Thoughts and Opinions Needed on a 2008 Jeep GC Diesel
- Thread starter SSF556
- Start date
See this page for ideas about a mild GC build 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.
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.
Bikemobile
Adventurer
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.
Its highway comfort and off road ability really sets it apart from the rest.
Sal-XK
Observer
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.
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.
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.
SSF556
SE Expedition Society
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...
Logans91XJ
Dirt Road Anthem
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.
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.
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
Observer
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.