'm liking it. Rides great on the road. Bluetooth is really nice for tunes, streaming audio books, podcasts, phone calls.
Remote start and keyless entry are quite handy also

Off-road it is pretty capable too. The select-terrain system works really well, but it's a different driving style than the old XJ and KJ that I'm still working out.
Biggest issue right now is the low clearance and approach angle, the front bumper lower fascia is getting pretty scuffed up.
(Depending on tax return and some medical bills, the lift may happen this spring...if it ever comes)

I had the Mopar tow hitch and wiring installed last November, so that is checked off the list.

Winter driving= The SNOW setting along with the BFGs is amazingly good in the white stuff. It just does the job with no drama. There have been a few days I put it into SPORT in the snow just to have some juvenile drifting fun:gr_grin:

According to the readout, I'm averaging 17.6 MPG, This was closer to 20 during the summer when running 'summer fuel' and not idling to warm up in the cold.

The top mounted oil filter also makes changes a breeze, although I need to jack up the Jeep to get under to the drain plug (This is unacceptable!)

Verdict so far...

I like it better on road than the KJ for all the expected reasons; it's roomier, smoother, more comfortable, etc. It's the hands-down winner for wintery conditions

Off road, I still would prefer the KJ; it was smaller and more nimble with better clearance and angles. Admittedly, the ole Liberty had mods to make it so... at least for now until I get some upgrades for the Grand.

Speaking of off-road upgrades, the WK2 is going to be MUCH more spendy to get to the point that the KJ was.

OME lift with JBA UCAs is gonna run about $1500. And complete Mopar skids with additional Chief Products armor is gonna be another $1500:Violin:

Overall, I think the Grand Cherokee was a great decision, even if somedays I still miss the little black Libby

 

[Birdman330]

The Trailhawk is about the only actual off road suited Grand Cherokee. The QT II with Select Train works out nicely with the snow. I've had to use it a bit already since buying it though I still haven't messed with the Low Range other than putting it in to make sure it would engage.

 

[Jo6pak]

I've used the low-range on mine to crawl up a hill on a trail at my buddy's farm. Probably didn't need it, but we like to keep the trails from getting torn up.
The WK walked right up it with no problem. (for that matter, so would the KJ)

I used the hill descent on the way down the same hill. Which was a weird feeling, took me a second to trust it and take my foot off the brake.

WK Trailhawks are cool. But if I could spend that kind of money, I'd find a used 4-door JK and start modding.

 

[Birdman330]

I was amazed at how well the the QT II works I had to back up the driveway and could feel and hear all 4 tires spinning as I did so carefully. Though I was surprised when in the Apt. Parking Lot I did a drift, immediate reaction was ''Okay that shouldn't happen!" First time I've done a 4x4 drift ever. Drifting the KJ didn't freak me out because I knew how to control the body roll. I think with the WK2 I may need to get some better front and rear struts the Limited is more for Highway Crawling.

 

[Jo6pak]

Have a Shield Productions front skid in the garage, just waiting for the time to install it
http://shieldproductions.com/shield...iator-shield-skid-bash-plate-jeep-models.html

 

[Birdman330]

I like the vents for cooling.

 

[Jo6pak]

Yeah, the radiator sits pretty low and is only protected by a plastic guard. When I had the little puddle mishap, the front fascia was pushed back and actually dinged the bottom of the radiator, so getting something stronger down there is a must.

Chief Products makes some really nice armor and parts for the WK2s, but I just don't have that kind of money to spend on mine...at least not right now.

 

[Birdman330]

I've noticed an interesting quirk, when it's wet out or cold that sometimes steam comes out of the grille when coming to a stop. Seems this is known with the WK2's.

 

[ltd02]

My 05 KJ does this too, but never noticed it with my 02. Weird. Just figured I splashed a bit of wet on the rad. I topped the coolant up when I got it in 2016 and haven't had to add any since...

 

[Birdman330]

I never had the KJ do it, only time steam poured out was when I blew the water pump. Though we own Jeeps and they do their Jeep Thing with us.

 

[Jo6pak]

I have yet to see/notice steam.

Overall MPG is sitting at 21.5.

I'm still liking it, but I do miss the KJ for the little trails that would go down. (admittedly, the WK would go down those too, but I don't want to pinstripe it quite yet.

My GF and I are heading to northern WI over the 4th of July weekend, might hit a bit of the WI Overland Trail on the way back if time permits.

 

[Jo6pak]

Test fit the skid plate this morning. I'll have to remove the bumper cover to drill some holes for mounting. And also, devise a better way to fasten the lower part other than re-using the plastic knobs that hold the fascia support. And, while I'm at it, order and install a Mopar engine skid plate to replace the cracked, crappy plastic shield.

I pulled off the tow hooks and I'll be powder coating them (probably red)

When I bought the Jeep the lower fascia was loose on the drivers side corner, looked like just a broken clip which wasn't a big deal. But the mounting of the skid plate requires removing the plastic center section behind the fascia. This means the only place the fascia is fixed will need to be the corners. Upon investigation, I noticed that there is also a piece broken off the color matched bumper cover.

Which means, I'll either have to replace that, or MacGyver something to clip it all together.

Time to start searching salvage yards for a silver 2012 front bumper cover...

My quick little sunday morning project, got expensive in a hurry.

 

[profdlp]

...My quick little sunday morning project, got expensive in a hurry.

I feel for you. Lately, every project I start escalates like it was the Vietnam War.

 

[ltd02]

I feel for you. Lately, every project I start escalates like it was the Vietnam War.

This is why I just let entropy have its way...

 

[Birdman330]

Which is why having my days off has always been important, because then I can go out start in the morning and if hell breaks loose I can have the situation handled by the end of the day. Unfortunately, it seems district staff believe that work is more important than personal life and I'm not being sarcastic about it either.

 

[Jo6pak]

Found a new front bumper cover (silver even) and lower fascia in a salvage yard in Texas (Car-Part dot com is pretty handy)

It's used but in looks to be in good condition. $175 for the complete assembly, waiting for them to send me some more pics and to see what they say shipping will cost.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Test drove a WK2 yesterday.... absolutely loved it. Going to see about adding one to the fleet in the fall!

 

[Jo6pak]

What year? I hate the E-stick (I think that's what its called) in the 2014-2015 models.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I think probably a 14-15 to avoid the ESS crap. But I thought the estick was interesting, a conversation piece anyway. Definitely want the 3.6, tons of room in the engine bay it looks like.