New Member, Saying Thanks, Introducing my Farout, & Couple Questions

[JLUR Farout]

Good Evening,

I joined just a few minutes ago and want to say thank you to this group. I am a long-time member on Wranglerforum.com as Mudman1. My trusty JKRR 6spd with 122,300ish miles was traded in last week on a 2023 JLUR Farout. It was the ability to read this section of this Forum that helped me make my decision, along with 'a few hours' of Googling. I had about 20 data points I considered when ditching a perfectly good JK that was almost paid off. So far with about 480 miles on the clock, I am really smiling hard like a kid, at 40, who just got his first mountain bike. At least, when I was a kid, that was a huge thing.

I was early to test drive it, had about 3.5 hours and 27 miles on it at a local dealer. Got it below MSRP, over invoice, but I am satisfied with the deal that way though I think the manager there lied to me on what he'd put my JK on the lot for because right now the stock picture is $3,000 more than he said. That is okay, karma is a thing.

At under 200 miles on the clock she was in 4LO climbing up a long mountain road. This is my 5th Jeep and my 5th diesel vehicle though it is the first automatic. I do wish they offered a 6spd but the engineers seem to have gotten the auto trans right as it does what I want it to a quickly. Man did I miss the torque on the low end. Granted my 4.10 JK did not struggle but this is just effortless.

On order or arrived today, based on my own knowledge plus reading the great content on here, I have the ARTEC DEF skid plate, Trailgater (loved it on my JK), sill plate plastic guards, Warn VR10S Evo, AEV jack base + floor mount, Epic gunmetal fairlead, Weathertech vent shades (front only, don't like the rear clips), Maximus 3 classic hoop, light mounts, plate bracket (loved this stuff on my JK), cell phone holder, Fishbone rear fender storage bin, Mopar A pillar light mounts, the rear cup holders to replace the useless shallow trays, and a few other things. Next month will be some ASFIR skids for the front and fuel filter.

Either Sunday or next Friday I will rent a U-haul 6x12 w/ ramp to do a few hours of highway to break in the rear axle and engine under load. My utility trailer was bought with my JK (yes, 2 door) in mind (FLOE Cargomax 5x8) so at 290 lbs it won't seat the rings.

If you've made it this far, I thank you for your attention span. I have a few questions:

1. If you top off the tank, normal to go 107 or more miles before the fuel gauge drops at all?
2. If you have full skids, any change in DPF behavior from having more heat trapped up under the body?
3. Has anyone modified the hood vents (we did this on JKs) to allow heat to escape through?
4. Any good or bad experience using the Mopar gallon jug DEF over any other main brand? This is my first DEF diesel.
5. Where do you store your Rotopax 2 gal diesel cans for long trips?
6. I will only use real Mopar fuel and oil filters (bought the 7yr, 125k Mopar Added Care+ warranty for $1,800) and was going to use Geno's garage. Have a better suggestion?
7. Where is the best place to source a swap for the awful red dash plastic, I like the 'leather' one from the Sahara trim?

Here are some pictures. Thanks in advance!!

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[jbcrane]

Let me be the first to say congratulations. That's a nice looking Jeep. Sorry, but don't know anything about the Diesel questions, but welcome to the hive.

 

[Old Dogger]

Welcome from the Desert SW!
Nice looking Ride..

 

[ASMSAS]

Hi Welcome! Can’t answer all your questions but here are two:


3. Has anyone modified the hood vents (we did this on JKs) to allow heat to escape through?

To my understanding Jeep redesigned the hood on the JL so this is no longer necessary.

5. Where do you store your Rotopax 2 gal diesel cans for long trips?

I use the Moryde Jerry Can Mount with a Rotopax lock. The “plate” is removable when not carrying and can also hold the large military style jerry can. (Also doubles as a purse holder . )

 

[BDinTX]

Congratulations! You’re lucky you were able to find a diesel. Such a shame they’re discontinued.

1. I’ve not noticed this with the fuel gauge.

2. No change on DEF usage, I started with Asfir skids, then got full Artec. Asfir is good, but If you’re able to get Artec it is a better system.

3. I’ve cut the vents open on both of ours and haven’t noticed any difference at speed in coolant temps. Low speed crawling though the fan rarely comes on. Careful with this one, folks get all sorts of butt hurt over even considering it. Ranks up there with discussing best oil brand. I posted about it some here: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/under-hood-heat.78513/post-1641280

4. I’ve used almost exclusively the Blue DEF jugs. Filled up at a gas station with the DEF pump twice. Mine is 2.5 gal per 2500 miles like clockwork.

5. I don’t carry spare fuel. Mileage when low speed driving at or near idle is incredible. If you go with someone, compare fuel consumption, it’s fun.

