Jeep Blogs

Many many hours are spent by our office staff every week quoting Hemi conversions for prospects. Very rarely do these time extensive quotes eventuate into bookings and subsequent builds. In the interest of guiding consumers and enthusiasts alike through this process we opted to create a cheat sheet covering off most of the common pricing questions around engine conversions and power plant transfers into various Jeep platforms. Please note that at the time of documenting this,

Modern Jeeps are complex vehicles. When a fault cannot be identified quickly, it is common for owners to move from one workshop to another without getting clear answers. We see this far more often than people realise. A Jeep is taken to a local mechanic. The basics are checked, common faults are ruled out, and eventually the workshop reaches a dead end. With no clear diagnosis, the vehicle is then transported to us for specialist Jeep diagnostics. At that point, our role beco

In this video, we walk through what’s involved in upgrading the brakes on a WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee to SRT Brembo brakes. This is one of the most popular brake upgrades for WK2 owners, particularly for vehicles that tow, see spirited driving, or have had power upgrades. The focus isn’t just on the install itself, but on the critical details DIY owners need to understand before committing to the upgrade. The factory braking system on many WK2 models is adequate for daily drivi

In this video, we explain why GDL Automotive only supplies and installs genuine Jeep oil coolers, and why that decision matters for both us and our customers. When we carry out a repair, we stand behind our work. That means providing a warranty on parts and labour. Using non-genuine oil coolers, particularly those sourced from online marketplaces like eBay, creates a serious liability issue. If an aftermarket unit fails and causes internal engine damage, we cannot warrant tha

In this project, we originally planned to complete a Series 2 facelift conversion on a WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, as often happens with real world builds, the direction shifted based on parts availability. With a full Series 1 SRT body kit on hand, the decision was made to pivot and carry out a full SRT conversion instead, including aftermarket headlights to complete the look. The result is a clean, factory style upgrade that dramatically changes the appearance of the

If you own a TJ Wrangler or XJ Cherokee, there is a common front brake issue that often goes unnoticed until it causes serious problems. From the factory, these models were fitted with Bakelite brake calliper pistons, and while they worked when new, age and heat have proven to be their downfall. Over time, Bakelite pistons absorb moisture and swell. When this happens, the piston can no longer retract smoothly inside the calliper bore. The result is a front brake calliper that

In our latest video, we visit Canberra SRT, the home of HEMI performance and expertise. Owned and operated by Ben Doble, Canberra SRT has built a strong reputation for precision engine work and deep technical knowledge. The video offers a behind the scenes look at Ben’s workshop, exploring his approach to high performance HEMI builds and repairs. Ben is a true expert on HEMI V8 engines. Over the years, he has become one of the most trusted names in the HEMI community, known f

Chrysler has issued a major recall involving more than 320,000 Jeep plug in hybrid SUVs due to a potential risk of high voltage battery failure that could lead to a fire. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects approximately 228,221 Jeep Wranglers (model years 2020–2025) and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokees (model years 2022–2026). It’s estimated that around 5 percent of the affected vehicles could contain the de

Owners of 2017–2019 Ram 1500 diesel models in Australia are being urged to take note of a new recall affecting 423 vehicles. The issue stems from a potential software fault that could cause the engine to stall while driving and prevent it from restarting. According to the recall, a problem within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software may cause the signal from the crankshaft position sensor to fail. If this occurs, the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly, increasing t

Australia’s mechanic shortage isn’t new, but in 2025 it’s hitting a critical point with some drivers now waiting up to six months for even basic servicing or repairs. What was once a few weeks’ delay has now blown out dramatically across the country, and it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s pushing prices up too. In many areas, particularly regional Australia, workshops are booked out months in advance. At the start of 2025, average wait times were around two months, but in s

The lines between brands under the Stellantis umbrella are about to blur even more, with Ram preparing to step into SUV territory for the very first time. Known for its tough and dependable pick-ups, Ram is now set to broaden its horizons and take on a new segment. Stellantis confirmed the expansion as part of a $US13 billion ($AU19.8 billion) investment into its U.S. operations. The new Ram SUV is expected to launch in 2028, marking a major shift for the brand as it moves be

At GDL Automotive we have taken a close look at the updated Ram 1500 and it is safe to say this one is a game changer. The biggest headline? Ram has retired its iconic V8 in favour of a new 3.0 litre twin turbo six cylinder “Hurricane” engine. On paper that sounds like sacrilege but in reality the new engine outperforms the V8 in almost every area with more power, more torque, better fuel efficiency and still strong towing capacity. The Ram 1500 is launching here in two trims

