Diesel conversion

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:04 pm

I want to convert my 3.7 to a diesel. Has any one done this and I was wondering if any one would know how much this would cost? Where would be the best place to purchase a Diesel engine?

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:19 pm

If you are looking for a CRD engine, your best bet is probably either a boneyard or your local formerly-known-as-Chrysler stealership. Then, for all the parts that you couldn't get from the stealer... The boneyard.

You really would be better off (since you already have a Liberty) selling your KJ outright and looking for a used CRD that is complete. I'm in the process of educating myself about a CRD swap into my 97 Grand Cherokee... A vehicle that never HAD a diesel option in this country. Its a mess of a job, and I HAVE most of the pieces already except a running block. FWIW, a complete KJ CRD should set you back around 10k or so, depending on mileage and condition. Your 3.7 is probably close to that value as well, so you shouldn't be out of pocket for more than a couple grand.

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:34 pm

Going to own mine in July, Really don't want any more payments. Will check out the boneyards. I currently have a automatic transmission. Will That adapt to the crd or will I need a new transmission as well?

linewarbr · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:55 pm

Have you ever done a diesel conversion before?

If you are going to try to convert the KJ, look for something OTHER than the engine that came in the CRD's sold here. Look for a Cummins 4BT (don't know if that will fit, pretty big) or an old Toyota 2.4 diesel to install. That would be simpler, controls-wise, than doing a VM Motori conversion.

With all of the complication in the CRD that was sold here from the factory, putting that into another vehicle would be a nightmare without a full drivetrain, ECU, etc. With that expense you might as well do what geordi said and dump the gasser and go get an 05-06 CRD KJ.

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:43 pm

IIRC, the 3.7 uses the same transmission (545RFE) that the CRD uses. To give you an idea of the cost for the conversion, I will share some of the numbers I have been given. Bear in mind (and pooping in the forest?) that like I said: I have most of the parts already because I have a wrecked block that was originally IN my CRD.

Transmission and Torque Converter: $800 plus install. Figure about $1000 total, IF the transfer case doesn't need any movement. This is on the 97 ZJ, but I don't know if YOUR transfer case would need to be moved.
Engine ECU program from GreenDiesel (I have one, but if you don't... Add $200 for a boneyard computer) $500 or $700 for you.
Transmission Computer - Again, I have this. You don't. $300, less if you are VERY lucky and get a boneyard piece.
Engine Accessories: Conservatively, I'm budgeting about $800 for this, but I might have missed a part on the list. Coolant Heater, Alternator, A/C Compressor. NONE will come on a dealership-motor, and unfortunately, I don't have extras of these either. They will need to be bought for me too.
Complete VM Wiring Harness: I've got one for the ENGINE side of the firewall, but I do not have the interior side OR the BCM computer. The harness itself is probably only $150 or so, but with all the sensors attached (which Mopar hit me for $175 for just a boost sensor) you are into $500 easily.
Assuming you have the BCM and skreem system (anti-theft) that is compatible with the CRD systems... You are ahead of me on this. For me, another $500 at least for gauges and computers, and the interior wiring.

Engine Front Cover: Unknown exactly, but probably about $300. Doesn't come on a dealer service engine, from what VM tells me. I need this, you might not.
Engine mounts, consumables, repair parts to fix the boneyard engine if you get that, or replace missing sensors and components from a dealer engine... Figure about $400 to start with.

So... That brings the total (WITHOUT an engine!) to about $4000... again, BEFORE THE COST OF THE ENGINE.

I've heard of engine costs from $3600 to $10,000. Granted the high side of that was a complete job, installed, from a dealer. But still. Now you can see why I haven't started on my project yet, and might never start it. Put all that money into a 12 year old JEEP with 250k miles on it? There is a VERY good chance that trying to do this with this motor design is just going to SERIOUSLY screw something up on the Jeep's existing wiring. I priced out a 4BT swap WITH TRANSMISSION at about $2000, but I don't know enough about the engines to know if it will fit, or if they vibrate terribly. I've heard that they do, but never seen one.

Only you can run the numbers and make your own decision, but if I was in your shoes, the minor annoyance of selling a just-paid-off truck and getting into another paid-off truck for $2000 more versus opening Pandora's box for twice that and more... No brainer. Converting my 97 Jeep is less of an electronic nightmare than the newer KJs are... And even then, I'm still not convinced I want to do this. The payoff isn't high enough.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:46 pm

icefisher45 wrote:

I want to convert my 3.7 to a diesel. Has any one done this and I was wondering if any one would know how much this would cost? Where would be the best place to purchase a Diesel engine?

