3.8 JK

[NMRubicon]

Wow, it would seem that I now own the most unpopular Jeep ever! I certainly hope that support doesn't completely dry up for 07-11 Wranglers with the 3.8. Mine with the 4:1 low range has plenty of power in the rough stuff, would like to have better gears in the diffs, but for this 2 door, they aren't bad at all. Only engine I would like to see is a 4BT Cummins option, something with torque down low, not like these V6 engines that offer everything at around 4K RPM.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Don't really understand your reasoning--

The Jeep Wrangler 07/11 sales, are what helped Chrysler stay inthe game !

The 3.8L V6 was also used by Chrysler for over 20 years, ending in 2011-great high rpm/torque/HP little v6, just needs some breathing and diff/tranny/ gears--BINGO

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[NMRubicon]

Seems everyone has ditched this long lasting engine for the new 3.6, which builds more HP and torque, but still at 4K RPM. At some point, I guess Jeep will build an SRT Wrangler, it seems to be what people want.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, I'm afraid that you're talking to the young mall crowd--

The people that use the jeep-AS A JEEP-- don't trade itin on a new 3.6, because they need more power--

The 3.6L/auto is nodoubt, a great combo-pure stock and thats the way a lotta people want there jeep, but

I'm just part of the jeep world that has no need for a engine/tranny change-

My '08 JKUR (mod) is much more capable than I'm able to use/w mileage/power/comfort asis--

So there's a lotta jeepers that aren't "everyone" and will keep the 07/11 for a long time-

:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

 

[NMRubicon]

So I am not alone! Good to hear JIMBO, I only have a standard JKR, but I love it!

 

[ttravis5446]

I have come close to purchasing a Jk several times and I'm sure the engine is fine for that platform, maybe even great with a manual trans. But after living with the motor with the Auto in my EX-gf's new challenger a few years ago I never could pull the trigger on the Jeep.

 

[the59sound]

I thought the same thing as the OP. I had a 01 with an l6 and bow have an 07 3.8 with 4.10 gears with 35"s. Its not as peppy as my last jeep however I don't expect to get a speeding ticket in a wrangler anyways haha. On the trail I've had enough power to get thru everything that's been in front of me. So all in all 3.8 isn't bad just not a speed demon engine...then again its a wrangler.

 

[Septu]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, I'm afraid that you're talking to the young mall crowd--

The people that use the jeep-AS A JEEP-- don't trade itin on a new 3.6, because they need more power--

The 3.6L/auto is nodoubt, a great combo-pure stock and thats the way a lotta people want there jeep, but

I'm just part of the jeep world that has no need for a engine/tranny change-

My '08 JKUR (mod) is much more capable than I'm able to use/w mileage/power/comfort asis--

So there's a lotta jeepers that aren't "everyone" and will keep the 07/11 for a long time-

:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

Don't be absurd, of course they do. And if you read some of the jk forums, there's many who have. I'm certainly glad I did. I put on 7000-8000 km every summer during my summer vacation/road trip (in ~3-4 weeks). The drive is much more enjoyable now that I can keep speed up the hills, and actually pass when I want to. Even more so pulling my little trailer.

As for those that arn't everyone... yes they keep the JK. But many also replace the engine with something else. My buddy who bought a 08 Rubi to build up, is planning a LS for next summer. In all honesty, the 3.8L isn't the worse thing out there... if geared right, you can live with it. But there's far better engines around, and the 3.6L was a needed upgrade to the 3.8L.

 

[NMRubicon]

I drove a 2012, and I didn't notice any real difference until I hit above 2K RPM, I think the transmission had more of an effect on performance than the engine, I would certainly take the transmission. What I like about the 3.8 is the fact that there are millions of them out there, and there are countless accounts of getting 250,000+ miles out of this engine if it is maintained correctly. Wish they had been allowed to keep the I6 as an option, it builds torque where you need it offroad. I know that more and more people want their Jeep to be like a car, I want it to be a Jeep, and if it takes a little longer to get there, then so be it, if I have to be somewhere fast, I'll drive our TDI or my Cummins. I'm glad you are enjoying your Jeep, and these are strictly my own opinions. I am glad for many of the changes in the Jeep over the years, my '56 Willys topped out at 50mph, no power steering, and uncomfortable seats, but it was small and with 5.38 gears, it would climb a tree, the PTO was handy as well.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: You're right, the new 3.6l is an improvement on the 3.8l and the new 5spd auto is a VAST improvement on the 42rle auto, but

Don't be absurd, of course they do. And if you read some of the jk forums, there's many who have. I'm certainly glad I did. I put on 7000-8000 km every summer during my summer vacation/road trip (in ~3-4 weeks). The drive is much more enjoyable now that I can keep speed up the hills, and actually pass when I want to. Even more so pulling my little trailer.

