Grand Cherokee WH/WK
enquiry. The WK Grand Cherokee is here. Thank goodness for that.
The WJ it replaces sold very well, but it never endeared itself to real 4WD enthusiasts in the way the smaller XJ did from 1984 to 2001. Every auto manufacturer makes a little boo-boo now and then. In Jeep’s case it was the design of the suspension fitted to the WJ wagon. On less than smooth highway surfaces, the Jeep had a tendency to rock from side to side – just like when you are fishing from an alloy dinghy, and a speedboat whizzes past. Not comfortable. Even less so if you paid extra to get the slippery, leather-clad seats. Fitting a set of high-performance shock absorbers, such as Rancho's RSX 'reflex technology' series, seems to cue some of the problems. However, nothing short of a full rework of the suspension design (totally impractical) will provide a ride equal to many of the Jeep's competitors.
Enough! The new WK is here and it is proof that DaimlerChrysler made their suspension engineers write ‘Jeeps are not supposed to rock’ a million times in their homework books. With an independent front and a solid rear controlled by a new 5-link setup, the 2006 Grand Cherokee now has better ride, handling and predictability. Although, on rough, corrugated roads and tracks, the OEM shock absorbers are still not up to the job.
The longer, wider WK has a ‘hunkered-down’ look that is a successful blend of style and toughness. We like the wider cabin, the choice of engines (including the stomping 5.7 Hemi, which runs on just four of its cylinders when the power is not needed), the reversible cargo tray and the amazing electronically-locking differentials.
However, the pick of the range is the CRD, powered by a Mercedes Benz 3.0 V6 diesel. It is quiet, frugal with fuel and, with an enormous amount of torque, can beat a 4.7V8 version to 60mph (100km/h).
If you decide to buy a WK, and intend to use it off sealed roads, you would be crazy not to choose one with the Quadra-Drive II package. This superb drivetrain technology provides automatically-locking front, centre and rear differentials that operate in a blink. Only one tire needs grip to keep the Jeep moving. It is simple, fast, effective and superior to any of the traction systems used by Jeep’s competitors.
For details on our suspension and accessories for this Jeep Grand Cherokee click here.
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