400 orders placed for Wrangler pickup conversion kits

[corprin]

The 3.0 yes, but the 2.8 of the Wrangler does not. The 2.8 gets observed 22 - 24 mpg, my old 3.8 V6 got over 64kmls about 18 mpg, my new 3.6 appears to do about 1 to 1.5 mpg better, but I have only had her for abour 3kmls; too soon to tell.

The VM 2.8L in my '05 KJ gets 28-32mpg on summer, and 26-28mpg on winter fuel. Only time I see 22-24mpg I am towing some weight. 22mpg was last seen towing a '49 Chevy across half of WI on a uhaul flat-bed trailer, churning 65mph on the cruise. When dragging ~1000lbs of trailer weight on summer B20 I don't drop below 25mpg... ever.

Fuel does cost a bit more, but when you start adding hills and a towed package behind you, the diesel really starts to shine.

 

[Frank]

Blame more the government and EPA than Chrysler for this. Plus, Jeep was the only 4x4 manufacturer who did bring diesels to the US, in the KJ and the WK.

While I hate Govt intervention on a free market, I do believe that its Jeep who is dragging their feet on this one. The Chicago Auto Show will be popping up here within 60 days ...which I plan to attend both as a "professional" and as a consumer. I have full intention on drilling Jeep with this question. I know they read forums such as this...they have to see that the market wants it.

Jeep wants a diesel but Chrysler isn't letting them. I've sold 2 built full factory warranty JK-8's. We build them in house at my dealer, Adams Jeep of Maryland in Aberdeen. Their cool. But way to much money for me!

People spend upwards of $80k for a well built Hemi AEV jeep...you sir are sitting on a gold mine if you marketed the JK8 to the right crowd.

 

[Ted_Z]

I've seen one of the JK pickups in person, very cool looking. It is interesting that there is also the AEV version too. Some one must think there is a market for this.

Oh, the jeep lives near Corona and 10th in Denver. Its white.

 

[Frank]

People spend upwards of $80k for a well built Hemi AEV jeep...you sir are sitting on a gold mine if you marketed the JK8 to the right crowd.

My bad, I thought you were talking about the "J8" ...which has been a difficult vehicle to get rolling. AEV has a link to them but the word is...they cant produce them.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/48971-J8-Expedition-Project

http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/j8_milspec.php
http://forum.aev-conversions.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

 

[Ursa Minor]

..sold 2 built full factory warranty JK-8's. We build them in house at my dealer

There were a number of JK8-Independence pickups at SEMA, and a few are listed online here and there. The asking price typically includes a lot of other options - wheels, bumpers,skid, etc. With the kit at $5K+/-, what does your dealer typically charge for installation/conversion?