Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ Diesel option

[Nikson]

I wont make a point of how many different threads are there about Wranglers & diesel engines...

This one is a bit different. I am looking to find out how big of a NEED it actually is here in States. Lots of people talk about it, yet seems like no one is really up to the task of doing something about it.

Most who has done research, knows that 2.8L VM CRD was put into some years of Liberty, as well as 3.0L Mercedes CRD went into the Grand Cherokee.

So, if was to make it happen where one of those could be put into the Wrangler TJ/LJ & even JK, what would be the "worthwhile" price that most would consider to pay for such a conversion.

In my personal opinion, $15-20k for such an option is a bit "pricey" to say the least, and is not an option most are willing to consider with now days economy especially.

So, if you were offered such a conversion, what would be a reasonable price than?, a price that you as an overlander ready to pay for it to have it done to your Wrangler that you love so much?

p.s. please consider facts such as the actual cost of parts only... e.i. Grand Cherokee 3.0L CRD (motor/tranny/TC) by itself are at least $5000...
Search eBay, and you shall see for yourself.

p.s.s. the other idea, is it just simpler to turn the CRD Liberty/Grand Cherokee into an Overland vehicle, and not worry about the swap at all.

 

[Rovertrader]

from a cost stand point- just use the GC, which is a very viable solution.

 

[Jakes01234]

what i was thinking is alot of people dont have a payment on there older tj's (like me) so to go buy a GC even used with the diesel if you can find one is high twenties.. So for me it would be more worth while to swap in a diesel and keep it forever (like me)..

 

[Metcalf]

The 2.8 from the Liberty in the US is probably the 'easiest' conversion. Its probably one of the only conversions that is half done from the factory as far as computer communication goes. The liberty already have a CAN to PCI bus conversion box, it just needs a little help to allow the removal of the ABS computer speed signal need.

 

[Nikson]

The 2.8 from the Liberty in the US is probably the 'easiest' conversion. Its probably one of the only conversions that is half done from the factory as far as computer communication goes. The liberty already have a CAN to PCI bus conversion box, it just needs a little help to allow the removal of the ABS computer speed signal need.

I've spoke with some of my automotive guys, they say with their equipment they can make anything happen.

My main concern is attaching 2.8/3.0 to the tranny/TC that I would like to use...

 

[Nikson]

what i was thinking is alot of people dont have a payment on there older tj's (like me) so to go buy a GC even used with the diesel if you can find one is high twenties.. So for me it would be more worth while to swap in a diesel and keep it forever (like me)..

But would you consider paying $10k to have one installed into your TJ? I am personally at the point where I'm going to purchase a GC, since I like the 3.0L HPs & torque, not to mention its towing capacity of 7500lbs.

At this point, I see that a donor vehicle will cost me about $5-6k, plus another $4-5k in labor. Am considering to make it happen where I'll have my buddy build a plug-n-play harness, and just see how it goes... Lots of people are just not doing it, since they arent sure about the outcome, or dont have the resources (shop/tools/knowledge).

I am surprised that lots of guys go through all the hassle of install of a BT-type engine, not really get the MPGs out of it.

with 3.0, we should expect 30MPGs with over 200hps and +/-400ft/lbs of torque...

HPA has gotten higher 20s MPGs with the 1.9TDI, so 3.0L has lots of potential...

 

[MCObray]

Nik, if your dare ever to get rid of your LJ...

 

[jeepdreamer]

Emissions/registration is the first hurdle I see come into play. Not sure hoe you would skirt around that unless everyone interested lived in an exempt state/county? Then you have to consider the motor itself.. is it new or used? I'd hate to sink 10-15k into a "lifetime" engine swap only to have to search out a new motor in a year or two by accident? Ideally you would source a new crate motor and go from there. I have been pondering the idea of taking a vacation to Italy and looking to see if VM will be offering their new 3.0 (current teir emissions compatable) diesel for sale stand alone. Or maybe MB? Not sure... I like the 5cyl in the sprinter vans a lot too!
But perhaps you have to look at available parts (even for general stuff like filters etc), how long will it be around and with support from the manufacturer, and is it able to fit in the jeep itself? Its a large undertaking and I wish you well!!!!!! I want to see what you come up with!

