The Jeep world went wild with anticipation when Mopar announced a diesel conversion for TJ Wranglers, utilizing their 2.8L diesel mill. When it never materialized, people were not only let down, they were angry with Chrysler, as well as us, for announcing the still-born conversion as fact.
Diesel lovers rejoice! Diesel Bruiser Conversions is swapping Cummins diesels into not only CJ, YJ, and TJ Jeeps, but has perfected the JK Wrangler swap, as well. The Cummins mill and GM transmission interface with the JK’s CANbus system and there are no warning lights or issues. Jeff’s Jeep Yard in Florida, River Raider Off Road in Pennsylvania, and Trail Jeeps in Colorado are performing the Diesel Bruiser conversions.
Jeff built a custom Jeep trailer...
Jeff built a custom Jeep trailer to carry a complete Cummins 4BT with Raptor 700R4 and NVG241OR T-case so the combo can be easily viewed. The 4BT is highly modifiable, has multi-fuel capability, produces fantastic torque off-idle, and has the capability to go 500,000 miles without a rebuild. You can see the front dress includes the OE alternator and AC compressor that have eight groove pullies installed so they work with the eight groove serpentine belt that’s a part of this conversion.
Diesel Bruiser Conversions removes the 3.8L engine and 42RLE factory automatic and replaces it using the 4BT Cummins turbo diesel, utilizing Bruiser conversion brackets, a mechanical bellcrank assembly with Lokar stainless throttle and t.v. cable for the Raptor 700R4 automatic, as well as a bracket for the floorboard to accept a manual throttle pedal. An AC and alternator bracket enables the swap to re-use the existing AC compressor and alternator from the 3.8L. The serpentine belt is upgraded to an eight groove belt, along with the AC clutch and alternator pulley.
The Bruiser 4BT four-cylinder...
The Bruiser 4BT four-cylinder Cummins conversion fits the JK as if it came from the factory. The stock radiator is retained and works fine, even in hot desert environments.
Custom AC lines go to the factory compressor in its new location. The battery tray relocates the battery and the fuse /relay box for proper clearance for the cold air intake and turbo. The wiring harness is completely re-engineered to control all engine functions as well as communicate with the factory ECM through a S.I.M. (Systems Integration and Management) computer.
The hydraulic motor mounts are designed to remove the 4BT’s vibration and are located in the custom engine mounting bracket assembly. The gear-driven power steering pump for the 4BT is utilized and high-pressure and return lines are custom made to connect to the OE power steering gearbox. The pump makes enough pressure to operate aftermarket ram assist or full hydraulic steering systems as it’s designed to operate a hydroboost brake assist system.
The factory radiator and fan assembly are retained. The 4BT does not require an extreme cooling system to maintain the proper temperature range of 180-degrees F. The lower water neck is replaced with a custom-built neck that allows you to re-use the factory lower hose from the 3.8L. The upper hose is replaced.
The braking system is controlled by a Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) vacuum pump and reservoir canister to create vacuum for the braking system due to the diesel engine’s inherent lack of vacuum. The engine is mated to the 700R4 Raptor transmission through a Bruiser adapter and flexplate. The transmission is mated to the factory transfer case through a custom adapter and broached tailshaft assembly. The cooling lines are custom for the transmission as are all brackets to attach the factory shifter cables to the transmission and transfer case. This allows re-use of OE transmission and transfer case shifters in their factory locations. OE-length drive shafts work with up to six inches of lift.
Bruiser Conversions includes...
Bruiser Conversions includes a new battery tray that allows room for the turbo and cold air intake. We can’t say enough about the quality of this conversion package.
The Diesel Bruiser JK came to our photo shoot with Teraflex Pro LCG suspension installed. Front and rear ends were stock, but by the time you read this, Jeff Garland, the founder and owner of Diesel Bruiser Conversions and Jeff’s Jeep Yard, will have built custom Dana 60 front and rear ends for his JK Unlimited.
