Diesel or bust?

[Benjisan]

Now I'm not exactly experienced when it comes to expeditions, off-road vehicles, or engine mechanics but it seems to me that a Jeep Wrangler (especially an LJ) with a diesel engine would bring tears to our eyes. The problem is of course that if you want one, you gotta live across the pond or convert one to diesel.

I'm sure converting to diesel is no small task and my initial searches on the all knowing Google came up almost empty. I'm surprised how many of us in the U.S. want a diesel in our Wranglers but so few of us have actually tried to do the conversion. I know AEV did a diesel conversion and I remember reading how it wasn't an easy thing to do.

I imagine once gas becomes more expensive in the U.S. more do it yourself diesel conversions (and the writeups explaining it all) will become more common.

See, I imagine a world where a Wrangler converted to diesel, sporting at least a 24gallon tank, two jerry cans, and running on bio-diesel can get 25 miles to the gallon (highway) and have a range of almost 700 miles.

Granted this is probably just a dream but lets just say what if? What if someone were to do this, where do we start? An engine and transmission need to be selected right? Any ideas?

Also, if anyone has any links to diesel conversion write-ups, I'd love to check them out.

[Scott Brady]

With Jeep's (Damler's) passion for diesels, I am sure it is just a matter of time. I would be shocked if the JK did not have the diesel by the 09 model year.

[Benjisan]

I agree that a diesel in the JK is just a matter of time but I personally prefer my LJ so much more (no offense meant JK owners, just personal preference). Also, I have grown attached to my LJ and barring any misfortune, I would love to keep her for a long time.

[goodtimes]

In the current market, there are not alot of small diesel options for a doner vehicle, if you need to keep the vehicle legal. This combined with the cost of the change, it is simply hard to justify. Personally, I would love a small in line 4 cyl turbo diesel in my TJ, but would have a damn hard time convincing myself that it is worth the cost, particularly when diesel is almost 60 cents/gallon more than unleaded, and the fact that the 4.0L is such a damn reliable engine (outside of the exhaust manifolds that crack, and the rear main seals that leak).

With the new diesel fuel standards (<15ppm sulfur), small diesels in many vehicles is pretty much a certainty in the next couple of model years.

[SeaRubi]

I agree that a diesel in the JK is just a matter of time but I personally prefer my LJ so much more (no offense meant JK owners, just personal preference). Also, I have grown attached to my LJ and barring any misfortune, I would love to keep her for a long time.

you 'n me both I very nearly drove off with a CRD liberty, i wanted a diesel so badly. but ... in the end, a rubi LJ won me over. i have spousal approval to install a diesel when the 3yr / 36k warranty is out

right now my money is on the international 2.8TGV. it's lighter and dimensionally smaller than the chrylser 2.8CRD motor.

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

I'm just waiting for the BluTechs to start coming out in the Jeeps...just a matter of time...heck they got them coming out in the Grand Cherokees next year...so who knows what model it will show up in next...

[Benjisan]

Yes, I too will wait for my 3 year warranty to run out before I consider a swap and hopefully there will be more options when that time comes. So I suppose its a waiting game for most of us. Even though I would love to have a bumper sticker right now that reads something like:

"Chill out hippies, its a bio-diesel."

I kid I kid. But seriously, the increased mileage from diesel offsets the price difference at the pump and the cost of conversion is offset by having a much smaller eco-footprint (if that matters to the owner). Remember, one Jeep can make a difference. Converting to bio-diesel might make people more aware of alternative fuels and thinking more about conservation. Maybe.

"Got grease?"

Ah, these are just dreams I suppose, for now anyway.

Hey SeaRubi, I'm in the Seattle area too! Right on!

[Icewalker]

Of course it would be nice to know why the v6 diesel isn't available either - Here's the Euro-spec Commander

Cubic Capacity 2987 cc
Configuration 6 cylinders in-vee
Bore x Stroke 83 x 92 mm
Compression Ratio 18.0:1
Fuel System Common rail diesel, compression direct injection
Maximum torque 376 lb ft @ 1600 rpm
Maximum power 215 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Transmission 5 speed automatic
4x4 system Quadra drive 2, active full-time, electronically engaged clutch pack coupling in centre differential and front and rear variable locking Electronic Limited-Slip Differentials

Being from the "other camp" I was impressed as hell when Jeep finally saw the light and bought out the 4 door wrangler - but why oh why did they not bring one out with a diesel to begin with. Landroverphiles are in exactly the same boat - we don't get the 200/300 TDi's nor the TD5 or the latest V6 or V8 turbo diesels - it's a damn conspiracy I tell ya

[4Rescue]

Well, having been to more diesel savy parts of the world and being a diesel freak myself... I can tell you that alot of the lack of Diesel avalibility has to do with the relativly negative image they have with American consumers (thank Merc and Volvo diesel's of the 80's for that) there's also the rediculous fact the diesel cost's more at the pump... tell me why an UNREFINED fuel cost's more... It cost's more cause they can get more. Whywould OPEC and these ******* car companies want to promote a fuel and engine technology that has A)a vastly longer service life/interval and B)astronomicaly higher MPG figures? Americas economy thrives off of disposable products including cars. Every day I get e-mails trying to entice me into financing some "hot" new car when oddly enough I drive an 89 4Runner with 217K on the clock...

If ya want a Diesel, swap on in, there is (IMO) no vehicle that is or will someday be available that is all that desirable for Off-road use any way. I've been hunting for a Toyota 1KZT-E for my 4 Runner cause frankly I Don't want any other truck... I loved my HJ79 in Australia but those aren't coming here so it's a moot point.

Dave

[Joaquin Suave]

I sure love the Mercedes 602 DE2.9LA (inner-cooled turbo-diesel) that I put in my Scrambler! It was a F-load of work, but I'd do it again!