Episode 403 – Is the Wrangler Finally Getting a Diesel?
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Whether you are upgrading your Jeep’s suspension, swapping axles, changing trannies or modifying your transfer case, one component of your Jeep almost always demands attention—the driveshaft. It’s the critical link in your drive line, and a sensitive one at that. A little off here, a little off there, and if you’re not careful, you could find yourself in big trouble somewhere you can least afford it. This is why you should put your trust in the biggest name in drive shafts, Tom Woods. Just go to 4XShaft.com find out more, that’s 4XShaft.com
This Week In Jeep:
Jeep Is Going Diesel
It is official. For the 2020 model year, the Jeep Wrangler WILL have a diesel option. Before you do your happy dance however, there are some strings attached. For starters, it will only be available on the four-door Wrangler models and only with an automatic transmission. Although this may or may not be a deal breaker for some, that’s not to say there won’t be some engine swaps happening in the very near future. An interesting fact, the new 3 Liter V6 Wrangler motor and eight-speed transmission are the same ones found in the new 2020 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel. The RAM EcoDiesel trucks should hit dealer lots around the same time as the new EcoDiesel Wranglers, which multiple sources have confirmed will be “late this year.” While the Wrangler diesel will offer the same 260 horsepower as the RAM, it will provide far less torque. I know! I know! It’s not fair. If it’s the same engine and transmission, then why would it have less torque? Well, I don’t have those answers yet, but we’ll get to the bottom of it. But before you go storming off in a temper tantrum and end up kicking the dog again, the diminished torque isn’t all that bad. The RAM’s Ecodiesel power train provides 480 pound-feet, while the Wrangler diesel will get you 442 pound-feet. Something tells me, most of us won’t really miss those 38 foot pounds of torque. I mean we have nuts and bolts torqued tighter than that. Despite the loss, that torque will be great for hauling or towing heavy loads, and it will be super useful off road. As far as the horsepower goes, well, it’s not all bad there either. With a reported 260 ponies, which we believe is an underestimate, it falls inline with the 2L i4 and the 3.6L V6 which have 270, and 285 horsepower respectively. With such little separation in power from the three engine categories, I don’t see this being an issue especially when you take into consideration the impressive torque numbers. As far as the actual specs for towing, pricing, and fuel economy, Jeep still hasn’t announced these numbers for the Wrangler EcoDiesel. But…we should know all of this soon, as it won’t be that long before these diesel Wranglers hit dealer lots. Oh, and don’t forget, Jeep has already promised that the Gladiator will have an Eco-Desiel option next year as well, so be on the lookout for those too. Jeep is going diesel with the Wrangler and Gladiator, And the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk maybe getting even more horsepower.
Scotty! – I NEEED MORE POWER!
Car and Driver this week dropped a bomb on the automotive world with their latest spy shots, and no, it’s not of the Grand Wagoneer. One of their spy photographers snagged a few photos of a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (prototype) with a massively more aggressive hood scoop. And I mean bulbusly, and hugely more aggressive. I don’t know about you, but that has me thinking even more power is in store. What else would you need the room for? From these photos at least, it seems that a more powerful version of this already wildly powerful SUV is in the works. The web is full of people clambering for guesses. Everything from a Trackhawk-2, to some guesses calling it the Trackhawk Redeye, meaning it would use the same 797-hp version of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 that’s in the most powerful versions of the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. Compared with the Trackhawk’s current 707-hp version of this engine, this higher-output motor would add 90 horsepower and around another 50 or so lb-ft of torque to the already super-car-like numbers. This is of course all just conjecture. The hood scoop is the only obvious clue that this prototype is packing something other than a stock power plant, so I suppose this could just be experimentation in new body lines or trim packages. But… it’s also possible other improvements are going on that we CANT see. Jeep may opt to beef up the suspension or brakes slightly to deal with the extra grunt, offering a whole new stance to the Grand Cherokee. And if it does indeed inherit the Redeye name, it’ll get different badging and such to differentiate it from the normal Trackhawk. And dont think that it’s going to be just a matter of choosing option A or option B… you’re going to pay for that power. I think it’s all too reasonable to expect a price bump over the current Trackhawk’s starting price of $88,395. Some are saying as much as a 10 grand bump, meaning the most powerful SUV could set you back almost 6 figures. It has also been speculated that this special model (dare i say special edition) will likely serve as a farewell to the current-generation Grand Cherokee, as the next-generation SUV is scheduled to arrive for the 2021 model year. So until then, we’re just going to have to keep our eyes and ears peeled for more about the upgraded Trackhawk sometime during the next few months.
