Thoughts and Opinions Needed on a 2008 Jeep GC Diesel

[scootr29]

Ok...want to get thoughts. I am looking to build something that would make a good expedition vehicle. Capable off road, plenty of power, but will not beat me to death driving down the highway. I do not need a dedicated rock crawler.

I currently have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel with QT2. It was previously my company car and in June I was given the opportunity to buy it for $7500. So I have $7500 invested in a vehicle I have driven since day one. I know exactly what maintenance has been done, so past history is not an issue. It has had the severe duty maintenance since new. Oil/Filter every 6,250 miles. Vehicle currently has just over 60,000 miles. 90% of its life has been spent on I-85.

My issue is do I take this vehicle and turn it into a bad *** expedition vehicle or do I sell it and make some money and buy something that has a little bit better aftermarket support and something that I may not be so concerned with scratching etc etc....older land cruiser, 4runner, wrangler, etc
I could easily get $20,000 for this Jeep, maybe more.

The engine is the 3.0 V6 Mercedes Diesel....this is a world engine that is sold in Export Jeeps. It is also the same engine that is in Mercedes/Cars and Sprinter Vans. Parts are expensive for the engine which is about the only negative. But I am prepared to cover those costs if they arise. All other parts are identical to other 2008 Grands...tranny, diffs, transfer case, brakes.

I am also liking the uniqueness of this vehicle..diesel especially.

Pic of said Jeep...I have added Bilsteins and tow hooks up front.

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/DSC06178-1.jpg

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Depends what your needs are. Is another vehicle going to provide better for you?

Personally I would keep it. You have a great platform on which to build, why make things complicated?

[Root Moose]

Run it.

http://www.allpar.com/photos/shows/moab/grand-canyon.jpg

http://www.allpar.com/photos/shows/moab/grand-cherokee.jpg

[DrMoab]

Keep it. I have thought about building one also. I have a friend who has one and you won't find another jeep that gets the MPG or makes the power it does unless you are willing to dump big $$$ into a supercharger or a hemi conversion and even then you won't have the MPG.

[KSJeep]

I'd keep it, I have an 05 Hemi and it does great. Very capable and even impresses the hard core Jeep guys with what it can do. Aftermarket support is also getting better. Check out the Jeeps Unlimited Fourms (WK section) for all you need to know about the WK. The Old Man Emu is the best bang for your buck lift and there are a couple of manufactures making bumpers for the WK now.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=65

[Warhead]

why start over? I would build on what you have, scratches...I would not worry about scratches, they are there to remind you of your travels(think of them like scars except you can repaint scratches)

[fisher205]

I would sell it to me for what you bought it for and buy whatever.

[scootr29]

I would sell it to me for what you bought it for and buy whatever.

HaHa...maybe this was the response I was looking for to keep it...Progress updates as they come...

[Hilldweller]

Sell it.
Sell it fast.
To me.

Yes; you'll be happier if you sell it.
To me.

[nwoods]

What you really want is an all wheel drive Volvo wagon, same color and everything. I'll trade you straight up!

[Tanto]

Here is something to get the gears turning.

http://www.travelerz.net/public/WKFrontBumper/3.jpg

Yes, that is a front winch bumper.

[jeepdreamer]

Hyaena..
I think you would be doing yourself a grave discervice to sell what you have.
Its an outstanding powertrain...and considering you KNOW the maintenance history there should be no surprises. The diesel makes the thought of a jaunt to some other country even easier and the mpgs will not suffer as much when you start adding on stuff.
Since you won't be needing a rockcrawler that is good. You can follow the KISS plan and remain happy. I would go with the OME lift and replace front and rear bumpers. Add rocker protection and ensure the skid plates are stout enough...Buttttt you said no rock crawling.?? IMHO, all the plastic junk and parts are the biggest detriment to the GC platform. All that stuff is easily damaged and very costly to replace. Why not swap it for something that will offer real protection, can handle a winch, and looks better all at once? The rockers are gonna need the protection. Tere are always times when the trail ends and you may find yourself haveing to work to get turned around or back on course. The chance of scraping a rocker is good...
The skids should just be considered an insurance policy that you will use. All it takes is one good hit in the wrong area and all that money you saved buying it will go to buy you a new engine or tranny.ACK!

[mountainsoul]

I'd keep it. Nice Jeep.

[scootr29]

Interesting that you guys have responded.

I still struggle with the fact that I could get $20,000 plus for this truck. But I think knowing the mechanical history of the vehicle and the fact that I could always sell it is going to make me keep it. Plus it is paid off and it is mine. Because of the diesel I do keep a "diesel savings account" Parts are expensive.

And there is a draw towards the older products...Land Cruiser, Land Rovers, etc...but there is also something cool about having a unique vehicle.

So the plans are starting to take shape....

Tanto...beautiful Jeep..probably a little more than what I want to do, but I need people like you forging the way so I can have aftermarket parts...:wings:

Jeepdreamer...even though I will not be building a rock climber per say I will be replacing all the plastic bits underneath with the OEM skid plates. They will provide enough protection. I will also be getting the OEM rock sliders as well. Rear diff cover is getting ordered as well. Front tow hooks have been installed. I have the QTII system so it is very capable. Maybe lockers in the future, but that may affect ride quaility. Got to keep the wife happy, because she occasionally drives the Jeep.

I have installed rear Bilsteins. Front Bilsteins will get installed when I do a Budget Boost...just to give me a quick 2-3 inches of ground clearance. (Daystar or RR).

I am looking at the 4xGuard Matrix system for the front. Not a big fan of the huge ARB look.

I would love to get a rear swing out tire carrier, I especially like the ones that I see on the 4Runners/Tacomas. Hopefully something like that will pop up for the WK.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Obligatory Pic of the Jeep....

