M/T a bit frustrating

[Johnbuz]

I have a Sport S with the 3.45 differentials. Anyway, I find that it takes a lot of work to keep the engine in what feels like a proper RPM. I live in hilly western PA and do nearly all driving between 25-45 mph.

Everytime I drive I feel like I have to either rev the motor up to 3k in a lower gear and leave it there, or deal with anemic torque with RPM down around 1000 or 1200 RPM.

I have had 3 other M/T vehicles over the years: 95' Cherokee, 05 Ram 1500, and 06' BMW. I don't remember having similar issues.

And the throttle response on the JLU seems too sensitive/not consistent without the clutch engaged. Starting on a hill results in either a too high reving start or a rough start with RPM's low enough to cause knocking.

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[old8tora]

I have a Sport S with the 3.45 differentials. Anyway, I find that it takes a lot of work to keep the engine in what feels like a proper RPM. I live in hilly western PA and do nearly all driving between 25-45 mph.

Everytime I drive I feel like I have to either rev the motor up to 3k in a lower gear and leave it there, or deal with anemic torque with RPM down around 1000 or 1200 RPM.

I have had 3 other M/T vehicles over the years: 95' Cherokee, 05 Ram 1500, and 06' BMW. I don't remember having similar issues.

And the throttle response on the JLU seems too sensitive/not consistent without the clutch engaged. Starting on a hill results in either a too high reving start or a rough start with RPM's low enough to cause knocking.

Always do a test drive .

 

[Grindhouseknives]

I would have to agree with you. The choice of 3.45 gear and the 3.6 and this manual are not ideal. I’m sure it was gone to satisfy the EPA gods but 3.73 maybe even 4.10’s would have been a better option for this motor and the manual. I wish they would have given different gear ratio options for the sports. I always go with the higher rev option when starting uphills. I hate to hear the engine knock and the motor likes to rev anyway. I’m always in probably one lower gear than I should be to keep the motor above 2000 rpms. Anything below that and it’s a dog for sure.

 

[JIMBOX]

You guys shoulda got the 8spd auto--

It's the answer to any prayer

W.E.

JIMBO

 

[Torero]

I. Have a Rubi with different gear ratio and it’s ok, but yeah, you have to keep this engine above 2000 rpm or its a dog. Maybe you should re-gear. Bummer

 

[Torero]

You guys shoulda got the 8spd auto--

It's the answer to any prayer

W.E.

JIMBO

Nooooooo way. Get out.

 

[Matthew/E36]

I have a Sport S with the 3.45 differentials. Anyway, I find that it takes a lot of work to keep the engine in what feels like a proper RPM. I live in hilly western PA and do nearly all driving between 25-45 mph.

Everytime I drive I feel like I have to either rev the motor up to 3k in a lower gear and leave it there, or deal with anemic torque with RPM down around 1000 or 1200 RPM.

I have had 3 other M/T vehicles over the years: 95' Cherokee, 05 Ram 1500, and 06' BMW. I don't remember having similar issues.

And the throttle response on the JLU seems too sensitive/not consistent without the clutch engaged. Starting on a hill results in either a too high reving start or a rough start with RPM's low enough to cause knocking.

IDK, think you'll get used to it. It is low on power so you do need to work more keeping it in range, but hope you get used to the normal route and gear selections.

I don't think the throttle is very sensitive.

Coming from an E90 mM3 MT FWIW.

 

[MartyParty]

I’m approaching 3k in my Unlimited Sport...it seems to be getting better than when new...like my (14) Mazda 3 hatch 6 spd was basically, 1,2,3, up to 45mph and 6...that car would just cruise at 55 in 6th. The new Mazda 3 is a great car fyi. (Lol)
In the JL it’s 4th gear up to 65. On the highway it’s 5th gear, if you feel curious, try 6th from time to time.
That being said, the standard in the JL really keeps you engaged during driving. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, the forces you need to maintain forward momentum are, as of my 3k mileage, available north of 2,000 rpm. Boil it north of that and you have zero problems tho. This engine wants to hit 5,000 rpm without a thought. I have a k+n filter in the box...possible exhaust changes are in the future.

 

[Hammerton]

I would agree take some time to get to know it. I have M/T Rubicon and at first I had that same feeling of this thing is bogging all the time. But once I found a better sweet spot it's much more responsive. 2-3k is regular driving. 3-5k is down right peppy.

