1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts For Sale: Keeping Your WJ Legend Alive

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts For Sale: Keeping Your WJ Legend Alive jeeps.truckstrend.com

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, affectionately known by its chassis code "WJ," marked a significant evolution for the iconic SUV. Combining rugged off-road capability with a more refined on-road demeanor, the WJ quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts and families alike. Twenty-five years later, countless 1999 Grand Cherokees are still navigating highways, climbing trails, and serving their owners faithfully. This enduring popularity, however, comes with a universal truth for any aging vehicle: parts will eventually be needed. Whether for routine maintenance, unexpected repairs, or ambitious upgrades, understanding the landscape of "1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts For Sale" is crucial for any owner looking to keep their WJ legend alive and thriving.

This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of sourcing parts for your 1999 Grand Cherokee, offering practical advice, detailing common needs, and navigating the various avenues available to you. From the engine bay to the interior trim, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and ensure your WJ continues to deliver the performance and reliability you expect.

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts For Sale: Keeping Your WJ Legend Alive

Why the 1999 Grand Cherokee Still Demands Parts

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee was built during an era when vehicles were often designed with a greater emphasis on durability and serviceability. Its robust body-on-unibody construction, reliable engine options (the venerable 4.0L inline-six and the potent 4.7L V8), and capable Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive systems made it a formidable machine. Many owners praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and impressive off-road prowess, making it a versatile choice for daily commuting, family adventures, or serious trail expeditions.

However, even the most well-built vehicles succumb to the ravages of time, mileage, and environmental factors. Components wear out, plastics become brittle, and electronics can fail. For a vehicle that’s now a quarter-century old, the demand for replacement parts isn’t a sign of poor quality, but rather a testament to its longevity and the dedication of its owners. Keeping a WJ on the road often involves replacing items that have reached the end of their service life, or upgrading components to enhance performance or address known weaknesses.

Commonly Needed Parts for the 1999 Grand Cherokee

Understanding which parts are most frequently sought after can help you anticipate future needs or diagnose current issues. The 1999 WJ has a few well-documented common failure points, alongside general wear-and-tear items.

Mechanical Components

• Engine Parts: Both the 4.0L I6 and 4.7L V8 are generally robust, but components like water pumps, alternators, starters, radiator hoses, and various sensors (oxygen sensors, crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors) are common replacements. Valve cover gaskets are also known to leak on the 4.0L.



• Transmission Components: The 42RE (4.0L) and 45RFE (4.7L) transmissions are durable but can require solenoids, sensors, or even a full rebuild/replacement over high mileage.
• Transfer Case Parts: The NV247 (Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive) and NV242 (Selec-Trac) transfer cases are generally solid, but fluid leaks, chain stretch, or input/output shaft seals can necessitate repair.
• Suspension & Steering: Control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, shock absorbers, and coil springs are all high-wear items that significantly impact ride quality and handling. Steering box issues are also common.
• Brakes: Brake pads, rotors, calipers, and master cylinders are standard maintenance items that require regular replacement.

Electrical Components

• Window Regulators: A notoriously common failure point on the WJ, often requiring replacement of the entire regulator assembly.
• Blend Doors: The HVAC blend doors are plastic and prone to breaking, leading to issues with air temperature control. This often requires significant dashboard disassembly.
• Sensors: Beyond engine sensors, wheel speed sensors (for ABS), transmission range sensors, and headlight switches can fail.



• Wiring Harnesses: Age can lead to brittle wiring or corroded connectors, especially in exposed areas.

Body & Interior Parts

• Headlights/Taillights: Over time, plastic lenses can yellow and crack. Replacements improve visibility and aesthetics.
• Fenders/Bumpers: Accidents or off-road excursions can necessitate body panel replacement.
• Door Handles/Latches: Interior and exterior door handles can break, and latch mechanisms can fail.
• Interior Trim: Dash bezels, door panel inserts, and seat fabric can crack, fade, or tear, especially after years of sun exposure.
• Liftgate Shocks: The struts that hold the rear liftgate open often lose their gas charge.

Maintenance & Wear Items

• Filters: Oil, air, fuel, and cabin air filters are routine replacement items.
• Fluids: Engine oil, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, differential fluid, coolant, and brake fluid all need regular changes.
• Belts & Hoses: Serpentine belts, accessory belts, and various coolant/vacuum hoses degrade over time.
• Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils: Critical for engine performance.

