MY14 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Laredo

[BigSkiddy]

Got some new shoes for the Jeep! Hankook Dynapro MT 275/65/R18 (increased from the standard 265/60R18). I will only have these on when going on planned offroad adventures, have another set of original rims with the standard Michellins for everyday use.
It's no pit stop record but it took me 20 mins to change over all wheels.

 

[Smergen]

Some chunky set of shoes right there. Nice work mate!

 

[BigSkiddy]

Tested out the new shoes on the Jeep today, made a huge difference.

 

[twscoot]

A beautiful thing....

 

[Dave & Ros]

Did a $10000 upgrade for $70. Now my Laredo looks like a Limited, well from the outside anyway.
Before
View attachment 19030

After
View attachment 19031

Also added a bug deflector/ bonnet protector.
View attachment 19032 View attachment 19033
I put these on myself, so if you have any questions on how to do it let me know.

And if you ever wondered what the Grand Cherokee looks like with the lower bumper removed for offroading (as per the owner's manual) it comes off with 7 turn knobs. No tools needed. Gives an increased approach angle.
View attachment 19034

Looks great where did you get the chrome insert for the front bumper from

 

[BigSkiddy]

Looks great where did you get the chrome insert for the front bumper from

I got it from the dealership. I think they charge over $250 for it now.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Bit of fun on Wandean Road, Jerrawangala. Mrs Skiddy didn't enjoy it, freaked out when she saw the wheel in the air.

 

[Drover]

I used to find www.rockauto.com to be a very nice place for bits for my Jeep, could order and have them in my mailbox quicker than the dealer could find it in the catalogue and save myself hundreds and hundreds of $$$$$$.....................4 days from USA to Lockyer, quicker than from Melb by about 3 days or sometimes 5 weeks.

Always found the Laredo to be better value than a Limited, though I did like the leather seats....the rest is mostly bling anyway.

 

[cruza driver]

Bit of fun on Wandean Road, Jerrawangala. Mrs Skiddy didn't enjoy it, freaked out when she saw the wheel in the air.
View attachment 38282

The Jeep looks great in its natural surroundings @BigSkiddy doing what it was designed to do

 

[BigSkiddy]

I used to find www.rockauto.com to be a very nice place for bits for my Jeep, could order and have them in my mailbox quicker than the dealer could find it in the catalogue and save myself hundreds and hundreds of $$$$$$.....................4 days from USA to Lockyer, quicker than from Melb by about 3 days or sometimes 5 weeks.

Always found the Laredo to be better value than a Limited, though I did like the leather seats....the rest is mostly bling anyway.

Very handy site @Drover but the shipping costs :eek-53:.
Any tips or tricks on how to get them into the country without starring on 'Border Security'?

 

[Drover]

Ah yes, I did find the small light stuff to have bearable cost compared to the item cost here, a hand brake cable was $40 with freight of $50 Jeep wanted near $200, the heavy stuff no way.
The Australia Post USA post box service that they have over there is just as expensive or more so. Thats where you get it delivered to Austpost USA addressand they on forward it to you, good forthose mobs that don't do overseas freight.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Did the Spanish Steps and Blackfellows Handtrail (near Lithgow). Unreal where this car can go. Did no damage and didn't get stuck.
Here's a short snippet.

 

[cruza driver]

Great vid, did you go up as well?

How far from Lithgow is it?

 

[achjimmy]

Great stuff @BigSkiddy shows how bloody capable the modern fourbie is hey? Love that area always something to discover ?

 

[DRW]

there you go, now @Holden_man will have to do better when he gets his 2 and 1/2 Jeeps

 

[BigSkiddy]

Great vid, did you go up as well?

How far from Lithgow is it?

No, didn't go back up that incline. I think if you make it through a challenging section unscathed, continue on to tell the tale.

Here is that section. It's the No.5 Firetrail. Gives you an idea, where it is. On satellite view you can see the trails.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Here's another video with me and some other Jeepers at Meryla State Forest.

 

[cruza driver]

Thanks @BigSkiddy and great vid to mate.:thumb: looks like some nice challenging tracks

 

[bloke]

@BigSkiddy , just had a good read through this thread. Your GC is a great looking rig!

Question (assuming you have a 12 pin plug), did you set it up yourself, or get it done by an auto elec?

My wife drives a GC also, and I want to put a 12 pin on her car to have as an alternate towing vehicle when my triton needs a break. My main issue is making sure the variable voltage alternator doesn't mess up supply the van fridge with the 12v feed and vice versa. I am happy enough putting a heavy duty fused cable from the main battery under the drivers seat, but it may possible need some sort of VSR or alternator mod before sending a feed into the 12 pin at the back of the car???

I would be interested to hear any advice about this topic you may have. Thanks

 

[BigSkiddy]

@BigSkiddy , just had a good read through this thread. Your GC is a great looking rig!

Question (assuming you have a 12 pin plug), did you set it up yourself, or get it done by an auto elec?

My wife drives a GC also, and I want to put a 12 pin on her car to have as an alternate towing vehicle when my triton needs a break. My main issue is making sure the variable voltage alternator doesn't mess up supply the van fridge with the 12v feed and vice versa. I am happy enough putting a heavy duty fused cable from the main battery under the drivers seat, but it may possible need some sort of VSR or alternator mod before sending a feed into the 12 pin at the back of the car???

I would be interested to hear any advice about this topic you may have. Thanks

Unfortunately I'm not going to be much help. The Jayco auto elec did the wiring. All I know is they put some relays (I think it is what they are) to stop it drawing from the battery when the car is turned off. I'll have a look when The car is home and let you know what parts are there. I can't tell you how many amps it puts into the fridge, but it seems cold enough.

If you've got a lot of reading time I'm sure the answer would be in here.

I'm more of a mechanical minded person, I don't like playing with electrics because I can't see it...until it starts smoking . @twscoot will probably know.