New to wrangler: choose 2.0 or 3.6 for reliability and smooth operation?

[alphawolff]

While this is off-topic, what would you offer to say about the 392?

By far the best engine available from the factory. There isn't a comparison to be made. It should be standard across the entire model lineup.

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[John VonJeep]

Probably, but not blindingly more torque to neglect a regear.

I dunno, man. 65 lb/ft difference at the wheels is quite a bit.

 

[sunset]

By far the best engine available from the factory. There isn't a comparison to be made. It should be standard across the entire model lineup.

No chronic issues coming to your shop, then, in these 392's?

 

[alphawolff]

No chronic issues coming to your shop, then, in these 392's?

No. Most I've seen is overheating power steering pumps for owners installing 37s. The pump can barely handle the stock configuration with its beefed up drivetrain. I've heard of transfer case issues as well when leaving it in 4 high auto. If you're on the trail you should be switching it into part time otherwise the transfer case starts overheating from managing slip.

 

[631_Islander]

No. Most I've seen is overheating power steering pumps for owners installing 37s. The pump can barely handle the stock configuration with its beefed up drivetrain. I've heard of transfer case issues as well when leaving it in 4 high auto. If you're on the trail you should be switching it into part time otherwise the transfer case starts overheating from managing slip.

I have heard that the 8 speed auto is considered one of the best and a very reliable transmission in the market. Is that just an urban myth or is there credence to that? When I think reliable and transmission I think either Honda or Toyota. First I had heard people say that our 8 speed autos are very reliable also.

 

[wanderer]

3.6 I think with turbos do you have so many extra moving parts you’re trying to get a lot of horsepower out of a small displacement and I’m sure that that’s doable but for longevity I go 3.6.

 

[ForgottenTaco]

The 2.0 is used in lawnmowers and sewing machines, apparently. So what? I still like it in my little two door!

No complaints with my sewing machine either. Sounds fine to me and is pretty quick

 

[alphawolff]

I have heard that the 8 speed auto is considered one of the best and a very reliable transmission in the market. Is that just an urban myth or is there credence to that? When I think reliable and transmission I think either Honda or Toyota. First I had heard people say that our 8 speed autos are very reliable also.

The 8 speed is a fantastic transmission in our ICE applications. It's widely used by multiple brands at this point. Very reliable, and shifts fantastic. The 8 speed in the 4XE, however, is known to leak. Profusely. We mucked around with the standard design to make it work for the hybrid application, and like everything our engineers touch they messed up.

 

[Sarge21]

The 2.0 also get *horrendous* MPG with normal driving. Like ~13-15 on average with mixed use. The 3.6 isn't much better in the MPG department, but it's around ~15-17 on average.

What are you talking about?

 

[631_Islander]

The 8 speed is a fantastic transmission in our ICE applications. It's widely used by multiple brands at this point. Very reliable, and shifts fantastic. The 8 speed in the 4XE is known to leak. Profusely.

Thanks. I was torn between the 8 speed and the 6 speed manual when I custom ordered my JLUR five years ago. Wife forced me into the automatic and I was having regrets afterwards. But once the recalls started hitting the 6 speed manual, I was relieved as she would have nagged me a lot.

Wonder if Stellantis will completely discontinue the 6 speed manual with the introduction of the J70 or JM Wrangler in 2028. Won't be surprised if the JL is the last gen of Wrangler offered with a Manual Transmission.

 

[631_Islander]

No complaints with my sewing machine either. Sounds fine to me and is pretty quick

Guess I like my minivan engine then lmao. To each his own.

 

[Riverjeep]

 

[Flip]

 

[TheRaven]

Need help. Would one choose the 2.0 or the 3.6 for reliability and smooth operation

Yeah you're looking at the wrong vehicle my friend. There is no "smooth and reliable" JL engine.

(And that's my new response because these types of threads are NEVER going to end until FCA finally fixes its really stupid engine offerings. And we all know what the timeline on FCA fixes is like.)

 

[Flip]

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