KJ Cherokee CRD Ratings Abroad

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:26 am

As far as I am aware, the KJ CRDs are pretty much the same around the world, with the exception of the TC, Manual Transmission, and right hand drive (anything else, please add). I know that crossing the Atlantic and Pacific mysteriously adds 2410lbs to the towing capacity. (Read this... http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008/02/the-great-american-anti-towing-conspiracy/). I wonder, if the Axle weight ratings and GVW are different for the models across the puddle. If anyone has a minute, can they look up their ratings for me so I can compare it to our ratings. I want to see if they somehow change in their trip across the oceans.

Billwill · **Posted:** Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:11 am

ChooChooman74 wrote:

As far as I am aware, the KJ CRDs are pretty much the same around the world, with the exception of the TC, Manual Transmission, and right hand drive (anything else, please add). I know that crossing the Atlantic and Pacific mysteriously adds 2410lbs to the towing capacity. (Read this... http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008/02/the-great-american-anti-towing-conspiracy/). I wonder, if the Axle weight ratings and GVW are different for the models across the puddle. If anyone has a minute, can they look up their ratings for me so I can compare it to our ratings. I want to see if they somehow change in their trip across the oceans.

I do not know about the towing capacities of the newer KJs or their differences to the USA models but as far as the early Export CRDs...up to 2005...I know of some small differences:

--Early CRDs were 2.5 L fixed-vane turbo manual, 110 Kw and 304 Nm in metric, then later the 2.8 L fixed vane automatic came out. From 2005 similar 2.8L CRDs as the USA but with the Euro TC.
--We have mirrors that flap backwards and back into place, headlight height adjusting and the radio antennae is located in the right rear cargo bay window. We also have the yellow side-markers in front of the front doors.

--Front lighting is different but just as bad...we use H4 main and dipped bulbs with a seperate small bulb for park lights.

--Obviously we are RHD and in SA we are metric and use kmh speedometer/odometer.

No point in me posting up my towing rating as I only have the 2.5 L but hopefully others will chime in here regarding the newer 2.8 L variable vane CRDs

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:32 pm

The difference in towing capacity is Gooberment Regulations written by or influenced by a bunch of Gooberment Lawyers who could not find a job any place else.
The US/Canada version has a more aggressive EGR and we have to use a lower Cetaine rating of fuel. That is why the tuners advance the timing a little to compensate for the crappy Cetaine.
If you want to tow 7,000lbs, you can do the mods other serious towers and myself have done or take your chances.
Avoid the 0W-40 oil, it was to up the EPA numbers and make the Bean Counters Happy, I use Amsoil AMO 10W-40 that has high zinc. Note for over seas they don't push 0W-40.
Turbo bearings are the first to go with oil that is too thin, cam followers are next. I have seen it before on other engines, the Laws of Physics are universal and consistent.
Install the Hayden Severe Duty Fan Clutch and Mopar 11 Blade Nylon Fan. It will keep your engine cool and lower your EGT.
Install EGT, Boost, and Trans Temp gauges, I also have an Oil Pressure gauge.
Install a hitch rated for 7,000 Lbs, I have one.
Add an extra trans cooler with 3/8" line fittings in series with your stock one.
Consider a larger capacity trans pan, I have a PML that also fits the 68RFE transmission.
Consider a tune suitable for towing. I went with the Inmotion Stage 2 for the low end torque.
Consider a Billet Torque Converter like Suncoast along with a Transgo or Sonix kit for the front pump. If the shop you use has the $1,500 Sonix tool, don't expect them to recommend Transgo. If you are going to DIY, Transgo works great and you don't need the $1,500 tool.
Open up the exhaust by getting rid of the 2 1/8" restriction at the back of the CAT and replacing the stock muffler with a 2 1/2" or straight pipe.
Then you will have a CRD that can tow 7K across the USA/Canada.

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:12 pm

warp2diesel wrote:

The difference in towing capacity is Gooberment Regulations written by or influenced by a bunch of Gooberment Lawyers who could not find a job any place else.
The US/Canada version has a more aggressive EGR and we have to use a lower Cetaine rating of fuel. That is why the tuners advance the timing a little to compensate for the crappy Cetaine.
If you want to tow 7,000lbs, you can do the mods other serious towers and myself have done or take your chances.
Avoid the 0W-40 oil, it was to up the EPA numbers and make the Bean Counters Happy, I use Amsoil AMO 10W-40 that has high zinc. Note for over seas they don't push 0W-40.
Turbo bearings are the first to go with oil that is too thin, cam followers are next. I have seen it before on other engines, the Laws of Physics are universal and consistent.
Install the Hayden Severe Duty Fan Clutch and Mopar 11 Blade Nylon Fan. It will keep your engine cool and lower your EGT.
Install EGT, Boost, and Trans Temp gauges, I also have an Oil Pressure gauge.
Install a hitch rated for 7,000 Lbs, I have one.
Add an extra trans cooler with 3/8" line fittings in series with your stock one.
Consider a larger capacity trans pan, I have a PML that also fits the 68RFE transmission.
Consider a tune suitable for towing. I went with the Inmotion Stage 2 for the low end torque.
Consider a Billet Torque Converter like Suncoast along with a Transgo or Sonix kit for the front pump. If the shop you use has the $1,500 Sonix tool, don't expect them to recommend Transgo. If you are going to DIY, Transgo works great and you don't need the $1,500 tool.
Open up the exhaust by getting rid of the 2 1/8" restriction at the back of the CAT and replacing the stock muffler with a 2 1/2" or straight pipe.
Then you will have a CRD that can tow 7K across the USA/Canada.

I appreciate this! Some of these I have already started.

One of my coworkers runs a tranny shop (he railroads for the health, he had a sick daughter who unfortunately passed). He did a fellow coworkers Cherokee (maybe has the same tranny, not sure). I think I will have him install my Suncoast or ATS TC. Leaning towards the Suncoast, since ATS still hasn't gotten me info on theirs.

My little concern is going over my GAWR and GVWR and if some bored DOT cop (the ones that inspect trucks and have portascales) decides to harass me and the family when he sees the lil liberty towing a 5500lb TT.

Also, does anyone know the rating on the stock wheels. Of course, I can't find any good aftermarkets. I have the ones from my Caliber that I use for snows, that fit, but have a rating of 1580, so I hope the stock ones are a little more than that.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Sun Sep 16, 2012 5:10 pm

The old IH Scouts (yup I had one) had a 10K towing capacity and no one ever hassled them.
Since the CRD has a short Wheel base you will want to invest in sway control that even Harbor Freight sells for cheap. To be honest about the COPS (except the ones on the far North end of US 1 that are reprogrammed pedophiles that are issued Radar Guns and told to screw motorists instead of kids), they are looking for your battery to turn on the electric brakes if your hitch snaps or comes off. Also your CRD is a Heavy Duty Diesel not a Gasser made for towing

.
with the same trans as the 5.7L RAM 1500, GC, and Durango.
Even the stock tires have a rating of over 2,000 lbs per wheel. You can buy LT tires that have ratings over 3K per wheel, but they ride harsh and can be noisy.
Again, read the RI regs (should be posted online0, they have some weird ones no other State has.

Lancer · **Posted:** Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:17 am

Towing - 3500Kg - but if you are going that high the trailer has to be braked
Headlight bulbs - H4(dipand main) with a sidelight in the housing
Headlight adjuster
Mirrors and radio antenna (and side marker) as for Billwill
Driving on the correct side of the road

KJ Cherokee CRD Ratings Abroad

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