The J8 thread....

[Metcalf]

I would have to agree with Scott on this one. While I LOVE manual transmissions for there simple raw mechanical interface with the vehicle...an automatic can do the job as good if not better than a manual. I do have to state an exception however, it has to be a SMART automatic transmission. Most of the time I really don't like how factory automatic transmissions handle themselves. I hope that the J8 has a smart automatic.....

With the long wheelbase on the J8 I may have to include a 2spd Atlas transfer case with the 3.0:1 low range to my wishlist. I think the ability to have front wheel drive only is a VERY handy feature these days, not only for the ability to do a front dig, but also the ability to disconnect power to the front/rear axle in certain circumstances that may cause excessive drivetrain/suspension bind.

 

[FourByLand]

Sounds like the perfect "adventure mail truck"! Can't wait to check it out.

Also RHD is a lot more convenient with a passenger. Hint, hint.

:smiley_drive:

 

[upcruiser]

However, I just prefer to shut all the lights off at night and just drive by the night vision system (thermal).

That IS the coolest feature on that

thermal view of some Expo attendees.

 

[jingram]

The auto is perfect with the VM- perfect.

Thanks for the clarification, lol... and most definitely on the same page. There is no logical reason for my love of manual transmissions... I am well aware of all of the performance advantages of a modern automatic... I just prefer a manual, regardless of how anachronistic they are in a "modern" automobile.

Most of us will be lucky to see the next generation of Jeep/Xterra/FJ/Tacoma/Frontier come with any manual option.

Na Ja, such is life.

 

[winkosmosis]

The 545 is a really good transmission. The gearing is spaced right, and the torque convertor lockup is setup so you can engine brake down a long hill. Can't do that with the auto in my XJ because 1st is too low, 2nd is too high.

 

[Metcalf]

The 545 in the liberty had some teething issues. Something related to the shift programming and the torque converter. I've heard that all these issues where addressed in the J8. Maybe Scott can give us some more details.

Suncoast also has diesel torque converters, shift kits, and clutch upgrades for the 545 in the diesel application.

I don't see a deep pan, more fluid, and a BIG cooler hurting anything

 

[MC4X4]

any details / pics on how the roofrack is attached.
cheers Mark

 

[AEV Conversions]

FLIR nightvision: Its a (RHD) Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand...

Roof rack brackets will be released soon, just adding final touches to them.

dh

 

[jeepdreamer]

Bet that cost a few pennies...?

I'm glad my "uncle" lets me play with FLIR and it doesn't cost me a dime...:sombrero:

 

[Metcalf]

Update.

I hope Dave at AEV doesn't mind me posting this. Just got off the phone, If your reading this Dave thank you for your time on the phone.

The J8 program is moving forward as planned, the only hiccup is the parts supply from Chrysler since there restructuring.

Supply will not be a problem once all the ducks are in a row from the Chrysler parts end of things.

Spots are still available in line for the J8's. Over 30 people signed up so far.

There are three J8's available if you want to look at one. One in Michigan, One in Montana, and one in Arizona. :drool:

 

[alosix]

Awesome, thanks for checking up on that

At this rate, I might have the required $$ saved up and live in a state that'll let me tag the diesel one (fairly sure its still questionable about doing in in CA with the 2010 regs)

Jason

 

[Metcalf]

No problem.

I think the kit car thing is going to open up a lot of doors, but when the DMV people see a shinny new 'jeep' in the parking lot they are going to have questions for SURE!

Are we crazy to consider this? Its expensive, but boy does it fit a really nice niche as far a vehicles goes. Bigger and stronger than most SUV's including a typical SWB jeep, but small enough to be VERY useful on the trail. Basically like a smaller full-size US pickup.

For my personal choice the 3-door turbo diesel version fits my needs best. It has a large FLAT storage area in the back for stacking gear or sleeping if my eyes get heavy or the weather shuts me in. The turbo diesel should provide 20mpg in general use, if not slightly better. As demonstrated in the Nukizer concept the motor can be reprogrammed to produce something like 185hp and 450+ ftlbs!

