[Gramps]

Us MK owners are just like any other Jeep owners, we always try to get more out of them than what the factory builds because most of us are NOT your average owners, we want more. Can the CVT handle 225 HP or maybe a little more? Just looking to nudge things a bit with out dropping a Hemi in the back seat.

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by unclejjg

I see very few vehicles that have independent suspension and a locking differential, yet a utility vehicle like the Polaris Ranger, is able to incorporate one. Is there a reason for the lack of these in SUV's?

There is no technical reason an IFS can't have a locking diff. This is purely a decision that is made on the basis of cost vs. benefits.

[Jeepinz]

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

What would you guys like to see? Just toss out your ideas. We may not be able to respond or acknowledge each suggestion, but we'd like to hear them!

These have been posted recently (listed in no particular order) on various MK forums...

1. How about a shortened version with only 2 doors for us single guys? There's plenty of choices for SUVs with 3rd row seating, but I can't think of a single 2-door compact (4-cyl) SUV available today.

2. Better the FDII model for true off-roading, maybe a Jeep Patriot Rubricon!

3. Diesel, obviously the turbo, hybrid?, Or.... a 6 spd. plug in hybrid turbo diesel with a 6 cyl flex!

4. Yea I would like to see a rubicon version. I would also like the FDI models to come standard with tow hooks and skid plates and 9 inches of ground clearance. More torque out of the 2.4L and a diesel option.

5. FDII with a 5 speed!

6. CRD, CRD, CRD can't come soon enough.

7. Overland edition w/ brown leather'd power seats w/ armrests, improved 2nd row seating, proper headrests, MyGIG, quieter cabin, etc.

8. Compass in a SRT4 Rallye 6spd manual version would be unique! Subaru WRX Killa!

9. Beach Runner w/ roof racks std, unique paint, wheels, and the like would suit the twins well. Simple to do also.

10. Optional Liberty like Freedom top/pano sunroof. A Mini-Cooper clubman has two glass roofs that look great!!

11. Wrangler edition (if gas prices really shoot higher) w/convertible or removeable hard top roof!

12. Land Rover is hard at work on a 3 row LR2. Jeep should offer either a Patriot or Liberty with a 3rd row.

13. Terraced rear roof w/ skylights would be incredible.

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by Jeepster55

how about coming up with more Compass MARKETING. i live in Central Indiana and the ONLY ad i can remember seeing that focused on the Compass was the one that seemed to be aimed at the younger generation OR Hispanics.

WHY NO ADS? you can't sell them if you can't see them on TV!!!!

I'm sorry to hear that. How did you find out about our product? Do you own one?

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by Gramps

Is it possible to run a program to retrofit the AutoStick features on one that didn’t have it previously? We can do the mechanics and electrical but only the dealer can do the programming and it’s not available as a conversion. Also how about the FD II with and AutoStick package?

No plans to retrofit autostick - hardware and software change. As for FD2, autostick will not work - you need the discrete low to activate the off-road mode along with the 4WD lock switch.

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by Gramps

With the possible demise of the Compass (no scheduled production date set for 2009) does this mean that you guys will turn your efforts towards a more off-road capable Patriot? What’s the status on the one that Rocky Road Outfitters is involved with?

The Compass is alive and well. 2009's starting production.

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by polished_heckle

FDII - Under the front suspension, behind the engine skid plate are two metal tubes that hang below the frame. Three of four ends of the tubes are attached to flexible rubber hose and the fourth appears to be connected to the power steering. The tubes run across the width of the Patriot. I think they're power steering hydraulic lines.

These two lines hang below the frame and are susceptible to being hit while offroad.

I'd like to bend them up closer to the body before a rock bends them for me. I'd use tube bending tools as to not pinch the tubes.

What are the risks behind bending the tubes and brackets mounting them?

Even better, why were the tubes not designed slightly higher? Is there an fluid mechanics reason for them to be below the power steering?

They are the power steering rack lines. They sit just behind the front K-member slightly above the ground plane. I have had the Patriot on may off-road events and have never caused any damage to the lines.

[victory red]

have the 08 FDII patriot.
about 1700 miles on it now.
very happy with the patriot so far.

very fun vehicle to drive.

[JeepEngineers]

Originally Posted by polished_heckle

FDII - What is the maximum additional angle the CV joints can take? With lifting the Patriot with a 2-1/8" body lift similar to the Rocky Road Outfitters, the CV joints are flexed more than stock FDII. What is the stock angle at the CV joints and what is the maximum the CV joints are designed to flex to?

I'm just trying to evaluate the risk of lifting the Patriot IFS.

We don't recommend lifting your vehicle. The trail rated Patriot has been lifted 1 inch vs. the base vehicle. Going further would exceed the range that the CV joints are intended to work within.

We are interested in customers expectations for off-road use and continue to work towards satisfying these expectations.

Do you want the lift for capability or for appearance reasons?

[eighteenwheeler]

With all the hype over the rear speakers that fold down, why is there no type of low voltage cuttoff / low automatic engine start. Do you know how often my battery dies? I have to carry a jumper box with me at all times...

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

The Compass is alive and well. 2009's starting production.

That made my day!!

[OnRoad]

I also would like to thank you for building a fine AWD economy buggy!

Fuel economy is the number one issue on most peoples minds. These buggies give reasonable fuel economy with AWD which allows those of us that commute up to 100 miles a day on cow paths a fighting chance in winter.

So again, thank you!

Now get to work on the AWD SMALL hybrid!!!

[jerryjeeper]

If and when you guys decide to kill the Compass there will be more build capacity at Belvedere to increase the Patriot production. More capable off-road manners should be a priority and will certainly stimulate the interest of the XJ crowd who are looking for replacement vehicles. The Patriot does a pretty good job of capturing the XJ charisma and style but is emasculated in the performance area. While it may seem bizarre there is also an interesting opportunity to share the powertrain from the Calibre SRT with a Patriot in tuner trim. This could be a econo version sibling of the Grand Cherokee SRT which has already worn out its welcome with the marketplace. Recognizing that these low volume projects are very costly there would be tremendous synergy with the Calibre SRT which could make th project both viable and profitable. It would also add some extra spiff for the marketing guru's to get more excited about the Patriot. Keep up the good work and hang on to JTE as long as you can. I am a retired Jeeper and have a lot of respect for what you guys are dealing with in the current management.

[no-blue-screen]

Not in terms of future product, but opinion only, do you feel the MK platform would benefit from a diesel powertrain similar to offerings in europe here in NA?

[CharBroiled]

will or can there be any option for the CVT like a "performance/economy" mode switch? like something to keep the engine RPM a bit higher than normal for a bit of a "peppier" feel?

sorta like the old XJs had, a "performance/comfort" switch.

BTW love our patriot! nice job guys!