Electric Assisted Jeep?
 

I was wondering if anyone could make some suggestions on a system I was thinking about for my jeep. (well bennelson suggested it :) )

I was thinking:
I'm gonna swap a diesel into my Grand Waggoner and I wanted to think of some electrical assist system. How about a electric motor attached to the front driveshaft by a chain. That way when 4x4 was engaged, the diesel engine could still take over and power the front.

How would one go about controlling the motor? Can't have front and back running at different speed.

Thanks!
Josh

Hi,

Having studied the Prius systems and followed the Honda systems, there is more involved than just adding an electric motor to make a significant fuel savings. GM's 'micro-hybrids' have shown you can pay a lot and get next to nothing in mileage improvement.

You have a lot on your plate with the engine swap. Perhaps get that done and tune the vehicle. Then we can address the more complex problem of adding some type of hybrid drive.

Bob Wilson

NetGain Technologies has a system that would fit the bill, but it's not cheap and like BW said, the diesel swap will keep your hands full.

Truth be told, just doing the diesel swap and making sure that gearing is right will give you a pretty big gain, and you will not have to add complexity with the hybrid system.

What engine and trans are you contemplating for the Wagoneer?

Thanks for the tips guys, I can't help myself :D

I am looking at the isuzu 4bdt2, it's like the 4bt that many use, but a bit smoother engine so my teeth won't get rattled out. I have not picked a trans yet, but looking at something like the 460le

If the engine is a mechanical style engine, maybe a beefed 700-R4 might interface better; otherwise you are going to have to get a standalone controller for the transmission and adapt some sensors to the engine.

Ever thought about adapting the Aisin automatic that fits to the motor to the 4wd system?

Is the Aisin the stock trans? A lot of the time the stock trans for box trucks don't have overdrive or have big gaps in shifting.

Maybe a hydraulic powered 47rh?
That's a pretty steep OD. I've got 3.31 in the back and most likely 31" tires.

I know that there are folks out there that have done this swap in other bodies, and you have to remember that the sweet spot for this engine is 1600 or so rpms. It'll pull the gear, especially if you are not towing heavy.

What are you going to use the truck for? Are you going to tow with it? Is an automatic mandatory?

Ya I know these diesels have low rpm sweet spots. It'd be more of a DD, I don't tow anything. And it wouldn't see much offroad. Just some snow in the winter if I drive up to Tahoe. I would prefer an automatic cause the jeep is such a perfect cruiser, but I know the nv35/4500 would be a better option

I'll tell you what I'd do if it were my truck. I am a fan of the 6.2 / 6.5 GM diesel and given that it bolts to your chassis using small block Chevy kit mounts, it would be a far sight easier to install. I'd use the 6.5 turbodiesel and 4L80E out of a 1 ton GMC/Chevy pickup, freshen up the top end and install the small non turbo precups, call Heath Diesel and get a chip and remote PMD kit, put it all in with the tall gears and a quiet exhaust and enjoy mid 20s-30 mpg. Run the thing on waste anything.

the 3.9L Isuzu's peg at any where from 2,800 to 3,600 rpms in stock on-road trim. depending on what there original use was.

max torque is down around 1,800 so yea gearing will be real fun:(

also there right about 730/780lbs depending on if its turbocharged, the trans lb is over and above that.....so plan accordantly


does yours have the two bell patterns one is SAE and the other is a GM?

you said 4bdt2:confused: did you mean 4BD1-T or 4BD2-T

the 4BD1 is direct injection the 4BD2 is indirect injection

isuzu 4BD1T swaps?!