Differences Between a JK and JL...

[Deleted User 38384]

The thing I've been wondering lately, is will a JKU front fender fit on a JLU?

Obviously they are the same shape, but I don't know if the screw holes line up or if all the dimensions are the same.

It would be cool if someone owned both a JK and a JL and was able to let me know whether or not the front fenders are interchangeable???


By the way, I'm talking front fenders, not the front fender flares. The metal part which the fender flares attach to, That's the beast I'm wondering if it's not changeable.

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[Spank]

If you think a battery is complicated, you have no business popping the hood on any modern vehicle.

If anyone can find a way to make a battery complicated, it'll be Jeep.

 

[Jebiruph]

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.

Do JKs use CAN Bus to connect the modules? That seems to be what complicates the JLs.

 

[Jebiruph]

I drove a 2013 JK with a manual transmission for a few months earlier this year and both the clutch and steering had a better feel than my 2018 JL. It also had optional 3.73 gears and I think all JKs had Dana 44 axles.

 

[mwilk012]

Do JKs use CAN Bus to connect the modules? That seems to be what complicates the JLs.

Yes, 100%.

 

[cander58]

Do JKs use CAN Bus to connect the modules? That seems to be what complicates the JLs.

Can bus systems started showing up in regular cars nearly 20 years ago.

 

[Jtphoto]

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

Heated steering wheel, FAD, perimeter, adaptive cruise etc. The pre 2012 JK had even less electronics.

 

[Jtphoto]

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.

I’ll have also disagree with you on that. Both my friend and Nephew have 2017 and 2018 recons and they have the same diff lock as every other Rubicon. There is no limited slip with the lockers. They do, however, have a heavier front diff housing then other Rubicons (I built one).

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Loved my 2014 Wrangler blacked out. It was basically a Willys right before they started the Willys trim. Was a fun Jeep and wished I still had it, zero issues besides rear defroster cable. Replaced the headunit and speakers and was perfect to me.

 

[John Benoit]

I’ll have also disagree with you on that. Both my friend and Nephew have 2017 and 2018 recons and they have the same diff lock as every other Rubicon. There is no limited slip with the lockers. They do, however, have a heavier front diff housing then other Rubicons (I built one).

This is supposed to be a JL forum. How come you guys are afraid to use your real names?

 

[mwilk012]

Heated steering wheel, FAD, perimeter, adaptive cruise etc. The pre 2012 JK had even less electronics.

Heated seats module was on the JK.

Advanced safety options are options that do not effect reliability in any way.

The best answer is Electronic Power Steering Control Module, probably.

 

[Jtphoto]

So here’s my take on the 2. I have had the luxury of driving and modify both a brand new 2018 JKUR and a brand new 2018 JLUS bought a week apart and compare them over the course of 4 years.

If I could drive with my eyes closed I would tell you I wouldn’t be able to tell you which one I was driving.
The suspension between the two is almost identical, so much so that parts look like they could be interchangeable. If you notice a ride and handling difference it’s likely the tires more then anything. The steering although looks the same the difference is the JK has a steering pump while the JL has electric assist. The JK always felt tighter in that aspect.
The 3.6 is basically the same motor, same torque same Hp.
The 8spd trans is definitely a plus for the JL.
Downfall for the JL is the electronics. Hence all our JKs never let us down, my 22 JLURXR has.
My vote is JK for longevity and reliability and I would take my 08 JKU on that one overall. I traded that one in 2018 in with 321,000klm and still running today. Yah the 3.8 was a dog with the 4spd but once properly regeared wasn’t that bad.

 

[Jtphoto]

Heated seats module was on the JK.

Advanced safety options are options that do not effect reliability in any way.

The best answer is Electronic Power Steering Control Module, probably.

That was just a start to the list. There is plenty more. The biggest POS is the FAD. When you lose a wheel speed sensor you have NO 4wd. And there is no bypass for it other then climbing under the Jeep and removing the FAD to manually lock the axle.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Advanced safety options are options that do not effect reliability in any way.

hmmmmm......

 

[mwilk012]

hmmmmm......

I’m not sure why you’re so aggressively argumentative about this. That clearly isn’t a list of ACC faults. It’s random electrical failures, being listed as ACC faults.

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