Weighing My Options: Suggestions, please

[ASSFROW]

You can really tell the people that either don't keep their 3.6 in a garage or don't ever start it with the doors open if they think the 3.6 doesn't make similar noises during cold start idle. Shorter duration in my 3.6 than my 2.0, but that rattly sound is still there.

Mine does not rattle at all. It does whistle under acceleration.

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[Remorseless]

Exactly.

I am not going to try to convince anyone, but I kinda have the best engine. My shit is always the best.

 

[Remorseless]

Mine does not rattle at all. It does whistle under acceleration.

Let it sit over the weekend with no driving and start it up from outside and listen hard. She rattles, guarantee it. My '12 did and my '24 does too.

 

[ASSFROW]

Let's make a list:

2.0 inherent issues -

Timing chain tensioner gets weak
Oil vapor separator seeps separated oil eventually and is icky
Oil cooler can leak
Not really an issue, but it sounds like a tractor ate a load of marbles on cold start and this ruffles some feathers

2.0 "Jeep sucks at installing things" issues -

Coolant Y pipe bolts don't get screwed in properly because wrenches are hard

3.6 inherent issues -

Cams rarely go bye bye
Oil filter housing/cooler used to go leaky leaky, it's a rarity now
Head gaskets go more commonly than you'd expect, which is almost never
Valve covers very rarely occasionally get leaky

3.6 off road specific issues -

Steep angles make it eat oil and it smokes like it's auditioning for a new Cheech and Chong movie

Shared issues -

Plastic coolant system bits suck in modern cars, 2.0 will kill them, but the 3.6 ain't immune, but vaccinated, don't drive with no coolant there kiddos
Neither engine is simple, no matter what people scared of turbos will say
Don't get one built on a Friday... or a Monday...

FIFY.

 

[Foxmannc]

I am beginning to understand what was meant when someone said that engine options are an emotional topic around here. I get it; they are both awesome at being bad (he says with his best imitation of Bill Clinton: it depends on the definition of the word bad).

 

[Remorseless]

FIFY.

 

[ASSFROW]

Let it sit over the weekend with no driving and start it up from outside and listen hard. She rattles, guarantee it. My '12 did and my '24 does too.

Mine is always parked outside, often sits from Thursday evening to Tuesday morning. It doesn't rattle, it taps a bit till the oil gets all up in there, but it only has 13k miles.

 

[Remorseless]

I am beginning to understand what was meant when someone said that engine options are an emotional topic around here. I get it; they are both awesome at being bad (he says with his best imitation of Bill Clinton: it depends on the definition of the word bad).

We also take any opportunity to shitpost, so there's that too. We love to goof off around here.

All honesty, I've had both - 2x 3.6s (one in a 2012 JK, one in a 2024 JT), 1x 3.2 (neutered 3.6 only available in the Cherokee crossover), and 1x 2.0 in my 2022 JL. Currently own both the '24 and '22, so one of each engine in the house at the moment. I'd buy either engine again (though I do prefer the 2.0). If you can drive both, do so, they're fairly different in character.

 

[Remorseless]

Mine is always parked outside, often sits from Thursday evening to Tuesday morning. It doesn't rattle, it taps a bit till the oil gets all up in there, but it only has 13k miles.

That's weird, like I said both my non-PUG and my PUG have done it. My 2.0 goes on a little longer by like 30 sec or a minute, but it's the same noise.

 

[ASSFROW]

I am beginning to understand what was meant when someone said that engine options are an emotional topic around here. I get it; they are both awesome at being bad (he says with his best imitation of Bill Clinton: it depends on the definition of the word bad).

You might just fit in around here. You are currently witnessing the same few boneheads(me included) that often sissy slap fight about the engines. Your statement about the engines isn't really far off, although I'd consider them decent. My concise opinion is, The 3.6 is very dependable unless it isn't and when it isn't the top end is lunched. It's like playing the powerballs, not many win, but when they do OOOOOHHHH FFFUUUCCKKKIIINNGGG BOY! The 2.0 is like scratch offs, more wins, less oh boy. It IS going to have problems if you own it long enough, but they are generally not catastrophic and like most Wrangler stuff that brakes there are better parts, so you can upgrade.

I would care less which one I got, they're both very good and they both suck.

The 3.6 is smooth and steady, very predictable.

The 2.0 is peppier and less smooth.

Buy either one, you'll be happy.

 

[ASSFROW]

That's weird, like I said both my non-PUG and my PUG have done it. My 2.0 goes on a little longer by like 30 sec or a minute, but it's the same noise.

I have no doubt it will eventually. We may also have a different opinion of rattle. I owned a 5.4 Triton 3 valve F150, sooooooooooooo..................

 

[ASSFROW]

IMO the 2024+ Willys is a great bargain(I bought one). In 2024 Jeep did a refresh with the new screen and steering magic. They drive much better than previous years. In 2024 the Willys got the wide Dana 44 axles from previous year Rubicons minus the front locker, with the rear E-locker along with the same suspension minus the electronic locking front sway bar and includes the Rubicon Highline fenders.

You do not need to lift it to run 35s, especially pizza cutters. I put Wildpeak 35/11.50x17 ATs on the stock wheels with 2.5 inch(I think) Spydertrack wheel spacers. Mine came from the factory with Wildpeak MTs and I was impressed with how well they did on pavement and how quiet they were for MTs.

You give up some things like Navigation, inverter/AC outlet and some other widgets I can't remember. I use Android Auto with Waze and Pandora anyway. It auto connects and is on screen when the Jeep starts.

I totaled my Willys and would likely be in a 2025 Willys XR now if I hadn't found my RubiX for 20% off.

Edited.

 

[Foxmannc]

I use Android Auto with Waze and Pandora anyway. It auto connects and is on screen when the Jeep starts.

Yeah, I'm an Apple Pay guy using Waze as well, so no nav = no problem.

 

[c20040215]

I am beginning to understand what was meant when someone said that engine options are an emotional topic around here. I get it; they are both awesome at being bad (he says with his best imitation of Bill Clinton: it depends on the definition of the word bad).

Good thing is you can always K swap it. You can K swap everything. Pushing 400-500 hp fairly reliably.

 

[ASSFROW]

Good thing is you can always K swap it. You can K swap everything. Pushing 400-500 hp fairly reliably.

No one here cares about Korean Pop engines.

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