I've been toying with the idea of swapping the 3.8 in my 2009 jk to a 4.8 vortec or the 4.7 that Chrysler puts out. Any thoughts or ideas in a swap like this?

 

After having done a V8 swap myself, I would stick with the proven kits. I did my Hemi for less than $9k before selling takeoff parts. After selling 3.8, the transmission and the Tcase that came with the Hemi I am just under $7k. Happy as hell, no issues. I did consider an LS. But at the time, and still may be, there seemed to be much more headache, thought requirement and money involved. I don't see how you could do an LS as cheap as a HEMI. But I would not complain having either. Best of luck to you.

 

I did a hemi swap in my 07 JKU very similar cost to da20captain. It is perfect HP in a four door with larger tires. It is basically plug and play. I think you would be better off going with the hemi or LS vs the motors you mentioned, just because there are a lot more parts and support out there.
However we are jeepers, if that is what you want to do get after it and make it happen.

 

I know folks have problems with the 4.7. Don't seem to get much more than 100,000 miles. I would like to swap a GMC 4.2 into mine. I have a 2002 GMC Envoy 297,000 miles, no leaks, rattles or knocks, just burns a little oil. In fact it burns less than my JKU does at 150,000.