Back from Expo...looking for 4 door Jeep

Adventure IQ

Adventure IQ

Explorer
T

TeraFlex

New member
The 3.8 is weak and will leave you wanting deep gears and a auto trans cooler. How large of tires do you want to run?
 
S

Septu

Explorer
dstock said:
2011 +

Do not go earlier, 3.8 is weak especially if you are going to be pulling a trailer.
Click to expand...

2011s still had the 3.8.

I've had both engines. A 07 JKU 6 spd, and a 2012 JKU 5spd auto. My 07 had a heavy front bumper and winch, had 3.21 gears and 33's. It was acceptable around town, and tolerable on the highways (hills and passing was a *****, and 6th was useless). However it didn't have AC (sounds stupid I know). But because of the cost of adding AC (along with everything else I wanted) it was cheaper to buy a 2012 than it was to build my 07. I haven't done much to my 2012 (bumpers, tires, winch), but it's light years ahead of what my 07 was in terms of driveability. Even going from the stock tires to the very heavy 33s I have on it now, I barely notice the difference.

Now I haven't pulled a trailer with my 2012 yet (ask again next month), however I did pull a trailer with my buddies stock 2010 JKUR with a 6 spd. It wasn't too bad at all - correct gearing makes a massive difference. It wasn't going to win any races, but it pulled just fine along the mostly flat highway (he did the part with the steep hills and was slow). So I wouldn't automatically dismiss a pre 2012, but to be honest neither would I spend much time looking at them. Unless you plan on buying one and changing out the engine down the road to an LS or something (which was the plan if I kept the 07).

I guess my thought is this. A 07-11 will be cheaper, but the engine is a disappointment. It's not the end of the world, and if you're geared correctly it's not even that bad. But that's all it will ever be... acceptable. After having driven a 2012, the only way I'd ever consider an older model is with a different engine. And I'm not just talking about the HP or the acceleration (although both are nice). Just being able to keep speed up a hill without down shifting is nice.
 
T

TeraFlex

New member
Adventure IQ said:
31 to 33 for tires


www.AdventureIQ.com
Facebook Me! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventure-IQ/210030892407247
Adventute Journal http://adventureiq.wordpress.com/
http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/adventureiq/id/2291366
Click to expand...

With tires that size you might find that with stock gearing will be just fine. Then again it all depends upon how much weight you add to your trailer. If you get an auto, install a trans cooler. I wouldn't go any deeper than 4:88's and wouldn't spend money on a supercharger or turbo for the 3.8.
 
C

Chris85xlt

Adventurer
2011 is the problem child of wranglers with aftermarket tuners but can be worked around.

i would get 2013 because of all the stories of 2012 jeeps with bad heads. supposedly now resolved in 2013.
... or 09-10 and live with the slow motor
 
dstock

dstock

Explorer
Septu said:
No worries. The 2011 had the new interior, but the old 3.8 engine. 2012s had the same interior as the 2011s, but the 3.6 and new 5spd auto.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I forgot about that, guess with my 2013 on order my head is in the clouds!
 
McZippie

McZippie

Walmart Adventure Camper
Septu said:
I guess my thought is this. A 07-11 will be cheaper, but the engine is a disappointment. It's not the end of the world, and if you're geared correctly it's not even that bad. But that's all it will ever be... acceptable. After having driven a 2012, the only way I'd ever consider an older model is with a different engine. And I'm not just talking about the HP or the acceleration (although both are nice). Just being able to keep speed up a hill without down shifting is nice.
Click to expand...

^^^^^

We have a 2010 JKU and have driven a 2012. If can afford a 2012+ the engine is a worthy upgrade,
but the 2007 - 2010 is not a deal killer if clean one is available at a discounted price.
 
BADDANDY

BADDANDY

Adventurer
The only thing new on 2013's are new seats and they are the best ever. I just did 4,000 mile trip on/offroad for 10 days. Not one bit of discomfort.
 
JIMBO

JIMBO

Expedition Leader
:sombrero: Heh Heh, funny comments--

The 3.8L v6 history was over 21 years old, wben Chrysler stopped production--great engine and proven-

The only thing bad about the pre 2012 3.8L v6 is the gearing that was provided/w JK/JKU-and 4.10 was still "BAD"

I've been towing my trailer for over 4 years and the last two was with a regearing and that produced great mileage and instant throttle response-on road/off-road unbeatable

Now with an auto the comment about your needing an aux cooler, is everso true and that can be a $75 dollar mod-

The new 2012/2013 JK/JKU is great, has their own troubles, but there's nothing wrong with the 07 thru 11/w mods, if you don't/can't do some mods--buy a new one and just prepare for new problems, like all jeeps are gonna have-however, don't expect much of a price break on a used JKU, especially a Rubi--usually $25K plus

Good luck

:wings::costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
189,846
Messages
2,921,441
Members
233,029
Latest member
Houie

Members online

Total: 1,297 (members: 35, guests: 1,262)
Top