Is there a definitive solution to the dry start knock on the 3.8?
 

I have a 2009 JKUR, with 63k miles on it, I have read/followed all the threads that I could find, I think I have tried it all
Oil
5/20
5/30
Filters
Fram
Napa Gold
Wix
No matter what I have done, the knock at starting remains, what am I missing?
Is there a particular brand of oil? I have been using Penzoil.
Thanks.

Is it a knock, as if a rod is knocking?
Or is it a lifter ticking?

More like the lifter, it ticks/knocks for maybe 2 secs on start up, and then quiet.
Only if it has been sitting long enough for the engine to cool down.

Hemi Swap! Just kidding. My 07 Started to do that. Dealership said it was poss. the oil pump starting to go bad. I swapped it for a 12 before it got worse. Then ran into the head issue with my 12. Go figure.
Also 09s had an issue with the lifters needing to be adjusted every so often.

I also have had intermittent issues with this ticking at start up.
I have also tried many different oils and filters.
I am using Castrol GTX 5-20 in winter and 10-30 in summer. This seems to work best for me.
I have settled on Fram as I have used these for a number of years on a number of vehicles with high mileage.
I find mine is worse if I have not driven it in a few days.
Still, I have 40K miles and it does not use any oil and seems to be running fine.
Hope this helps.
Stay Safe -
Mandor6863

It looks like you've covered all the usual suspects.
You can find the noisy lifter and see if a new one works better.
You can install a pump to get the oil pressure up before starting the engine.
Or you can live with it. Unless it's something bad like a cam lobe wearing down, I don't think it's a big issue.

I would go with a Mopar filter, and switch to 10w30 and see if it helps. I personally have never been a fan of Pennzoil or Fram filters. I would try a different brand of oil...

It took me a while to figure out what my jeep likes, but the knock stopped when I switched to mobile one full synthetic (10w-30) and the napa platinum filters. Not saying it is a definitive fix but it worked for me.

What about trying a 0w30? I have run 0w30 in everything for a long time (LS1, LS2, LS6 etc.) and 0w40 in my current VW. Just a thought, but I really don't know if that will help with that initial knock. IMO it's worth a shot as it will only get to the top end quicker.

Mine just developed the lifter noise at 70K. Used Mobil 1 synthetic and been trying filters. Took the Motorcraft off tonight and it was full of oil. Molar on it now. My noise is from the #2 bank driver side front. Anyone else with the #2?