Where to Find 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts

The good news is that due to the WJ’s popularity, parts availability is generally excellent, though sources vary widely in terms of price, quality, and condition.

1. New OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts

• Source: Jeep dealerships, Mopar parts websites.
• Pros: Guaranteed fit and quality, identical to the part your vehicle came with, often comes with a warranty.
• Cons: Most expensive option.
• Best For: Critical components where fit and long-term reliability are paramount, or for restoration projects seeking factory-original condition.

2. New Aftermarket Parts

• Sources: Online automotive parts retailers (e.g., RockAuto.com, Amazon.com, PartsGeek.com, Quadratec.com, SummitRacing.com), local auto parts stores (e.g., AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts).
• Pros: Significantly cheaper than OEM, wide variety of brands and quality levels, readily available. Many reputable aftermarket brands offer excellent quality comparable to OEM.
• Cons: Quality can vary greatly between brands. Cheaper parts might not last as long or fit as precisely.
• Best For: Most common repairs and maintenance items. Always research brand reputation before purchasing. Look for brands like Moog (suspension), Bosch (sensors), Denso (electrical), ACDelco, Gates (belts/hoses), Wagner/Raybestos (brakes).

3. Used/Salvaged Parts

• Sources: Automotive junkyards/salvage yards (both local and online networks), eBay, Facebook Marketplace, specialized Jeep forums (e.g., JeepForum.com, NAXJA.org classifieds), local "Pick-n-Pull" style yards.
• Pros: Cheapest option, often genuine OEM parts, great for hard-to-find cosmetic or less critical components.
• Cons: No warranty (usually), condition varies wildly, can be dirty or damaged, requires careful inspection.
• Best For: Body panels, interior trim, non-critical electronic modules, glass, wheels, or larger components like axles or transfer cases where a new part is prohibitively expensive. Always verify the part number and condition.

4. Remanufactured Parts

• Sources: Major auto parts retailers, specialized remanufacturing companies.
• Pros: Often more affordable than new OEM but with a warranty, environmentally friendly. Remanufactured parts (e.g., alternators, starters, brake calipers, engines, transmissions) have been rebuilt to original specifications.
• Cons: Can still be more expensive than used, quality depends on the rebuilder.
• Best For: Major components where a new OEM part is too costly, and a used part is too risky.

Important Considerations When Buying Parts

Navigating the world of auto parts requires a strategic approach to ensure you get the right part at the right price.

• Part Compatibility (VIN Check is Key!): This is perhaps the most critical step. Even within the 1999 model year, there can be variations based on engine size (4.0L vs. 4.7L), transmission type, trim level (Laredo, Limited, Overland), and even production date. Always provide your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to the seller or use it on online parts lookup tools. This ensures you get the exact part for your specific WJ.
• Quality vs. Price: Don’t always default to the cheapest option, especially for critical safety or performance components. A slightly more expensive, reputable aftermarket part will often save you money and headaches in the long run compared to a very cheap, low-quality alternative that fails prematurely.
• Warranty: New OEM and reputable aftermarket parts typically come with a warranty (e.g., 1-year, limited lifetime). Understand the terms of the warranty before purchasing. Used parts rarely come with a warranty.
• Shipping Costs & Return Policies: For online purchases, factor in shipping costs, especially for large or heavy items. Always review the seller’s return policy before completing your order.
• Reputation of the Seller: Buy from reputable online retailers or local stores with good customer reviews. If buying used from private sellers, exercise caution and inspect the part thoroughly.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Once you have your parts, the next step is installation.

• DIY (Do-It-Yourself):
  • Pros: Significant cost savings on labor, satisfaction of doing the work yourself, learning experience.
  • Cons: Requires appropriate tools, mechanical knowledge, and often a service manual. Some jobs can be complex, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t followed.
  • Best For: Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), simpler bolt-on parts (brakes, minor suspension components, sensors) if you have the skills.
• Professional Installation:
  • Pros: Expertise, specialized tools, quicker completion, warranty on labor, peace of mind.
  • Cons: Higher overall cost due to labor charges.
  • Best For: Complex engine or transmission repairs, HVAC blend door issues, steering system overhauls, or if you lack the tools, time, or confidence for a particular job.

