Looking for advice 3.6 vs 3.0 ED

[Tank the Jeep]

I'm at 24000 miles on my JLURD. I absolutely love it. My fuel economy is 25mpg average. I can get over 30 mpg on the highway keeping it around 65 mph. This is my third diesel jeep. The first was a 2007 WK Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 Mercedes diesel. It was not that good, fuel economy and maintenance sucked. The second was a 2015 WK2 Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 Italian diesel. I loved it. 85000 Flawless miles. The only reason I traded it was to get the JLURD. The JLURD is on 37s and still running the 3.73 gears. The only problem that I have had was an electrical connector came loose on the emission system. That could happen with any engine.

BTW, I would like to tell why I choose the diesel to start with. In the mountains of NC we experience a small gas crunch when something happened to the pipeline. I was in line with everyone else to get gas and my Dad just switched over to his Cummings diesel truck. I realized then that it was smart to have different fuels. So now my car and my wifes car is gasoline and my Jeep is diesel. We have experience a few other gas crunches and diesel is never affected.
Anyway... that is my 2 cents.

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[DwnSth]

I have 12K miles on my 21 JLURD. 2" lift with 37's no re-gearing. We off-road as well as overland. When overlanding we travel with with 2 100lb dogs, a yakima roof rack with about 100lbs of stuff (gazell T8 is our tent) and probably another 100 lbs of gear inside. We're pretty loaded down with that set-up but have not had any issues so far. We can travel all day without worry on fuel. Def is not an issue for us since I have to maintain Def in my RV (I have a transfer pump). Don't think I'm using as much Def as others have mentioned - Think I've only put in 5 Galons (although I'm about 1/2 down at the moment). Off-roading has been excellent in the diesel. I wheeled two days at Windrock recently and barely burned 1/8 tank each day. No idea on the long term life but will do everything needed to maintain the diesel properly. Next big item is full skids. As Tank The Jeep mentioned above - Diesel can be easier to obtain as we experienced with Ida last summer - no gas but diesel available at most stations.

 

[Terpsmandan]

Her 21 JLURD is at 17K with no issues running a Mopar lift and 35" RG's. She came out of a 15 JLUR. I like it so much that I ordered one and it is supposed to ship 1/21. It will be my fifth Wrangler (YJ, 2 TJ's and a JK). First Wrangler w/o a stick. Going with a Mopar lift and 37's on Mopar wheels.

 

[path0s]

I think the diesel is great, but the 3.6 has had multiple best 10 engine awards(from Wards). It's tried and true, and i knew i couldn't go wrong with it.

The XR package I believe is also packaged at an amazing price.

Front axle is a M210 HD Tube(only 392 and XR package get the HD M210). The axle has a tapered end(allows the seal to be installed). Someone already tore one down for RCV's and noticed the thickness increase.

Cast knuckles
4.56s
35s/mopar wheels(which can run a 37 with a lift without issues rubbing sway bar)Jeepeto is already running a 3.5" with 37s on the mopar wheels in true beadlock.

It's the perfect setup to go straight to 37s with a 2.5 or 3.5 lift.(a 3.5 only gives about 2")

 

[Jlhens03]

I wanted the diesel, but was afraid of it. That engine is on its 3rd redesign in I think 7 years. Initially the main bearings would crap and the engine would go with it, on the earlier versions of the ram, that carried the eco diesel. This 3rd gen version of the eco diesel appears to be a major redesign, but they don’t say what they did to exactly address the failures it suffered. Also it’s running a version of the CP4 injection pump according to the mechanic I spoke with at the dealer. I had a 2019 ram 3500 with high output Cummins that suffered a CP4 failure at 26,000 miles. It spent over a month at the shop. I was told that the CP4 was only covered under bumper to bumper when they did all the repairs. But all my injectors, fuel tank, fuel lines, low pressure fuel pump, and the CP4 had to be replaced. I was also told that if they find any fuel contamination, they will deny the warranty claim and void the warranty. And the trouble with diesel is, it’s nasty and usually has some water in it, mix in cold weather, and the water likes to separate even worse. I went 3.6 gas for these reasons.

