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Stock JK Tech Bulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.

3.8 v6

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Old 11-04-2008 | 05:25 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by boots
Let me say it this way. If jeep would have said they were to come back out with the 4.0 motor in the Wrangler mying would for sale tomorrow.

I have had 3 Jeeps with the 4.0, and the 3.8 can't compare. I never did understand why they (Jeep) had to mess with a good thing.....
EPA
mpg
didn't want a single platform engine
Old 11-04-2008 | 05:43 PM
  #22  
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Then they could have done a inline six, or a small V-8. Both are known for torque.....
Old 11-04-2008 | 06:11 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by boots
Then they could have done a inline six, or a small V-8. Both are known for torque.....
Ah, the 4.0 was an inline six....
Old 11-05-2008 | 01:50 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by Stuka
Personally, I consider the 3.8 to be a piece of junk. Especially compaired to an inline 6. It has no balance shafts to its a rough running engine, it severley lacks low end torque, it has a cast iron block with aluminum heads (great for blowing head gaskets), and compared to the V6's that Ford and GM have, its very poor when it comes to fuel usage. I would greatly prefer to have Fords 3.5L direct injected V6. 60 more hp, 50 lb ft more torque, and far better fuel economy.

However, with that said, I see no real reason the engine should not last 180-200k miles. The rest of the drive train easily should, with the exception of front wheel bearings (unitized junk), and the auto trans/clutch. But as others mentioned, the body may be a bit worse for wear by that time
Mine is so smooth sometimes I can't tell it's running. As for the wheel bearings, had to have mine replaced at about 8K miles. Overall, more power and efficiency would be nice, but I think the 3.8L is adequate for the JK's intended use, my JK did better in and over the Rocky Mountains than my 4.0L TJ ever did.
Old 11-05-2008 | 08:17 PM
  #25  
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I think its a good motor, i'm just disappointed that my 05 chevy silverado with a V8 got better gas mileage
Old 11-06-2008 | 07:52 AM
  #26  
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We had a Dodge Caravan before we traded it in for the JK. The only reason why we sold it was because everything but the engine on the minivan was going bad. The brake lines had crystallized brake fluid in them, the AC was broken, the headlight plastic had yellowed, and the wipers would turn themselves off on a rainy day. It had spent almost a year parked in a driveway when we inherited from my deceased grandparents. That thing could have easily taken over 150k miles even though it hadn't seen use for a year. I still wish the JK's had the I6 though. Those things are invincible
Old 11-06-2008 | 08:37 AM
  #27  
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Found this a good read.
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/33.html

Dislike to hear that the bottom ends are prown to self destructing under moderate boost.
Geuss if we want more power a hemi swap would be a safer way to go.
Old 11-06-2008 | 10:02 AM
  #28  
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I have to say that I really miss the 4.0L. I also think that the engine management on the new 3.8 is pretty darn good. I think that when the 3.8 lets go it might be time for a Hemi swap or diesel swap, or maybe the straight up Batt and solar panel swap. (That would be nice).

I guess that time will tell. The thing runs great right now.
Old 11-06-2008 | 10:16 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by XJHammer
... or maybe the straight up Batt and solar panel swap. (That would be nice).

I guess that time will tell. The thing runs great right now.
Now that would be nice!
Old 11-06-2008 | 11:36 AM
  #30  
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I like the Aluminum heads on the Cast Iron Block Technology. Finally taking it in next week for them to tell me the oil leaking externally from the gasket between the head and Block and starting the stain the driver's side of the block is "Normal" at 12,000. First noticed at 5k and they said if they messed with it it would get worse. Oil level never has dropped noticeably. Don't think it is the timing chain cover because the leak is too high and definitely isolated to the gasket line.

It’s going to be a long day at the dealership:

Warranty Stuff being checked out:
1. Leaking front diff cover since new no drips.
2. Leaking and Squalling front Pinion for last 6k miles no drips yet
3. Clunky Steering like everyone else
4. Check for manifold cracks.
4. Engine Leak as mentioned above
5. Seem to always loose a little antifreeze from the overflow bottle
6. Right front tire feathering from day one. They gave me a re-alignment at 3K but didn't seem to make a difference.

Hell Roof leaks are least of my concerns



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