Differences Between a JK and JL...

[The Last Cowboy]

Yep, the JKs manual was a helluva lot better, I miss it.

A thing I like better on the JL are the hood latches. I never liked seeing the hood move around on windy days or at highway speeds.

JL seats are more comfortable, but the cloth is less durable.

I liked the rear window wiper on the JK better.

I liked the old Uconnect on the JK better, no waiting for it to boot up every time you start it.

JL is much better on the highway.

Paint and sheet metal are much better on the JL. My JK dinged and dented easy, and the paint chipped and cracked easy.

The plastic bumpers/flares/trim seem somewhat better on the JL. On my JK they looked old and banged up after just one year.

So, if I could have it anyway I want it, I'd have a JL in Commando Green, with the six speed form the JK.

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[mwilk012]

I own both and each has its pros and cons. The JL is is much more comfortable but is a lot more fragile when it comes to electronics that can leave you stranded on the trail. Daily driver, JL all day. Rock crawler, JK....or even better, LJ.

Which electronics are you specifically referring to?

The JK fooled all of you into thinking it was some rugged thing, it’s completely filled with computers.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Which electronics are you specifically referring to?

The JK fooled all of you into thinking it was some rigged thing, it’s completely filled with computers.

If you have to ask that question and with that comment, my guess is that you haven't owned both.

 

[mwilk012]

If you have to ask that question and with that comment, my guess is that you haven't owned both.

Lol. I have owned and work on both. Name a module the JK doesn’t have that is problematic on the JL.

 

[AZ Hella]

The JK didn’t have the JL’s self-grenading manual transmission. Sure, it shifted like a tractor, but you never had to worry about it.

The JL manual transmission is actually a great unit. Its the clutch that is probably the worst design in truck history.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Lol. I have owned and work on both. Name a module the JK doesn’t have that is problematic on the JL.

A module the JK doesn't have that is problematic on the JL? The.Aux.Battery

If you do a search on "Jeep won't start" probably 9/10 of the root causes are things the JL has that the JK doesn't. And then there is the electrical steering issues, the adaptive cruise sensor issues, the 4xe shutting down issues, 2.0L eTorque losing voltage in extreme heat issues, locker sensor issues, losing power on steep incline issues, etc. etc.

I love my JL for daily driving, fire roads, and semi-technical trails. Anything beyond that though I trust the JK more...even with 220,000 miles on the original 3.8L.

 

[Lionel Hutz]

I have a soft spot for the JK dash layout. I liked the more utilitarian look and feel of the gauges, dials, and buttons. I wouldn't trade my JL interior for it, but I do miss the net in front of the shifter that was in the JK.

 

[Wolfslash16]

On the flip side, the ZF 8 speed is wonderful compared to the NAG 1, IMO.

I would honestly agree. The NAG1/WA580 is a solid durable trans, especially when compared to the awful 07-11 42RLE. But the ZF 8 speed is just such a great transmission; people even swap them into JK's as an upgrade.


I've been following the JL since they were just a rumor. (peep my forum join date) They made quite a few notable improvements from JK, and from an engineering standpoint the JL is in fact better than the JK. Their road manner are arguably better, and they're quite a bit more fuel efficient. Different engine combos, roof options and even a hybrid model make them quite diverse as well.

However, my overall preference is the JK, but only the 12-18.5 years. The early 07-10 years are lacking in quite a few ways IMHO. The JL is great from a modern Jeep standpoint, but it it's a bit too "complex" for my taste between all the computers and STAR style connectors, aluminum panel paint issues, start stop/ E torque, etc. They're good Jeeps, but as far as Jeeps go I prefer the simplicity of the JK's. TJ/LJ are even better, but they don't make great daily drivers and they need a fair amount of work and fab to be decent off road. I feel the JK is the middle between simple Jeep and modern Jeep, which is why I bought my '17 JK new instead of an '18 JL.

 

[wibornz]

Did anyone say credit score? LOL....

 

[John Benoit]

Promise I am not trying to be a dick, but this was never a thing on any JK from the factory 07-18.5. The non Rubicon models had the optional rear limited slip, but it was always open in the front. The Rubicon always came front and rear Eaton E locker, which is considered an open diff when not locked. They're on/off. It's possible to add a front/rear limited slip like a TruTrac, but not from the factory. I do agree the later JK's feel better built, especially the higher trim models.



I would honestly agree. The NAG1/WA580 is a solid durable trans, especially when compared to the awful 07-11 42RLE. But the ZF 8 speed is just such a great transmission; people even swap them into JK's as an upgrade.


Overall my preference is the JK, but only the 12-18.5 years. The early 07-10 years are lacking in quite a few ways IMHO. The JL is great from a modern Jeep standpoint, but it it's a bit too "complex" for my taste between all the computers and STAR style connectors, aluminum panel paint issues, start stop/ E torque, etc. They're good Jeeps, but as far as Jeeps go I prefer the simplicity of the JK's. TJ/LJ are even better, but they don't make great daily drivers and they need a fair amount of work and fab to be decent off road. I feel the JK is the middle between simple Jeep and modern Jeep.

