The 3.8 v6 - Is it really that bad???
01-01-2019, 09:20 PM
#21
JK Super Freak
I get 18 mpg’s in mine. That’s not too bad. Same as a 3.6, or close to it. Oil consumption is about a qt every 1k miles. Whatever. Not a big deal to me. You’ll be fine.
Tires: Don’t bother pricing them out. People buy brand new Jeeps all the time and upgrade their wheels and tires right away and sell their brand new complete wheels and tires for cheap. That’s how I’ve done it.
EGR valve isn’t too bad if you remove the wheel and fender liner and get in from the side. I’m happy with my 3.8. Not the strongest but very reliable and that’s what matters to a guy like me who owns two Toyota trucks as well.
Tires: Don’t bother pricing them out. People buy brand new Jeeps all the time and upgrade their wheels and tires right away and sell their brand new complete wheels and tires for cheap. That’s how I’ve done it.
EGR valve isn’t too bad if you remove the wheel and fender liner and get in from the side. I’m happy with my 3.8. Not the strongest but very reliable and that’s what matters to a guy like me who owns two Toyota trucks as well.
01-15-2019, 06:43 PM
#22
JK Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Florence, KY
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I've got a 2009 JKU Sahara 3.8L with 160K miles on it, purchased new and don't plan on selling it. nd my gas mileage seems fine for rolling on 35s.
I'll agree with everyone else, the 3.8L lacks power. With 35s and the 3.21 gears which typically come on a 2009 X you won't be helping matters. I know it hasn't helped me running 35s with the 3.73 gears which came on my Sahara where I could definitely benefit by going up to 4.88 gears. Truth be told, while the 3.6L has more power and the combined trans helps with that as well, a vehicle this size really needs a V8. So yes, the 3.8L sucks on power. The 3.6L sucks also, but it just sucks less. Start saving for a GM LS V8 engine swap. Some have stated they are pushing close to 300K miles on their 3.8L engine so you have time to save up if the one you got has 86K miles with no rust.
I'll agree with everyone else, the 3.8L lacks power. With 35s and the 3.21 gears which typically come on a 2009 X you won't be helping matters. I know it hasn't helped me running 35s with the 3.73 gears which came on my Sahara where I could definitely benefit by going up to 4.88 gears. Truth be told, while the 3.6L has more power and the combined trans helps with that as well, a vehicle this size really needs a V8. So yes, the 3.8L sucks on power. The 3.6L sucks also, but it just sucks less. Start saving for a GM LS V8 engine swap. Some have stated they are pushing close to 300K miles on their 3.8L engine so you have time to save up if the one you got has 86K miles with no rust.
You have 2009 JKU. 3.73 gears, auto? 35” tires and you are ok
i have 2009 JK 2door 3.73 gears auto. So I may be ok with 35”. 99% Highway. Light trails
01-18-2019, 04:38 AM
#23
Super Moderator
Test Hill
The hill to the right of my Jeep in this pic, I was able to climb up with no problems.
Really, the only concerns you'll have is if you travel through the mountains and climbing steep sand hills. Daily driving is fine, especially considering you have a lighter weight 2 door.
Last edited by Rednroll; 01-18-2019 at 04:40 AM.
01-18-2019, 07:27 AM
#24
Super Moderator
2010 2dr here with 3.73's and 35's but I'm fairly heavy for a 2dr (4900lbs) and I do just fine on the highway and trails. I'd like to go with a slightly lower gear but it's not urgent enough to justify the cost of going in there. My 2010 now has 190k miles on it and I still enjoy it. Only difference is that I've got the manual.
01-20-2019, 03:29 PM
#25
JK Jedi
IMO I have had both and I never noticed a huge difference IF they were geared properly. The newer motors held up better by he added weight/tire size where you may not want to regear as quickly as you would on the same on the older motor but thats all i really noticed.