09 JKU + supercharger vs '12+ JKU

[B 1000]

I went from a 2011 with the 3.8 to the 2012 with the 3.6 when it came out, for a few reasons. First, it was noticeably a more powerful engine. Either way, I was going to mod it, so I decided I'd rather start with the better engine as a base platform. Since then I've supercharged my 3.6 and it's pretty nuts. Second, the auto tranny (if that's what you want) is way better. It's the same tranny used in the 5.7 litre HEMI rams, so it's way stronger and is supposed to last longer than any other. Last reason was because my 2011 was already having issues at 7k miles. I now have about 25k miles on my 3.6 and it runs smooth.

Also, someone mentioned the interior. I had the 2011 before, so it was the same interior. But if I had an 08, then that would absolutely be a plus.

Here is the only way I would keep the 08 if I were in your position. I would save the money and do an LS swap. These JKs really should have a V8 option from the factory with as much as they weigh and what they get used for.

 

[dstock]

:sombrero: The new 3.6 is just that "NEW" it's been used for about 4 years and the 3.8l v6 was employed by chrysler for over 21 years in cars/vans/jeeps and was capable of over 150k miles/w maintenance--it was still cast iron !!!

The jeep complainers of the 3.8l/auto are just that, complainers that have made no effort to release the pentup ponies and ease the shifting/cooling of the 42RLE auto-

They are both very profecient/capable units, mine is fantastic after 5 years, with modifications that actually coat about $2200 bucks,-mine cruises a 5600lb jeep at 18mpg avg and tows at 6600lbsGVW at 14.9 mpg and can go anywhere, with or without a trail-rocks/sand/snow/shale-

My '08 JKUR has much more than I can use now and there isn't a new one that'll outperform it--FOR THE MONEY !

Complainers of the "OLD" JK/JKU tradem in on a new JK/JKU and complain about them-

Complainers/entitlement/cryers--just not enough survivers--

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

Boy does this song get old.

Jimbo loves his Jeep, his 3.8, gets 18 mpg average (Your mileage WILL vary) and will never stop going on and on about it.

He has not owned both a 2007-2011 JK and a 2012+ JK so he cannot give a day to day comparison. I loved my 2010 JK Unlimited other than the fact that it was underpowered and starting to burn oil at 47k. Chrysler considers a quart every 1000 miles to be acceptable loss, I on the other hand do not.

I decided to trade mine in on a 2013 JK Unlimited Rubicon and the difference in performance and interior including overall quality is night and day compared to the 2010 (which at the time I thought was really good).

If I had it to do over again I would still go for the trade in, the new one is just that much better in my opinion having now owned both.

 

[reece146]

My turn to be a broken record...

$15k will get you into a UZJ100...

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I've never robbed a bank,. but in my opinion--IT'S NOTTA GOOD IDEA-

Boy does this song get old.

Jimbo loves his Jeep, his 3.8, gets 18 mpg average (Your mileage WILL vary) and will never stop going on and on about it.

He has not owned both a 2007-2011 JK and a 2012+ JK so he cannot give a day to day comparison. I loved my 2010 JK Unlimited other than the fact that it was underpowered and starting to burn oil at 47k. Chrysler considers a quart every 1000 miles to be acceptable loss, I on the other hand do not.

I decided to trade mine in on a 2013 JK Unlimited Rubicon and the difference in performance and interior including overall quality is night and day compared to the 2010 (which at the time I thought was really good).

If I had it to do over again I would still go for the trade in, the new one is just that much better in my opinion having now owned both.

Nobody asked for a "seat-of-the-pants comparison"--

I ramble on about the great attributes that the 07/11 3.8Ls have and most of you world renowned experts on the advantages of the new jeeps are quasi-jeepers, that wouldn't know the difference between a stock 3.21 gear and a 5.13/5.38 and especially the magic performance release they'll provide to the 3.8L-

I have never said and will never said that the new (2012/2014) jeeps aren't superior to the old ones--thats kinda reality--

My responses are because of people like you that would rather complain about a vehicle than try to understand the reason for and lack-of-

It's too bad you consider that opinions should be based on only personal experience, no matter what the subject-

I've owned CJ-2a/IH/Dodge Rams/Dodge Ramchargers/Ford Rangers/Power wagons and I modifyed everyone of those (15)--my '08 JKUR is the best of any I've ever had and -

Based on your opinion of my qualifications to provide an opinion on the jeep subject--I'm sure that the OP will depend only on your qualified advice

Oh, my jeep doesn't use any oil between yearly changes-

JIMBO

 

