ISO Jeep Gladiator - First Time Buyer

[fourfa]

Let me rephrase it, how will you plan to pass emissions in 2-3 years?

He doesn’t. There are a lot of places that have no post-sale emissions checks whatsoever (I would have though UT was one of them…)

The Mojave didn't come in diesel but has a Rear Locker and 4.10 Axle Ratio

We are specifically talking about diesels here (Mojave was never available in diesel). 2024+ Willys also has a rear locker (or real locker option?) but the diesel was pulled after 2023, so again, not possible with diesel

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[banderson099]

He doesn’t. There are a lot of places that have no post-sale emissions checks whatsoever (I would have though UT was one of them…)



We are specifically talking about diesels here (Mojave was never available in diesel). 2024+ Willys also has a rear locker (or real locker option?) but the diesel was pulled after 2023, so again, not possible with diesel

That's correct, I was putting it out there so the OP could weigh their options for finding the Gladiator that fits their needs. If a rear locker and 4.10 is more important than having the diesel, then Willys/Mojave could be a good option to consider.

 

[GCBurt]

Mobbdeep: I'm a bit north of you, but I've had a Jeep EcoDiesel since 2015. Flew down to Santa Fe to get my Grand Cherokee - Overland. It's had a few recalls but has been a faithful vehicle.

Several years ago, my wife said we were finished 5th wheeling. Sold the trailer and the 2017 RAM 3500 dually. My local dealer searched for the Gladiator Rubicon I wanted - found one up in Pocatello and traded for it.

Really enjoy the Gladiator. It had a steering column recall, and it spent two months at the dealer because the steering wheel was stripped out.

In my two attempts to pull a trailer loaded with a diesel Kubota ATV up in the mountains above Lava Hot Springs, it dropped me into Limp Mode on I-15 on both trips. However, I cleared the fault with the Banks' IDash I use for Boost Pressure and EGT visibility, slowed down, and completed the trips.

I commute to Hill AFB and average 25 to 28 MPG. A trip to Denver in our Grand Cherokee, down through Price and over I-70, netted a solid 31 MPG.

 

[JonUpdegrove]

Welcome! There are many very educated individuals on these vehicles in this forum and can add some great insight. I bought a gen3 EcoD Rubicon last year and have put 30,000miles on it this year traveling all over the country towing a 4,000lb trailer.

A couple of things I will touch on that others have mentioned but adding weight to what they said:

1. EcoD is a great platform if you understand diesels. They are all basically cared for the same. If you are really handy, do as much of the maintenance yourself as possible because half of peoples issues are either started or compounded by others touching it.

2. I would definitely suggest going with a gen3 EcoD (22 and 23), Jeep fixed a few minor flaws with the other gens. Gen3 is the latest and greatest variant.

3. CP4 fuel pump is a weak point on MOST diesel vehicles and has been recalled on many diesels in the USA. Best thing to do to help it is with fuel lubrication i.e. good reliable diesel fuel sources, and a good fuel additive, XDP and HotShots are the 2 popular ones.

4. Overheating or "derating" is another highly mentioned area. Basically the engine oil and coolant are heated and cooled together with a heat exchanger and thus means what temp the one is, the other one is only 5-10deg different. This is as designed by MOST modern vehicles to warm up the engine oil faster on cold starts for EPA/modern engine tolerance reasons but means it is always linked to the coolant temp. This vehicle can overheat and "derate" due to the engine oil temp getting too hot (250deg F), typically in Summer, in a desert climate and/or up a steep mountain grade while towing, still attempting to go the speed limit of non-towing vehicles. Other modern vehicles usually deal with this 2 ways, either add an engine oil cooler/bigger coolant radiator, and/or larger engine oil/coolant capacity. So, ways to "deal" with this is: slow down and manage expectations, front aero profile of vehicle/trailer, manage sprung/unsprung weight, GVWR of jeep/trailer, proper diff gearing for tire size (3.73 for 33", 4:10 for 35", 4:56 for 37"), zAutomotive Tazer "cooldown" mode (max radiator fan speed as constant), lower temp thermostat from GDE, GDE engine and transmission tune (more HP, TQ, engine braking, and less gear hunting), an aftermarket coolant radiator (more capacity/more fin surface area), and an OBD2 scanner to get rid of the code if it does come on. There are many more "ideas" on this topic but these are the main points for now.

5. Emissions deleting. I live in a state that cannot do this so I stay legal, but if you say "trailered" your EcoD and then drove it on trails only, then this would help with carbon build up, excess heat buildup, and smiles per gallon.

6. Suspension. If you are in tune with your vehicle, you will feel the front end is under sprung and dampened, with stock form carrying an extra 300lbs from the EcoD engine. Many like to "fix" this with higher spring rates, better/bigger capable dampers, and/or higher rollbar rates.

I think I will leave it there. I think those are the main "generally agreed upon" concepts of this community. Anymore specifics or "opinionated" concepts we can discuss in private messages as to not highjack this thread

Cheers,

 

[ChrisNLA]

Let me rephrase it, how will you plan to pass emissions in 2-3 years?

Depends on where everyone lives.

No true emissions check here in Louisiana. Been that way for years. Only five parishes have a 'check' and all they do is plug into your OBDII port and see if all the emissions systems read as 'good'. A quality tune can tell all of that stuff to 'lie' basically, and it will pass inspection.

Not that I would condone doing such a thing...

A place like this - you do your thing and don't run your mouth about it, lol.

 

[nanook12]

You can’t with it deleted if your county requires it.