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/IMG_1325.jpg

[zigsrig]

I need to update my photobucket with some more current photos. But here is a grand, 2.25" lift, Bilsteins, 4xguard protection and a Gobi Rack.

I would vote for keeping the CRD. i always have my eye out for one to swap my junk to.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/EJS2010/P4030137.jpg

[scootr29]

Here are a couple of pics with the lower air dam removed...it is taken off with 7 1/4 turn snaps...

I have taken it off before, but never taken pictures...

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/IMG_1383.jpg

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/IMG_1420.jpg

[haven]

See this page for ideas about a mild GC build http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_wk_mojave.php (http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_wk_mojave.php)
Dave Harriton, owner of AEV, says, "[This] was probably the best all around Jeep I've ever owned. Its ability to cruise comfortably at freeway speeds for hours on end, air down the tires, wheel for a week in Moab and do just about every trail down there, air back up and drive back to Montana...that's pretty cool."

And here's a wilder Commander build by the same company. These parts should fit the GC as well
http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/show_xk_iceland.php

Personally, I'd drive the vehicle as-is, making note of situations where you find yourself unwilling to continue up the trail, and times you get stuck or almost stuck. Then decide if spending the money to improve performance in those areas is worthwhile.

I wouldn't try rock-hopping without improved protection, particularly sliders along the rockers.

[scootr29]

I guess this is the first official build post...:smiley_drive::wings:

Anyway

Out with the old plastic:

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/IMG_1422.jpg

In with the new skidplate (Mopar)

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww288/scootr29/IMG_1424.jpg

[scootr29]

Rear Seats are out of the CRD...What to do next...maybe some sliding drawers in the rear...suggestions please.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/1227524651_HKELn-L.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/1227523857_UXfgG-L.jpg

[Bikemobile]

I really like my 08 wk. It can be a little short on rear seat and cargo space.

Its highway comfort and off road ability really sets it apart from the rest.

[Sal-XK]

bro man you don't keep that thing you're going to regret it. The Wk is a great platform to build on especially with the diesel in it. Thats my only regret with my XK is we couldn't get a diesel. I think the after market support is decent and bumpers can be made for half way decent prices.

[sp4mike]

Ill play devils advocate.

You could get a way better platform then a GC for 20k. Plenty of LC's and Rovers out there for less. With much less plastic, and way better aftermarket support. Plus they are ready for an expedition out of the box. Heck, you could get any older vehicle and put a cummins 12v in it.

For 20k you could take a trip to Germany, buy a slightly used Defender and pay the export to get it back here (slight exaggeration but a new 110 was only 24k six years ago when the euro was about 1:1).

I hate to say it, but if you have to keep a separate fund just for repairs, you might have the wrong vehicle.

Or keep it and run what ya brung. It's more about getting out there then what you get out there with.

[scootr29]

Ill play devils advocate.

You could get a way better platform then a GC for 20k. Plenty of LC's and Rovers out there for less. With much less plastic, and way better aftermarket support. Plus they are ready for an expedition out of the box. Heck, you could get any older vehicle and put a cummins 12v in it.

For 20k you could take a trip to Germany, buy a slightly used Defender and pay the export to get it back here (slight exaggeration but a new 110 was only 24k six years ago when the euro was about 1:1).

I hate to say it, but if you have to keep a separate fund just for repairs, you might have the wrong vehicle.

Or keep it and run what ya brung. It's more about getting out there then what you get out there with.


Good points indeed.....my separate funds is a general car fund that I keep.. So it is not specific to the GC, but it will be used for repairs. If I had a Toyota Tacoma same funds just a different vehicle.

I am very realistic about what I will be doing. The LC/Rovers are excellant platforms but for me doing weekend trips to the mountains of NC/SC/GA it is a little bit of an overkill.

The GC will get me to the top and then provide me and the wife a comfy ride home on I-85. Plus there is a big difference between a modern diesel engine and a 12v Cummins....I can actually here the radio in the CRD.:wings:

Now if I lived in Utah or Australia it would be a different story.

Trust me I think about this stuff daily...it makes my wife crazy how I try to justify this and that...

[stankfoot]

wish we had the CRD in the wifes grand cherokee. comfortable ride on the highway and 7400 lb towing capacity.

all that and you personally know the vehicle maint. history. that alone can be priceless..

[Logans91XJ]

I would keep the Grand Cherokee and just wheel it and have fun! Who cares if you get a few dents and scratches here and their. You can easily find guys that will fab you anything you want. If you afraid of minor body damage or trail scars then you should either find a different rig or different hobby.

I had a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that wheeled amazingly and if it wasn't for the horrible Death Wobble I would still own it.

[sp4mike]

Good points indeed.....my separate funds is a general car fund that I keep.. So it is not specific to the GC, but it will be used for repairs. If I had a Toyota Tacoma same funds just a different vehicle.

I am very realistic about what I will be doing. The LC/Rovers are excellant platforms but for me doing weekend trips to the mountains of NC/SC/GA it is a little bit of an overkill.

The GC will get me to the top and then provide me and the wife a comfy ride home on I-85. Plus there is a big difference between a modern diesel engine and a 12v Cummins....I can actually here the radio in the CRD.:wings:

Now if I lived in Utah or Australia it would be a different story.

Trust me I think about this stuff daily...it makes my wife crazy how I try to justify this and that...


I fully agree with you keeping the GC, I just had to try to throw a different perspective at you. Keep the pics coming.

[jeepstream]

As a fellow '08 WK CRD owner I say KEEP IT! There are so few comparable 4x4's out there with the tow capacity, offroad abilities and efficiency of your GC.

[Brazos609]

Don't give up on it.