So how are the JKs holding up?

[highlandercj-7]

Thank you TRW, Thats some good information there.

I had major issues with my 2011 leaking water every where too. It eventually led to electrical issues and the lemon. Jeep redesigned the weather seals for 2012. If you are still under warranty take it to a dealer and have them replace the old seals with the new design. It solved most our water issues, but was only figured out after 10 months of battling it. They replaced the winsdhield, hardtop, and front door seals on it.

 

[highlandercj-7]

NOTE: I have no affiliation with this company. I was wondering why the kits was even being marketed, till I saw TRW's above post.

A company around here is selling the bolt kits to fix the JK:

2012 to 2014 JEEP Wrangler JK / JKU Bolt Upgrade Kit for Lower Control Arms and Track Bars for $ 58.00
GRADE 8 Hardware (Automotive Class)

Upgrade your JK lower control arms and track bars with the proper sized bolts!
This kit is used to Upgrade the Front and Rear LCA's and TB's.
We now offer a bolt upgrade kit for your 2012 to 2014 Jeep Wrangler JK or JKU that comes complete with high strength grade 8 and Grade "C" stover nut hardware for the lower control arms and the track bars.
Stover Nuts Grade "C" are included. *** Do to Much Better Torqueing and Holding Specs than Nyloc Type nuts.
All fasteners to be torqued @ 125-130 ft.lbs.

*** This Kit also Includes the Metric Bolt and Nut used on the 2012 to 2014 Wranglers. ***

This project can be completed at home with the proper Bolt Upgrade Kit and tools.

Instructions Included.

This is a Popular Recommended cure for Death Wobble ( DW ) Found with or the PREVENTION of DW, for the 2012 to 2014 Jeep JK and JKU Wranglers.

Tools Needed:

* Torque wrench (> 125-130 ft.lb. rating)
* 11/16" socket and wrench
* 7/8" socket and wrench
* Drift punch

USPS SHIPPING AVAILABLE
Priority Mail, Flat Rate Box.
ADD : $ 8.50

They have a kit for the 2007-2011 JK's to:

Wrangler JK / JKU Track Bar and Lower Control Arms Upgrade Bolt Kit - $50 (15350)
2007-2011 JEEP Wrangler JK / JKU Bolt Upgrade Kit for Lower Control Arms and Track Bar.
GRADE 8 Hardware (Automotive Class)

Upgrade your JK lower control arms and track bars with the proper sized bolts!
This kit is used to Upgrade the Front and Rear LCA's and TB's.
We now offer a bolt upgrade kit for your 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK or JKU that comes complete with high strength grade 8 and Grade "C" stover nut hardware for the lower control arms and the track bars.
Stover Nuts Grade "C" are included. *** Do to Much Better Torqueing and Holding Specs than Nyloc Type nuts.
All fasteners to be torqued @ 125-130 ft.lbs.

This project can be completed at home with the proper Bolt Upgrade Kit and tools.

Instructions Included.

This is a Popular Recommended cure for Death Wobble ( DW ) Found with 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Jeep JK and JKU Wranglers.

Tools Needed:

* Torque wrench (> 125-130 ft.lb. rating)
* 11/16" socket and wrench
* 7/8" socket and wrench
* Drift punch

USPS SHIPPING AVAILABLE
Priority Mail, Flat Rate Box.
ADD : $ 8.50

PayPal Accepted. Please Contact Us @: 724-986-6752 for Questions or Orders.

No expressed or implied warranties associated with parts and/or installation.

 

[sseaman]

TRW that is a good write up, seems like a lot of the info i searched for days to find when trying to decide what to buy, I ended up going new for the added comfort of the full warranty, it was also hard to find a used JKU that was in good enough shape for the money they are commanding

 

[bdp1978]

2011 - 30k miles

Never seen a wrench other than fluid changes and top/door removal. Zero Complaints.

 

[SteeperJeeper]

I have a 2010 with 50k on it I run it pretty close to stock just a set of 33in MTs. The only things that have broken on mine are due to me breaking them on rocks and my hard top leaks but not my soft top. Other than that they are a pretty stellar vehicle. Ive pulled my old 24 foot sail boat around too. No Idea how much it weights but probably a good amount.

 

[AngryRedBird]

Looking Forward

08 Jeep Wrangler X just turned 70K and driving rather slowly these days.. seeing how we've just return from our vacation to Colorado and back on some of the worst roads in America.. But in light of a possible minor Shimmy/Wobble issue, Upon searching the web, I've learn & removed the "retaining clips" from the rotors can reduce or eliminate the shimmy/wobble.. and as expected.. there were 3 clips per rotor per side. The best way to describe this.. it if one have chocolate pie and 1/3 of it is missing.. and you're trying to hold the pie plate in the palm of your hand.. Mind you both front rotors were like this.. which could cause a slight unbalance.

Then we developed an issue with an unnamed oil filter.. while on our travels leaving a big mess under the jeep.. still trying to clean this up.. But we won't be using those filters again and have opted for an extended version of the Bosch oil filter.. Just for a bit of extra filtration and if you haven't done this yourself.. Here is a list of all these extended filters that will fit the 07-10 jeep wranglers..

