Upgrade to JT from JKU?

[JustinWPI11]

Thinking about upgrading to a JT from my 2013 JKU. I do a lot of hunting in the North Maine woods and my JKU has been great for that. But the JT seem like it would be a great for that as well. I also have a 16’5 Lund boat I like to tow and the JKU is okay at best towing it. Just looking for some 2 cents input and anyone that has upgraded from a JKU to JT and their thoughts. Thanks!

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[MarineHawk]

I had a 2012 JKUR for almost four years, until I decided I needed a truck. Given that the Gladi wasn’t around back then, I bought a GMC Sierra, but once the Gladi came out, I got one. I bought it in KY, where I could get a JTR that was about $18K less than anything I could find in NOVA. A few less options, but nothing I needed.

I just received a full-height topper so that I can almost double my cargo volume. When I go hunting, especially with my boys or friends, I go all in with large volume of gear and comforts, and sometimes firewood, etc. …

All in all, I like the 2020 JTR a lot better than my 2012 JKUR. For one, I think the 8-speed makes it drive much better on the hwy. I also can carry a lot more.

If you’re thinking of getting one, I recommend test-driving it on the hwy first. I got lucky and have really good steering. But some experience a loose steering box.

 

[OcmulgeeOgre]

I had a 2015 JKUR before buying my JT. I noticed improved ride/handling over my JKUR. Ride comfort and cabin quietness in the JT was very noticeable to me. With the 8-speed transmission, I perceived more “pep” in acceleration.

I have no regrets with the change.

 

[Oscar Indy]

I'll echo what those guys said. Coming from a JKR the JTR is a vast improvement in ride quality, fit and finish and the motor trans combo is great.

 

[Troybilt]

I moved from a 2012 JK and I have never been happier with a purchase I have made. My JTR has a much better ride. I am truly driving my dream car/truck. I have yet to tow anything close to the max but it tows my trailer full of wood with ease my JK did not like doing this task very much.

 

[hawk14414]

I went from a 2015 JK Sport 6 speed to my current JTR 6 speed. Transmission and clutch engagement points are different as has been discussed elsewhere...but the JTR is much easier to live with as a daily driver. Much more comfy. I'm also having fun with a six speed in the snow.

 

[ZTMAN]

I used my JKU for hunting trips. Hard cases were a problem. No more. Can now take four people in the JT instead of two in the JKU because you had to fold the seats to fit the hard cases.

 

[ZTMAN]

delete double post. My sausage fingers also fit better in the JT

 

[Harold0819]

I have an '08 JKU with almost 200K on it. Love it and will never get rid of it. But I did order a JTR. Let the next round of mods begin!!

 

[Oscar Indy]

I have an '08 JKU with almost 200K on it. Love it and will never get rid of it. But I did order a JTR. Let the next round of mods begin!!

That's a big upgrade jumping from a 3.8 with 4 speed auto to the Gen2 3.6 with 8speed auto. You are gonna be happier than a pig in shit with the newer drivetrain. I remember my first test drive in a 3.6 after thousand of miles on a 3.8..... salesman didn't know the tires could smoke that much leaving the dealership......

 

[Harold0819]

That's a big upgrade jumping from a 3.8 with 4 speed auto to the Gen2 3.6 with 8speed auto. You are gonna be happier than a pig in shit with the newer drivetrain. I remember my first test drive in a 3.6 after thousand of miles on a 3.8..... salesman didn't know the tires could smoke that much leaving the dealership......

Both of mine are manual 6spd. My '08 is on 37s with 4.88s. Planning on the Rock Krawler 3.0 Pro-X 'no limits lift and 37s on the JTR. I've heard of the difference in the motors and hoping the 4.10s will be adequate for a while.

 

[MarineHawk]

I used my JKU for hunting trips. Hard cases were a problem. No more. Can now take four people in the JT instead of two in the JKU because you had to fold the seats to fit the hard cases.

Obviously, you have to have your guns cased when going to the range or other paces.

However, when hunting, I have been putting the end of a small synthetic wool blanket to cover the cargo area under the back seat of my JTR; put a rifle on top of that; fold the blanket over it; place another rifle, facing the opposite direction, over the folded blanket; then add whatever holstered handguns in the nook and crannies. I also put a rifle in a slim soft case locked behind the back seats. Nothing is showing. When we arrive before dawn, it’s easy to pull the guns out without dealing with a bunch of cases. It also leaves a lot of extra room in the cab and/or bed.

 

[Oscar Indy]

Both of mine are manual 6spd. My '08 is on 37s with 4.88s. Planning on the Rock Krawler 3.0 Pro-X 'no limits lift and 37s on the JTR. I've heard of the difference in the motors and hoping the 4.10s will be adequate for a while.

It is adequate if you are okay with loosing 8th gear. Not enough juice in that 2nd overdrive to hold 70mph on the 4.10s
I made a video about it if you care.




Edit. Just noticed you ordered a manual.... Well you are in for some bad news. They really f****** up the manual gearing compared to the JK 6 speed. You now have two over drives and basically lost 4th. You'll want to regear quick I'm sure on 37s or you'll have a 4 speed basically.

 

[Harold0819]

It is adequate if you are okay with loosing 8th gear. Not enough juice in that 2nd overdrive to hold 70mph on the 4.10s
I made a video about it if you care.




Edit. Just noticed you ordered a manual.... Well you are in for some bad news. They really f****** up the manual gearing compared to the JK 6 speed. You now have two over drives and basically lost 4th. You'll want to regear quick I'm sure on 37s or you'll have a 4 speed basically.

That sucks to hear. The JK 6 spd gave you a lot more flexibility in the gearing. Hence the reason my JKU has 4.88s instead of the usual 5.13 like the auto would of needed. I assumed it would of carried through.

 

[Oscar Indy]

That sucks to hear. The JK 6 spd gave you a lot more flexibility in the gearing. Hence the reason my JKU has 4.88s instead of the usual 5.13 like the auto would of needed. I assumed it would of carried through.

I thought it would too but it's completely different. I loved my JK manual. The gearing on the new gen is completely different.

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