I wrote this before, my 2017 was a Rubicon Unlimited Recon Edition. The only reason I bought it was because on the dealer website they have a place where Jeep listed everything on the vehicle, engine, trans, springs and on both differentials it listed limited slip. It also had lockers front and rear Yes I jacked up the rear and both wheels turned the same way. The front did the same. The only thing I didn’t want was the 3.73 gearing and the standard radio. Just because you never saw it doesn’t mean it wasn’t built. Mopar is famous for 1 of 1 builds. Who knows , maybe there are more of them out there. All I know is, that Jeep was never lifted, only 33s added and it went wherever I asked it to go and 90% of the time, I was in 2 wheel drive. Broke my heart when I dozed off on my way home from work and hit the end of a guard rail and totaled it.

 

[Remorseless]

Promise I am not trying to be a dick, but this was never a thing on any JK from the factory 07-18.5. The non Rubicon models had the optional rear limited slip, but it was always open in the front. The Rubicon always came front and rear Eaton E locker, which is considered an open diff when not locked. They're on/off. It's possible to add a front/rear limited slip like a TruTrac, but not from the factory. I do agree the later JK's feel better built, especially the higher trim models.



I would honestly agree. The NAG1/WA580 is a solid durable trans, especially when compared to the awful 07-11 42RLE. But the ZF 8 speed is just such a great transmission; people even swap them into JK's as an upgrade.


I've been following the JL since they were just a rumor. (peep my forum join date) They made quite a few notable improvements from JK, and from an engineering standpoint the JL is in fact better than the JK. Their road manner are arguably better, and they're quite a bit more fuel efficient. Different engine combos, roof options and even a hybrid model make them quite diverse as well.

However, my overall preference is the JK, but only the 12-18.5 years. The early 07-10 years are lacking in quite a few ways IMHO. The JL is great from a modern Jeep standpoint, but it it's a bit too "complex" for my taste between all the computers and STAR style connectors, aluminum panel paint issues, start stop/ E torque, etc. They're good Jeeps, but as far as Jeeps go I prefer the simplicity of the JK's. TJ/LJ are even better, but they don't make great daily drivers and they need a fair amount of work and fab to be decent off road. I feel the JK is the middle between simple Jeep and modern Jeep, which is why I bought my '17 JK new instead of an '18 JL.

I had a '12 JK. TBH, the first couple model years after they introduced the NAG1 and 3.6 had teething issues. Cam phasers and the oil cooler/filter housing had to go through a few changes - cam phasers got me, but I avoided the cooler/filter housing issues. Believe it or not the JL ones are part of the "improved" design. And after 10 years, my NAG1 started having issues with the parking pawl not wanting to engage in 4L. Also issues with electricals where the engine would cut out if there was too much driveline resistance that kicked in after wheelspin (a moist day with KO2s in NC clay means spin, spin, spin, stop, so happened a few times). Could never tell if it was too aggressive of a lockup for the torque converter causing a legit stall or if there was just an electrical gremlin that was really sensitive to engine load.

NAG1 also had a number of software updates for bad shifting behavior. At the time the Jeep forums were all lit up like it was the 9 speed issues in the Renegade/Cherokee and it was the worst transmission ever. Then the JL 6MT came along and said hold my beer...

There was a big to-do about ABS changes in the JK too where ABS would put the Jeep into limp mode if you put an auto locker in the rear. Works fine up till a certain model year where they changed the software and after that MY the software won't allow it. Really screwed up budget builds for a lot of folks with Sport/Sahara trims.

Either way, all that to say, in my oh-so humble opinion, the JK and JL are fairly similar in complexity - just the JK didn't show you as much of the electrical complexity during normal use. The JL, in contrast, puts it on display (ironically probably because market research indicated that people expect these fancy features in their vehicles). YJ/TJ/LJ - last of the truly simple Jeeps IMO.

 

[Wolfslash16]

^ You bring up good points. The early 12-14 3.6 JK's certainly had some teething issues, and the ABS system is and always has been really picky on ABS sensors with JK's too.

 

[John Benoit]

Ahh, what you're likely seeing on that is what Jeep calls "brake lock differential" which is where the computer uses the ABS system to apply the brake at any specific wheel that is thought to be slipping/have no traction. They list it has a feature on the window sticker. All the 12+ JK's had that feature. It worked okay when stock but with larger tires it was much less effective. However mechanically speaking the front diff is open/locked on the Rubicon's, even the Recon.

It was called true trac. I had the covers off and saw the carrier. Once again look at the dealer website and choose a Rubicon Jeep, then look at Jeep’s build sheet page and look at the differentials. It will either say standard or limited slip. I researched a lot of Jeeps before finding that one. Nothing worse than a know it all.

 

[mwilk012]

A module the JK doesn't have that is problematic on the JL? The.Aux.Battery

If you do a search on "Jeep won't start" probably 9/10 of the root causes are things the JL has that the JK doesn't. And then there is the electrical steering issues, the adaptive cruise sensor issues, the 4xe shutting down issues, 2.0L eTorque losing voltage in extreme heat issues, locker sensor issues, losing power on steep incline issues, etc. etc.

I love my JL for daily driving, fire roads, and semi-technical trails. Anything beyond that though I trust the JK more...even with 220,000 miles on the original 3.8L.

Dude, a battery isn’t an electronic module. It’s just a battery. If you think a battery is complicated, you have no business popping the hood on any modern vehicle.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Dude, a battery isn’t an electronic module. It’s just a battery. If you think a battery is complicated, you have no business popping the hood on any modern vehicle.

My original point was that the electronics on the JL are more complicated than the electronics on the JK and TJ and as such can leave you stranded that much easier. If you think that the JL aux battery start/stop system is not a valid example...I agree to disagree.

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