Emma's Jeep
The personal category. Walt's daughter is learning to drive. He's building her a 2004 WJ Grand Cherokee — nothing extreme, just safe and right. This is where the "old father" instinct lives: every torque wrench click is loaded.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Cargo Dimensions: What Actually Fits
Jeep Grand Cherokee cargo dimensions explained by model year, with usable measurements, cargo volume, seat-folding tips,...
Before I Let Her Drive It: Brake Lines, Ball Joints, and the Talk We Had About Overcorrection
Walt Grady documents the safety prep process for his daughter Emma's 2004 WJ Grand Cherokee—replacing all brake lines, c...
She Asked If She Could Take It Off-Road. I Said 'Not Until You Can Tell Me the Difference Between a Live Axle and IFS.'
Walt's daughter Emma asks when she can take her WJ Grand Cherokee off-road. He gives her a quiz on live axle vs. IFS and...
First Drive: Emma Took the WJ to the Trailhead Parking Lot
Emma Grady completes her first off-road drive—a two-mile graded dirt road to a trailhead parking lot. Walt reflects on s...
Emma Turned 14.5. We Bought a $3,200 Grand Cherokee With 178,000 Miles.
Walt Grady and his 14-year-old daughter Emma buy a 2004 WJ Grand Cherokee with 178,000 miles for $3,200. He explains why...