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What would make you sell/trade a late JK for a JL?

20K views 166 replies 59 participants last post by  R3LF13 
#1 ·
As the topic says, if you have a late model JK and you're on the fence about a JL, what killer features would make you definitely pull the trigger?

For me it just one of the following would be enough:

1. 6.4 V8 option but overall vehicle must be lighter than a current JK 3.6
2. Automatic soft top

Let's hear yours :popcorn:
 
#2 ·
I'm actually on the other side of the spectrum... having had a YJ, 2 TJs (1 Rubicon), MJ, ZJ, WK - the JKUR is a great platform and, quite possibly, the best jeep I've had overall. I'm more concerned with the JL being too far of a departure or not being compatible with the mods I've already invested in for my JKUR.

FCA runs the risk of turning the wrangler platform into the next gelandewagen if it continues to add weight, complexity, and luxury doo-dads.
 
#3 ·
I think a lot of us are waiting to see the actual finished product. We already know a V8 isn't happening. But there are strong sources claiming that the 3.0L diesel from the Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 will be shared with the JL and that alone would be enough to push me over the edge.

I'm also hoping that the new windshield and top will be far less prone to leaking than the JK design.
 
#4 ·
I think a lot of us are waiting to see the actual finished product. We already know a V8 isn't happening. But there are strong sources claiming that the 3.0L diesel from the Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 will be shared with the JL and that alone would be enough to push me over the edge.
I don't think there has ever been an official statement saying that there WON'T be a V8, and from a business perspective, it makes sense to have a V8 option.

That said, a V8 option might be enough to convince me to get a JL, assuming the JL does not stray far from the Wrangler formula. I would be content with the 5.7l. The 6.4l is only used in HD trucks and SRT vehicles, so I don't really see the need to put it in the Wrangler, although it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.
 
#5 · (Edited)
The probable additions as follows:

1. Lighter body, for weight reduction.
2. More aerodynamic.
3. HD Steering linkage.
4. A small Liter engine, but Turbo-ed.
5. Eight speed automatic transmission.
6. Improved fuel economy.
7. More options, such as gear ratios.

These are my thoughts, but nobody know for sure, until we see it.!!!
 
#6 ·
For me I find that the JK was a perfect blend of form, function, and luxury. I had a CJ and drove many TJ Jeeps in the past. I found that they were great when I was early 20s and 30s but now at forty I appreciate AC, power windows, cruise and at least a marginally better stereo. Now this being said, the JK is about as luxurious as I want it to be. I still drive a 6 speed manual 2dr because I want the ride it produces and the control I feel the 6 speed gives me. I feel more like I am driving and not just riding it if that makes sense.
So this gets me to the JL and what it would take me to trade in my current ride. The Jeep would still need to be a Jeep. Light, maneuverable, utilitarian in design, still need to have the "Jeep" features and not like the new Cherokee vs old Cherokee update (which is a JOKE to call that a Cherokee) but most of all... ENGINE. Put a Hemi in it. I don't care if it is only the 5.7 but wedge it in there. I have a 3.8L (dog) and have driven the 3.6L (slightly faster dog) and though I deal everyday I yearn for a HEMI (with a 6 speed). Oh, and it wouldn't hurt if they put 44s in the front and back of ALL jeeps with 60s as an option. And while your at it give me a real selection of gear ratios. I realize that's a dream but boy would it be nice to have 60s and 4.88s from the factory.
 
#7 ·
If it doesn't have a conventional Jeep soft top - nothing. A Wrangler with removable panels is just a Renegade with a live axle.

I want a full frame, short wheelbase, high seat height 4WD open air convertible. I could even go back to locking hubs. I dont care live axle vs IFS. IFS can be modified, just more $$$ to do so. Any other changes they may make, can be fixed/replaced after you buy it. Except the convertible unless you are willing to cut sheet metal and I am not.

For me there are a bunch of other great 4WDs on the market (truck based ones) that are heavy duty and can pull/haul. The only thing a Jeep brings that no one else does is the convertible option and short wheelbase.
 
#8 ·
Locking hubs would be an excellent addition because it would increase fuel economy.

The Jeep also has a solid front axle, which other 4WDs do not.