6. I’ll have to try Geno's garage. My local service dept gives a decent discount if you buy 2 filters. An oil filter and fuel filter counts. Still expensive as hell but it is what it is. I like to keep at least one of each on hand so I can do the maintenance whenever I need to then replenish my stash.

7. Several folks (and threads on here) of people replacing the dash. I’m afraid the airbag will smash my face… try @AllMoparParts.com they’re a forum sponsor.

 

[chevymitchell]

Good Evening,

I joined just a few minutes ago and want to say thank you to this group. I am a long-time member on Wranglerforum.com as Mudman1. My trusty JKRR 6spd with 122,300ish miles was traded in last week on a 2023 JLUR Farout. It was the ability to read this section of this Forum that helped me make my decision, along with 'a few hours' of Googling. I had about 20 data points I considered when ditching a perfectly good JK that was almost paid off. So far with about 480 miles on the clock, I am really smiling hard like a kid, at 40, who just got his first mountain bike. At least, when I was a kid, that was a huge thing.

I was early to test drive it, had about 3.5 hours and 27 miles on it at a local dealer. Got it below MSRP, over invoice, but I am satisfied with the deal that way though I think the manager there lied to me on what he'd put my JK on the lot for because right now the stock picture is $3,000 more than he said. That is okay, karma is a thing.

At under 200 miles on the clock she was in 4LO climbing up a long mountain road. This is my 5th Jeep and my 5th diesel vehicle though it is the first automatic. I do wish they offered a 6spd but the engineers seem to have gotten the auto trans right as it does what I want it to a quickly. Man did I miss the torque on the low end. Granted my 4.10 JK did not struggle but this is just effortless.

On order or arrived today, based on my own knowledge plus reading the great content on here, I have the ARTEC DEF skid plate, Trailgater (loved it on my JK), sill plate plastic guards, Warn VR10S Evo, AEV jack base + floor mount, Epic gunmetal fairlead, Weathertech vent shades (front only, don't like the rear clips), Maximus 3 classic hoop, light mounts, plate bracket (loved this stuff on my JK), cell phone holder, Fishbone rear fender storage bin, Mopar A pillar light mounts, the rear cup holders to replace the useless shallow trays, and a few other things. Next month will be some ASFIR skids for the front and fuel filter.

Either Sunday or next Friday I will rent a U-haul 6x12 w/ ramp to do a few hours of highway to break in the rear axle and engine under load. My utility trailer was bought with my JK (yes, 2 door) in mind (FLOE Cargomax 5x8) so at 290 lbs it won't seat the rings.

If you've made it this far, I thank you for your attention span. I have a few questions:

1. If you top off the tank, normal to go 107 or more miles before the fuel gauge drops at all?
2. If you have full skids, any change in DPF behavior from having more heat trapped up under the body?
3. Has anyone modified the hood vents (we did this on JKs) to allow heat to escape through?
4. Any good or bad experience using the Mopar gallon jug DEF over any other main brand? This is my first DEF diesel.
5. Where do you store your Rotopax 2 gal diesel cans for long trips?
6. I will only use real Mopar fuel and oil filters (bought the 7yr, 125k Mopar Added Care+ warranty for $1,800) and was going to use Geno's garage. Have a better suggestion?
7. Where is the best place to source a swap for the awful red dash plastic, I like the 'leather' one from the Sahara trim?

Here are some pictures. Thanks in advance!!

Very nice! Big fan of them primitive roads.

 

[ChuckQue]

Welcome! Us diesel folks are pretty active in the sub forum so don’t be afraid to jump in there. I learned a ton just by reading through a bunch of threads there. To answer your questions:


1. If you top off the tank, normal to go 107 or more miles before the fuel gauge drops at all?

Yes, I’ve noticed this as well.

2. If you have full skids, any change in DPF behavior from having more heat trapped up under the body?

I have the full Asfir skids and haven’t noticed any issues. They are fairly open at the sides plus the aluminum itself disperses heat.

3. Has anyone modified the hood vents (we did this on JKs) to allow heat to escape through?

This has been discussed a LOT. I came from the XJ crowd where this was a very common and highly effective mod. With the JL and particularly the ecodiesel it doesn’t seem make a difference. It’ll exhaust engine heat when crawling, yes, but as long as the cooling system is in good condition it won’t really make a difference. The oil cooler, which is where the main cooling issue lies, isn’t helped by the hood vents. Instead, I’d recommend a Tazer and using the high fan mode when crawling. Otherwise, monitor your oil temps when towing or driving mountain passes. Keeping your speed down and out of boost as much as possible makes a huge difference from what I’ve seen.

4. Any good or bad experience using the Mopar gallon jug DEF over any other main brand? This is my first DEF diesel.

Just buy regular Blue from somewhere that sells a lot so you know it’s fresh (truck stops, Walmart, etc). I’ve started using the Platinum because it may help with crystallization on the DEF injector. We shall see.

