grumpy66
Jeeper
Can't sing, can't dance, too fat to fly!
Posts: 230 
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Post by grumpy66 on Nov 12, 2013 22:30:36 GMT -4
I've been looking at some newer model Rubicons. Anyone have any pros or cons regarding the newer models, 2008 to 2012, any thoughts on the 3.6. it seems to make more hp but is all at the top of the rpm band. Would anyone have any concerns buying a Rubicon with over 100k on it.
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Creepy
Administrator 
Dartmouth
Posts: 18,718
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Post by Creepy on Nov 12, 2013 23:50:21 GMT -4
One guy's opinion - I would personally shy away from the JK's, and find a TJ in great shape. The JK 3.6 is pretty crappy, as you noted the Hp is all high-rpm. the old 4.0 is VERY reliable and makes its power right off idle.
TJ:
Pro's- smaller, lighter, more power, cheaper parts, dime a dozen. 4.0 engine.
Con's - getting older, no power options (if you care), less space (if you need it) uncomfortable.
JK:
Pro - roomy, power accessories, comfortable.
Con - 3.6 engine, wider, longer, heavier chassis and body. less parts avail. roofs leak. really really thin metal - in a few more years when they start to rust, look out!
Both have huge aftermarket support, that works out about equal.
You are going to pay a lot more for a JK than a TJ, for an equally capable rig. Or another way to look at it - Bet you can find a nice non-wheelded TJ Rubicon for the price of a base JK.
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Grizzly
Jeeper
Formerly TrailTreader II.....now Jeep named by my kids
Posts: 2,493
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Post by Grizzly on Nov 12, 2013 23:53:38 GMT -4
Find a LJ Rubicon and then you'll have the space too. :-)
Sent from Samsung Galaxy S III
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grumpy66
Jeeper
Can't sing, can't dance, too fat to fly!
Posts: 230
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Post by grumpy66 on Nov 13, 2013 6:29:22 GMT -4
Whatever rig i end up with will be a second vehicle, daily driver for me when I'm home, wife will be driving it too. We have two teenage boys as well, something with some room inside will be a plus. I'm thinking a 4dr would best suit or needs at this point. I'm not looking for something that will turn out to be a rock crawler or the ultimate off road Jeep. I will want it to be a very capable rig, maybe eventually up to "Crusher" standards. Thats why I'm thinking a newer model.
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Post by donsjeep on Nov 13, 2013 7:09:57 GMT -4
While I can't comment on the tj or the 4.0 as I've never driven one. I find my 3.6 has plenty of giddy up when you hit the skinny pedal, and that's running 35's with 3.21 gearing. But yeah the sheet metal is thin in places, only time will tell on that.
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Post by itsakeeper on Nov 13, 2013 7:13:14 GMT -4
2012 is the 3.6l; 2007 - 2011 is the 3.8l; 3.6l is 285hp and will almost pick the front end off the ground
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grumpy66
Jeeper
Can't sing, can't dance, too fat to fly!
Posts: 230
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Post by grumpy66 on Nov 13, 2013 7:23:03 GMT -4
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Creepy
Administrator
Dartmouth
Posts: 18,718
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Post by Creepy on Nov 13, 2013 8:03:15 GMT -4
Crap. Put 3.8 everywhere I said 3.6
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grumpy66
Jeeper
Can't sing, can't dance, too fat to fly!
Posts: 230
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Post by grumpy66 on Nov 13, 2013 8:07:00 GMT -4
No problem! Lol
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riles19
Jeeper
There is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.
Posts: 160
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Post by riles19 on Nov 13, 2013 9:26:35 GMT -4
I've got a 2012 unlimited sport with the 3.6 as a daily driver. Not a lot of major mods done, just a 2.5 economy lift to run 33"s. 3.21 gearing. I am happy with the mileage I get, it has all the power I need, I've yet to be stuck, and I've followed my brother into a few places I normally wouldn't have gone. The only issue I have is the shift points in the automatic, sometimes it seems to stay in gear and rev up a bit longer than I would like it too, but I hear a programmer will fix that as it will allow to change the shift points. Yes the sheet metal is a bit thin, but if you're not planning on hardcore wheeling you should be fine.
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grumpy66
Jeeper
Can't sing, can't dance, too fat to fly!
Posts: 230
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Post by grumpy66 on Nov 13, 2013 13:49:53 GMT -4
Thanks!
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Post by boilermaker1 on Nov 13, 2013 14:16:49 GMT -4
Within the past two years, I have had a 2011 JKU Rubi 6 speed, a 2005 TJ Rubi 6 speed, and now a 2012 JK Rubi 6 speed. I like the 2012 the best by far. I hated the lack of power in the 2011, even though I had 513 gears with the 37" ProComp tires.
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BawgBoy
Jeeper
"If it can't be fixed with a hammer...you have an electrical problem"
Posts: 441
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Post by BawgBoy on Nov 14, 2013 8:31:28 GMT -4
I had a 2010 Unlimited with the 3.8 and 6 speed, TOTAL DOG. Added Banks CAT back and CAI which helped a tiny bit but still not good. I traded it for a 2013 Unlimited and it's night and day, it's no vet, but it's plenty of power for a Jeep.
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littlemulticoloredwagoneer
Moderator 
Trail Master/Jam Co-chair - Valley
Buy it, Build it, Break it!!...........REPETE!
Posts: 2,310
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Post by littlemulticoloredwagoneer on Nov 14, 2013 15:13:52 GMT -4
Buy an XJ and thank me later!
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Post by TomWood on Nov 14, 2013 15:36:37 GMT -4
Buy an XJ and thank me later! What he said  although I went from liberty to XJ. Have ridden in a 2013 JKU Rubicon, and the power it has was surprising. No race car by any means. In my opinion if going for a JK definitely get a newer one with the 3.6, otherwise go for a TJ Unlimited Rubicon for the room. |
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although I went from liberty to XJ. Have ridden in a 2013 JKU Rubicon, and the power it has was surprising. No race car by any means. In my opinion if going for a JK definitely get a newer one with the 3.6, otherwise go for a TJ Unlimited Rubicon for the room.