3.0 ecodiesel

[Alc]

I’m 20 months and 33k miles into my ecodiesel. I knew it would cost more than the gasser. It’s a thousand times more refined than the 3.6 is. People want to complain about up front costs, but what is the cost difference between the 8 speed in the gasser and the ZF 8 speed in the diesel? What about the factory steel steering components that are cast aluminum in the gasser? There are way more heavy duty parts in the eco that the gasser doesn’t have, so if you factor all those in you’re probably not paying very much for the actual engine. The diesel just has that fun factor that’s missing from the gasser. They like to be driven, so get out there and drive em.

Finally someone actually talked about one of the biggest differences, the transmission which is worth the price of admission. That 3.0L ZF is incredibly smooth on the up and downshifts (it’s also in the JL 392). The transmission in the 3.6 is rough, both downshifts and up shifts felt like the old vacuum tube transmissions of yesteryear. While my 3.0 was in the shop for the pump recall they lent me a 3.6 for 2 weeks. I was able to replicate my 3.0 usage fairly accurately. Obviously, like others stated, it didn’t get as good gas mileage but that would not have swayed me, but that transmission in the 3.6 just felt poorly designed (it was a brand new Willy’s with 100miles on it). The vehicle was never in 8th gear on level or up-hill highway driving at 70mph. Thus, it was much louder at highway speeds. The diesel never downshifts out of 8th on that same 2 hour drive. Also, when driven back-to-back, you can feel the weight “penalty” of the diesel. This is good and bad, you move, turn and stop more mass but it feels a little more planted at speed.

I definitely would not worry about parts. These engines have now been used in many vehicles and will be around for years. Most of the reliability “issues” have been discussed but I have yet to find an engine without some sort of flaw. For example my wife’s GL350 bluetech has the oil cooler with a $1.50 hose located in the center of the engine that’s gone 2x in 100,000 miles. The 2007 GC CRD had swirl motor issues, and the 2006 Liberty CRD had torque converter issues (and the body fell apart around it). And don’t get me started on Audis, Hondas, Cadillac CTS-Vs, or Porsches I own/owned. Most longevity issues stem from EPA compliance for all gas & diesel engines but that’s the price we pay for it not smelling like the 70s with no catalytic converters pr EGRs on vehicles. And if you are worried about longevity, checkout GDE for a tune in the 3.0L. But, in typical Stellantis form, it will void your warranty although it could be better for the engine.

At the end of the day, if the diesel didn’t immediately speak to you then do not buy it. The dealership close by only had the 3.6L and I refused to buy until I tested both. When I finally had the opportunity to drive both it was instantaneously clear which one I would choose. It’s your choice so enjoy having the ability choose.

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[Camaroboi13]

Finally someone actually talked about one of the biggest differences, the transmission which is worth the price of admission.

I don’t think anyone’s mentioned the Dana 44s front and rear with the ecodiesel either. Between those and the ZF8 the engine has to be free at that point. Yes, the Rubicon has the cool axles but if you’re buying a sport or overland in a diesel you’re making a killing on free upgrades.

 

[Vtur]

I don’t think anyone’s mentioned the Dana 44s front and rear with the ecodiesel either. Between those and the ZF8 the engine has to be free at that point. Yes, the Rubicon has the cool axles but if you’re buying a sport or overland in a diesel you’re making a killing on free upgrades.

Don't all JT comes with D44 front and rear M210/220?

 

[Camaroboi13]

Don't all JT comes with D44 front and rear M210/220?

Yep. Getting my forums mixed up. Wranglers come with D30/D35 in the lower end models. That’s what I get for having too many Jeeps ?

 

[Dave-in-RI]

Just found this diesel JT… has a few extra wheels thrown in for the $159,000 price.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...By=relevance&zip=02885&clickType=supplemental

 

[TheRealStreetcommander]

Diesels are great. The new modern diesels are a disaster. Cummins is the only one who can do them right still because they have an engine the physical size of tractor and the generous engine bay dimensions of the the Ram. It’s the ludicrous packaging constraints and foolish choice of V-banked configurations that destroy everything good about the modern diesel. The futile nanny-state devices are mandated.

The VM Motori engine is great. Servicing it in the engine bay is a suicide pact. When it’s under warranty, I don’t care, because it’s the dealership tech’s life I actively destroying, not my own. After, well… time to sell just like 99.9% of every current diesel owner will do.

Sounds like a rational plan to me. Now, the folks buying all the +100k mile eco-Glads? I guess that will depend on the price of entry.

Full disclosure, I bought the Pentastar. For the same price and availability, I would have bought the diesel.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Finally someone actually talked about one of the biggest differences, the transmission which is worth the price of admission. That 3.0L ZF is incredibly smooth on the up and downshifts (it’s also in the JL 392). The transmission in the 3.6 is rough, both downshifts and up shifts felt like the old vacuum tube transmissions of yesteryear.

Where in the world did you ever get that idea that the transmission behind the 3.6 is rough? Really? Unless I look at the display, I can hardly feel mine shift at all. And that's with both of my JTs, including after the first one got a flash and relearned. Smooth as silk.
The only real difference is in the torque handling capability.
Our 4xe has yet a different version ZF transmission and frankly, I can't tell them apart (the 4xe has the same or better kick-ass torque and HP) -both are seamless, smooth as silk. If you aren't looking, you won't know a shift unless you are under heavy torque and kick into it, then it will jump 2 gears. That's not the transmission being cheap, that's the programming to compensate for the lower torque of the 3.6

Mojave gas has the steel knuckles...........