[dstock]

:sombrero: I've never robbed a bank,. but in my opinion--IT'S NOTTA GOOD IDEA-




Nobody asked for a "seat-of-the-pants comparison"--

I ramble on about the great attributes that the 07/11 3.8Ls have and most of you world renowned experts on the advantages of the new jeeps are quasi-jeepers, that wouldn't know the difference between a stock 3.21 gear and a 5.13/5.38 and especially the magic performance release they'll provide to the 3.8L-

I have never said and will never said that the new (2012/2014) jeeps aren't superior to the old ones--thats kinda reality--

My responses are because of people like you that would rather complain about a vehicle than try to understand the reason for and lack-of-

It's too bad you consider that opinions should be based on only personal experience, no matter what the subject-

I've owned CJ-2a/IH/Dodge Rams/Dodge Ramchargers/Ford Rangers/Power wagons and I modifyed everyone of those (15)--my '08 JKUR is the best of any I've ever had and -

Based on your opinion of my qualifications to provide an opinion on the jeep subject--I'm sure that the OP will depend only on your qualified advice

Oh, my jeep doesn't use any oil between yearly changes-

JIMBO

Wow, and the insults continue to fly....I'm not going to even go there but you lose a lot of credibility when start broad brushing people on this board you know nothing about.

I don't want to completely derail the OP's thread. The OP asked if the 2012+ was worth it (in comparison to the previous model years) and in my opinion, it has enough going for it to be worth it. I have had the benefit of driving both on a regular basis and was offering an informed opinion.

Really, I'm a complainer because I was unhappy that my 2010 JK that was religiously serviced started burning oil at a regular rate? How dare me to be unhappy!! Did I say everyone's older JK does this? No, no where, not ever.

Moving on...apologies to the OP.

 

[brianjwilson]

I don't know, there are guys on jeep forum with new 3.6 engines on their third cylinder head. Apparently a common issue on the 3.6 in all models. No explanation from Chrysler/jeep, just another head.

My 3.6 will cruise at 75mph all day long. When I first installed the lift/wheels/tires on the 4.10 gears I made a couple trips with four adults and the jeep packed down with gear. Including a hitch rack.
But as I add more gear, and drive at high elevations (Utah, Arizona, Nevada) and hit it with a head wind it sucks. I'm not saying it's weak, hell the gearing is stock, but I never felt like it was anything I would consider fast. Most of my recent trucks have been way faster but whatever.
Could also be that I don't know how terrible the 3.8 really was. Maybe the 3.6 is way better, but if you don't know how terrible the 3.8 was, it is just acceptable for a modern rig in my opinion. I feel that way about most rigs now though too. Like I said the jeep fanboys seem to love the 3.6. I've driven TJs that literally could not exceed 55mph on level ground at 4k ft elevation so if that is what you're use to, this 3.6 is leaps and bounds ahead. For me it just does the job.

My jeep is in the shop getting 4.88s now so we'll see how it changes mine.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I agree, we don't need to rage on, since it's not our thread-but

Wow, and the insults continue to fly....I'm not going to even go there but you lose a lot of credibility when start broad brushing people on this board you know nothing about.

I don't want to completely derail the OP's thread. The OP asked if the 2012+ was worth it (in comparison to the previous model years) and in my opinion, it has enough going for it to be worth it. I have had the benefit of driving both on a regular basis and was offering an informed opinion.

Really, I'm a complainer because I was unhappy that my 2010 JK that was religiously serviced started burning oil at a regular rate? How dare me to be unhappy!! Did I say everyone's older JK does this? No, no where, not ever.

Moving on...apologies to the OP.

You said "boy does this song get old"-can you imagine why ??do you think I'm a loony ??does the truth really hurt ??

Maybe you feel that I'm fulla **** ! everything I claim about my '08 JKUR is factual/certifiable,-proof is just a few $$$$away !

