Has anyone experienced towing on a jku 3.8l with around 3500 to 4000 pounds and then moved up to a 3.6l jku and towed the same thing?

I have an 08 jku automatic with 33s and 4.56 gears. I tow a boat that is 4000 pounds when loaded. It does ok but there is this one mountain pass that I have to drop down to 2nd gear and it kicks down to first on occasion. I probably should go up in first all the way. It sucks!

I was wondering if it would be any better with the 3.6l auto?

 

With about 80 more horses and an extra gear in the auto trans you'll definitely notice the difference with equal gearing, etc. I've had both and the difference is impressive.

 

I have no 3.8 comparison. However, I successfully put 5-6K miles towing a 5000 pound toyhauler with my 3.6 jku with manual trans and 3.73 gears. Mountains I drove near are limited to NJ, PA, and VA, so big, but not huge.

 

Stock Vs Stock = 3.6

Modified 3.8 Vs Stock 3.6 = 3.6

tortoise vs 3.8= tortoise

in all seriousness , the 3.6 is a much more powerful engine and you would notice a huge difference towing between the two.

Not that you CANT tow with a 3.8, because you absolutely can, but if you have the choice, go with the 3.6