So this gets me to the JL and what it would take me to trade in my current ride. The Jeep would still need to be a Jeep. Light, maneuverable, utilitarian in design, still need to have the "Jeep" features and not like the new Cherokee vs old Cherokee update (which is a JOKE to call that a Cherokee) but most of all... ENGINE. Put a Hemi in it. I don't care if it is only the 5.7 but wedge it in there. I have a 3.8L (dog) and have driven the 3.6L (slightly faster dog) and though I deal everyday I yearn for a HEMI (with a 6 speed). Oh, and it wouldn't hurt if they put 44s in the front and back of ALL jeeps with 60s as an option. And while your at it give me a real selection of gear ratios. I realize that's a dream but boy would it be nice to have 60s and 4.88s from the factory.
No need to have a 44 in the front of all Wranglers. Realistically, I don't see why the Rubicon even needs a 44 front (A D30 with thicker walls would be sufficient), but if you do want the front 44, you have the option with the Rubicon. There is a reason that the front 44 is only available on the Rubicon, and that is because it is considered the "offroad" model. Since many Wranglers never leave the pavement, they don't need serious upgrades like a front 44.

D60s are definitely overkill for a factory vehicle, unless they are going to offer it with 37s from the factory which is not going to happen. I could see a "Raptor" version of the Wrangler that comes with a 44 front, 4.56 or 4.88 gears, and 35s though. Or maybe they could do something like the 1 of 1 Viper program where you can order things like D60s on your Wrangler. That may be more expensive than mass producing it with D60s, but still less expensive than buying a base Wrangler and upgrading it later.
 
#11 ·
First year JL, I'd stand clear. I'd give it until about the third year before considering it. An entirely new vehicle, I'd let someone else troubleshoot it.
 
#17 ·
What It Will Take...

WXman said it here and in other related threads -- the diesel will entice me into a 2018 JL 4dr (with the related ZF 8-speed automatic transmission)...

The tough part will be to convince Wifey to drive it and I'm allowed to keep my 2011 JK 2dr...but she doesn't want to part with my 2006 VW Jetta TDI diesel (the last year with no DEF/DPF...)

I really think we should "monitor" what reviews come from the Colorado/Canyon Duramax diesel owners for the next couple of years -- I don't really need a truck and it's not a Jeep (everyone knows what I mean by that statement), and that Colorado resembles (to me at least) a Malibu with a 5 foot bed...
 
#18 ·
I drive a fair amount of miles- 29k in 1.5 yrs of ownership so far on my JKU- so chances are very good I'll be looking at a JL in a few years... ASSUMING I can get it with a soft top and a stick. If not, I'll just drive the JKU til it falls apart.
 
#23 ·
My #1 feature would be more capable, while still being able to mod it, period.

I know you can mod a JK to make many times more capable than stock, but you can also mod a TJ to make it many times more capable than stock, but the JK platform is more capable stock and can be modded more than the TJ. I would ilke a stock JL more capable than a stock JK and that can be modded more than a JK.

This is what would make ME pull the trigger and doesn't have to be what motivate others to pull it. :beerdrinking:
 
#25 ·
IFS that actually can handle 35's and wont cost a fortune to lift. most of my wheeling is on the easier end of the spectrum ie Moab, Rubicon trail etc. Trails that a good IFS should be able to handle with 35's no problem. Lighter weight and perhaps the 3.6L tuned for great low end power. yup that will do it. oh and they have to come in bright white.
 
#26 ·
Since I'm on my 8th edition, it probably won't take much once the bugs get worked out. :)

Compared to previous gen Jeeps the JK is far superior so it's more a matter of things that would stop me from buying a JL such as:

- Reduced power to weight ratio
- Lack of a D44 in the front. Contrary to previous comments the most important advantage of a D44 over a D30 is the larger size of the gears which enables larger/stronger gears
- Reduced fuel economy which extremely unlikely
- Radical aerodynamic styling
- Reduction in size (again very unlikely)
- In the past, the inability to lower the windshield but given how since the CJ it has gotten increasingly more awkward to do so, Jeep has managed to gradually wean me off of that pleasure over time.
 
#32 ·
I would like a reason to go from 4dr to a 2dr 1 day but i am guessing thats a few generations of wrangler away.

Back in reality the reasons to swap would be:
- increased towing weight. Assuming i have a hauler for me and my boys.
- considerable increase in my daily fuel economy. Something like 25%.


The JK is really good enough at everything i need at the moment.
 
#43 ·
Guys, the engineer that used to do all the Jeeps said himself that fitting the 8-speed into the Wrangler would be a major challenge that would require stretching the wheelbase. That's why we see the JK bodies on the JL mules cut and stretched. Since he's the guy that did suspensions and engineering for Jeep, I believe him.