5. Where do you store your Rotopax 2 gal diesel cans for long trips?

Can’t speak from experience yet on this. I’ll probably use the American Adventure Labs MASS tire mounted setup at some point.

6. I will only use real Mopar fuel and oil filters (bought the 7yr, 125k Mopar Added Care+ warranty for $1,800) and was going to use Geno's garage. Have a better suggestion?

Sounds good!

7. Where is the best place to source a swap for the awful red dash plastic, I like the 'leather' one from the Sahara trim?

Hit up Benny with @AllMoparParts.com


Also, I’m sure it’s been mentioned, USE FUEL ADDITIVE. One that adds lubricity. Use the performance dosage every tank. Don’t let it go under a quarter tank. Both of these will protect the CP4 fuel pump which is the one real Achilles heel of the diesel Jeep. Otherwise, enjoy the little beast! It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

 

[Plongson]

I also cut out the hood vents and made snap on covers for the times I don't need them or don't want water ingress. I also added the Tazer to manually control the fan and both made a firm improvement controlling temp.

I had a water pump leak develop and replaced it with a newer superseded water pump part number, MOPAR OEM...and the improved pump allows the engine to run about 15°f cooler.

Not on your list but I also fabricated, in my shop, a custom roof rack to my exact needs and had it powder coated.

It's a total shame this rig has been discontinued...the mother shop really "F'd" up on that decision...

 

[JLUR Farout]

Congratulations! You’re lucky you were able to find a diesel. Such a shame they’re discontinued.

1. I’ve not noticed this with the fuel gauge.

Thank you. That DEF use seems about half what Jeep claims. When I had my Cummins I used Geno's and always had good luck. Noted on the other answers. Thanks.

 

[JLUR Farout]

Welcome! Us diesel folks are pretty active in the sub forum so don’t be afraid to jump....


Also, I’m sure it’s been mentioned, USE FUEL ADDITIVE. One that adds lubricity. Use the performance dosage every tank. Don’t let it go under a quarter tank. Both of these will protect the CP4 fuel pump which is the one real Achilles heel of the diesel Jeep. Otherwise, enjoy the little beast! It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

Thanks. I have been using PS white bottle in my 2 fuel sessions. ASFIR poor quality or just not for rock bashing? I don't do much rock climbing, just forest roads, trails, to get away from people and camp in quiet spots. I'm always alone so I pick challenges. Ran the Quadratec aluminum skids on my JL and was very happy with them.

 

[ChuckQue]

I’d say the Asfir are great for the price. Are they as stout as Next Venture or similarly priced aluminum skids? No, I’d say not likely. They are definitely leaps above the sad OEM skids. If you aren’t smashing them against rocks constantly you’ll likely never need anything else. I plan to beat the snot out of mine to see how they fare, then I’ll replace them with something else. $3k for skids was beyond my reach at the time.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

Welcome to the diesel crew, we’re lively here. I also recommend fuel treatment and that is normal gauge behavior unfortunately. I’m jealous of your DEF skid and will also be picking one of those up! If you want more responsiveness look into a Banks pedal monster or GDE tune, maybe avoid GDE if worried about warranty with your chosen dealership.

 

[BDinTX]

I’d say the Asfir are great for the price. Are they as stout as Next Venture or similarly priced aluminum skids? No, I’d say not likely. They are definitely leaps above the sad OEM skids. If you aren’t smashing them against rocks constantly you’ll likely never need anything else. I plan to beat the snot out of mine to see how they fare, then I’ll replace them with something else. $3k for skids was beyond my reach at the time.

100%, Asfir is a great value.

My experience between the two is the Artec seem less prone to gouging. I think its because they use a different, harder aluminum (5150 vs 6162 or something). I also like that you're removing the factory steel skids with Artec.

 

[Come2elmo]

Hi Welcome! Can’t answer all your questions but here are two:


3. Has anyone modified the hood vents (we did this on JKs) to allow heat to escape through?

To my understanding Jeep redesigned the hood on the JL so this is no longer necessary.

5. Where do you store your Rotopax 2 gal diesel cans for long trips?

I use the Moryde Jerry Can Mount with a Rotopax lock. The “plate” is removable when not carrying and can also hold the large military style jerry can. (Also doubles as a purse holder . )

Been looking at these for a while but kinda concerned about paint damage and other scratches. Have you had any problem with that or any other issues?

 

[ASMSAS]

No, the mount don’t sit against the paint, theres a few mm of space. It meets at the attach point under the frame slider and the top. And it’s rounded, I’m not super concerned about it scratching. You can always put a layer of m3 clear tape along where it looks like it might meet paint if you want.

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