Shopping for KJs

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:08 pm

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Hey now hey now. I like this forum more when this kind of heated debate comes up. I better not even mention that president bush prefers a diesel.

My 2 cents - I am a big Jeep fan but, the 3.7L Liberty for its smaller size is too much of a gas hog. I am looking into the FJ Cruiser as well and for the same mileage it looks like a better ride (the price is a little higher of course). The CDR makes the KJ attractive and puts it a head of the FJ in my mind.

I was looking at the FJ when I decided to trade in my 2002 KJ. Nice vehicle but the MPG rating is actually a bit lower(but so small a difference it is almost negligible) than the 3.7L gas KJ and that was one of the main reasons I was getting a new vehicle. I like the fact that the CRD comes with the Full-Time (AWD if you will ) feature for the road and the Part-Time 4WD for offroad. I like the "different" look of the FJ (not a clone of most other SUVs) but the mpg was a deciding factor for me. I really didn't look at anything else. The Xterra should have been on my list but I don't care for the look...the same goes for people who don't care for the look of the KJ...personal preference.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:13 pm

Don't forget that the FJ needs (requires) the use of premium or midgrade gasoline to run...

Factor that in with your MPG calculations

Johnny Corvette · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:26 pm

The FJ is cool but it is not a Jeep.

I like the idea of pouring sludge, biodiesels, corn oil, fryalator oil, etc down my tank. I know I likely will never use anything but the best diesel fuels but I like the idea.

Donkeykong · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:41 pm

Just a suggestion to anyone who wants a diesel in a particular trim:

e-mail DCX and let them know what you want. It's not going to make a big difference, but heck, maybe I will get my wrangler unlimited, 4-door 6-speed CRD if I ask enough

-Mark

BVCRD · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:41 pm

DarbyWalters wrote:

BVCRD wrote:

You said in a post several days ago, that you believed ALL 2006 and 2005 were affected by the TC issues. That it wasn't just limited to 2005 models. I meant that "most" CAC hoses will be affected at some point because of design. There has been too many off them replaced to discredit this on this and other forums. You seem to bad mouth these things, then when someone like me defends the 2006 CRD, you want to know book, chapter and verse. I speak from my own accounts and am intitled to my own opinion. Am I not entitled to that? I never make claims that I speak for ALL on here. How'd you come up with that? I wish however that "some" who have had difficulties with the CRD (2005 or later) would keep an open mind and know that they don't speak for ALL CRD owners because there are "some" of us out here that have had nothing but great success with them. They don't speak for me, and I don't speak for them, or you.

I think you are referring to this thread http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=17867 and no where in that thread did I say ALL will have the Tranny/TC problem. That being said I will say that DC , based on the info that MrMopr64 presented, did fit a 545RFE that was not up to the task of the CRD. I also was not discrediting your post about the CAC hose...I was pointing out that that was the only real info you posted in your first post. That is fine because that is what you have experienced. This is about telling a poster to basically ignore or disreguard posts by others based on our experience. I started L.O.S.T. a long time ago to give people information and talk about the Liberty. I am in no way telling you not to voice your opinion, but I will clarify anything that "I" think is incomplete. We could go on all day with "semantics" but that will not help the original poster. I respect your opinion and you have the right to voice it on this forum. Right after you point this out, you tell "me" that "I" bad mouth anyone who stands up for the CRD. This was not about the CRD...it was about your comment to disreguard the ones that say they have problems with the CRD...That is all! Now, you say that members that have had a problem with their CRDs should "Keep an Open Mind". How does that comment help anyone on the forum in any way :?:

You have now implied that "they" are closed minded and that "I" don't like my or any CRD. Speaking for "myself", I still love my CRD and am taking an active role in fixing or improving any problems or faults with the CRD. I have been here since the beginning and have always been a fan of the Liberty...I am now a fan of the Liberty CRD...but...I accept the fact that it has some shortcomings as most vehicles do these days.

Back to normal programming

I'm glad we can have this sort of discussion without mud slinging. You no dought, can see my point in that a "sore" person can and does try to sway the general public into his way of thinking. Happens all the time. I just am not willing to accept that as truth. Some have had bad dealings with certain service depts. and that has left a bad taste in their mouth. It's like if I don't like spinich because it made me sick, then I go out and tell everyone who will listen to me that spinach is a bad thing. Some people love spinach, even if it has made them sick a time or two. That is what I meant by not letting a few sour grapes spoil your taste for wine so to speak. I never meant that this whole forum is full of sour grapes. No way! There are some very bright folks here, and loads of good info. What I meant by "keep an open mind" is that in the same way that I am expected to accept that some folks don't like the CRD, (because they have had bad experiences) they in turn should accept that I do like it. I don't think it helps the forum in general, except that it helps folks remain civil to each other. I didn't mean to discredit anyone, only to help the original poster realize that there are "many" CRD owners out there that are satisfied with their investment.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:18 pm

Sounds good to me

wendell · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:29 pm

Not to steer you away from a liberty, but it sounds like maybe a small crewcab p/u tuck would work better for you if you need to haul bricks and tow and things like that. The kj is more like a family wagon, not so much a construction vehicle. Trucks can haul, tow and take alot of over all abuse.