And, if they are trying to shed weight and increase transmission ratios and offer a turbo four cylinder all in the name of CAFE standards so that the vehicle can continue to be sold, why would they put a V8 under the hood? That would make zero sense.

Ford and Ram are going away from V8s in everything from fullsize trucks to sports cars. GM will soon do the same. The usage of eight cylinder engines is decreasing, not increasing. There is no business case whatsoever for a V8 Wrangler.
 
#45 ·
I am not saying they don't have to increase the wheelbase to fit the transmission. I just fail to see how stretching the engine compartment is going to accomplish that. If the engine is mounted at the rear of the engine compartment, then stretching it would only provide more space in front of the engine. Also, like I said, there would be no reason to stretch the JKU if it was to fit the transmission. And the mule if by no means the definitive look of the JL; do you really think the gas tank on the JL is going to hang that low on the actual model?

You do realize that CAFE does not prevent any vehicle from being sold right? All CAFE does is require vehicle manufacturers to pay a tax proportional to how below the set MPG standard they are, but this is the AVERAGE of the entire fleet. The turbo 4 option (if true) will increase the average because plenty more people will buy the 4 cylinder option than the 8 cylinder. It is the same reason you can buy a Pentastar Challenger or a Hellcat challenger.

Also it is impossible to meet the standards of CAFE anyway, so vehicle manufacturers will have to pay taxes regardless. The Hemi option may increase the amount of taxes slightly, but like I said, Jeep is a business. Giving the Wrangler a Hemi will increase their bottom line, regardless of any CAFE taxes. So yes, there is a business case for the Hemi.

To my knowledge, neither Ford nor Ram has reduced the number of V8s in their vehicles. Ford no longer offers the 6.2l in their F-150, but that is a light duty truck so that is understandable (there is no 6.4l in the Ram 1500).

Once again, not saying there will be a Hemi option in the next Wrangler, but it is a possibility.
 
#44 ·
As long as they do not deviate too much from what a Wrangler/Jeep should look like, such as solid axels ect. I would seriously consider buying or switching out my current JK for one if they put in a 5.7L Hemi, I don't need the 6.4L, the 5.7L is plenty enough. Other than that I don't see me trading mine for the JL. Minor changes will not motivate me enough to switch out just yet. I am more concerned they will turn out something like that goofy renegade or the new Cherokee. I think I even read somewhere they planned on using the rear tail lights from the new Renegade in the new JL.
 
#49 ·
The Renegade is goofy. But it's already sold nearly 80,000 units. The Cherokee (KL) is goofy too. But it's outselling the Wrangler. I guess the problem we have is that FCA is a company and companies are in business to make money. So they're not going to listen to us. They're going to build what sells well. :(

With the Hemi.. you're talking less torque than the diesel and only about 60% of the fuel economy. I'm not sure why guys would rather have the V8 gas guzzler. But, to each their own. My dealer sells the AEV conversions and they do draw a lot of interest from customers.
 
#52 ·
As far as what features would prompt me to trade my 2015 JKU Sahara in for a JL, probably no much. Yes, it's got four doors, a hard top and a lot of goodies on it, but it is the best vehicle I have ever driven on the road. The seat position is absolutely perfect for me and supports me better than any other I have driven in the past 58 years, so I am set for the next 5 to 6 years.

If FCA messes with the Wrangler they will probably lose a lot of customers. Why make the Wrangler a hard top only soft riding 4WD vehicle? They already have the GC they don't need another.
 
#56 ·
What would make me change to a JL?

A smaller overall size, so it fits down tight trails better. Better styling, I'm sick of the boxy square "JK look", especially the rear of the two door hard top.

Improve the quality of everything - fit and finish, fasteners, fabrics, plastics, etc. How about fixing that B-pillar door rattle that so many JKs have had, ... for 8 years now. And how about a much much much better stereo system. Perhaps a stereo system that could match the sound system they put in the Laramie trim package Ram trucks would be a start.

A more robust drivetrain. More power from the engine, and more component strength from everything else. A baby Cummins would make me change to a JL in a heartbeat. A Fiat diesel, not so much so.

Much more offroad capable suspension. Much more suspension travel. Electronic nannys that could easily be fully and completely turned off at the flip of a switch. And they would have to stay off, until you flipped the switch back on again.
 
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