redthies
Renaissance Redneck
I don't think the JK was ever designed to reach that speed, let alone cruise at it! 75 mph seems a whole lot more reasonable. Not as much fun, but more "Jeep-ish".
3.8 JK
- Thread starter NMRubicon
- Start date
I don't think the JK was ever designed to reach that speed, let alone cruise at it! 75 mph seems a whole lot more reasonable. Not as much fun, but more "Jeep-ish".
Who said anything about a "lotta power", or the social aspect of a more powerful engine, or dragging the jeep? I said the 3.8L is lackluster and under powered - which it is. I'm not even talking about racing it, just keeping up with traffic, or being able to pass when I want to or need to. I hate this idea that because we own jeeps we're suppose to like the idea that it's slow and gutless.
I actually traded in my 11 for a 13 and I could not be happier with my decision. The 7-11's are still holding their value very well. I basically drove my 11 for almost 2 years for $1200 and it just so happened that it needed new tires, so in my mind I broke even. The added power is nice, but the main reason for the upgrade was the transmission. The new 5 speed auto is a night and day difference.
I also think that they did something different with the traction control system between the 11 and the 13, either that or it was just the stall converter on the old 42rle. Before I had to go into 4L for things such as hills that did not really warrant it, now I just breeze through them in 4H without any issues. Also don't buy into the hype of the better mileage with the 3.6 because I am seeing about the same mileage so far. Both were auto's with 4.10 and I actually think that the 4.10's are too deep of a gear for the stock 32's, hopefully they will work great with 35's if I ever upgrade. Had the price difference been any different I would not have traded in my 11 though. The engine was good for me and I would not think twice about getting an older one again if I had to, esp if it had a stick.
I also think that they did something different with the traction control system between the 11 and the 13, either that or it was just the stall converter on the old 42rle. Before I had to go into 4L for things such as hills that did not really warrant it, now I just breeze through them in 4H without any issues. Also don't buy into the hype of the better mileage with the 3.6 because I am seeing about the same mileage so far. Both were auto's with 4.10 and I actually think that the 4.10's are too deep of a gear for the stock 32's, hopefully they will work great with 35's if I ever upgrade. Had the price difference been any different I would not have traded in my 11 though. The engine was good for me and I would not think twice about getting an older one again if I had to, esp if it had a stick.
They are too deep. However they're great with 33s, and everyone says they're good for 35s.
JIMBO
Expedition Leader
:sombrero: Sorry you evidentally didn't read what I wrote !
The 3.6L v6 has plenty of power and RPM advantage---ALL IT TAKE IS GEARS, how many times do I have to say that ???
My '08 JKUR weighs over 5150 lbs--UNLOADED- and I have no trouble in highspeed traffic/passing/good mileageand towing also-
If you think thats "UNDERPOWERED" and "UNWORTY"--read a book-
:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO
The 3.6L v6 has plenty of power and RPM advantage---ALL IT TAKE IS GEARS, how many times do I have to say that ???
My '08 JKUR weighs over 5150 lbs--UNLOADED- and I have no trouble in highspeed traffic/passing/good mileageand towing also-
If you think thats "UNDERPOWERED" and "UNWORTY"--read a book-
:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO
NMRubicon
Observer
I have no issues with traffic, even when I have to go to the city, but then again I don't feel the need to cruise at over 75 mph. To each his own, I wish they would have given us something with low end grunt instead of something that peaks at 4000 rpm, power in that band is only good for the highway. My old '56 Willys was great off road, it ran 5.38s in the diffs, and had a granny low 1st gear in the transmission, it is still what I think of when I think of a Jeep, wish I could have kept it, even though it only had a 2.4L inline 4 cylinder with a single barrel carb. As it is, I am pleased with the performance of my '10, test drove 2 new Jeeps, a 2012, and a 2013, not enough difference for me.
dstock
Explorer
Exactly right!! Sorry but regardless of gearing the 3.8 is a dog. The new 3.6 and 5-speed auto is a huge improvement, and overall my 2013 seems much more refined. Living in Los Angeles, it can be down right hazardous on the freeways when you are "underpowered", lane changes, getting on the freeway, etc. Yes I use my Jeep "the way it is meant to be used" but I also have an hour or two of highway travel to get to the trails, and it's my DD, so it needs to do lots of things well.
Chris85xlt
Adventurer
I agree, they weren't designed to reach speeds like that. But during the drive to Moab, i remember areas where speed limit was something like 80 or 85mph and i was getting passed by everything! After several high speed passes by big rigs i decided i needed to pick up the pace and go with the flow of traffic.
I usually stay below 70mph during my daily commute
GetOutThere
Adventurer
I have the 3.6 with the new auto, and I love it.
That said, I'd give it up in a second for a slow low HP diesel with torque in the right places, and some better RANGE.
That said, I'd give it up in a second for a slow low HP diesel with torque in the right places, and some better RANGE.
ZMagic97
Explorer
I agree with a lot of the 3.8 believers. I have an 08 JKR with 35's, 3.5" lift, 4.10s still, and lots of other mods. I do not drive it everyday and it certainly isn't a hybrid or a race car, but I love it. I have gone to the Jeep dealer a few times to be nosy at new Jeeps (got mine slightly used and semi built mind you) and couldn't justify the cost to "upgrade" to the 3.6. Sure, it's a more powerful engine, but I always hear of horror stories with bad heads on other engine issues. Also, my Jeep is pretty much exactly the way I want it...why start over on the build? I have no issues with the newer JKs, but mine isn't broke, so why fix or replace it? I only have 34,000 miles on it, all of which have been great and issue free. I can go up the highways in 4th gear doing 70-75MPH no problem; my XJ would have issues at freeway speeds. I can do better in the mountains than my friends Mazda 3. I'll drive it until the engine dies, and then replace it with perhaps another 3.8. To me, if I wanted a hemi, I'd get a Challenger.
Again, I have no problem seeing why people would want the 3.6 and a diesel in the future. I myself am happy with it and will just keep driving it for trips and adventures.
Again, I have no problem seeing why people would want the 3.6 and a diesel in the future. I myself am happy with it and will just keep driving it for trips and adventures.
NMRubicon
Observer
I want to put a leveling kit on mine, and would like to put in some 4.88 gears, provided they will work with the factory lockers, I don't plan on ever running anything bigger than 33" tires, in fact the stock 32" have worked for everywhere I have wanted or needed to go, I could probably get away with 4.56 gears even. I want to replace the rear bumper, with an integral tire carrier and space for some gas cans and other necessary items. Some extra lights are on the list as well, I can't wait until this bad boy is paid off, and hopefully these furlough end so I can free up some cash to move forward with the wish list. I am so glad I don't live within 75 miles of an urban area.
ZMagic97
Explorer
Look at the OR-Fab tire/gas can carrier...I have it and love it. With it, my 2 door can carry 28.5 gallons of fuel...
SulVento
Wanderer
I'll give a solid second to that. Mine is set up with the Rotopax. Love it.