Episode 1008 – $12k 4×4 Jeep?
Is the 4×4 Future Smaller?
Rumors are flying about Jeep and Toyota developing compact 4×4. Think of the Jeep Renegade but more of a true 4-wheel drive. We’ve been talking about how difficult it is to put enough battery in an EV to make it a realistic alternative to an ICE vehicle. As a stopgap and pressure from governments around the world. A clown car small Jeep might fit the bill. We could be more European!
The compact 4×4 could be a fully EV like the new Jeep venger, hybrid or hybrid generator. The good news is that a simplified electric vehicle could be much cheaper.
You may be aware of Toyota’s NEW $12k pickup truck.
No anti-lock brakes. No airbags. Crank windows. No armrests. Lots of plastic and rubber.
So we see signs that automakers are looking for a way to make the cost of a new vehicle much less.
Jeep EcoDiesel V6 issues
Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine has such a bad reputation in his latest teardown video. Originally found in the last-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee and versions of the Ram 1500, they’re well-known for failing prematurely, with tough-to-find parts and lots of extremely tight packaging.
In a recent teardown Eric from “Do Cars” found damaged pistons, after it smacked into a valve. Bearings disintegrated, leading to the rod cap detaching from the rod.
The rod cap bounced around in the crankcase before wedging itself between the crankshaft and the block, seizing the motor.
Eric suspects a lack of maintenance and a lack of surface area for the bearings is what led to the failure. Seeing as how he takes engines like these apart for a living, we suspect he’s onto something. Eric has taken apart numerous EcoDiesels and says they’ve all had similar problems with the bottom end.
I’ve never had a vehicle with a diesel engine, but I have heard a lot of good things about them over the years. Certainly in the transportation industry, they are almost mandatory for maximum towing and longevity.
I guess this is like what we learn about gas engines. Just because they make one doesn’t mean it’s a good one.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
I’m currently at MOAB, EJS 2024. I’m having memories of last year’s trip. What fun. One of the things I experienced was low-power steering fluid.
There’s no excuse for not checking fluids, but I have to admit with 7,000ish miles on the Odo I just drove it to EJS. 700 miles(?) 19ish hours.
I heard the classic whine of the power steering pump out on the trail. When I was done I headed to Orileys and picked up a few things.
Yep, the power steering fluid was low. Did it just get hot and evaporate or spill over from the heat?
I haven’t had any issues since, so I’m not sure what happened.
Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!
T Slot Nuts for Toyota Tacoma Bed Rails Cleats Bed Rack Rail Accessories for Tundra Pickup Truck Deck Bike Mount W/Stainless Button Socket Cap Screw (4 Packs) $12.99