Johnny Corvette · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:36 pm

Not really looking to haul too much. Just the weekend warrior stuff. Plus I have canoes and kayaks, etc. to haul. Have not really found a small truck I like either. The Ford Explorer sport with flat bed is close.

FastTRX · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:13 pm

BVCRD wrote:

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Thanks for the info. I will keep digging in the forum. I did see a few issues in threads in the CDR section. I have also spoken to the better Jeep service shop in my area to see what they know about the CDR. They said that they see more problems with the 3.7's than the CDRs but the CDR problems can be fairly extensive.

Having never worked on a diesel engine I was wondering how diffcult it is to wrench on one of these.

There isn't too much you can or would need to do to the CRD. There is a MAP sensor that most on here have cleaned. Other than that, most work is just maintanance, like fluid changes. Don't let a few discourage you from the CRD. There are always a few owners of any make or model that are disgruntled. Drop in on any forum and you will see that I am correct. I have 24,000 miles on mine now and love it like most CRD owners.

Whoa now...like Darby said...I dont think either of us intended to slam/"discourage" the CRD but rather let a first time buyer know what he may encounter. Quit assuming that people are OUT for the CRD. I for one and NOT a CRD owner apparently but I do ALOT of reading in the CRD forum because the CRD model interests me greatly and would love to own one if it were realistically possible for me...but its not. I have learned a GREAT deal from many in the CRD forum...and I think its great how you guys can all get together and come up with solutions to problems that DCX just ""brushed off" their chests. I wish you all good luck with the CRDs.

As Jeepjeepster said...dont let anyone discourage you from a 3.7 either. I've owned my 02' since October and have since put around 7K on it (I am the 2nd owner). I'm currently at 82K and the engine runs great. The only problem I've had is a cracked radiator which is very common for the KJ as you put on the miles. The edges of the radiator are plastic and crack over time. I have heard that there are problems with the valvetrain at around 100K...but I've only heard a few cases.

I would suggest either model...and If you could find an 06' CRD with very little miles on it for te right price...I would DEFINITLY take it.

FastTRX · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:30 pm

BVCRD wrote:

DarbyWalters wrote:

BVCRD wrote:

DarbyWalters wrote:

Don't let anyone imply that we are "discouraging" you from buying a CRD as the post stated above erroneously (a couple up). Just giving pertinent information on some foreseeable problems that can crop up...for information sake only. Also there were over 11,000 made and sold in the US so you should be able to find a good used CRD.

If he has read posts and threads here, he will be able to make up his own mind as to "if" there are discouraging words being said about the CRD's.

His post was to find out "information" about buying a KJ. Your post was obviously dismissing or ignoring "known issues" that "some" are having with thier CRDs. You should maybe speak for yourself and try not to talk for the rest of the members on L.O.S.T. I have no problem with your post on it's own...but "I" do not feel it gives a complete picture of very possible issues that are "known" to happen with CRDs.

Your Words were the ones that brought up the "discourage" context:

Don't let a few discourage you from the CRD. [/i][/b]

I, on the other hand, would have thought it was the post a few up from mine, (the one above your original post) that had a negative ring to it. The point we need to make is "some" may mean "few" and "few" if any 2006 CRD's built after Oct 2005 have had the TC issues, most will have the CAC hose issue, be that from design OR turbo leakage. That by itself isn't a "death spiral" to these engines. LBJ failure is common on many makes upside down or not. I speak for myself and my own experiences. I wish "others" would do the same instead of generalizing. Let me ask you straight out DW, do you personally know of a TC failure with a build date of 11/05 or later? If so, please give the post/thread. I took your post to mean that these issues are sure to happen. Not so IMHO.

So you mean ME? :roll:

Ok...what is negative about letting someone know ABOUT the issues concerned with a vehicle. dont make me out to sound like I'm trying to knock the CRD. Because that was NEVER my intentions with that post. I've read MANY owners say that they wish they would have known more about the problems concerned with the CRD before they bought it....

BVCRD · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:43 pm

FastTRX wrote:

BVCRD wrote:

DarbyWalters wrote:

BVCRD wrote:

DarbyWalters wrote:

Don't let anyone imply that we are "discouraging" you from buying a CRD as the post stated above erroneously (a couple up). Just giving pertinent information on some foreseeable problems that can crop up...for information sake only. Also there were over 11,000 made and sold in the US so you should be able to find a good used CRD.

