Downsizing To A Jeep......

[Maverick1701]

I downsized to a 1997 expedition from a 96 4x4 CC F350 7.3. I still regret selling my old 1996 F350. I ran a diesel not for the utiility but as a hobby (I really enjoy modding, tinkering, etc with diesels).

The thing I miss most is being able to carry everything (to cover most emergencies) while on long trips. The expedition does everything I need it to (outside of being able to carry extra stuff)...it is just way way un-cool.

 

[evilfij]

Having driven both, the 3.8 is a dog (and I drive land rovers). 3.6 was great.

 

[NMRubicon]

The 3.6 is only better on the freeway, offroad, I don't see a difference, neither the 3.6 or 3.8 builds power or torque down low. I guess if you are obsessed with drag racing or having to pass everyone on the freeway, the 3.8 isn't for you. I enjoy the time spent in my Jeep, and tend not to worry about passing everyone or the few extra minutes spent driving. A lot of the 3.8 engines make it to the 250,000 mile mark, seems pretty dependable to me, how many 3.6l with that many miles?

 

[Hilldweller]

The problem with the 3.8L isn't the motor, it's the autotrans. Mine overheated; needs an aftermarket cooler. Also can't match speed to gear no matter what you do. You can regear, chip, everything. Won't help.
The 3.6L comes with one more gear, more torque, more HP.

A 3.8L with a manual trans and a regear works great.

 

[Grasslakeron]

I went from a f150 to an 06 LJ. Love the inline 6's I had in both.

Ron

 

[mbryson]

.... A lot of the 3.8 engines make it to the 250,000 mile mark, seems pretty dependable to me, how many 3.6l with that many miles?

That'd be a ton of driving in two years? Could be done, though?

 

[NMRubicon]

Will not argue the new automatic transmission is much better, the extra gear does help. I am also sure the new engine will prove to be a winner over the long haul, but to call the 3.8 unreliable was laughable. For a Jeep, gears are where it is, my old Willys CJ-5 had 5.38s in the diffs and it would climb a tree, just wouldn't go faster than 50 on the highway, still miss driving it and it's old 4cyl engine that made about 75-80 horsepower.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I went from a f150 to an 06 LJ. Love the inline 6's I had in both.

Ron

I couldn't agree more.

 

[Judoka]

Well NM Rubicon, I can see that you are in love with your 3.8 for sure! I would not know much about Jeeps since I have only owned 6 of them and sold several hundred of them. As long as it is a Jeep I am good with it! So, now can we be friends again? :26_7_2:

 

[D45]

I could also find a TRD Supercharged FJ:

Stock Specs (as advertised @ crank):
239 hp
278 ft-lbs torque

Stock Specs (as dyno’d @ rear wheels):
180 hp
204 ft-lbs torque

Supercharged (as advertised @ crank):
304 hp
334 ft-lbs torque

Supercharged (as dyno’d @ rear wheels):

259 hp
273 ft-lbs torque

 

[NMRubicon]

Well NM Rubicon, I can see that you are in love with your 3.8 for sure! I would not know much about Jeeps since I have only own 6 of them and sold several hundred of them. As long as it is a Jeep I am good with it! So, now can we be friends again? :26_7_2:

We weren't ever not friends, just a difference of opinion. I have been driving Jeeps since 1976, and while I like some of my creature comforts, I often times feel a Jeep isn't really a Jeep any longer. Now my '02 Dodge Diesel is a truck for sure. To each his own, I guess my point is, not everyone wants to drive their Jeep at 80mph down the freeway, or are worried about that someone will think them a wimp if their Jeep doesn't go 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. I will be holding on to my '10, I really wasn't impressed enough with any of the 3.6l Jeeps I drove, I guess I might notice more of an improvement if I were a 4 door guy, but I'm not. For the record, the guy that sold me my latest Jeep didn't know a damn thing about them other than what was in the brochure and on the sticker.

 

[SSF556]

What about a diesel Grand Cherokee?

 

[D45]

Not a Grand fan....Cherokee is even pushing it

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: YUP, a 2012/2013 JKUR would be your best deal/w the 3.6l and 5spd auto-

You could carry a bunch and tow (legally) up to 3500lbs--if thats way to low for your towing needs--don't getta jeep-

The 3.8l provided Chrysler/w just over 20 years of dependable satisfactory use--good engine-

The 42RLE/auto provided them /w over10 years of use--not great but OK

If your willing to do a little work on the 07/10 JKUR it would be great, however you're not gonna find a cheap price on a good --any year-

If the Pentastar would give me any substancial advantage--I'd probably get one, but It'd be a waste of money for me-

I don't really think you wanna jeep, instead of truck, maybe jeep-AND truck !

Bummer

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[IdahoTrout]

Jeep

I have the "itch" to find and buy a used Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, 4dr with the auto trans

Anyone down size from a full size truck to a Jeep?

I am not sure how much I will miss the diesel, long bed, and the towing capacity of my current truck

Any thoughts, suggestions, or input?

How is the power of the 3.8L V6??

I have a perfect jeep for you!! Check in the classified section under member vehicles for sale.