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3.8 to 3.8 Swap ?'s

2K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  packman055 
#1 ·
Hello,
Just finished posting in the New Member Check in.
I have an '07 Wrangler X w/ a 3.8, w/auto. It's my wife's daily driver.
The Jeep spun a bearing and I found a complete 2011 3.8, minus the computer, on-line w/ ~500 miles on it for about $200.00 more than a short block.
My question is, will I need to reset the ECU once I finish the switch and before attempting to start? If so, is it done the same as I've read for the YJ?
One of the mechanics at work (FD) suggested I take all the sensors off the '07 and put them on the "11. This sounds reasonable that the brain would recognize the existing sensors. Also do I need to set the motor @ #1 TDC upon install or will the crank sensor just pick up at the right spot in the engine revolution?
The original is close to being out. A couple bell housing bolts are just too hard to get to, so I'm disconnecting the trans. just so I can access the bolts.
Any appropriate Tech help would be deeply appreciated.
I've always worked on all my own vehicles with very few exceptions.
This is the first motor I've swapped in about 25 yrs. It doesn't appear to just be R&R anymore!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bill
 
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#2 ·
good luck, would like to see your progress

how many miles on that 07 engine ?
 
#3 ·
Only around 60K. I (yes I'm placing blame here) kept after the wife to check her oil for a time as I have six vehicles to keep up with (four adult? kids at home). I was unaware of the apparently acceptable (by Chrysler) oil consumption issue since I had kept up on oil levels/changes myself up to that point.When she finally got to the point of asking for an oil change, I knew there was an issue immediately. So in all fairness I blame myself for not keeping after her more regarding checking oil level.
 
#5 ·
Less potential issues in my mind. And why would I give the wife or a kid the extra power. Up to this point, I've been happy with the 3.8. It's had plenty of power for town and interstate use, no issues when visiting mountains, higher elevations. I get great mileage (to me), up to ~24 mpg when in the hills, and I'm definitely not light of foot. The mileage here in Florida is nothing to brag about though. It seems as soon as you get North of the Florida line mileage goes up and fuel prices go down.
 
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