I've got one in my '16 JKU. Coming from a Tahoe with a 5.3l V8, I wasn't expecting much but I've been happily impressed.

I'm sure by now you guys all know my opinion. . Its the better of the two jk motors. no doubt. 3.8 is a turd.


it really boils down to your end use. whats your reason for getting rid of the TJ. if its just a grocery getter with occasional dirt road use, the JK rides marginally better but it is MUCH quieter, and is far more feature rich, roomier, and available with four doors. If it was primarily a daily driver you will be happier with that, and it is still an exceptionally capable rig considering the competition.

But if you are looking for a more a utilitarian rig or a wheeling rig the TJ/LJ is a better platform. It's narrow body, no network/CAN, no TPMS, no nanny feature traction control/ESP that can't be fully disabled. No electronic throttle body that has zero throttle response. If you compare a JK to a TJ/LJ or XJ in the snow or loose surface the JK sucks dick. I know I constantly rail against electronic throttle bodies but this is my justification and where I developed that prejudice. You can not effectively control or manipulate wheel speed on a modern vehicle. The equipment itself is more than capable but they have them set up for Emissions and MPG efficiency so they have incorporated a dashpot feature that prevents the throttle from snapping shut and creating a rich condition. This means you can not quickly modulate the throttle, it has a delay. Hit gas, 1 second later you get a response. So if you are stuck or are trying to perform precise maneuvers its essentially impossible. It's either stationary or its digging in and throwing snow/sand everywhere. Garbage design. Where as if you are in the exact same situation in a rig 10 years older you can feather the throttle a couple of times and drive right out of it.

till you exceed 35mph