Yes, all too true. You are not going to win any races but like most things you adjust.They are all a dog unless you put a Pedal Commander on it, makes the throttle pedal more responsive. Makes it feel like you added 50 more HP on the high setting.
Me, personally, I’d prefer a 3.6 pentastar. Anything 2012 and up. I’ve watched videos from mechanics that state the 3.8 is reliable, though. However, I also have heard from owners with 35 inch tires, it’s a dog. Regearing would surely help, but that’s another 1,600 to 1,900 dollars on top of the cost.
NY / NE rust with Jeeps is always a bad sign. Or an indication that it could be worse than you think. I used to believe only YJ’s and TJ’s had their weak spots in terms of rust but early JK’s, if neglected, suffer from it as well.The price is good. It drives really nice. The interior is very clean. The exterior is very good condition. I’m concerned that the undercarriage, although I don’t think there is any rot, everything underneath is rust. Is that a bad sign?
Surface rust is normal. make sure you know the difference. 3.6 is by far a better choice but a price factor too...The price is good. It drives really nice. The interior is very clean. The exterior is very good condition. I’m concerned that the undercarriage, although I don’t think there is any rot, everything underneath is rust. Is that a bad sign?
You did the right thing going w a JK, because finding a clean TJ in good condition is seemingly impossible in NJ. Least not for much less than an older JK.Everyone says go for 2012 and above. Problem with that is that everyone goes for the 2012 and above so the $$$$ follow. I think it depends on what your going to use it for. A daily driver that your wife and kids will be using everyday, maybe not such a good idea. I was all about getting a 100,000 - 125,000, 4.0 as a 3rd car but the prices were surprisingly steep as well as limited inventory. So I regrouped and went for a somewhat lower mileage 2010 46,000 JK that I could daily driver as my #1 car and yes I spent a bit more but hopefully it goes for 5-6 years when I get bored of it and move onto something else.
It looks like I will be changing plugs and wiresThe 3.8 is the budget JK. I'm driving a 2009 Rubicon right now and only payed $12k for it. It had around 160k on the engine. I've been happy with it.
The 3.8 is basically the chrystler 3800 engine they used for years. It is reliable, just not as powerful as the 3.6. If you do get it, change out the plugs and wires right away. I waited a year and was amazed at how much more power I got.
It doesn't open the Throttle Body more , just faster so it feels more responsive like the old cable driven pedals.Last month I bought a 2009 with 193,000 miles. It’s a second car for me. I’ll have to hang some new parts on it occasionally over the next couple years...but with my budget it’s the only way im getting into a wrangler, the used market is insane!
Not to offend anybody, but is there something the magical pedal commander does, that my right foot can’t do in a stock jeep? If a commander increases the percentage of ‘pedal input’ to the computer, which opens the throttle body more...to a dummy like me, I would think I could just push the pedal harder in a stock jeep....for the same effect. A throttle body can’t open over 100%.
Does it advance ign timing, or adjust shift points?
my buddy got one on his Silverado, and was happy with it, I didn’t want to bum him out with my questions.
So I rather offend strangers on the internet
I second the plugs and wires. I bought mine last summer in July '20 w/ 118K miles. I just finished replacing my plugs a few minutes ago (122K miles) and the engine idles about 50% smoother and the acceleration is smoother and improved. Looking at the plugs, the PO did not replace them at around 100k miles like he/she should have. Glad I did.... now, I need to get wires and a coil. Should be simple to swap. If I had a 3.6... I would've had to take the damn intake off I believe. Almost glad I have the 3.8L, but have driven a 3.6 Pent and I do love that too.The 3.8 is the budget JK. I'm driving a 2009 Rubicon right now and only payed $12k for it. It had around 160k on the engine. I've been happy with it.
The 3.8 is basically the chrystler 3800 engine they used for years. It is reliable, just not as powerful as the 3.6. If you do get it, change out the plugs and wires right away. I waited a year and was amazed at how much more power I got.
I've changed both plugs on both the 3.8 and 3.6 and the 3.8 is tons easier. With the 3.8, plug and wire change is an hour or two, with the 3.6 it is a major operation, the whole top of the engine need to come off.I second the plugs and wires. I bought mine last summer in July '20 w/ 118K miles. I just finished replacing my plugs a few minutes ago (122K miles) and the engine idles about 50% smoother and the acceleration is smoother and improved. Looking at the plugs, the PO did not replace them at around 100k miles like he/she should have. Glad I did.... now, I need to get wires and a coil. Should be simple to swap. If I had a 3.6... I would've had to take the damn intake off I believe. Almost glad I have the 3.8L, but have driven a 3.6 Pent and I do love that too.
And I can definitely attest to BLACKJKU's recommendation of a Pedal Commander.... definitely helps you from the 0-3000 rpm range and maintaining speed on the slight grades on a long trip.
Good luck with your hunt, you'll love it.
I have them on the bench - it will be bitter cold this weekend. Maybe I will clean the garage so I can bring the Jeep inside and spend the day tinkering in comfort. I have been avoiding this since getting the plug wires off is a @#$% nightmare - and getting to the passenger side rear plug is really a nightmare. I think that I might have to go the taking the front wheel off route.It looks like I will be changing plugs and wires