Jeep Wagoneer Overview & Cylinder Heads

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Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

The Jeep Wagoneer was recently revived, bringing it back to the market after a couple of decades. While the vehicle saw great success from 1963 to 1993, the company then retired the SUV until the 2022 model year. Today we’re going to share an overview of this popular SUV, which inspired many other similar vehicles both past and present.

 

History of the Vehicle and Vehicle Profile

The Jeep Wagoneer is an SUV which was sold from 1963 to 1993. The new concept for the revived model was first revealed in 2020, with sales beginning in the second half of the year 2021. During its early life, the vehicle was produced by Kaiser Motors, American Motors, and finally Chrysler. The newer model is now manufactured by Stellantis and offers an upgraded version of the past vehicle, with many recognizable elements which previous drivers were happy to see return.

The original Wagoneer was introduced to succeed the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, which had been sold since 1946. It was very similar in design to the Gladiator pickup truck and became the model for future SUVs of its time. As time went on, a second-generation Wagoneer was produced between 1983 and 1990, which offered different trim levels. 1993 saw the debut of the third-generation vehicle, but the Jeep Wagoneer was dropped in 1994, with the Grand Cherokee Limited taking its place as the top offering from Jeep. The new fourth-generation Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer were an exciting return to the market for Jeep, offering a full-size SUV or full-size luxury SUV for owners.

 

What Are The Engine Specs For a Jeep Wagoneer?

The entry-level engine offered for the Jeep Wagoneer today is a 5.7-liter V8 engine. It offers an amazing 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, so it’s a very powerful option for drivers. However, many drivers opt for the 420-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which is standard on the L models. The Grand Wagoneer offers an updated 6.4 L Hemi V8 engine.

 

Common Problems with the Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer was a fantastic seller for the company for many years, but it did experience a variety of problems over the years. The newer models have a reliability score of roughly 65 out of 100, which is considered to be fair. While they are seen to be very luxurious and spacious vehicles, there are some technology and electrical issues. Common complaints are quite varied, but they include wiring shorting out, forward collision avoidance issues, and an unresponsive touchscreen. This infotainment system is the biggest cause of complaints in the newer models, so keep this in mind if it’s something you are particularly excited about when purchasing a Jeep Wagoneer.

 

Why Cylinder Heads are Important on a Jeep Wagoneer

In any vehicle, it’s critical that the cylinder heads are functioning properly at all times. The cylinder heads in your Jeep Wagoneer are designed to control the air flow and fuel deployment in the engine. This part holds the injectors and valves, with many moving parts which can malfunction.

 

Cylinder Head Replacement in a Jeep Wagoneer

Should you need to replace your cylinder head, you can either opt to outsource this job to a mechanic or DIY it yourself at home. It’s quite a challenging task, and while there are no video guides to doing this just yet with the new Jeep Wagoneer generation, this video will give you a good idea of what the process is like. Below are some links to buy new and remanufactured Wagoneer cylinder heads online:

 

https://www.cylinder-heads.com/product/2-dodge-dakota-jeep-magnum-wagoneer-5-2-5-9-ohv-318-360-cylinder-heads-no-core/ (5 year warranty)

 

https://www.cylinder-heads.com/product/2-dodge-dakota-jeep-magnum-wagoneer-5-2-5-9-ohv-318-360-v8-cylinder-heads-reman/ (remanufactured)

 

https://www.cylinder-heads.com/product/chrysler-dodge-durango-wagoneer-5-2-5-9-ohv-318-360-cylinder-head-92-04-rebuilt/ (remanufactured)

 

North America Sales History

In 2022, the Jeep Wagoneer sold 36,221 units. As it was only launched in the second half of 2021, this year saw a small amount of sales amounting to 5,349. Past sales figures showed consistent sales for the Jeep Wagoneer during its 30 years of production, with a decline at the end of its first lifecycle. Oil prices rose significantly in the early 1990s, which was a huge factor in the end of the production of the Jeep Wagoneer in 1991.


Jeep Wagoneer Driver Reviews

Reviews of both the past and present Jeep Wagoneer models are typically very favorable. The 2023 model is a fantastic SUV, with a high-end cabin and a huge amount of cargo space. You’ll find that it’s a very comfortable drive for both drivers and passengers, with owners appreciating the tech available in the cabin. The powerful engine and high towing capacity of 10,000 pounds are often praised by drivers. It provides you with a smooth ride and can be used both on the highway and off road as needed. The price point of the new model unfortunately does price a lot of people out of this option, with it being marketed as more of a luxury vehicle than before.

 

Jeep Wagoneer in Hollywood

Over the years, the Jeep Wagoneer has been featured in many different Hollywood movies. In fact, the Internet Movie Cars Database shares about 400 TV or film appearances for both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Keep your eyes peeled when watching Breaking Bad, Dawson’s Creek, Magnum, P.I., and Escape From Planet of the Apes in the future, as all of these feature the vehicle.

 

High Mileage Stories – How Long Can A Jeep Wagoneer Last If Properly Maintained?

One of the reasons this SUV has been such a desirable vehicle over the years is the long lifespan it offers when properly maintained. The longevity of your Jeep Wagoneer will depend on many factors, but Jeep owners often claim to have hit over 300,000 miles on the vehicle. It’s perfectly normal to enjoy 200,000 miles from the Jeep Wagoneer with good maintenance and care. You’ll find the first five years of driving a Jeep Wagoneer are usually problem-free, but it’s normal to enjoy 15 years or more of use from this vehicle.

We were thrilled to see the return of the Jeep Wagoneer in the past two years, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this vehicle. With good maintenance and care, you’ll find that the Jeep Wagoneer can offer you years of use and a reliable vehicle that’s enjoyable to drive.

 

ABOUT CLEARWATER CYLINDER HEAD

If you are an owner or the trusted mechanic of a Jeep Wagoneer and need to buy new or refurbished cylinder heads, then we request you to call us at 800-572-1963 so we can provide you with personal service over the phone. The casting number on your Wagoneer engine or existing cylinder head will help us determine the compatible head(s) for your particular Jeep. We look forward to teaming up with you to extend the life of your Wagoneer.