I don't lose any credibility with people that are knowledgeable about JK/JKUs

OP, no apology, this argumental subject is present in all jeep forums and this is not a jeep forum, it's a great/ broad/ off-road/explore forum,notta jeep forum-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[bradfordrovers]

Well, for what its worth, I have a 2008 JKU with the 3.8, and the AEV Supercharger. I now have just over 4000 miles on it, and its amazing. I just completed a Christmas trip from Boulder, CO to Seattle (1500miles each way) and the Jeep was able to maintain 80mph without struggle over each mountain pass. My Jeep is a full AEV JK350, with a Gobi rack, and an ARB roof tent. Im also running the factory 4:10 gears, and BFG 37KM2 tires. I was fully loaded with luggage, 2 dogs, and a beautiful fiancé. I love the smooth power band of the Magnuson/AEV supercharger, and get strong boost from 1200rpm to 4800rpm. I have had no check engine lights, and have only needed to flash the factory PCM with the modified tune during the initial install. No additional tunes, or issues like a few of my RIPP supercharger friends. Oh, and I guess I should probably mention that I just rolled over 105K. I have had zero issues, zero oil leaks, and I'm on the original cylinder heads. Since the 3.8 has successfully sailed many minivans well over 300K, I'm feeling pretty confident.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero:BINGO---

Well, for what its worth, I have a 2008 JKU with the 3.8, and the AEV Supercharger. I now have just over 4000 miles on it, and its amazing. I just completed a Christmas trip from Boulder, CO to Seattle (1500miles each way) and the Jeep was able to maintain 80mph without struggle over each mountain pass. My Jeep is a full AEV JK350, with a Gobi rack, and an ARB roof tent. Im also running the factory 4:10 gears, and BFG 37KM2 tires. I was fully loaded with luggage, 2 dogs, and a beautiful fiancé. I love the smooth power band of the Magnuson/AEV supercharger, and get strong boost from 1200rpm to 4800rpm. I have had no check engine lights, and have only needed to flash the factory PCM with the modified tune during the initial install. No additional tunes, or issues like a few of my RIPP supercharger friends. Oh, and I guess I should probably mention that I just rolled over 105K. I have had zero issues, zero oil leaks, and I'm on the original cylinder heads. Since the 3.8 has successfully sailed many minivans well over 300K, I'm feeling pretty confident. View attachment 205007View attachment 205008

Congrads bfr there are a lotta RIPP/AVENGER/AEV SC owners that also feel like they've got the best for the money-

The 3.8L v6 served Chrysler for over 21 years in cars/vans/jeeps--successful history !

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[Septu]

Congrads bfr there are a lotta RIPP/AVENGER/AEV SC owners that also feel like they've got the best for the money-

The 3.8L v6 served Chrysler for over 21 years in cars/vans/jeeps--successful history !

My only concern with that, is you're SC a 20 yr old engine design.

 

[Ratman1979]

My experience with my '12 Rubicon:
I've put 19,000 miles on an unlimited with AEV350 package, automatic trans. Average mileage to date is 13.7 mpg. The best I have ever seen was a tank at 16.95, must have been windy behind me that trip. I drive a lot of highway in 65-75 mph range.

This is my first Jeep experience and after hearing all the cheers for the 3.6 I was surprised by the performance. I realize extra bits like bumpers, winch, and KM2 35s hurt but the power is adequate just not much more than that. Pulling a trailer, I see 5,000 rpms way more than I'd like. I swapped to 4.88s about 6,000 miles ago and didn't see much change in MPGs but do like the driving better. It doesn't search for the right gear as often. I'm debating a RIPP supercharger to hold me over until Jeep announces details on the redesign. If it doesn't include a diesel then I'm going with a different rig. No need to comment much on the off-road aspect since everyone knows what these rigs can do.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Do some real homework

My only concern with that, is you're SC a 20 yr old engine design.

Chrysler designed this CAST IRON v6 21 years ago, but modified/improved its design, over 20 times, the 2007/2011 is still cast iron/w alum heads/ECU controlled and has recorded over 100kmiles/w SC

It's up to you

:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[Justincredible]

One thing to consider is that when supercharging the 3.8 your mileage will go down, but switching to the 3.6 it will go up.

I know i know, if you want gas mileage buy a Prius. bla bla bla.

Improving your gas mileage while also getting more power is never a bad thing.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Interesting, my gas mileage went up over 15% on/off hiway-

One thing to consider is that when supercharging the 3.8 your mileage will go down, but switching to the 3.6 it will go up.

I know i know, if you want gas mileage buy a Prius. bla bla bla.

Improving your gas mileage while also getting more power is never a bad thing.

Your mileage never increases at first, after one of these power mods, because you're so excited in driving the NEW power change-

Once you slow down and drive sanely, the mileage usually goes up, but almost completely dependant on regearing too-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[redveloce]

Wow, $6k for a supercharger!?! That seems like engine swap territory to me, but I'm probably spoiled with TJs... I would certainly think you could swap in a V8 for less than the $15k range, but the down time and extent of work may not be an option for you. If that's the case, I'd go for the supercharger and spend the difference on other mods and fuel before spending the $15k on a new rig.