The WL Grand Cherokee L represents the newest chapter in Jeep’s flagship SUV line up but here in Australia buyers are restricted to just one engine choice the 3.6L Pentastar V6 petrol. While this powertrain has been around for years and is widely used across Stellantis products it has its limitations particularly when it comes to towing and long term reliability. In this review we will unpack the strengths weaknesses and real world considerations for Australian buyers looking

We have taken on a new project car at GDL Automotive! The vehicle is a Series 1 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 originally fitted with a 5.7L V8 engine. Unfortunately, the factory engine suffered severe camshaft damage, which led to metal debris circulating throughout the motor. Rather than patching the existing engine, We decided to turn this WK2 into a long term content build, showcasing every stage of its transformation from tired daily driver into a fully modified SRT inspired ma

In this video, we take an in depth look at upgrading the camshaft and performing an MDS (Multi-Displacement System) delete on the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 SRT with the 6.4L Hemi V8. We compare a Series 1 and Series 2 Grand Cherokee SRT, both running a Stage One cam upgrade including custom dyno tuning We break down why the MDS delete is critical for long term engine health, how much it costs, and what’s involved in the process. You’ll learn the risks of leaving the MDS system

We made a video highlighting a customer’s oil leak problem that had persisted for over five years. The issue stemmed from excessive use of RTV during previous engine repairs performed by numerous dealerships around the country. The state we received this car in was quite a shock! One of the main takeaways is that oil pan gaskets should never be replaced with RTV alone. Using a proper gasket is critical to prevent leaks. In this case, too much RTV was used instead of the corre

We made a video highlighting some of the most common mistakes people make when servicing automatic transmissions. Many of these mistakes can lead to costly repairs if not addressed correctly. One major issue we cover is the misconception that simply washing or draining the transmission system is enough. This is similar to changing engine oil but never replacing the oil filter. Without replacing the filter, contaminants remain in the system, reducing the effectiveness of the s

We made a video for Jeep enthusiasts breaking down the differences between the two main KL Cherokee models: the standard package and the Trailhawk. Both are great vehicles, but the Trailhawk stands out with upgraded features that make it more adventure ready. The Trailhawk comes with off-road suspension, a two speed transfer case, and extra aesthetic options. These upgrades give it better capability for light off roading and rugged terrain compared to the standard model. It’s

We made a video for Jeep WK2 EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee owners to explain the best oils and filters for the EcoDiesel engine. Using the right oil and filter helps keep your engine running reliably and prevents unnecessary wear or damage. Shell is Jeep’s official partner, but we at GDL Automotive prefer Penrite based on over 20 years of experience without any issues. Other brands, like Valvoline, are also safe to use as long as they meet the minimum standards for diesel engines.

We can now equip WK2 Grand Cherokee owners with a convenient remote start feature. This allows you to start your vehicle from a distance using a specially programmed key fob, so your car is ready and comfortable before you even step inside. We can customise your settings to suit your needs. Choose whether the headlights turn on, the windows roll down, or the air conditioning activates. Everything is tailored to how you use your Grand Cherokee. The remote start feature is perf

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, coolant is often overlooked. Many people assume the different colours are just dyes, but that is not the case. Each coolant type has a specific chemical composition designed for certain engines and materials. Mixing two different coolants might seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage. When incompatible coolants are combined, the chemicals can react and form sludge. This sludge clogs the cooling system, reduces efficiency, and

Jeep Cherokee owners across Australia need to know about recall 49A that affects their vehicles. This involves the electrically powered liftgate module and large cracks forming between the seams at the rear of your KL Cherokee. The concern is an internal short circuit that could start a vehicle fire even when the ignition is off. When Was the Recall Issued In the United States, notification letters began being sent to owners by June 30 2023 and the recall was estimated to lau

In another blow to cost of living pressures, the Federal Government has increased the fuel excise by 0.8 cents per litre, nudging it from 50.8 cents to 51.6 cents. While that sounds like more pain at the pump, the reality for most drivers is less dramatic. On average, the increase will add around $20 a year to your fuel bill, depending on your car’s fuel efficiency, tank size, and how often you fill up. It’s not great news, but it's also not a budget breaker for most motorist

Hyundai Australia has voiced concerns over how Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are undercutting the market by tens of thousands of dollars, raising questions about long-term sustainability and potential government subsidies behind these prices. Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Australia, says he’s puzzled by how Chinese carmakers are able to deliver such low prices, especially when all manufacturers are using similar components, manufacturing equipment, and supply chains. He specul