As for those that arn't everyone... yes they keep the JK. But many also replace the engine with something else. My buddy who bought a 08 Rubi to build up, is planning a LS for next summer. In all honesty, the 3.8L isn't the worse thing out there... if geared right, you can live with it. But there's far better engines around, and the 3.6L was a needed upgrade to the 3.8L.

When you make the PROPER diff. gear changa and some minor mods the 07/11 jeep, even with the auto is well worth keeping-

If you want a lotta power--don't buy a jeep

If you enjoy the social/"RUSH" of Hemi/LS engine swap--nothing wrong with that, I've been there many times --

Just enjoy your jeep and modifyit, or buy for pleasure--thats what it's all about-

My '08 JKUR has been very modified and has never been "Down" for more than one day and after 5 years---it's very complete and will perform as well/better than any other (4dr) jeep, heh heh, except at the drag strip, but thats not what the jeep is for, right ?!

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[Rubicon John]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, I'm afraid that you're talking to the young mall crowd--

The people that use the jeep-AS A JEEP-- don't trade itin on a new 3.6, because they need more power--

The 3.6L/auto is nodoubt, a great combo-pure stock and thats the way a lotta people want there jeep, but

I'm just part of the jeep world that has no need for a engine/tranny change-

My '08 JKUR (mod) is much more capable than I'm able to use/w mileage/power/comfort asis--

So there's a lotta jeepers that aren't "everyone" and will keep the 07/11 for a long time-

:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

x2...

I'm one of the few who actually likes the 3.8L "minivan" motor. I like its cast iron block, I like the open space in the engine compartment for added extras like my onboard air setup, and it's been as reliable as all of my 4.0Ls that I've had over the years.

It gets me to where I'm going on or offroad without a lot of fuss and it's able to break posted speeding laws all across the country if asked to do so--sure it won't beat a new JK 0-60, but if that was a priority to me, I would be driving a nice red Porsche instead for what $$$ I have into my rig over the last 5 years of owning it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Jeep is still coming up with "better" technology and introducing new products for the future. However, with all the blood, sweat and joy that I've put into this jeep, I'd feel like a real traitor trading it and starting over. What's funny is, I didn't feel the same about my other jeeps no matter how built they were, but this one's got me!

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Well said RJ and thats sums up my feelings to the "T"

x2...

I'm one of the few who actually likes the 3.8L "minivan" motor. I like its cast iron block, I like the open space in the engine compartment for added extras like my onboard air setup, and it's been as reliable as all of my 4.0Ls that I've had over the years.

It gets me to where I'm going on or offroad without a lot of fuss and it's able to break posted speeding laws all across the country if asked to do so--sure it won't beat a new JK 0-60, but if that was a priority to me, I would be driving a nice red Porsche instead for what $$$ I have into my rig over the last 5 years of owning it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Jeep is still coming up with "better" technology and introducing new products for the future. However, with all the blood, sweat and joy that I've put into this jeep, I'd feel like a real traitor trading it and starting over. What's funny is, I didn't feel the same about my other jeeps no matter how built they were, but this one's got me!

We still got the gooder jeeps !

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[ScaleJK4x4]

I just need a bit more power down lower in the RPM range. Power and around 2K would be AWESOME!

 

[redthies]

:sombrero: Well said RJ and thats sums up my feelings to the "T"
We still got the gooder Jeeps. JIMBO

I have to agree as well. When I saw the sales guy who sold us our 2011 a few months back, he called it "the last of the good ones". I'm not sure why he would say this, maybe the head issues? But either way, unless they come out with a diesel Rubicon that has great power, I doubt I'll be in a rush to replace the one we have. It will be close to what I want within the next couple of months, so I think we will pay it off, and then let the wife decide if she wants something different. I hope so, because then I get to dd the Jeep!

 

[Chris85xlt]

i have a 3.8 with a 6speed and its been great but its the road/engine noise and nvh thats getting to me (Must of hit that threshold of feeling old).
Ive taken the jeep to norcal, moab and several other long trips and even though power isnt a lot, it'll get you there without much hassle. Cruising and holding 95mph was a chore though especially with hilly hwys but thats rare