I'm considering replacing my Sentra (good mileage daily driver) and Cherokee (used to haul and wheel) with a CRD Liberty. Is there much difference between the '05s and '06s? There are a few '05s in the area for around $18k with low miles so that's what I'll probably end up with if there aren't any compelling reasons to go with an '06. Is limited slip differential an option for both years? Is it a good unit worth looking for or am I better off getting an aftermarket unit? Has anyone done a waste vegetable oil conversion with this engine? Does it work well or does the engine not like veggie oil? I'm considering either home brewing biodiesel or converting it to run on waste oil. Thanks for any input.

My personal opinion is if your looking for an economical purchase and want to "homebrew" diesel to tinker with is to get a late 80's or early 90's MB Diesel. It will get you great mileage allow you to tinker with the homebrew crowd.

The difference you save between the CRD purchase and the MB, I would sink into the Cherokee for off-road goodies

I love the CRD but personally would not consider doing a homebrew SVO. It's just personal perference.

If you want a CRD, you can't go wrong with an 05 or 06 feature wise. The engines are rock solid.

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2005 Black CRD Limited w/105,000 miles
Mann Provent 200, Airbox Mod, ORM Mod
New 545RFE, TC & Redesigned pump @ 25,020 miles
New EGR Flow Control Valve @ 25,020 miles
New Transfer Case input/output seals @ 32,787 miles
SEGR Kit @ 52,000 miles
SunCoast TC and Transgo Shift Kit @ 52,000 miles

If your used to wheeling with a stock or near stock cherokee youll be severly dissapointed. I need to start researching and see what some lift will do to improve things. Untill then dont expect it off the lot to be anywhere near as capable as a cherokee.(though I will reserve final judgement untill I get some taller tires on the CRD)

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

There is a company that does a WVO/SVO conversion for the CRD but there is not much info out there. Biodiesel (good quality) should not present a problem except with Bosch coverage of warranty on fuel system/injectors ect...they only approve B5. The good news is the the CRD is a great little vehicle and down the road biodiesel will become more common. Homebrew is an option as long as it is really "clean".

05's can come with Trac-Lok (mechanical) and 06's come with Traction Control (computer controlled). The Traction Controls works pretty good along with ESP ect. Either one at a good price would be worth the investment.

Here is a short (relatively) article I wrote on the 2006 CRD:

http://www.epinions.com/content_355681996420

OR...find a wrecked CRD and swap the engine/tranny/ect into the Cherokee.

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Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph

Hello.......

If I cant find a repairable CRD thats what I will be doing next.

_________________
http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

How do you know if your '05 has trac lock??

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Chad Hargis
Nashville, TN
2008 Grand Cherokee CRD
2005 Liberty CRD *SOLD*

welcome to the fourm!

feel free to pm me anytime regarding Bio-Diesel.

Ive been running on home brewed stuff for over 40K miles!

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05 CRD
3" Rough Country Lift
SAMCO SPORT Hoses
Magnaflow Muffler (12226)
CAT 2 Fuel Filter
Fumoto Drain Valve
EGR replaced at 50K
in service 8/31/04
Sold 7/21/10 125k miles
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Paved Roads, another form of unnecessary government spending...

Several things to consider when puchasing a CRD. The '05 does not have ESP or traction control but the '06 CRD's do. I prefer to drive my own vehicle rather than have a computer do it for me. Also some of the '05's do have the LSD in the rear but if you ever plan on going to a locker then you will want to purchase a CRD with an open differential because their is less involved in the installation. I love my '05 but it just depends on what you are looking for. Good luck.

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2005 CRD , Moab Rims, 245/75/16 Goodyear M/T
RL rear bumper, TMJ Front bumper, Frankenlinft,
*TOTALED*

1985 Mitsubishi Pickup SP 2.3 Turbo Diesel Watercooled turbo,4D56 ported head,
12" Suspension Lift with JK Rubicon axles, Elockers, 5.13's, Fox coilovers, Atlas 5.0, Rock Lizard supersliders

1996 Lexus LX450 -locked and lifted-