 

[BEACHED WHALE]

I ordered a 2.0 w/ no obligation. Knowing bigger engine trends is the near future i.e. bronco, Im thinking the 3.0 diesel. I think jeep will be offering up a 2.6 or something in 23. So I would feel more comfortable buying a diesel.Can anyone can give feedback on the DEF part of the engine. how many times do you fill it, etc.. thanks

 

[BDinTX]

I think most of us are getting about 3000-3500 miles per 2.5 gallons of DEF. One box/jug of Blue Def is 2.5 gal. The tank holds around 5 gal, so at 1/2 full on the gauge, we've gone ~3000 miles and can put in another jug.

 

[BEACHED WHALE]

I think most of us are getting about 3000-3500 miles per 2.5 gallons of DEF. One box/jug of Blue Def is 2.5 gal. The tank holds around 5 gal, so at 1/2 full on the gauge, we've gone ~3000 miles and can put in another jug.

thank you. So its not a big deal really. Im comparing the 2.0 power to the 392 and its almost 1/2. Plus the 392 is fully loaded. It just doesn't make sense to me. I just just cant afford the 392 otherwise its a no brainer `

 

[Old Dogger]

If longevity is your main goal, then just go with the proven 3.6 engine, along with the 8 speed auto. The 2.0 looks pretty good so far, but as for longevity, the verdict is still out. As for the Diesel, and having to add this additional expensive additive, to meet admissions, plus the cost to have the engine service, and let's not forget the up front cost of the engine. I for one don't see where this pencils out as a good choice/investment. Some just like to go around and say, LOOK WHAT I HAVE A DIESEL..LOL If that makes one feel good, then go for it... I have worked on Cummins, Caterpillar, and Detroit Diesel engines in, Mine Haulage Trucks, Construction equipment, and on highway 18 wheelers. Believe me when I say, these are quality engines, that have been around for many years. This 3.0, is no where, not even close to being in their league.

 

[Old Dogger]

thank you. So its not a big deal really. Im comparing the 2.0 power to the 392 and its almost 1/2. Plus the 392 is fully loaded. It just doesn't make sense to me. I just just cant afford the 392 otherwise its a no brainer `

100% agree on the 392. It would be my first choice, but most (me included) can't afford it, or would take most of our play money to buy it. I am happy for those that can afford and enjoy it......

 

[BDinTX]

thank you. So its not a big deal really. Im comparing the 2.0 power to the 392 and its almost 1/2. Plus the 392 is fully loaded. It just doesn't make sense to me. I just just cant afford the 392 otherwise its a no brainer `

You bet. DEF usage is significantly more than my Cummins RAM which was a bit shocking considering the Jeep has 1/2 the displacement but it's not that big of a deal. The 392 is badass, no question, but I'd hate to be tethered to a fuel station. It needs a bigger fuel tank.

Don't give up on the 2.0T though, it keeps the front of the vehicle light, has plenty of power even at altitude, and gets respectable mileage.

I would disagree with the "proven 3.6" argument. Just because it has been around a long time doesn't make it "proven", it makes it abundant. If your goal is to be able to pull a replacement engine out of a salvage yard in 20 years from a low mileage wreck, then yeah, its the engine to get.

The Specs and Fatal Flaws of the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine - YouTube

From the video description: "Today we are taking at look at the specs and fatal flaws of the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6, which would be cylinder head failure, rocker arm problems, and cooling system issues. It's found in over 25 vehicles across the Fiat-Chrysler lineup, beginning with 2011 models and continuing to the present-day...."

In the video they also mention a class action lawsuit to force FCA to repair the 3.6 Pentastar when they fail from known issues.

Right now, there isn't a perfect engine for the Jeep. Otherwise we'd all have the same one.

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