@zeit, not from what ive seen. but thank you for the link. i may need something like that in the future. i love my jeep and will work on it until rust kills it.
@gerg thanks for the picture and instructions! i didnt think about the filter gasket. should probably do it while im in there. just checking im sure this is it.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2004,grand+cherokee,4.7l+v8,1420771,engine,oil+pump+seal,5608
im assuming this will go on the top connecting end? cant find any great pictures but seems self explanatory
also ive seen plenty of videos that show it coming off w/o taking the starter off...although it seems easy to do i dont think i will mess with it. "not broken dont touch it"