 

[Alc]

Where in the world did you ever get that idea that the transmission behind the 3.6 is rough? Really? Unless I look at the display, I can hardly feel mine shift at all. And that's with both of my JTs, including after the first one got a flash and relearned. Smooth as silk.
The only real difference is in the torque handling capability.
Our 4xe has yet a different version ZF transmission and frankly, I can't tell them apart (the 4xe has the same or better kick-ass torque and HP) -both are seamless, smooth as silk. If you aren't looking, you won't know a shift unless you are under heavy torque and kick into it, then it will jump 2 gears. That's not the transmission being cheap, that's the programming to compensate for the lower torque of the 3.6

Mojave gas has the steel knuckles...........

By driving the 3.6L and 3.0L, back-to-back, on the same roads, at the same speed limit. that’s how I decided it was rough. @ShadowsPapa Man, you just love to argue in EVERY post and try to “tell ‘em how it is”. I’ve also noticed you omitted any reference about driving the 3.0L which leads me to believe you have not.

OP, if the 3.0L didn’t speak to you then I’d stick to the 3.6L, just like I said in my previous post.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

By driving the 3.6L and 3.0L, back-to-back, on the same roads, at the same speed limit. that’s how I decided it was rough. @ShadowsPapa Man, you just love to argue in EVERY post and try to “tell ‘em how it is”. I’ve also noticed you omitted any reference about driving the 3.0L which leads me to believe you have not.

OP, if the 3.0L didn’t speak to you then I’d stick to the 3.6L, just like I said in my previous post.

I have - and the only real difference I saw was that the 3.6 equipped shifting may drop 2 gears, like going from 7 to 5, for example, due to the limited torque. You feel that. Otherwise, I didn't notice any real difference. The 4xe is very similar to the 3.0 in my experiences in that it doesn't shift as often, and it isn't going to downshift skipping a gear.
The smoothness was the same. The difference was lack of torque in the 3.6 forcing more drastic shifting patterns to maintain speed under load.
There isn't a need for shifting with the higher torque, so there's less of it. I experienced it on the hills here.
The diesel's torque being superior to the gasser means - less hunting, less shifting, but I didn't feel it was smoother or less harsh.
Dropping 2 gears, which is what they are programmed to do - yeah, you'll feel that. Maybe that's what some consider harsh shifting?
Sales guy here will let me drive anything I ask and sometimes I tell him - I'm just doing some research, digging.
(really want to take out one of the upcoming Chargers -

 

[Saltymedic]

Sure about that? The 3.6 is quicker than the 3.0 to 60 and in the quarter mile. LOL

? Now let's do a 0-60 with 37's and a 4"!

No comparison bubba

 

[Raven65]

? Now let's do a 0-60 with 37's and a 4"!

No comparison bubba

Sure... set it up! Doesn't change the power output of the engines. It's all relative.

The fact of the matter is, they're very close to each other - even if the 3.6 is slightly quicker. This was just in response to the comments about the 3.6 being a "slug" and the cute license plate frame above relating to the 3.6. Sorry... #FAKENEWS

 

[Almost]

Seems like a lot of people are stating "facts" without actual numbers. So here is real world numbers based on my experience going from a 09 JKU to a JTRD. Below is based on current fuel prices at my closest station.

You can figure it out if it's worth it for you or not. Again, this is based on MY maintenance intervals which are shorter than what is stated in the book. In general, I get about 50% more MPGs and diesel cost about 30% more in my area.

I got the diesel purely for the driving experience and MPG as I drive over 20K miles a year. If this was a debate of Hemi vs Pentastar I would have went Hemi and been just as happy getting 11 MPG if there was no EcoDiesel option. Drivability was all I care about and the diesel feels effortless and that's what matters to me. Everything else is a bonus.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

How about comparing like vehicles, at least?

 

[Almost]

How about comparing like vehicles, at least?

I don't have real world numbers for a gas gladiator (never owned one). I clearly stated this is my experience - feel free to substitute your own.

 

[Saltymedic]

Sure... set it up! Doesn't change the power output of the engines. It's all relative.

The fact of the matter is, they're very close to each other - even if the 3.6 is slightly quicker. This was just in response to the comments about the 3.6 being a "slug" and the cute license plate frame above relating to the 3.6. Sorry... #FAKENEWS

Please excuse me if writing this comes across as disrespectful but it's obvious to me which engine you own. The two engines are vastly different friend, especially once you add lift and tires. The diesel (again speaking of modified Jeeps) accelerates on the highway with serious authority while the 3.6 screams for help. They truly are not a close comparison.

Now if you were to pit a bone stock 3.6 against a bone stock diesel, then yes they feel somewhat similar. The very first time I test drove the Gladiator I was lucky enough to have a gas and diesel with similar options side by side. I drove them both and to me the gasser felt lighter on its feet but the diesel felt planted. I didn't feel too much difference. But once the lift and tires went on, the difference became abundantly clear. The diesel is far superior and you would know that if you had one.

As a side note you can't get anywhere near the mid 500's lb/ft of torque you get with the 3.0 (with a simple tune) out of the 3.6 either.

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