• Mobil 1 - M1-209
• K&N - HP2009
• Pure One - PL20195
• Amsoil - EAO34
• Wix - 51516
• AC Delco - PF56
• Motorcraft - FL400
• Purolator - L20195
• Napa - 1516
• Bosch - 3422 
• Donaldson - P550400

Next, after installing the shocks about 1 month ago.. Looks like a set of brake line extension brackets will be on order along with.. Grade 8 or 9 bolts.. I've just recently learn that Jeep used 14mm bolts in the suspension system whereas the bolts should have been the 9/16 verity.. then onward to Drag Link, Tie Rod, Track Bar & a Steering Stabilizer.. and let's not talk about Ball Joints just yet..

So with our next purchase looks like we'll be getting;

• Grade 8 or 9 bolt kit
• Drag link
• Tie Rod
• Track Bar
• Steering Stabilizer
• Rear Brake Line Extensions

Then it's on to installing all the items listed above, but with the added coil spacers:

• 2'' Coil Spacers

Hopefully in that order.. One one thing that really exciting.. is that once we return from our vacation.. My wife's company (Engineer) milled a few "Drop Blocks" or "Sway Bar Relocation" brackets as an upgraded of the Daystar version. (Daystar version in black) Can't wait to get these on the rear of the jeep once it's time to install the coil spacers.. but first things first.. the upgraded bolt kit..

 

[AngryRedBird]

Small Upgrade That's Made A Big Differance

Welp my time away has had me very busy.. as my post above mentioned.. there was to be a few things done to the jeep after developing the shimmy/wobble overt he summer.. Let's get everyone caught up..

Over the summer We suffered with our very first shimmy/wobble on a non lifted 08 Jeep wrangler.. Several have suggest what we should do to correct this. Taking everyone's advice and checking out our options as well as our funds.. We've had to settle on adding or replacing a couple of things.

1) We've replaced the Steering Stabilizer with a larger upgrade no name version.. Reason being and common since would indicate that if one replaces the shocks.. and we did replace the shocks.. one should also replace the stabilizer..

2) There is a growing concern that Jeep deliberately installed 14mm bolts in 9/16th holes.. No I'm not mathematician.. But a 14mm bolt in a 9/16th hole does allow for a bit of play or slop.. Thus we've replaced/upgrade these bolts to grade 8 9/16th bolts.. However, and at that time, we could only replace/upgrade the control arms & tracbar just on the front of the jeep.

Since we've done this upgrade.. the jeep has been handling better and we've not suffered any shimmies or wobbles.. Although this worked for us.. Your issues could be even deeper than you might expect. Several shops have inspected the ball joints and have ruled out any play/slop.. The tracbar, swaybar, drag link all are all within spec.

Mind you there are other factors.. unbalanced tires, deflated tires the rotor retaining wings as installed by the factory just to hold the rotors in place while the wheels are installed..

I think what was so surprising, is that our jeep is not lifted nor does it have larger tires.. Thou in conclusion.. and I feel the unbalanced tires along with excess weight in the cargo area contributed to the shimmy.

So now if we can just schedule a day to replace the bolts in the rear and add the coil spacers.. Then look for a set of Duratrax.. it's all in the timing..

 

[ZMagic97]

My 08 Rubi with ~48000 miles has never had an issue. It's very reliable....I would drive it anywhere.

 

[AngryRedBird]

Good to hear ZMag.. but did you buy it new or used?.. We are this jeeps 3 owner and there are a few mud stains on this jeep that I didn't place on it.. we've just turned 72K and I was concerned this morning attempting to start her up.. temps where in the single digests.. One thing that I neglected to mention was that we also upgraded to a longer oil filer.. the Bosch 3422 filter to be exact.. thus actually being able to add 6 quarts of oil instead of 5 3/4.

 

[kojackJKU]

My 2011 jku sport, has 156 k on it and its been great. Had a few normal jk issues, needed to fill the steering shaft boot with grease, the upgraded bolts, and I was included in the torque converter replacement service bulletin. Other than that it has been perfect. No major issues.

 

[MTSN]

I missed this thread when I was trying to decide if the JKUR was right for me, so I started this thread which may also prove useful. And yes I went for it

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-JK-ever-left-you-stranded?highlight=stranded

 

[pcart]

07 rubicon unlimited 6spd bought it stock with 37k now has 95k. 50k of that has been on 37s. In that time it has taken me across the country to Moab, countless wheeling trips and not once have I been left stranded. It has the normal oil consumption, changed unit bearings, tie rod / drag link ends, alternator and a battery, brake pads only once, and had the famous plastic t-case linkage retaining clip break. Still on the factory clutch and have had zero issues out of the transmission. What impresses me is that I live in the salt belt and besides the common door hinge rust mine has remained zero rust. I love this jeep and plan to keep it for years to come truly no other vehicle out there like it.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Considering a purchase of a JK unlimited - how are they reliability wise? Average mpg? 17? I checked some JK boards and they kind of remind me of Land Rover boards/forums - a total nightmare potentially?

I'm asking here because the peeps on Ezp have more honesty and clarity

17MPG? Maybe stock, maybe highway. I've never seen it but then I didn't buy mine for its fuel economy. Want high MPG, get an ********** Prius.

I'm in the NE so a lot of snow driving and ice. I have a 4 year old and I'm a single father, so reliability is a biggy for me. I've had mine 18 months, wheeled hard occasionally. The only breakages I have had, I have inflicted. I have had no mechanical issues other-wise, making it substantially more reliable than the brand-new Jetta my wife had a few years back.

Is the diesel a possibility soon or are we still dreaming. Not happening on the JK, which only has another 15-18 months to go. You willing to pay an additional $5,000 for a diesel option?

Thanks

Answered in your text above.