While the axles are not ideal, they are a good deal heavier than the stock JK Rubicon axles in not only strength but with bigger brakes, 4.10 gears, a stronger front housing, and so on. At first glance I wasn't too happy about the c-clip D60 rear axle. I would have rather seen a full floating rear axle for sure! The factory axle, c-clips and all, is rated for 2000+ pounds of payload and a 7000+ pound tow rating....all under military duty cycles. If it did become a weak point Dynatrac does make a full floater version of the JK/J8 housing now that can reuse the HUGE J8 rear disc brakes and your esisting D60 gears and locker.

The factory J8 front axle has much thicker axles tubes ( .31 vs .25 wall ) than the stock JK front axle. This front axle also has much bigger 13.25" discs vs the 12" JK discs. I would have liked to see factory lockers offered with the J8. I think its a pretty big hole in the spec sheet. I can understand that the military probably doesn't want to deal with people mis-using the lockers. I guess we pay the price for that. The factory JK Electric locker should work in the J8 front housing, but that leaves a hole to fill for the rear locker. The factory J8 Dana 60 rear axles comes with a trac-lock rear differential. A decent limited slip, especially when you throw in some left foot braking through the automatic transmission to help it along. The only after-market locker for the rear C-clip 35 spline D60 locker I have seen thus far is the ARB air locker.

I'll write up some more thoughts later....

 

[x32792]

AEV J8 Conversion

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) J8 MILSPEC Vehicles for Cilivian Purchase

http://www.aev-conversions.com/J8/

Designed for military use, the J8 was designed to pass one of the world's toughest durability cycles, which is three times more severe than what civilian applications must endure. The axles are both beefed up to a heavy duty Dana 44 front and a Dana 60 rear axle equipped with Dodge Ram brakes. The frame is built for severe use and the rear suspension uses leaf springs to facilitate more than a 2,500 lb. payload capacity and a 3,500 lb. tow rating. The J8 MILSPEC will accept two powertrain options, either a VM 2.8-liter diesel engine rated at 174 hp and 339 lb.-ft.of torque or a 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI rated at 330 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque by way of the AEV HEMI JK Kit. Both engine choices will use a 5 speed automatic transmission. The vehicles also have a number of military-specific components, including tow loops that are rated for helicopter use, an air filter capable of running as long as five hours in zero visibility dust storms and remote-mounted batteries. Don't look for satellite navigation or leather seats, options are limited to paint color (Desert Sand or Military Green), a choice of a three door or five door body styles and air conditioning.

Interested enthusiasts can contact American Expedition Vehicles to learn more or to place an order, www.aev-conversions.com / 248-926-0256. Owners should expect to invest approximately $50,000 for a complete running vehicle, chassis plus powertrain.

Just finished a 6,000 mile overland, 3,500 miles on back roads so I'm very much interested in how this beast performs both ON and OFF the road, i.e., milage with diesel and realistic highway cruising speed. I've contacted the AEV team and will share any info they send me.

John

 

[JeepinJon]

I want one, but I can't come up with the funds yet. However my wife said that in 2012 we can get another Jeep and get rid of hers. I wonder if Chrysler friends and family discounts can be used. :coffeedrink:

 

[x32792]

On hold

John,

Thank you for your interest in our company and products. AEV offers a wide range of limited edition vehicles with various power plant configurations for the adventurous outdoor lifestyle. The retail U.S J8 program has been put on hold due to the management change over from Chrysler and their ability to provide the chassis. We currently can not offer a time line as to when the program will pick back up, however we can offer a JK or Brute in its replacement.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me directly.

Jeff Clark
Brand Manager
American Expedition Vehicles
1880 W. West Maple Rd.
Walled Lake, MI 48390
(248) 926-0256 x217 - office
(248) 926-0337 - fax
(513)509-2720 - cell
jclark@aev-conversions.com
www.aev-conversions.com