 

[Yellowkayak]

No more than $4000 for a Jeep Unlimited with the 3.0 ltr, and it better tow 5000 pounds without breathing hard and get a minimum of 25 MPG towing, 30 not towing. Sure wish they had those 3.0 ltr options in them now.

JJ

 

[Bigjerm]

No more than $4000 for a Jeep Unlimited with the 3.0 ltr, and it better tow 5000 pounds without breathing hard and get a minimum of 25 MPG towing, 30 not towing. Sure wish they had those 3.0 ltr options in them now.

JJ

5,000 lbs with an LJ? Factory has them at 3,500, I don't think the diesel is going to give it the safety to tow another 1,500 lbs.

 

[reece146]

5,000 lbs with an LJ? Factory has them at 3,500, I don't think the diesel is going to give it the safety to tow another 1,500 lbs.

Brakes, weight, wheelbase. A diesel swap isn't going to fix those issues related to towing with an TJ-L.

 

[Nikson]

Nik, if your dare ever to get rid of your LJ...

I wont be getting rid of it any time soon, thats for sure,

but do consider a Diesel CRD swap, unless I just build another one out of a GC w/diesel in it already...

 

[TroutSafari]

I believe River Raider has a Diesel conversion kit available for between 9-10K for the JK.

 

[Nikson]

Emissions/registration is the first hurdle I see come into play. Not sure hoe you would skirt around that unless everyone interested lived in an exempt state/county? Then you have to consider the motor itself.. is it new or used? I'd hate to sink 10-15k into a "lifetime" engine swap only to have to search out a new motor in a year or two by accident? Ideally you would source a new crate motor and go from there. I have been pondering the idea of taking a vacation to Italy and looking to see if VM will be offering their new 3.0 (current teir emissions compatable) diesel for sale stand alone. Or maybe MB? Not sure... I like the 5cyl in the sprinter vans a lot too!
But perhaps you have to look at available parts (even for general stuff like filters etc), how long will it be around and with support from the manufacturer, and is it able to fit in the jeep itself? Its a large undertaking and I wish you well!!!!!! I want to see what you come up with!

Well, seems like not too many of current CRD owners worry about all those issues, such as parts availability & emissions issues... This is not a vehicle that will get put on as a NEW one from the dealer, such cases where diesels weren't approved for sale new, like California & some Eastern states...

this would be a vehicle that you already have registered, etc.

Parts, well, CRDs are Jeep sold engines, unlike 1KZ-Te which is offered through DieselToyz for example. Think about parts availability there?

At this point, I am least worried about parts & what not, its a matter of actually getting it done, seeing how it will work with all dash lights "off" if you know what I mean. Figuring out the actual MPG that my LJ would be getting with 5.13s & 35" KM2s. Do all the testing.

I have plenty of face at this time in CRDs (2.8/3.0), plus how likely is it that any of us will put over 100k on any of our vehicles in the long run...

Most I've ever driven any of my cars is about 50k, and dont plan to keep any vehicle for over 5 yrs anyways...

It just bothers me that no "big brand name" is putting out any information out for anyone who can actually try it, all so secretive... (its understandable), but at least make some stats available, like actual MPGs, towing capacity, etc.

 

[Nikson]

No more than $4000 for a Jeep Unlimited with the 3.0 ltr, and it better tow 5000 pounds without breathing hard and get a minimum of 25 MPG towing, 30 not towing. Sure wish they had those 3.0 ltr options in them now.

JJ

You have to be realistic here... Diesels in Wranglers are not an option any time soon.

New 2012 Wrangler Unlimited 2.8L CRD is even more efficient & more powerful then previous, Grand Cherokee has got the same updated stats, and in my opinion that just sucks that we cant get it here...

if a diesel was an option for a Wrangler here (new one), I would be at the local dealer getting one... being that is not an option, I dont see any other way out...