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NM to FL '85 CJ8 Renegade take 2

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I cut out most of the center of the dash with an angle grinder to make room for all the new gauges and a radio when I get the funds for it
 
Powering up the auto meter gauges for the first time, something is up with my fuel sender for sure, problem for another time though!IMG_2132.jpeg
 
Dash all put back together, dash pad was paired with SEM Camel, I’m a terrible painter so it has some not so good spots, but from 5 feet it looks fantastic so I’m happy! Steering wheel is out of a J-10 or J-20, and could really use a good cleaning
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First legal shakedown drive, drove about 30min to the beach, had no troubles reaching 55mph and cruising at it. Temps stayed below operating temp the entire drive due to the massive radiator and the permanently open thermostat. As soon as I get everything where I want it, I’ll be installing a Toyota 76 degree Celsius thermostat meant for Australian market prados. That should help get the jeep up to operating temp, and maybe I’ll actually use the radiator fan I wired up! IMG_2145.jpeg
 
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After a 1.5hr drive, cruising around 55mph and maxing at 62mph (natural speed, didn’t try to go fast), the only issues I found are that the clutch hisses when not in use intermittently, so I’ll bleed it some more and go from there. I also really need to install the transmission tunnel cover, it gets very hot without it, as well as the rubber drain plugs in the floor pans as the passengers toes are just above the turbocharger. And also I’m deaf, still no exhaust, it is very high on the list of things to do
 
Diesels really like to run at their operating temperature. So you'll probably find you're getting a bit better fuel economy and maybe more peppy when fully warmed up.
 
Chamba said:
Diesels really like to run at their operating temperature. So you'll probably find you're getting a bit better fuel economy and maybe more peppy when fully warmed up.
Click to expand...
Thermostat is on the way over from who knows where so hopefully we’ll be getting some operating temp fuel economy numbers here soon!
 
Preliminary MPG numbers have been calculated. With the engine running under temp (no tstat), no top, no doors, no transmission tunnel cover, 32x11.5r15 at 35psi >>>>> 28.4MPG

Used 6.7gal to drive 190mi going between 55-60mph highway speeds and in-town 30-45mph driving in traffic.

Not terrible considering there’s still a boatload of things to do on the jeep. I’ll be slimming down to a 2.5” lift on 31x10.5r15s which I think will be a big help. Installing the thermostat so that the engine gets up to proper temp will also help.
 
I had that engine in my Hilux in Australia: 4 door, 4wd, air con, 31x10.50x16 BFGs. I averaged 32 mpg pretty consistently. I took it up the Stresleky Track loaded up with a roof top camper. Over 10 days I probably got about 20 mpg, but that was through a lot of sugar sand.

I also pulled a backhoe up to Lyndoch (about 2000' elevation) on a trailer and never felt it was struggling.

Is a great engine.
 
Chamba said:
I had that engine in my Hilux in Australia: 4 door, 4wd, air con, 31x10.50x16 BFGs. I averaged 32 mpg pretty consistently. I took it up the Stresleky Track loaded up with a roof top camper. Over 10 days I probably got about 20 mpg, but that was through a lot of sugar sand.

I also pulled a backhoe up to Lyndoch (about 2000' elevation) on a trailer and never felt it was struggling.

Is a great engine.
Click to expand...
I can’t wait to add air con to mine, I forgot just how hot Florida was while I was gone!
 
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