Jefe1018
Well-Known Member
I agree 100%!
My last vehicle was a C6 Corvette Grand Sport and I have zero complaints about the power of the 3.6 in my Gladiator. It's an off-road focused mid-size pickup, not a sports car. It's plenty fast enough - and not even just "for what it is"... it's plenty fast enough period! I certaly have no problem whatsoever passing slower vehicles on 2-lane highways or getting up to speed on interstate on-ramps, etc. and it will happily cruise at 80 MPH all day long (though I usually try to keep the speeds down to get better fuel mileage -given that it has the aerodynamics of a barn (LOL).
Many of the EcoDiesel fans on here love to brag about the fuel mileage they get in every threar that discusses MPG, but they never seem to mention how much more the diesel engine cost them upfront, how much more expensive diesel fuel is than reg. unleaded gasoline, how much more expensive diesel maintenance is (and the fact that it's required more often), having to deal with cleaning/replacing DEF filters, particulate filters, 9-quart oil changes, larger more expensive battery, etc. etc. etc. I *LIKE* diesels and if you have to do heavy towing/hauling on a regular basis, there is nothing better (and in which case, I'd say you should be in a full-size truck not a Gladiator), but anyone thinking/claiming that the EcoDiesel will save them money over the 3.6 gasser is straight up kidding themselves. Add to that the fact that the Italian-made EcoDiesel has proven to be problematic/unreliable and it becomes clear why they have stopped offering it as an option.
Just my $0.02
I wouldn’t say you’re saving money because of the higher mpg, but you are extending your range substantially. I’ll use a half a tank on some of my trips from my door step and back, buddies in JKs and JLs on 35 and 37’s are on E. There is peace of mind in that, at least for me. I also haven’t had to regear for 37’s and still have 0 trouble in day to day driving, I’m in 8th gear at 70mph at ~1,600 RPM, 23-25mpgs all day… in a shoebox on 37’s. I’m not saving money, but I am saving time on fuel stops.
My 9 quart DIY oil change costs less than $100, every 5,000-10,000 miles, twice a year. DEF is $9 for a 2.5 gallon jug and I got through maybe 3 a year? I do my fuel filter with every oil change, that’s like $60 I think. I’ve yet to have to “clean or replace” a dpf. I also do an airfimter or two and a cabin air filter. All in, I’m out like $400 in maintenance a year?
The 3.6 is sufficient, can be great even, but life is short. Drive what you want when you want and don’t bash something if you’ve not tried it. This forum can be an echo tank, remember that. I’m not married to this truck or motor, might end up being a turd, but for now it’s been awesome.
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