Jeep Wrangler question-

[Ratket]

I know this is a ram forum, but there are many members on here who’s opinions I value and respect and I know they have some knowledge about the question I am asking, that’s why I am asking. I am looking at picking up a 4 door wrangler, any issues with the 07/08/09”s? Anything to stay away from? I know some of you have jeeps and are very familiar with them, all input is welcome. If anyone knows of a good Jeep forum, please post it. Thanks all.

 

[UnsatFC]

How many miles on it?

 

[Ratket]

Most I see have anywhere from 80-120k. I won’t really be “ Altering one” at most 33” to 35”s, with a modest lvl/ lift, don’t need to do lockers/axels and all that jazz. We need a second vehicle and we live in the sunshine state, so a Jeep with a removable top fits the bill.

 

[Hootbro]

The 3.8 V6 in those years was somewhat of a dog stock. Also prone to oil consumption around the 100K+ mileage mark. Still though, aftermarket is the best and most problems can be addressed with enough money.

 

[Badger 13]

The JK models first came out with the 3.8 V6, and as previously mentioned were somewhat of a "dog". We have had two of the 3.6 Pentastar V6's with no issues. If I had a choice, I would look for one with the 3.6, unless you found a "cream puff with low miles on it. I believe the Wrangler's started using the 3.6 in 2012.

 

[Ratket]

So what year has the “ Good” 3.6? I don’t need it to be super fast, but I also want the damn thing to get out of its own way lol

 

[Hootbro]

So what year has the “ Good” 3.6? I don’t need it to be super fast, but I also want the damn thing to get out of its own way lol

2012 to 2018 for Wrangler JK's have the Pentastar 3.6 V6. 2012-2013 3.6's had LH cylinder head issues that cause a misfire code. FCA did drop a extended warranty for those vehicle concerning the cylinder head issue. 2014+ are pretty rock solid for the Pentastar.

 

[U100]

If anyone knows of a good Jeep forum, please post it. Thanks all.

jeepgarage.org - great site; full of helpful, knowledgeable Jeep owners just like the Ram owners here! I came here from that forum when I sold my Grand Cherokee, but still check in over there frequently.

 

[grizzstang]

2012 to 2018 for Wrangler JK's have the Pentastar 3.6 V6. 2012-2013 had 3.6's had LH cylinder head issues that cause a misfire code. FCA did drop a extended warranty for those vehicle concerning the cylinder head issue. 2014+ are pretty rock solid for the Pentastar.

^^^This.

They started putting the "AC" heads on the late build 2013's (like mine) that supposedly solves the problem as they are made from stouter materials but I have seen years after that still have had issues. Mine has been great so far with around 60,000 miles on it.

The other concern for the 3.6 is the oil filter/cooler housing is plastic and are prone to cracking and leaking. They changed the design in 2014 so they use a different oil filter but they still have issues so not much was accomplished as far as I can tell. All and all the 3.6 is a great motor and the 285 HP is leaps and bounds better than the 3.8 that came in the earlier years for sure. Also if you get the newer years with the 3.6 the auto trans is very solid, the stick not so much. The standard trans is prone to throw out bearing, and clutch problems that will require upgrading.

 

[Firebird]

I've owned 2 JKU Wrangler's, 2012 and 2017, enjoyed them both! 3.6 is the way to go.

 

[TA462]

I had a 2016 JK, the 2 door model. The 3.6 engine is awesome and has enough power for everything you can throw at it.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

Also, stay away from 3:21 gears if you can.
No problems per se, but the 3:73s or 4:10s really make a difference.

 

[Tray Burge]

I don't have anything to contribute, I just wanted an excuse to post pictures of my 97 TJ. Just ordered some Quadratec's seat covers with the keeping bags that attach on the back of the seats and the Drake billet emergency brake handle cover that matches the shifter cover I already have..

 

[huntergreen]

Simple answer is stay away from the 3.8 engine. The trans, both auto and manual suck. As stated wait until you can move up to a Pentastar with the new trans. If you go with the 3.8 anyway, make sure the gearing is at least 3:73, preferably 4:10.