How Compatible Are Parts On A WJ Grand Cherokee To A W163?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
W163
How Compatible Are Parts On A WJ Grand Cherokee To A W163?
I want to make an awesome off-roader out of my W163, sadly there’re not many options to upgrade the W163. How compatible would the parts from a WJ and W163 be?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 11
From: Sedbergh, England
ML320 W163 2000
Yes, it is a pity there are not too many options for modifying the W163 for real off road use.
It is quite capable with just good tyres - my new BFG KO2s make a big difference over the previous worn out KOs, and KM3s would be better still, but less good on road. 265/75/16s seem to be the biggest that fit without modification depending on your countries' regulations. I was wanting them but my UK garage thought they would fail the MOT if they rubbed at all. It is okay with the stock size 225/75/16 though, but now has problems with hard acceleration from a standing start and it upsets the ESP unless I get to 20mph gently and then send it. The ML is rubbish enough at fast cornering, and it will only be worse with bigger tyres or a lift!
Some people manage to fix various Toyota parts such as a snorkel from a Hilux, Surf or Prado etc., and others lift the W163 but then say the ride is terrible! I'd just fit good tyres and see how you get on, but really you are better off starting with something with more ground clearance as stock, that already has an off road after-market, and then lifting that. Some people do do it though, such as Infidel Garage, and ML4Dirty.
The W163 is a lot more comfortable and fun than many 4x4s that are better either on and off road. Best to have several vehicles to suit each purpose, as you would with golf clubs... : )
Sorry not to be able to answer your query directly, but I will follow with interest.
Don't know if links are allowed:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ml...o-34s.3040504/
Infidel Garage: https://www.youtube.com/user/JonathanKucyj/videos
It is quite capable with just good tyres - my new BFG KO2s make a big difference over the previous worn out KOs, and KM3s would be better still, but less good on road. 265/75/16s seem to be the biggest that fit without modification depending on your countries' regulations. I was wanting them but my UK garage thought they would fail the MOT if they rubbed at all. It is okay with the stock size 225/75/16 though, but now has problems with hard acceleration from a standing start and it upsets the ESP unless I get to 20mph gently and then send it. The ML is rubbish enough at fast cornering, and it will only be worse with bigger tyres or a lift!
Some people manage to fix various Toyota parts such as a snorkel from a Hilux, Surf or Prado etc., and others lift the W163 but then say the ride is terrible! I'd just fit good tyres and see how you get on, but really you are better off starting with something with more ground clearance as stock, that already has an off road after-market, and then lifting that. Some people do do it though, such as Infidel Garage, and ML4Dirty.
The W163 is a lot more comfortable and fun than many 4x4s that are better either on and off road. Best to have several vehicles to suit each purpose, as you would with golf clubs... : )
Sorry not to be able to answer your query directly, but I will follow with interest.
Don't know if links are allowed:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ml...o-34s.3040504/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
W163
Yes, it is a pity there are not too many options for modifying the W163 for real off road use.
It is quite capable with just good tyres - my new BFG KO2s make a big difference over the previous worn out KOs, and KM3s would be better still, but less good on road. 265/75/16s seem to be the biggest that fit without modification depending on your countries' regulations. I was wanting them but my UK garage thought they would fail the MOT if they rubbed at all. It is okay with the stock size 225/75/16 though, but now has problems with hard acceleration from a standing start and it upsets the ESP unless I get to 20mph gently and then send it. The ML is rubbish enough at fast cornering, and it will only be worse with bigger tyres or a lift!
Some people manage to fix various Toyota parts such as a snorkel from a Hilux, Surf or Prado etc., and others lift the W163 but then say the ride is terrible! I'd just fit good tyres and see how you get on, but really you are better off starting with something with more ground clearance as stock, that already has an off road after-market, and then lifting that. Some people do do it though, such as Infidel Garage, and ML4Dirty.
The W163 is a lot more comfortable and fun than many 4x4s that are better either on and off road. Best to have several vehicles to suit each purpose, as you would with golf clubs... : )
Sorry not to be able to answer your query directly, but I will follow with interest.
Don't know if links are allowed:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ml...o-34s.3040504/
https://youtu.be/iRMZslJRFu4
Infidel Garage: https://www.youtube.com/user/JonathanKucyj/videos
It is quite capable with just good tyres - my new BFG KO2s make a big difference over the previous worn out KOs, and KM3s would be better still, but less good on road. 265/75/16s seem to be the biggest that fit without modification depending on your countries' regulations. I was wanting them but my UK garage thought they would fail the MOT if they rubbed at all. It is okay with the stock size 225/75/16 though, but now has problems with hard acceleration from a standing start and it upsets the ESP unless I get to 20mph gently and then send it. The ML is rubbish enough at fast cornering, and it will only be worse with bigger tyres or a lift!
Some people manage to fix various Toyota parts such as a snorkel from a Hilux, Surf or Prado etc., and others lift the W163 but then say the ride is terrible! I'd just fit good tyres and see how you get on, but really you are better off starting with something with more ground clearance as stock, that already has an off road after-market, and then lifting that. Some people do do it though, such as Infidel Garage, and ML4Dirty.
The W163 is a lot more comfortable and fun than many 4x4s that are better either on and off road. Best to have several vehicles to suit each purpose, as you would with golf clubs... : )
Sorry not to be able to answer your query directly, but I will follow with interest.
Don't know if links are allowed:
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ml...o-34s.3040504/
https://youtu.be/iRMZslJRFu4
Infidel Garage: https://www.youtube.com/user/JonathanKucyj/videos
I found the video series on YouTube yesterday, I might just have to copy some of his work. I appreciate the help, I was planning on getting a suspension lift for my W163. I am in Alabama thankfully there’re no regulations regarding what one’s vehicle looks like, at least none I’m aware of lol
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 11
From: Sedbergh, England
ML320 W163 2000
I think you would be best sticking with the existing differential set up in the ML W163, unless it is just for the challenge, like my Dad turning a 1956 right hand drive petrol Mercedes-Benz Ponton saloon into a left hand drive diesel one, just because the garage said it was impossible....
