Why the Jeep Wrangler is the new Defender.

[haven]

Amen!

 

[HumphreyBear]

Internationally, the "new Defender" is a Japanese diesel pickup. <snip> Today's Jeep Wrangler is a wonderful vehicle. But it's not well supported world-wide. A world traveler would be well advised to buy a Toyota HiLux diesel rather than a Wrangler.

Thank you for making this point. I thought the article was US-biased (dare I say jingoistic (in the colloquial sense)), so was waiting for an American to make it. As an example have a look at what Scott Brady et al. are using for their impending RTW trip - good old fashioned reliable Japanese troopies, and I think Kermit and Haven's logic is the same as what their's was when they were looking at selecting vehicles.

I would be interested in stats (were they available) on what ordinary RTW trippers choose. Defenders still seem pretty well represented in that range if you look at the blogs out there. I have never seen a blogger talk about their RTW Jeep, either.

 

[drgnhrt1979]

My 2008 Grand Cherokee has a low range..plus a diesel :ylsmoke:

The new Grand Cherokees with QT2 and QD2 both have a low range...QD2 has a rear LSD. Plus you can get an air activated ride height system.

The new GC has gone ifs/irs

The older GCs models were ifs/straight

I would have to disagree with your information... a buddy of mine has a 2003 GC and my brother in law sold his 2000 GC and both have solid axles front and rear.

On topic with the thread, I would not hesitate to drive a Jeep round the world in a heartbeat. They are stout, reliable, capable vehicles.

 

[Metcalf]

I'm still bummed that the new 2.8 CRD wranglers, and the new 3.0 V6 VM diesel that will probably find its way in the chassis, cannot really be used for world wide travel. The requirement of ULSD is just a total pain in the rear.

Do most other companies, like toyota, offer 'other' diesel engines that can still be used with non-ULSD fuel?

I know that deleting the PDF and EGR may be possible, but I just don't see that as a viable option yet for long distance 3rd world travel. I just don't know if you would get the same reliability with the electronics if you start deleting systems and trying to fool the computer into not missing them.

How is it to travel world wide with a modern gas engine, albeit about as picky on fuel as the diesel, internationally?

 

[upcruiser]

Reading this thread and the discussion of diesel in a new NA vehicle always brings me to that ULSD point. You wouldn't even be able to drive the thing into Mexico right now. Unless emissions standards change, and they won't, a new Jeep diesel here won't be worth a damn for international travel. I still think a direct injected, low boost gas engine could be the way of the future for US based rigs.

 

[haven]

Regarding the Grand Cherokee suspension:

Jeep Grand Cherokee models

ZJ (1993 - 1998)
solid axles front and rear, coil springs
part time or full time 4x4, low range

WJ (1999 - 2004)
solid axles front and rear, coil springs

WK (2005 - 2010)
independent front, solid rear axle
3.7L V6 replaces 4.0L straight 6
Mercedes 3.0L diesel option (2007-08)

WK2 (2011 - present)
independent suspension front and rear
3.6L V6 replaces 3.7
Fiat diesel announced for 2013

All Grand Cherokee models use unibody construction, where the body is a stressed member of the frame.

 

[SSF556]

A lot of international countries have adopted 50ppm diesel fuel. I would run 50ppm in my 2008 GC. More than that and the risk of fuel injector failures increase.

I think Eastern Europe and Australia you would be fine...South Africa should be ok...

South/Central America, Russia, North/Eastern Africa, Asia you will need a pre 2007 diesel engine.

 

[SSF556]

Regarding the Grand Cherokee suspension:

Jeep Grand Cherokee models

ZJ (1993 - 1998)
solid axles front and rear, coil springs
part time or full time 4x4, low range

WJ (1999 - 2004)
solid axles front and rear, coil springs

WK (2005 - 2010)
independent front, solid rear axle
3.7L V6 replaces 4.0L straight 6
Mercedes 3.0L diesel option (2007-08)

WK2 (2011 - present)
independent suspension front and rear
3.6L V6 replaces 3.7
Fiat diesel announced for 2013

All Grand Cherokee models use unibody construction, where the body is a stressed member of the frame.

Unibody has been proven capable in the XJ..ideally frame on would be ideal, but nothing is perfect.

The real issue with a unibody is having to repair it after an accident.

 

[Dan Grec]

Sounds like I need to write an article to bring some attention to the need for a diesel Jeep.

Please make mention of http://jeepdieselpetition.com when you do!

Thanks,
-Dan

 

[Dan Grec]

I'm still bummed that the new 2.8 CRD wranglers, and the new 3.0 V6 VM diesel that will probably find its way in the chassis, cannot really be used for world wide travel. The requirement of ULSD is just a total pain in the rear.

It's worth remembering this is not just Jeep, this applies to all modern diesel engines worldwide.

The 1st world has mandated a new standard for reduced emissions, and it's going to take a long time (forever?) before third world countries have any incentive to adopt it too.

How is it to travel world wide with a modern gas engine, albeit about as picky on fuel as the diesel, internationally?

My experience in Central/South America says you are 100% with gas, I never had a single problem, or encountered a single gas station that had diesel but not gas.
Bolivia and Argentina were the only two countries that had shortages while I was there, and it was across the board.

I don't have any first-hand experience, but my understanding is you will not find gas as abundant and diesel in Africa & Central Asia.

-Dan

 

[Dan Grec]

As an example have a look at what Scott Brady et al. are using for their impending RTW trip - good old fashioned reliable Japanese troopies

I have not heard about this impending trip. Where can I get the details?

Thanks,
-Dan

 

[Christian P.]

I have not heard about this impending trip. Where can I get the details?

Thanks,
-Dan

www.expeditions7.com

they are in Alaska right now.

Scott is a huge Jeep advocate however and he did take one all the way to Panama.

I am seeing more and more Jeep around the world every time I travel, so I predict that better parts availability combined with better reliability would make them a good choice in the future.

 

[Dan Grec]

www.expeditions7.com

they are in Alaska right now.

Scott is a huge Jeep advocate however and he did take one all the way to Panama.

I am seeing more and more Jeep around the world every time I travel, so I predict that better parts availability combined with better reliability would make them a good choice in the future.

Ha, I don't believe it.

They passed through Whitehorse 2 weeks ago, and I noted them in my mind as "The first Overlanders of the year".
I walked right passed the two landys and thought "Hmm.. I should find the drivers"... but didn't.

Funny enough, they were parked infront of a bar....

Later, driving through town I gave them a beep and thumbs up from my POS Subaru, which they kind of replied to


I should catch up with them on the way back South.... how do I get in contact with them?

-Dan

 

[Jorsn]

The only thing I don't like about the Thaler Camper is that the spare is mounted inside in the bed area. They should have mounted it on the side, or two spares with one on each side.

 

[Saiyan66]

I do not think that the newer diesels should be much of a concern when considering international travel and foreign fuels. Once the DPF is deleted and an auxillary fuel filter added, you can go anywhere you want and run on any diesel that is available. Its quite simple and has been going on since 07 with many people who travel down to Mexico.