I am looking to trade my 2007 JK on a 2012 JK. Many of the 12's I'm finding come with a 3.21 rear end versus the 3.73. With the new motor and tranny will I notice much of a difference between the two if I leave everything stock but put on 33' tires? If so, I am willing to keep looking or order one exactly how I want it.

My current Jeep has 4.10s and I really like that but I don't have much experience with the 2012 engine/tranny set up. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

i think you're going to have a hard time finding a 3.73 on the lots. I had to have mine ordered

 

You are right! I am having a tough time. Do you think there is a big enough difference even with the new set up to order one with the 3.73?

 

i knew i was going to upgrade to 33s" and so it seemed like the right thing to do. I also wanted a hardtop, AC, and power nothing. The only way i was going to get what i wanted was to order it.

my suggestion, order it exactly how you want it. and the gear upgrade is only $50 so there's no reason not to get it.

 

I have a 2012 Sahara JKU with Automatic and 3.21s.

I hate myself! ( I still love my Jeep just upset that I was impatient)

I should have bought a Rubicon & I should have waited and at least got the 3.73s.

If you go with 3.21s you will not gain much if anything MPG wise over the 3.73s and you will limit your tire choices. Just be patient and get the 3.73s or step up to the big boy league, mortgage the future, and buy a Rubicon.

DO
NOT
GET
3.21s

 

If you find one with the max tow package that automatically gives you the 3.73. I found mine on the lot like that.

 

I looked online, and found mine at a dealer about an hour away with the 3.73's, hardtop and 6 spd. I still get average 20 mpg with the stock 255 75 17s. could not be happier! if I had not gotten the 3.73s I would have always wondered how much power I could have had... That said, I do not feel like mine is "so" fast... but I never drove one with the 3.8L.

 

After having a 3.21 for 1 month now, and 2500 miles, I still kick myself every time I get in it that I didn't think to check what gearing ours had before buying. Just brain fade I guess. And stress from other factors.

So, look for one with the MaxTow pkg. Not the regular tow pkg, MaxTow, it'll have the 3.73's automatically.
Or, order just what you want, which is what we should have done.

In other words, DO NOT get the 3.21's!

 

Thanks for all the feedback! I figured the 3.73s would be far superior to the 3.21s but just thought I would ask! The hunt for Max Tow continues or I will just order exactly what I want.....

 

Agree with everyone....much easier to get 3.73's now than get rid of 3.21's later