KK trail report in Indy

Dutchy · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:20 am

[/quote]

Sorry to disappoint the CRD lovers here but it looks like the KK CRD in the pictures is one for the European market.

The KK's for the US have 4x4 on the back as you can see on the Jeep official website, this is because you guys will also get the 4x2

In Europe there is no 4x2 model Liberty/Cherokee and therefore they don't have the 4x4 batch (since 2004) as they are all 4x4 anyway.

So the 4x4 KK in the picture must be one for the European market.

I remember when the new Grand came out, the European autopress tested the CRD's for Europe on a track in the US, same with the Wrangler CRD.

Chances that there will be a CRD for the US market are slim as
Chrysler is on its own now without the help of Mercedes (well known for there first class diesel technique) and with GM buying the 50% stake in VM Motori from Daimler it will even be a problem for Chrysler to get diesel engines for the European market in the near future.

Maybe there is a chance with VW diesel engines as done in the Patriot and Compass over here but they don't come cheap and with the ever changing emission rules in the US this is going to be even more expensive.

Sean150 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:52 pm

I saw the new KK at a Costco today and all I can say is YUCK.

At a distance I thought it was a Commander, then I thought it was a Nitro.. but then I realized it was the ugly new Liberty. They should have just ended the liberty with the 07s and called this new thing something different. I don't care if some of you think it handles better. I would rather import a Toyota Hilux and drive that around before the KK... And why does it have a donut for a spare??? my old Sebring at least had a full size spare... a Jeep with a donut is immoral and irresponsible.

skrracing · **Posted:** Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:14 pm

OK guys, Just got back and let me say I was very pleased with the new KK. Nope...it's not a KJ but it did an outstanding job on the trail. The traction control did a great job getting guys up the very steep and slick hills. Yea there are a few things we can all work around like the tiny spare tire.... I know it will not be long before someone comes up with a tire mount for a full size tire, lifts, and all kinds of goodies.

Don't forget guys when the KJ first came out no one wanted to have anything to do with it and look at all the cool things different shops make for it now. It will all be good in the future. I really feel the traction control and the hill descent will do an outstanding job for a lot of folks coming into the offroad would.

As far as a stock Jeep with stock road tires running street pressure... The KJ did a great job. It turns very tight through the trees, approach and depart angles seemed to be very close to a KJ...Sorry... It's been a long time since I am driven a stock KJ... but it did a very good job on the deep whoops. I feel if you were going to wheel it hard with a lift ...a little bit of plastic trimming might help but that fits for the KJ as well.

Skids looked good for stock. And back to that spare tire under the Jeep...When we go to Moab we ask that most guys take the tire off the rear because it seems to hit in a lot of spots in the deep whoops or very steep climbs so this might not be a big deal at all. Hope this helps guys. Let me get a day of rest and I will go through my pictures and see if I can get some other posted. Might be able to post some from Moab as well. Remember I posted some a while back from Moab and got a good butt chewing for that but well worth it for the LOST group. Later...Clint

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Mon Sep 03, 2007 11:54 am

Just so you know, MrMopar (our inside man on the CRD section) confirmed that the diesel is NOT "NAFTA ready" emissions-wise, and won't be out in the states until maybe 2012...sigh.

Glad I got mine when I could....

Rush345 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:48 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

KJ-BOL wrote:

posted on Linton / Jasonville Daily Newspaper

Man - we have got to hit this place in the next month.... come on midwesteners !!

http://gcdailyworld.com/story/1249864.html

Found a typo.

I wonder if that one magazine, that hates Liberty's, was in attendance?

Jeep engineers designed the course? Hmmmmm..... Why not use Mother Nature-designed courses? We have plenty here in the Rockies. :lol:

Having originally come from back east hiked and camped all over the Blue Ridge mountain. I say mountains tonge in cheek although it is pretty country it is by no means mountains. They just don't know any better so consider them young and foolish they know not what they say. :lol:

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:29 pm

Sean150 wrote:

I saw the new KK at a Costco today and all I can say is YUCK.
a Jeep with a donut is immoral and irresponsible.

Just like all those XJ's with donut spares?

spencevans · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:04 am

Thanks for all the updates Clint. All the articles I have read only list 3.7L engine for the new KK but my local dealer (not to be mentioned) says he has inside info on the new CRD. I picked his brain a bit and he seemed to know what he was talking about as far as the new KK is concerned. I can't remember all the details because this was back in June and I really have no desire to part with my KJ but it made for a nice conversation.

lilmatty · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 10:20 am

Hi Clint. The KK has yet to show locally in my area.

Can you tell us if the front diff went away from aluminum?

KJ-BOL · **Posted:** Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:23 pm

Found a pic from Clint... This guy is all over the place - did he retired? - I don't think so - he just changed jobs...

"Many Liberty owners owe a debt of gratitude to Clint Rounsaval of Lost KJ’s online forum and LostZJcom. Clint was out on the trail in his Liberty wheeling it almost as soon as he had gotten it home; Clint was also involved with designing and helping some of the manufacturers out there design things from solid axle swaps, Boulder Bars and even spacer lifts."

more images and the full report here:
http://www.jeepbrokers.com/Jeep_2008_Li ... ll_Out.htm

skrracing · **Posted:** Sat Sep 15, 2007 10:46 pm

Thanks man for all your kind words...Sorry I have not gotten pics posted but I have been in Eastern AZ doing some mapping work for the BLM and State Forest Service. Got to pay the bills right? I will get something posted soon but I will say the new KK is looking very good and worked great out on the trail. Yea I thought I was going to have an easy lifestyle as well but man o man I have been so busy it has just been crazy. Thanks again for all your kind words. Later..Clint

KK trail report in Indy

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