Wrangler Talk:
Tammy’s Jeep Problems
Jeff from Adrenaline Off Road was helping check my Tom Woods Driveshaft and notice excessive play in my pinion flange. Took it to the dealer as I’m still under warranty. They are looking at my Jeep right now. They found the pinion nut was loose like it was hand tightened. They checked the dif fluid and it’s full and didn’t find any metal. They are going to go in and look at everything to make sure there are no issues with the pinion oI should know more tomorrow. While they have my Jeep they were looking it all over. They noticed the upper and lower ball joints were past the alloted specifications. I decided to upgrade with Synergy ball joints and gussets. Only $30 more. I am also getting the transfer case fluid changed. They said the bolts are smashed up. YIKES! They also notice the passenger upper control arm was loose. Hopefully I will get my Jeep back by Tuesday.
Rear Axle Pinion Nut
Interview with:
Casey – All J Big Bear Lake California
YJ builder for Don Alexander’s new book. Casey was born and raised in SO Cal and is a welder fabricator at All J products. All J specializes in jeep maintenance, repairs, and modifications. Currently Casey is working on a YJ that will be featured in a soon to be released book as well as featured at Nexen tires booths at offroad expo and sema.
Just the Tip:
Quick Tip – Distribution
With all the aftermarket electrical devices now available for older Jeeps like electric fans, EFI, electric fuel pumps and ignition systems, there is a need for multiple battery and switched power distribution points. Most of the aftermarket wiring companies sell fancy fuse blocks and distribution centers that make the engine bay of your old Jeep look like a JPL test lab. Distribution blocks have been around for decades, and plain and simply get the job done with no bells or whistles. Some manufacturers have taken these tried and true, proven pieces of underhood gadgetry and slapped a giant price tag on them. So when you need two or three points of distribution, and at $25 to $40 each for a logo and a name brand, it can get spendy quick. If you’ve listened to the show for any length of time, you know I’m all about the inexpensive. So if you take a walk through the junkyard you just might find these elegant little two-pin power blocks on any and all late ’80s and early ’90s S-10, S-15 Blazer and Jimmy trucks and SUVs. Pull a few of these off, clean them up and be sure to keep the hardware, and the metal blade that ties the two studs together. These things are easy to locate and you can get ’em for less than $1 apiece.
Power distribution for older Jeeps.
Must Have Stuff for your Jeep:
Monkey Fingers Adjustable Bungee Cords 2PK -$19.99
Monkey Fingers bungee cords are fully adjustable so that you’ll never have to worry about having the wrong size bungee again. Made in California of marine-grade cord, Monkey Fingers come with a lifetime warranty. For use on your ATV, Jeep, truck, utility trailer and more, these bungees use no metal, which means no scratches, cuts or injured eyes.Monkey Fingers bungee cords adjust from 6 to 39 inches in length and stretch to a maximum of 60 inches.
Monkey Fist Adjustable Bungee Cords
Nicky G:
Josh Jinxes Nicky G with Electrical Gremlins – and butter.
Wheeling Where:
Windrock Park Fall Jam
October 17-19
Oliver Springs, Tennessee
More Info: https://windrockpark.com/ Guided Rides, Obstacle Course, Poker Run, Drag Races, Mud Bog, Huge raffle, grand prize:Yamaha Wolverine X2
Badlands Off-Road Adventures – Death Valley Expedition
October 18
Ridgecrest, California
More Info: This is a 4 day trip covering the north and west end of Death Valley, Saline Valley and Eureka Valley. https://www.4x4training.com/w/product-category/recreational-clinics/adventures-and-events/death-valley-expedition/