Tips for Successful Part Sourcing

1. Research Thoroughly: Before buying, research the part you need. Look up common failure modes, installation guides (YouTube is excellent for this), and recommended brands.
2. Join Online Forums: Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) forums are invaluable resources. You can ask for advice, get recommendations for specific parts or brands, and even find parts for sale in the classified sections.
3. Keep Old Parts: Sometimes, having the old part for comparison (especially for used parts) can ensure you’re getting the correct replacement.
4. Be Patient: For rare or specific parts, it might take some time to find the best deal or a reputable seller.
5. Negotiate: Especially for used parts from private sellers or junkyards, there’s often room for negotiation on price.

Estimated Price Table for Common 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts

Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and can vary significantly based on brand, quality, seller, condition (for used parts), and market fluctuations. Always verify current pricing.

Part Name	New OEM (Estimated)	New Aftermarket (Estimated)	Used (Estimated)	Notes
Mechanical
Water Pump (4.0L/4.7L)	$100 – $180	$40 – $120	$20 – $60	OEM often recommended for longevity.
Alternator	$250 – $450	$120 – $250	$50 – $100	Remanufactured also a good option.
Brake Pads (Front Set)	$60 – $120	$30 – $80	N/A	Replace as a set.
Front Lower Control Arm	$150 – $250 (each)	$60 – $150 (each)	$30 – $80 (each)	Often sold with bushings/ball joints.
O2 Sensor (Upstream)	$80 – $150	$40 – $90	N/A	Brand matters for sensor reliability (e.g., Bosch, Denso).
Electrical
Window Regulator (Front)	$150 – $250	$70 – $150	$40 – $90	Common failure. Motor often included with aftermarket.
HVAC Blend Door Actuator	$80 – $150	$40 – $100	$20 – $50	Difficult to replace due to dashboard removal.
Headlight Switch	$70 – $130	$30 – $80	$15 – $40
Body & Interior
Headlight Assembly (each)	$180 – $300	$70 – $150	$40 – $80	Clear lenses significantly improve light output.
Fender (Front)	$200 – $400	$100 – $250	$50 – $150	May require paint matching.
Liftgate Support Struts	$40 – $80 (pair)	$20 – $50 (pair)	N/A	Easy DIY.
Interior Door Handle	$30 – $70 (each)	$15 – $40 (each)	$5 – $20 (each)	Often plastic, prone to breaking.
Maintenance
Oil Filter (Pack of 6)	$30 – $50	$15 – $30	N/A	Buy in bulk for savings.
Air Filter	$15 – $30	$10 – $25	N/A
Spark Plugs (Set of 6/8)	$40 – $80	$20 – $50	N/A	Specific type for 4.0L/4.7L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 1999 Grand Cherokee parts hard to find?
A: No, generally parts for the 1999 Grand Cherokee (WJ) are widely available. Its popularity and long production run mean a robust aftermarket and plenty of used parts.

Q: Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
A: It depends on the part and your budget. For critical components like engine sensors, major suspension parts, or anything safety-related, reputable aftermarket or OEM is often recommended. For less critical items, cosmetic parts, or if on a tight budget, aftermarket or quality used parts can be excellent choices.

Q: How do I know if a part will fit my specific 1999 WJ?
A: Always use your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) when looking up parts. Most online retailers and auto parts stores have VIN lookup tools to ensure compatibility. The 4.0L and 4.7L engines often use different components, as do different transfer cases.

Q: What are the most common issues on a 1999 WJ that require parts?
A: Common issues include failing window regulators, HVAC blend door problems, leaking water pumps, worn suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), and various sensor failures (O2, crankshaft, camshaft).

Q: Is it worth repairing an older 1999 Grand Cherokee?
A: For many owners, absolutely! The 1999 WJ is known for its durability and capability. If the frame is solid and the major components (engine, transmission) are in good shape, investing in repairs often makes more financial sense than buying a newer, more expensive vehicle. With proper maintenance, a WJ can last for many more years.

Conclusion

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a beloved and highly capable SUV, a testament to Jeep’s engineering of the era. Its continued presence on roads and trails around the world speaks volumes about its inherent quality and the dedication of its owners. While owning a vehicle of this vintage inevitably means sourcing replacement parts, the market for "1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Parts For Sale" is robust and diverse.

By understanding the types of parts available, knowing where to look, and making informed decisions based on compatibility, quality, and budget, you can confidently maintain, repair, and even upgrade your WJ. Whether you’re tackling a major mechanical overhaul or simply replacing a worn-out interior piece, the resources are out there to keep your Grand Cherokee running strong. Embrace the journey of maintaining this modern classic, and your 1999 WJ will continue to be a source of adventure and pride for years to come.