 

[Matthew/E36]

I would agree take some time to get to know it. I have M/T Rubicon and at first I had that same feeling of this thing is bogging all the time. But once I found a better sweet spot it's much more responsive. 2-3k is regular driving. 3-5k is down right peppy.

Yep, there's a redline for a reason...use that 3-5k range when needed!

 

[Litfuse]

The Wrangler MT is a good example when EPA figures outweigh driveability. I’m afraid even regearing your wrangler won’t fix the issue completely. The 4-6th gears in the wrangler are geared wrong. I would love to talk to the engineer and know the pressure that was placed on him/her to meet epa figures.

 

[hutchman]

I guess I'm the outlier here. I have 33s on my Sport and love the way it drives. I think it drives better with the 33s than it did with the stock tires.

I had autos inmy last two JKs, one with 3.21s and the other with 4.10s. Both seemed underpowered and had to be worked hard to make them accelerate. This JL is better than either of them in all driving aspects....I absolutely love this thing.

I know it is no V8, but it does have more than adequte power for my needs.

 

[Grindhouseknives]

Don’t get me wrong I love the M/T but it could be better!!

 

[DanW]

Regear, if it is an issue.

Mine feels fine even at 1700rpm. I get no knock and ping, whatsoever, but then again, I only run Shell or other Top Tier gas. (95% Shell, and no, it is not V-Power or even mid range).

I've driven the auto, and it didn't seem any quicker. The auto I drove was a Sahara with 35's. It felt great, but I'd never trade the manual. Never.

Btw, there's been a lot of moaning about the ratio in 6th gear. I'm at 8k miles, and this engine has become a little more sprightly since new. I can run 6th gear on flat land at 55 now and can even pull a slight hill at 60, withoug lugging or losing speed. Above 65, it is perfectly happy and I'm getting 20+ mpg. That blows me away, especially with 35's.

I can't get enough of running curvy country roads and going through the gears. I've got a Magnaflow axle-back and it makes beautiful music. I guess my #1 complaint is the very difficult decision....Alpine or Magnaflow?

Btw, I drove my brother's new Camaro ZL1 1LE yesterday. WOW! 650hp through a sweet manual transmission. I can't even describe how amazing it was. I got back into my Jeep and guess what? The clutch felt just as good and the shifter is actualy smoother (not as short on the throw, but smoother.) Overall, it felt just as good, minus about 365hp, of course! Lol! Jeep did a nice job with this transmission and clutch. I actually had a harder time getting going from a stop, in easy driving (when cops were around). The first gear in that ZL1 is very tall. It took some getting used-to.

Now, how fun would a Jeep be with the LT4 in it? Hmmm.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Regear, if it is an issue.

Mine feels fine even at 1700rpm. I get no knock and ping, whatsoever, but then again, I only run Shell or other Top Tier gas. (95% Shell, and no, it is not V-Power or even mid range).

I've driven the auto, and it didn't seem any quicker. The auto I drove was a Sahara with 35's. It felt great, but I'd never trade the manual. Never.

Btw, there's been a lot of moaning about the ratio in 6th gear. I'm at 8k miles, and this engine has become a little more sprightly since new. I can run 6th gear on flat land at 55 now and can even pull a slight hill at 60, withoug lugging or losing speed. Above 65, it is perfectly happy and I'm getting 20+ mpg. That blows me away, especially with 35's.

I can't get enough of running curvy country roads and going through the gears. I've got a Magnaflow axle-back and it makes beautiful music. I guess my #1 complaint is the very difficult decision....Alpine or Magnaflow?

Btw, I drove my brother's new Camaro ZL1 1LE yesterday. WOW! 650hp through a sweet manual transmission. I can't even describe how amazing it was. I got back into my Jeep and guess what? The clutch felt just as good and the shifter is actualy smoother (not as short on the throw, but smoother.) Overall, it felt just as good, minus about 365hp, of course! Lol! Jeep did a nice job with this transmission and clutch. I actually had a harder time getting going from a stop, in easy driving (when cops were around). The first gear in that ZL1 is very tall. It took some getting used-to.

Now, how fun would a Jeep be with the LT4 in it? Hmmm.

^ What he said.

My 2dr Rubi drives great. I’d change nothing. (I acknowledge that my rig is lighter and has different gearing than yours. See if you can drive someone’s 4.10 to see how it compares.)

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