Jeff’s diesel JK is producing 402 lb-ft of torque at 2,100 rpm (off-idle torque is 280 lb-ft!) and 140 hp at 2,700 rpm. It’s returning 28 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. It handles as a JK should and works well off-road. With all that low-rpm torque, you seldom have to spin a tire in the dirt with the Bruiser.
Diesel Jeep fans go wild!
Jeff designed custom hydraulic...
Jeff designed custom hydraulic motor mounts that completely isolate the Cummins from the chassis. The JK feels as smooth as stock. The only way you can tell it’s a diesel is the exhaust note, great fuel economy, and the massive torque off-idle.
Jeff’s Bruiser JK Unlimited...
Jeff’s Bruiser JK Unlimited was still running the stock JK Dana 30 front during the photo shoot, but he’s building custom Dana 60s front and rear that will be installed in time for the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The Teraflex high-steer drag link and Monster Track Bar improve the JK tremendously.
River Raider Off-Road supplied...
River Raider Off-Road supplied all of Bruiser’s armor. Check out the complete under body protection package.
The 44 JK rearend will soon...
The 44 JK rearend will soon be replaced by a custom Dana 60 built by Jeff. Stock, the JK came with 3.73 gears. With the torque produced by the 4BT, 3.73’s with 37-inch tires isn’t a bad combination.
Teraflex’s Dual-Rate Swaybar...
Teraflex’s Dual-Rate Swaybar works great on both the pavement and off-road. Teraflex SpeedBumps use urethane instead of nitrogen and are a sensible alternative to air bumps. Jeff spec’d his Teraflex 4-inch Pro LCG long arm suspension with Teraflex 9550 monotube shocks that are valved correctly and work very well, especially for an entry level shock.
The Diesel Bruiser JK is stock...
The Diesel Bruiser JK is stock underneath, except for suspension. The Teraflex Pro LCG long lower arms are bent for better ground clearance.
Bruiser’s interior was extensively...
Bruiser’s interior was extensively Line-X’d. The JK’s cheesy plastic parts won’t scratch in this Wrangler.
Diesel Bruiser Conversion...
Diesel Bruiser Conversion shops install quality Katzkin leather.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Jeff Garland/Clearwater, Florida |
| Engine: |
Turbocharged Cummins 4BT four-cylinder diesel |
| Transmission: |
Raptor GM 700R4 |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
NVG241OR Rock-Trac/4.0:1 |
| Front end: |
OE Wrangler Dana 30 |
| Rear end: |
OE Wrangler Dana 44 |
| Ring and Pinion: |
3.73:1 |
| Front Differential: |
Open |
| Rear Differential: |
Trac-Loc |
| Suspension: |
4-inch Teraflex Pro LCG Long Arm |
| Tires: |
37x13.50R17LT Toyo Open Country MT |
| Wheels/Backspacing: |
Hutchinson Rock Monster Beadlocks/4.63 inches |
|
Warn’s new 9.5cti winch fits...
Warn’s new 9.5cti winch fits nicely in the River Raider front JK bumper. Rigid lights light up the trail at night.
The Rigid 40-inch light bar...
The Rigid 40-inch light bar turns night to day.
River Raider tube fenders...
River Raider tube fenders and rocker guards keep rocks at bay.
The 37x13.50R17LT Toyo Open...
The 37x13.50R17LT Toyo Open Country MTs are mounted on 17x8 Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels that lock both the inner and outer tire beads to the wheel.
River Raider tube fenders...
River Raider tube fenders and rocker guards keep rocks at bay.
We want one of these custom...
We want one of these custom trailers that Jeff built. It has a coil/link suspension and works well everywhere, even when not carrying the 4BT.
River Raider’s JK rear bumper...
River Raider’s JK rear bumper looks great on Bruiser. We like the tailgate treatment Jeff fabricated, too.