Hi All,

I'm lookimng at a 2011 JK Rubion,6 speed manual. The Jeep is currently stock and I have several questions:

1.Is this the place to post newbie questions?
2. Is there a special Rubicon forum or are all JK related issues here?

And now for the real questions:

1. The jeep came from the factory only with a soft-top. does this mean it is some sort of cheaper build? Will there be any problem adding a Mopar 3 piece hard-top? Will any other parts be missing for installing the hard-top?
2. This is the the last model with the 3.8 engine, I know it is weaker than the newer 3.6 but how about reliability? gas consumption? cost of spares?
3. This model already has the controls on the steering wheel and looks inside like the 3.6 model. what else will be different except the engine?

That's about it for now,

Thank's for any help.

 

As far as reliability some people have had oil burning issues and most people don't, depends on the time of day it came off the line maybe but I think mostly the newer ones (the 3.8s) are all good. A lot of people have/had issues with the 3.6 too, just not burning oil..... The 3.8 gets a little less MPG than the 3.6, has less top end horsepower but more bottom end torque.

If you buy a hard top any year should work fine, on 2007-2009 the footman loop was centered so the Freedom tops attach a little different at the front but will fit and work on the newer models perfectly (I have a newer top and older Freedom tops on my older JK). Make sure you get the kit for the hardtop, it will let you hook up the wiper and wash spray to the top. If you don't plan on using them don't worry about getting the kit. Make sure the Freedom top round bolts (not sure what to call them, plastic round cup like for hand installation) are with the top.

Ordering tops is a personal choice for new Jeep purchasers, I got my first with hard top only and my second as a dual top. A lot of people just order the soft top because they don't want or need a hard top, the hard top is an option and not a cheaper model Jeep.

If you get it post up some pictures.

 

Most people on here that have had the 3.8 and later switched to 3.6 say that without question, the 3.6 is superior. There is no substitute for horsepower. As you consider your purchase, you may want to think about resale. I haven't done research, but I assume the 3.6 will have a higher resale value several years down the road compared to the 3.8.

 

Rubicon models in general seem to retain value.

The 3.6 in certain years, more recently has been better, 2014 as the exception. Read a lot about head issues, and electrical problems etc. typical with new engine and tranny introductions. Was the same when the 3.8 jk was being sold at first. Guess I got lucky, but 2011 for the 3.8 was a big year for the interior as you mentioned.

I have an 07 I maintain religiously, except the interior, it is running great, everything is replaced and up to date. Lifted, running larger than stock tires, and carrying a lot of extra steel.

I'd buy another 3.8 really, but at the same time, I'm at 102k and a hemi is just beyond the horizon.

 

Forgot to mention, soft tops don't last forever.

If you get 7 years out of it, you need to be teaching a class.

My jk has the half doors but the factory top is long gone.

 

Thank you all for your help.

So just to make sure, there will be no issues fitting a hardtop?
What about the seals? Do they come with the hardtop or are they supposed to be part of the Jeep body? One thing I have heard is that some hardtops tend to leak.

Last is the price, any good alternative to the $2700 Mopar hardtop?

 

Craigslist. Many people with the dual-top options sell one of the other, and many with the hard top choose to buy a soft and run it exclusively. The average price seems to be around $1500, but you can find them for less, depending on area I guess. And if you want to buy new, check any of the online Mopar resellers, don't pay full dealership price. Should be under 2k.

For the leaking, just depends. Some people have problems, others don't. If yours does, pull the panels and readjust / re-tighten, make sure any seals and weatherstripping are in good shape, not kinked or ripped.

 

i got mine with the factory hard top anf havent had any leaks.

 

The hard top does have a electrical connection in the rear left . I believe it is for the wiper motor. I would imagine that the soft top JK'S would have that connector but I'm not 100% sure.

 

The big drawback on the power train of old was not really the 3.8 motor but the automatic transmission. With the 3.6 came a new auto with better gearing ratios and and extra gear. Since you are looking at a 6 speed you should have plenty of power if axles are properly geared for up to a 37" tire.