Taking the Jeep Diesel Plunge for the First Time

[UTAH]

I've just got to have one of those new Jeep Wrangler Diesels they're coming out with.

The engine is a "3rd generation" 3.0 liter diesel in the Unlimited JL Wranglers. Unfortunately, it only comes with an 8-speed auto, out of the 1500 Ram truck - but at least we know it's strong. Jeep is also using only the 44 axles front and rear so the extra torque of the Diesel causes no harm. The result is 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The best part is, max torque is at a low 1400 RPM, excellent for running trails. The way I see it, the new Jeep will have the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder with the torque of a V-8. And, now you can spec out 33" tires in the build - way cool. The fuel tank on the Jeep Unlimited is 21.5 gallons and the DEF tank is 5 gallons (good for approx. 10,000 miles). I'm expecting 25 average MPG on the road. By comparison, my Colorado 2.8 Duramax Diesel gets 30 MPG.

I ordered a Sahara model today with full body/trim mono paint (billet silver), leather seating, heated seats and steering wheel, hard-top, the multi-speaker stereo with base kicker, inner top lining, remote start, etc. Total price $56,000 - the most I've ever paid for a Jeep. And, I think this may be the last Jeep I'll own - yes, I'm old. It should arrive here in 4 to 6 weeks after being built in Toledo, Ohio. With the extended range of the diesel, it'll be the first Jeep I've owned that can do the Pony Express Trail from Fairfield to Wendover on one tank of fuel. In the past, I've had to lug Jerry cans of fuel with me - which was a PITA.

Wish me luck, my friends. I'll keep you posted.

Hunter

[wacojoe]

Photos of the Jeep and on the trip are required here...

[Truckman]

Photos of the Jeep and on the trip are required here...

Yep, order plenty of digital film now...I'm guessing the engine is a V-6 so it's likely the VM Motori product (formerly Detroit Diesel)...I'll be interested in a comparison of it vs. the Cummins...Keep us updated......Ben

[Dave Grubb]

Wow---it never occurred to me that section of the Pony Express trail would be beyond the range of any modern vehicle

That said---what a great ride to break it in

We will have to see who wins the delivery time. All I have to date is a confirmation from Ford that mine is a clean order---still no VIN

[UTAH]

All I have to date is a confirmation from Ford that mine is a clean order---still no VIN...

Sounds good, Dave. Please share with us what the vehicle is.

Yes, Ben. The engine is a V-6 of VM Motori origin. As far as I know, it's generally considered O.K. I'm not seeing horror stories about it on the web, so I think it's alright. Other than rearranging some of the components, like the alternator and intakes, it's still pretty much as it appears in the Ram trucks. Yet, it's considered the 3rd generation of this engine by reviewers. I read in some of the reviews of it that it's about 17 lbs lighter than the truck version. Yet, it still weighs about 100 lbs more than the Jeeps regular gas fed engine. Thus, it's got different spring rates and capacities in the suspension than a regular Wrangler.

Thanks,
Hunter

[wacojoe]

100lbs. is a lot less added weight than I guessed.

It’s been a while since my diesel days, and I guess you diesel guys know not to expect any cash break on fuel costs though. Dave’s alert in another thread of new rules on marine diesel fuel will just add to that, it seems.

[Dave Grubb]

Sounds good, Dave. Please share with us what the vehicle is.

Nothing exotic It is a worker not a player and almost identical to my current worker, an Explorer Limited. That is a 2016 and has 100k miles on it. It will in turn replace my wife's 2012 Explorer Limited with about 140k.

The 2012 will either be sold or given to one of the kids.

It seems crazy to say--but my Explorers have some driver assists that my S class MB does not have. Among the most valued are: interactive cruise control, and auto braking.

[Honda]

That sounds like a really fun vehicle. I know you will enjoy it.

[CactusCurt]

Are you saying it has D-44's front and rear? I don't know anything about jeeps except that I wouldn't want to go very far in my '55 3B. I broke my pick on old broncos - which had a D-44 in the front in later models. Maybe someday after my tomato thread I will start an old Bronco thread.

Enjoy the ride. New cars are just better. I know because everyone in my family except me has one.

[UTAH]

Are you saying it has D-44's front and rear?

Yes. The engineers were worried the relatively high torque would kill the axles.

The upgrade means backyard mechanics like me can go with a mild lift and 35's (or even 37's) and not overburden the driveline.

Hunter

[UTAH]

I guess you diesel guys know not to expect any cash break on fuel costs though. Dave’s alert in another thread of new rules on marine diesel fuel will just add to that, it seems.

I think you've got it, Joe.

It's the additional range I want. But, the extra torque will certainly be nice - especially during low speed "technical" off road maneuvers.

Hunter

[Mike]

........ I guess you diesel guys know not to expect any cash break on fuel costs though. Dave’s alert in another thread of new rules on marine diesel fuel will just add to that, it seems.

That's not something that concerns me. I need the diesel F-350 to pull the big ass 5th wheel trailer. The cost of fuel is just an expense of the lifestyle. If it gets too expensive, the trailer may not go out as frequently. As it is, the F-350 sits in the driveway unless there is need for a truck. Otherwise, I drive the Lincoln Navigator. It is much easier to park in busy parking lots. But the F-350 gets better fuel mileage.

[wacojoe]

I miss my old diesel Ford Excursion.

[CactusCurt]

Yes. The engineers were worried the relatively high torque would kill the axles.

Hunter

So the 44 is an updrade for jeeps? Did you happen to notice if the front is a high pinion? That might be one reason the driveline geometry is better? I could google how many splines but I would rather wonder until I see one. I still have one bronco that I need to beef up and it's nice to know new donors will start showing up. Especially if they are 31 spline or better.

I need to catch up my jeeps. People in the extended family are starting to get them. Plus, I live on the road to Moab so I see a steady stream of them. Might be nice to be smart enough to recognize a cool one

Incidentally, my go-to FM radio station here at home is out of Moab. I can see it from my house with a very tall ladder. :smiley:

[UTAH]

[QUOTE=wacojoe;1061360]I miss my old diesel Ford Excursion.[/QUOTE)

Yeah - I miss mine too. If I recall, it had a 44-gallon fuel tank. And, getting 16 to 18 MPG, it would get me back and forth to work for a month with one fill up.

Hunter