Jeep Liberty as a TOAD?

[Dan Darst]

Hi Jim.
Been offroading a Landrover for the past nine years, once in CA otherwise in
NA. Bought the factory shop manual for it and found a section on the VM 2.5
liter diesel engine. VM stands for Vancini and Martelli, a 50 year company
in the north of Italy that makes these engines. Their engines have been in
North America for thirty years in industrial and marine applications. They
were recently bought by Detroit Diesel of Cento, Italy. These engines are
widely used in Brazil in Ford Ranger pickup trucks. Engines are manufactured
using robotics in Cento.

I got tired of waiting for this engine in a LWB Rubicon and went on and
bought the gas, but still waiting.

Noticed that the cam timing is driven by a tooth belt instead of a chain.
Not to my liking. Good luck.

Jay is the salesman, I'm the nuts and bolts.

dandarst86fc35rbhuntleyil.

>From: "scoggins_jim" <scoggins.j@...>
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Jeep Liberty as a TOAD?
>Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 13:23:24 -0000
>
>I am considering buying an 06 Liberty diesel and have a few questions
> > of you. The vehicle will be used as a TOAD behind a motor coach. I
> > have been towing a 91 Wrangler and am more than satisfied regarding
> > the ease of use as a tow vehicle. I have no intention to use it for
> > serious off roading: Snow and mud will usually be the worst case.
> > Power line trails and logging roads will be used occassionally.
> >
> > I understand brand loyalty but please try to be intellectually honest
> > with your answers. If my questions are redundant please refer me to
> > the appropriate sites.
> >
> > Q1. Many all wheel drive vehicles are restricted from being towed 4
> > wheels down. This does not appear to be the case in Jeep. What pros
> > and cons are there regarding the two choices: Select-Trac and
> > Command-Trac.
> > It seems that the Command Trac might be a simple system with less
> > moving parts.
> >
> > Q2. Other than the amenities, are there any substantive differences
> > between the Sport and LE. Stated otherwise, is there something in the
> > LE that it of such over-riding importance, performance wide, that is
> > worth the extra expense and weight.
> >
> > Q3. Do you all see any need for the skid plates. I sense, given the
> > way I screw things up, they could be handy after I have gotten in
> > over my head.
> >
> > Q4. I have been unable to find any real information on the diesel
> > engine. I understand it is of Euro linage but who and where. Rumor
> > mill says built in Italy. Have there been any real issues with this
> > engine?
> >
> > Q5. I have been lurking and skulking about on this web site trying to
> > get some insight on issues. There seems to be some goofy items: Water
> > spots on seats, weird lighting issues, moaning brakes, etc. Other some
> > ball joint issues I have not seen anything really bad. Everyone seems
> > happy with engines and drive trains. Is this the case, or are there
> > drive train issues I have not picked up on. By he way, does a heay
> > applicaon of Scoch Guard, solve the seat spotting problem.
> >
> > Q6. Are there any of you that have owned both a diesel and gas
> > Liberties? Comments?
> >
> > Q7. What are the maintenance intervals and is there anything really
> > unusual? I am familiar with diesel engines as I have a Power Stroke in
> > a Ford, a Kabota in a farm tractor and a Cummins in a Bluebird, but
> > have no experience with small automotive applications. I understand
> > that 4 wheel drive is a little more intensive service wise, but I am
> > asking about anything that is really unusual.
> >
> > Q8. My take is the Sport might be a better choice for me in that there
> > are fewer ammenities to cause nit-noid problems. Comments?
> >
> > Thank you for your responses in advance and for bearing with a newbe
> > wanabe.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Jim Scoggins
>
>
>