If he has read posts and threads here, he will be able to make up his own mind as to "if" there are discouraging words being said about the CRD's.

His post was to find out "information" about buying a KJ. Your post was obviously dismissing or ignoring "known issues" that "some" are having with thier CRDs. You should maybe speak for yourself and try not to talk for the rest of the members on L.O.S.T. I have no problem with your post on it's own...but "I" do not feel it gives a complete picture of very possible issues that are "known" to happen with CRDs.

Your Words were the ones that brought up the "discourage" context:

Don't let a few discourage you from the CRD. [/i][/b]

I, on the other hand, would have thought it was the post a few up from mine, (the one above your original post) that had a negative ring to it. The point we need to make is "some" may mean "few" and "few" if any 2006 CRD's built after Oct 2005 have had the TC issues, most will have the CAC hose issue, be that from design OR turbo leakage. That by itself isn't a "death spiral" to these engines. LBJ failure is common on many makes upside down or not. I speak for myself and my own experiences. I wish "others" would do the same instead of generalizing. Let me ask you straight out DW, do you personally know of a TC failure with a build date of 11/05 or later? If so, please give the post/thread. I took your post to mean that these issues are sure to happen. Not so IMHO.

So you mean ME? :roll:

Ok...what is negative about letting someone know ABOUT the issues concerned with a vehicle. dont make me out to sound like I'm trying to knock the CRD. Because that was NEVER my intentions with that post. I've read MANY owners say that they wish they would have known more about the problems concerned with the CRD before they bought it....

Sorry. Not going to step into another pile. Just got my shoes cleaned off. Sorry if I misunderstood you.

FastTRX · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:49 pm

Not a problem...I just dont want you and others thinking that my posts are giving off a negative vibe. I just want people to be informed like the rest of us...and its good that they learn what can happen with the CRD. Believe me, as I've posted above, I'd absolutely LOVE to own a CRD....

Back to the topic... Good luck shopping for the KJ. I had alot of fun looking for mine.

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

The Liberty is my favorite among the small SUV's. I bought mine a week after seeing a Liberty for the first time other than in photos. I never saw one on the road before I bought mine. I sold my '98 Cherokee Limited to my Dad about a month later since I hadn't driven it a single time since I bought the Libby. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Cherokee, but I really liked the Liberty better. Stock, it will easily handle anything that over 90% of the people will ever throw at it. It can be upgraded fairly easily if you are going to ask more from it. It rides really well for a Jeep. While it might not ride as well as the cute-utes, it will put them to shame in less than ideal driving situations.
If I was currently in the market, I would seriously look at the CRD. Then I'd call Wayne at APS and get them to build a torque converter for me, and get the 45RFE-HD2 reprogramming kit for the valve body. Should take care of any issues.

Johnny Corvette · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:18 pm

Maybe I should first buy the CDR service manual.

BVCRD · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:20 pm

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Maybe I should first buy the CDR service manual.

I am. I won't get into it too deep, but I like to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s when doing things like brake jobs and such.

Donkeykong · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:42 pm

BVCRD wrote:

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Maybe I should first buy the CDR service manual.

I am. I won't get into it too deep, but I like to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s when doing things like brake jobs and such.

Check out ebay. I plan on getting a manual (I definenlty want it in book form versus CD) and the going rate is pittance: just under $100.00 compare that to shop rates, and if you save 2 hours in the shop by owning the book, it has paid for it's self.

If they don't have your particular year, ask, they usually will be able to get it for you.
-Mark

Donkeykong · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:43 pm

... and johnny, do you mean CRD?

BVCRD · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:12 pm

Donkeykong wrote:

BVCRD wrote:

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Maybe I should first buy the CDR service manual.

I am. I won't get into it too deep, but I like to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s when doing things like brake jobs and such.

Check out ebay. I plan on getting a manual (I definenlty want it in book form versus CD) and the going rate is pittance: just under $100.00 compare that to shop rates, and if you save 2 hours in the shop by owning the book, it has paid for it's self.

If they don't have your particular year, ask, they usually will be able to get it for you.
-Mark

I am thinking about going CD. Is there any difference? I figure to just print off what I need and have it right there handy. Book would work too, but might get messy.

Donkeykong · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:28 pm

IMHOP there is nothing better than thumbing thru a book to "stumble" on what you need. I have owned manuals for almost every car I have ever owned, and whenever I'm looking for something it's usually divided across 3 sections. That is why I prefer a book version.
-Mark

Johnny Corvette · **Posted:** Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:04 pm

Johnny Corvette wrote:

Maybe I should first buy the CDR service manual.

I mean while shopping for KJs.

Shopping for KJs

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