Jeep Diesel Conversions

4BT – Made in China

In 2002, Diesel Toys developed the turn-key installation of modern, computer controlled factory turbo diesel powerplants. It is our unique level of experience and attention to detail that makes us the industry leaders for diesel conversions in the USA. When deciding on which engine to install, careful consideration should be taken in order to achieve optimum results.

At Diesel Toys, we are a professional conversion company and we provide diesel conversions as a service. We get emails from backyard mechanics citing how wonderful the 4BT/ bread truck engines are. Now, all arguments for or against these engines aside, when you compare “Professional” conversions, these aftermarket conversions quickly fade as a realistic option. Especially considering that most professional 4BT conversions are in the $25k range. Who on earth would want to spend $25k on a 4BT when you can have an OEM Jeep turbo diesel for less money?

Regarding the 4B-T Cummins engines (aka UPS truck or bread truck engines), these engines were NOT designed nor intended for use in passenger cars.  Extreme vibration, noise, excessive weight (782 lb dry weight, 872 lbs with accessories) LINK, and abysmal fuel economy are the results. Consequently, the vehicle’s overall driveability is greatly diminished. Since the late 1990′s,  ALL 4BT engines are manufactured in China. This includes genuine Cummins 4BT parts and crate engines. The resulting poor metallurgy, and overall build quality are common knowledge. There are several drawbacks to going with these non-standard engine configurations. When mechanics pop the hood and find a rats nest of wires and a tractor engine in your Jeep, they’re understandably hesitant to work on it. Nothing is standardized so things like wiring schematics to reference etc. (or any kind of reference material for that matter) are simply not available . They’re completely shooting in the dark. All Diesel Toys conversions use OEM wiring harnesses and all hoses, belts, driveline components are built by the same company that built your vehicle. So should you need a part while you’re on the road, they are regularly available through your local dealer.

4BT’s and 30 MPG?

We’ve seen this disingenuous number touted around the internet, but curiously only from the companies advertising the conversions.  When we speak with ACTUAL 4BT swap (victims/owners) at diesel events,  their fuel economy numbers are DRAMATICALLY different than these advertised figures. Not only that, they are almost always “selling their conversion” due to their distaste for the loud, obnoxious qualities that the 4BT’s are known for.

Here’s a great thread from the International Jeep Association from actual 4BT swap owners:

4BT Swap Victims

We came across this post a few weeks ago and  found it speaks VOLUMES about real-world performance, fuel economy, and 4BT ownership in general:

4BT For Sale By Owner

Generally speaking, our customers are folks wanting better fuel economy and lower operating costs, so we feel the “bread truck” approach completely defeats the purpose of a diesel conversion. At Diesel Toys, we only use passenger vehicle diesel engines that are chassis-specific to your vehicle. Have a look at our site to determine if a conversion is right for you.

A Toyota in a Jeep?

A major hurdle in converting any pre-’07 Jeep Wrangler TJ, is that Jeep did not produce a NON-MILITARY Wrangler with a diesel engine option anywhere. Through the years, this has spawned several make-shift engine swaps. All of which required some serious compromises to both driveability and/or reliability. The Diesel Toys approach is that we take the legendary Toyota-built 1KZT-E 4 cylinder turbo diesel and mate it to the factory Toyota R series transmission. This setup has proven to be an outstanding daily driver with gobs of torque and silky smooth powerband. The Toyota 1KZT-E engine is simply amazing in a Wrangler TJ.

Conversion Pricing

Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2006)

Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2012)

 

 

2.8L VM Motori “Panther”

 

RA428 Panther CRD

Technically known as the RA428, this 2.8 liter, direct injection, common-rail, direct injected, turbo diesel is absolutely state-of-the-art. With features like piezo-electric injectors, an electronically controlled VNT turbocharger, and Euro IV clean-burn technology, Panther is simply unbelievable in the JK Wrangler platform. When we purchase these in overseas, there are several criteria that must be met in order to make the cut. The vehicles must have less than 40k miles, we don’t purchase frontal-damaged vehicles or roll-overs, and we perform a comprehensive test drive  prior to purchase. These are available with a 6 speed  manual transmission or 4 speed automatic.

 

 

Parts availability in the USA?

 

The RA428 shares many common components with the R428 which was offered in the 2005-2006 Jeep Liberty CRD models here in the states. So, naturally all of these parts are available through any local Chrysler/Jeep dealership. Factory Jeep parts are also available online through any number of websites so the issue of parts availability for the RA428 is a non-issue.

 

Cost of Installation

 

Conversion pricing listed above INCLUDES parts and installation. This means, all wiring, fabrication, and accessories will simply work as they did  before the conversion. For custom projects not listed on this page, contact us for a personalized pricing quote. Our focus is on quality of experience and craftsmanship, and we try to make the experience as hassle-free as possible. As expected, the newer the vehicle year model-the more the project will cost. Handling and selling of the original gas power-train will be done by the customer however we can assist in shipping the original gasoline engine for our customers at their expense.

Vehicle Shipping

 

You can ship your vehicle by using a vehicle shipping company. There are several to choose from and rates are normally very affordable. For you Northerners out there, we can also supply you with a nice rust-free vehicle purchased locally. The conversion process takes 3-4 weeks on average. Once the conversion has been performed, we will contact you and you can make arrangements to pick the vehicle up or we can assist you in having it shipped.