I loved my ecodiesel when I had it… but keep in mind the number of us that were disappointed when we modded it, enjoyed the torque but couldn’t tow with it for a lack of cooling capacity.

the deleted gen 3 is not the same animal. I’m not seeing any overtemp on oil or coolant, nor tranny and I’m still running the stock pan. Towing 18’ tandem trailer/boat - hot summer day. EOC #2 tow tune, 2023 JTRD. You do want to make sure that you don’t block the grill off!

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Those who have deleted, how are you passing emissions?

You don't, if you live somewhere you can't delete, buy a gasser.

 

[nanook12]

You don't, if you live somewhere you can't delete, buy a gasser.

The Federal Diesel EPA regs are going away in 2027, or sooner.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

The Federal Diesel EPA regs are going away in 2027, or sooner.

Been hearing that BS for as long as I've been hearing about 5.7 Hemi's in Gladiators.

It's never going away, and you're never going to see those files unredacted.

Go ahead and make major life decisions based on internet rumors if you like, but they're out there adding DPF's to gas cars right now lol.

 

[nanook12]

Been hearing that BS for as long as I've been hearing about 5.7 Hemi's in Gladiators.

It's never going away, and you're never going to see those files unredacted.

Go ahead and make major life decisions based on internet rumors if you like, but they're out there adding DPF's to gas cars right now lol.

want to read up on it?

The new EPA regulations for diesel trucks, effective from model year 2027, aim to prevent sudden power loss due to issues with diesel exhaust fluid systems, ensuring that trucks can operate without abrupt shutdowns. These changes are designed to improve reliability and reduce economic hardships for truckers and farmers who rely on diesel vehicles.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

pickuptrucktalk.com

Overview of New EPA Regulations on Diesel Trucks
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced significant changes to regulations affecting diesel trucks, particularly focusing on emissions standards and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems.
Key Changes in Regulations
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Guidelines

• Revised Software Requirements: Starting with model year 2027, all new diesel trucks must be designed to prevent sudden power loss when DEF runs out. This aims to protect operators from unexpected shutdowns.
• Guidance for Existing Vehicles: The EPA has issued new guidance allowing manufacturers to modify DEF systems on older diesel vehicles to reduce performance derates, which can severely limit vehicle operation.

Emissions Standards

• Stricter NOx Limits: The EPA is proceeding with tighter nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions limits for heavy-duty trucks set for the 2027 model year. The standard will remain at 0.035 grams per horsepower-hour.
• Potential Adjustments: While the implementation date will not change, the EPA may revise warranty and useful life requirements to ease compliance costs for manufacturers.

Industry Response

• Support from Trucking Associations: The trucking industry has expressed support for the EPA's actions, viewing them as necessary to reduce operational burdens and costs associated with compliance.
• Concerns Over Costs: Despite the support, there are concerns about the financial impact of these regulations on truck operators, especially during challenging market conditions.

These regulatory changes reflect the EPA's ongoing efforts to balance environmental protection with the operational needs of the trucking industry.

hoosieragtoday.com

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 

[Jrgunn5150]

want to read up on it?

No thank you.

What I'll be happy to do is set an Alexa reminder to come back here in 13 months, I have 1000 dollars that says at that time, current model year diesel trucks are rolling off the line with all the emissions equipment they have today, and further, deleting an existing emissions system is still against Federal Law.

1000 bucks, cash, probably only be worth 867.00 2025 dollars by then, but whatever. Bet?

 

[nanook12]

No thank you.

What I'll be happy to do is set an Alexa reminder to come back here in 13 months, I have 1000 dollars that says at that time, current model year diesel trucks are rolling off the line with all the emissions equipment they have today, and further, deleting an existing emissions system is still against Federal Law.

1000 bucks, cash, probably only be worth 867.00 2025 dollars by then, but whatever. Bet?

Here is the current bill -

The bill currently before Congress aimed at eliminating EPA diesel regulations is the "Diesel Truck Liberation Act," introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis. This legislation seeks to ban emissions control devices and prevent the federal government from enforcing Clean Air Act requirements related to vehicle emissions controls.

landline.media

ccjdigital.com

Current Legislation on EPA Diesel Regulations
Diesel Truck Liberation Act

• Introduced by: Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming)
• Date Introduced: October 2025
• Key Provisions:
  • Prohibits the federal government from requiring manufacturers to install or maintain emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems.
  • Removes EPA authority to enforce Clean Air Act requirements related to vehicle emissions controls.
  • Prevents individuals from being prosecuted or sued under federal law for tampering with or improving emissions equipment.
  • Vacates existing prison sentences for emission-related violations and expunges related criminal and civil records.

Transportation Freedom Act

• Introduced by: Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio)
• Date Introduced: February 2025
• Key Provisions:
  • Repeals heavy-duty emissions standards and eliminates new and existing emissions waivers granted to states, including California.
  • Requires the EPA to publish new greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, replacing the Phase 3 standards finalized in 2024.
  • Establishes a national standard for emissions, barring states from adopting stricter regulations.

These bills reflect a significant shift in regulatory approach towards diesel emissions, aiming to reduce federal oversight and compliance requirements for diesel vehicles.

landline.media

ccjdigital.com

 

[nanook12]

Maybe if they would give the Epstein Files a rest for a day or two…they could get something else done…

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Everything I've read on the EPA bullshit is regarding commercial vehicles, not passenger.

Theres also crap out there about removing DEF and the ability to disable a truck due to incorrect or low DEF, but thats only for commercial trucks that operate north of the 59th parallel.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Maybe if they would give the Epstein Files a rest for a day or two…they could get something else done…

So... You do not want to accept my bet, but you do want to move goalposts.

Understood

I'm out, Merry Christmas

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