Eco Diesel in the Rocks and Overlanding

[Toolace]

Hey all, brand new here and REALLY need some help. I am about to purchase my Gladiator that I have been jonesing for since the AEV Brute made its debut. I have been patiently waiting for the release of the Diesel option but now having second thoughts after speaking to my local dealer (who obviously doesn't have any in stock...plenty of 3.6 though). He claims they are sleds dogs with zero balls (forget passing anyone)?? This just doesn't make sense looking at the specs

I want to run 40's with Dana 60's geared right. I am a long time rock crawler and have traveled the country doing so (been 6 years removed from the sport with a 05 LJ 4.0 heavily built) so I THOUGHT I had it figured out that the low end torque of the Diesel would be GREAT pushing those tires and climbing the steep roads (paved) to some of my favorite local trails along with taking me skiing in Mammoth and Tahoe. Understood the diesel is heavier with SLIGHTLY less HP (fixed by a tuner) but a "Sled Dog"???

Can anyone PLEASE give me their experiences with their diesel (or buddy's) diesel JL in the above applications/scenarios, climbing steep hills and rock crawling with large tires (Beyond 37's)?? I was so excited about this engine option and now i am having second thoughts.

Thank you...with respect

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[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

As a fellow LJ owner...he's trying to sell you a 3.6. If the Ecodiesel is anything like the one we had in our '15 Grand Cherokee that weighed more than the wrangler or gladiator, it hauled a** and made the 3.6 look pitiful.

 

[Daniel Snider]

From what I can tell you... I work at a Ford store and that is exactly what that Guy is trying to do..... I also am just going to the same thoughts as you and I did end up ordering my gladiator about two weeks ago with a deisel.... I drove a 3.6 Mojave’s gladiator and I drove the eco-diesel rubicon wrangler and it was no comparison..... the diesel was amazing

 

[AndrewUVM]

I think he is trying to move what he has on his lot. Not apples to apples comparison, but I had a 3.6L Grand Cherokee and currently have a 2015 Eco-Diesel Grand Cherokee.

The Eco-Diesel absolutely blows the 3.6L out of the water. The diesel pulls harder and accelerates faster than the gas engine.

 

[Toolace]

From what I can tell you... I work at a Ford store and that is exactly what that Guy is trying to do..... I also am just going to the same thoughts as you and I did end up ordering my gladiator about two weeks ago with a deisel.... I drove a 3.6 Mojave’s gladiator and I drove the eco-diesel rubicon wrangler and it was no comparison..... the diesel was amazing

Thank you...I plan on doing the same tomorrow. Drive the Eco Wrangler and Gas Wrangler to see how it fares. I have to think that once you start adding weight and larger tires that the Eco performance gap will only widen over the gas

 

[Oilburner]

Thank you...I plan on doing the same tomorrow. Drive the Eco Wrangler and Gas Wrangler to see how it fares. I have to think that once you start adding weight and larger tires that the Eco performance gap will only widen over the gas

At this time there is not a better engine option (In My Humble Opinion) for power than the 3.0L. Is it perfect? No Is it for everyone? No. Is it for you? Only you can make that call -
You can also look on YouTube for 'Casey250' he is a very experienced Jeeper, he got a diesel Wrangler & has several videos you might get a glimpse of what you would be in for. He is also over on the Wrangler board, super nice guy & would likely respond to appropriate questions.

 

[Toolace]

At this time there is not a better engine option (In My Humble Opinion) for power than the 3.0L. Is it perfect? No Is it for everyone? No. Is it for you? Only you can make that call -
You can also look on YouTube for 'Casey250' he is a very experienced Jeeper, he got a diesel Wrangler & has several videos you might get a glimpse of what you would be in for. He is also over on the Wrangler board, super nice guy & would likely respond to appropriate questions.

Thank you. Yes, I have found him on youtube and watched some of his videos today. They were educational.

 

[Toolace]

From what I can tell you... I work at a Ford store and that is exactly what that Guy is trying to do..... I also am just going to the same thoughts as you and I did end up ordering my gladiator about two weeks ago with a deisel.... I drove a 3.6 Mojave’s gladiator and I drove the eco-diesel rubicon wrangler and it was no comparison..... the diesel was amazing

Do you plan on doing any mods to your rig when you receive it? Did you do any research to see if the diesel is the better platform for these mods? If so, what did you discover during your research? Thanks pal

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

From what I can tell you... I work at a Ford store and that is exactly what that Guy is trying to do..... I also am just going to the same thoughts as you and I did end up ordering my gladiator about two weeks ago with a deisel.... I drove a 3.6 Mojave’s gladiator and I drove the eco-diesel rubicon wrangler and it was no comparison..... the diesel was amazing

You didn't by chance obtain info on what the payload would be on the 3.0 JT did you? So far, no one has been able to provide me this info.

Also, on a separate note, not sure what Ford dealership you work for here in Denver, but I may need to speak to you about a new super duty.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

I think he is trying to move what he has on his lot. Not apples to apples comparison, but I had a 3.6L Grand Cherokee and currently have a 2015 Eco-Diesel Grand Cherokee.

The Eco-Diesel absolutely blows the 3.6L out of the water. The diesel pulls harder and accelerates faster than the gas engine.

And I think that's why I hate my wife's 3.6 in her '18 GC so much. Previous '15 GC had the eco and its not even a close comparison of the 2. Its like comparing Lance Armstrong on a bike to a 95 yr-old grandmother using a walker.

 

[Daniel Snider]

Do you plan on doing any mods to your rig when you receive it? Did you do any research to see if the diesel is the better platform for these mods? If so, what did you discover during your research? Thanks pal

I plan on going with the 35 x 11.5x 17’s and no lift.... keeping stock wheels. Wrapping it a bright fun green.... roll up tonneau cover and possibly some side steps for now.

 

[Daniel Snider]

You didn't by chance obtain info on what the payload would be on the 3.0 JT did you? So far, no one has been able to provide me this info.

Also, on a separate note, not sure what Ford dealership you work for here in Denver, but I may need to speak to you about a new super duty.

I did not unfortunately......I work up at interstate Ford in Dacono, I am here to help out any way I can.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

I did not unfortunately......I work up at interstate Ford in Dacono, I am here to help out any way I can.

Well thats a small world, thats where I bring my truck for service since I live in N Thornton.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

I plan on going with the 35 x 11.5x 17’s and no lift.... keeping stock wheels. Wrapping it a bright fun green.... roll up tonneau cover and possibly some side steps for now.

Which JT trim did you go with? Based on you going to 35s with mo lift, safe to say a JTR?

 

[Daniel Snider]

Well thats a small world, thats where I bring my truck for service since I live in N Thornton.

nice..... me too, about 139th and holly

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