LibertyCRD wrote:
Thanks for the report. I occasionally consider buying a WJ to replace this KJ myself.. the info you provided was helpful. The KJ was the first "modern" vehicle to ever wear the Jeep name...totally new from everything Jeep had produced before...and your report along with all the others I've read just keeps confirming that the KJ truly is the most rock solid Jeep ever built.
Very true. I like the KJ platform, just wish it was solid axle and available with the hemi.
Heck, I'd take the wrangler with a hemi.
I wouldn't rule the WJ out based on my account. The CRD liberty has its fair share of issues that need to be modified to make her reliable also. Each person just whas to weigh the differences and decide for theirselves. For me I put the WJ's solid axle and simple reliable pushrod V8 with 15-20mpg over the complex CRD motor and Independent suspension with 20-30mpg.
I wanted the WJ GC for the solid axle which means I can lift it higher. I currently have a 6.5" long arm lift and 33" tires.
I have full confidence in the pushrod 4.7L HO V8 also. It is simple and reliable power, it has a forged crank, STRONG V8.
In the long run i think it will be simpler and cheaper to maintain than the CRD. It has a timing chain that is good for 2-300k miles, $20 thermostat (not $100+), easy to access parts, cheap parts, no VH, no alternator coupling, no sooty MAP sensor, no EGR cooler, no $1000 turbo, etc. Like I said, I miss the torque (I might add i miss the GDE hot tune torque) but I have much more HP (265), adequite torque (325-more than CRD had w/o tune), 6500lb towing capacity (not 5000lbs -limited by brakes and wheel base i think on CRD), and 0-60 is 6.9 sec flat.
Still a very fun daily driver. Towing may be not quite as effortless as with a turbo diesel, but everything else is a great package and I don;t tow often. A few interior pieces broken that don't change engine reliability doesn't bother me to fix once in awhile.
I already have the airbag light fixed, new bearings and seals, new fluid in diffs, limited slip axles work great now. I'm going to get used heated-power-memory-leather seats with good motors and no rips tomorrow hopefully ($225 for front and rear seats!!! CHEAP!). Then I'll have extra parts from my seats just in case.
I may need a heated seat module ($50) to get the heated seats to work if the issue is not in the seats, the wiring connections I will fix on the door window switch...there are aftermarket speakers in the jeep so the door panels have been off and may have pinched a wire? I will put a new $20 thermostat and gasket in it to fix coolant drip. They make a heavy duty heater door pin kit to fix the heater door flaps for good. I will install that and hopefully never have another prob there either.
All vehicles have their downsides, at least mine are small things that are mostly non reliability related like interior stuff. I will get her all back to new soon enough, then I just have to maintain a simple vehicle which should be fairly easy. Especially since parts from 1999-2004 all work and small stuff is VERY available on ebay/junk yards for CHEAP.
Good luck with your KJ or whatever you end up with.
I think if smaller diesels were more main stream here they would be more reliable, simpler, cheaper, and easier to work on.
- Mark
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