This is the first vehicle I have had that is 6 speeds. Is ok ok to drive on the highway in 5th? I find myself forgetting there are 6 speeds. Also I often find the need to down shift when I finally get there. Is there any stress on the engine driving in 5th at reletivelly low speeds, 70 max. I realize the gas mileage will suffer.

 

No.
You can drive in 5th, but i always drive in 6th above 50mph and just downshift if needed.
I have 3.21 gearing.

 

No not really a problem unless you are redlining which you wouldn't be at 70. Or at least you wouldn't if you have the 4.10 gears. You will get used to the six speed though. After you put it into reverse going 70 a few times.

 

The thing to remember about the JK's 6-speed is that 5th is the 1:1 ratio gear, not 4th (as it is in a 5 speed box). 6th is your overdrive ratio; some people (myself included when I first got my JK) think that 5th & 6th are both overdrive ratios, as they are on some other 6 speed boxes out there.

 

I was driving from VT to FL a couple of weeks ago and was always looking for another gear. My wife kept laughing and reminding me that there were only 6.

I've always worried about shfting into reverse though. That would suck!

 

I usually just shift base on RPMs. i shift between 3000 and 4000 RPM.

 

Its a close ratio transmission, so its normal to shift a fair amount. But as mentioned above, 5th is not an over drive. It wont hurt to drive in 5th on the HWY, but you will get worse fuel economy.

 

Wow Tommy, I typically shift around 2000-2500 rpms. The 3.8 is a terrible revving engine.

I do use 5th for towing on the highway, which puts you at about 3k at 70mph.

 

I just rev mine up. I shift 2nd to 4th or 3rd to 5, or 4th to 6th. As long as you stay below the redline you wont hurt anything.

I do the same with my Ford diesel, I just use whatever gear works.

Also I use the cruise control whether it 45 mph or 70 mph.

 

It makes a helluva sound when you do it.