1st you need to check your local laws if you have any type of emission or inspections,diesel conversions are illegal in many states.If you have a '02 or early '03 KJ with the 45RFE trans it will bolt up to the 2.8 CRD but you will need to change the torque converter and have the TCM reprogrammed for a diesel.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:26 pm

The CRD is a five speed Auto and when I checked the new info when Jeep had the build your own web site, the five speed auto was not available in the 3.7L. Front springs are heavier duty, their is a separate TCM on the CRD vs the Power Train Module on the 3.7L.
Having done several Diesel Conversions in the past and having to round up a lot of parts, buying a wreaked CRD would be the smartest choice, that way you have all the parts you need.

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:43 pm

Not to be pedantic, but:

wreak (rk)
tr.v. wreaked, wreak·ing, wreaks
1. To inflict (vengeance or punishment) upon a person.
2. To express or gratify (anger, malevolence, or resentment); vent.
3. To bring about; cause: wreak havoc.
4. Archaic To take vengeance for; avenge

wreck (rk)
n.
1. The act of wrecking or the state of being wrecked; destruction.
4. The remains of something that has been wrecked or ruined.
5. Something shattered or dilapidated.
v. wrecked, wreck·ing, wrecks

Sorry, but as an educator, that kinda stuff just wreaks havoc on my mind and wrecks my concentration on the subject matter. :lol:

flman · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:29 pm

I agree the wrecked CRD would be the only way I would attempt this type of project, I am sure it would cost you $5000 if you can find one. Just trade the gasser, and thank us later.

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:38 pm

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of crd liberties in Mass. Its a thought that may never happen. I figured I would ask and see if its possible.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:56 pm

icefisher45 wrote:

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of crd liberties in Mass. Its a thought that may never happen. I figured I would ask and see if its possible.

I personally wouldn't suggest it, but none of us here want to dissuade you (you like that, geordi?) from going diesel. There are a lot of reasons to own diesels, but put it like this: most of us that own CRD's and frequent the CRD section are relatively intelligent. We are not rednecks that like to make smoke - we like diesels because thermodynamically they are the best internal combustion engine available in an on-road passenger vehicle. So may you soon own a diesel Liberty, if you so desire.

Did an Autotrader search for Jeeps with a diesel engine within 75 miles of Huntington. Here's what I got - I'd go for the Overland. Yowza.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchres ... 7900840069

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:57 pm

Clicky: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&distance=500&address=02119&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=JEEP&model=LIBERTY&make2=&start_year=2005&end_year=2006&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=4+Cylinder&drive=&doors=&fuel=Diesel&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceASC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceASC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1257900820204

You are looking at a list of 23 CRDs that I found in 30 seconds of looking, INCLUDING googling for a Boston zip code. They are out there. I wouldn't suggest the one with an engine fire... But there are a lot of other options there. For a big purchase, is a 7 hour drive really that big a deal? Would you go farther for what you want? I did. The guy I sold my Jetta to did, he met me in Atlanta from Oklahoma. If you find a candidate, let the board know and maybe one of us is local to it and can give you an unvarnished opinion of it.

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:07 pm

Linewarbler, please don't misunderstand me. I WANT him to get a CRD. I think the first time he sits in one and puts his foot into the floor... He will be hooked like all of us have been.

I just want him to have all the hard numbers that I have been finding, since he asked about a conversion, not an outright purchase. Those numbers are harsh, I fully agree. They haven't dissuaded me from the goal of adding another diesel to my family fleet... But the reality of the sheer COST is telling me that doing that to a 12 year old truck with zero intrinsic value (yet still runs) may not be financially smart. Anything is technically possible, but if I can get to the goal a more efficient way... Then that is what I should do.

I don't have a vehicle of near-equal value like IceFisher does tho. So for him, a direct swap of the entire vehicle would seem the most cost-effective path to the goal: Getting into a diesel.

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:19 pm

Thank you for that link, I do want a diesel for reliability. not to blow smoke. I'm currently building my Kj to be more of a overland vehicle and a daily driver. Looking at all possible options.

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:22 pm

this one is not even 20 miles from me

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=270198478&dealer_id=39993465&car_year=2006&rdm=1257900820204&lastStartYear=1981&model=LIBERTY&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2005&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=4+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=Diesel&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=JEEP&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=02119&advanced=y&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=325&standard=false

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:30 pm

you will be hooked too. the diesel is like no other vehicle I have ever owned or driven. the first time I got the feel of that torque I was hooked.

Funny thing is I never drove a gas KJ. The only jeeps I ever drove was my aunts old Wagoneer, '88 XJ and an 80's MJ, never owned one, I looked at a few gas KJ on lots but they always had high miles or something I didn't like about them.

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:36 pm

I love my Kj. I've owned it since new with 1 mile, Now I have over 114,000 miles on herdriven the kids with me fishing and camping.. Hard to get rid of her. I know silly to get sentimental about a vehicle.

Diesel conversion

Who is online