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Does anyone else think the 3.6L is under powered for the JT?

Lou3.6

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Yea the Ram is rated at 305 horse 269 tq whereas the JL is 285/260. Negligibly different and the JL truck is way lighter than the Ram, so back to my original hypothesis which is: The Jeep Truck will be fine. And some other facts to support my theory... The Taco is at 278/265 and Canyon/Coloraydos are at 305/269. So yea no worries, I am sure the diesel will really help too. I do think it will be just fine.
Or, on the other hand, the Rubicon versions -- JLU and the JT are 400+ pounds apart; yet use the same hp/torque #'s ! You would think, being a Truck, Jeep would of programmed/adjusted the JT to the RAM specs to offset that additional 400+ pounds !

Maybe they will wake up by launch (or lunch) and correct this oversight (IMO) ! Other than that, I really like what I've seen so far, and glad they didn't have the room (IMO) to add all the eTorque/BSG "crap" - adding even more weight & complexity ! Now if they could figure out a way to NOT have to water cool the 48v pack that would make me less apprehensive - which is what I am in regards to the 2.0L in the JLU, my 1st choice ! Not convinced yet on the safety or reliability of the 2.0L system, but hopeful that by the time I'm ready to order i am - late Spring or perhaps Fall next year !?
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Lou3.6

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I think we're spoiled when we call a nearly 300 HP engine "underpowered" in a 4,500 lb. vehicle.

Decades ago, guys were towing 7,000 lbs. with V6 engines that made half the power and we thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
285/260 JLU & WK2 vs. RAM DT 305/269 -- is it a lot to ask of 20 hp to lug around an additional 400+ pounds, between the Rubicon JLU and the Rubicon Gladiator ? I think so, but the proof is in the testing by all the TFLTrucks out their in the months ahead. I'm not an engineer, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn (ever), but if only there were a way to somehow boost that torque even a bit ! Hmmm ! Remember this truck is a JEEP Truck, it's intended use is NOT that of, say, a RAM DT Tradesman ! It is intended or at the very least heavily Implied - to get out of the house and enjoy the back trails ! Can't hardly wait to see the pricing numbers and actually start "build/pricing" on the website ! Under 50K with some rebates or dealer incentives and suddenly 45K seems Very Appealing . . . . . !
 

#HuckleberryJeep

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Like others, I'm holding out judgement until I drive one, but seeing as all JKs and JLs are considered by most to be underpowered, it's probably a safe assumption that the Gladiator, with its extra 700lbs, isn't going to feel like a locomotive going down the road. I hope I'm wrong, but plan on gearing down.
 

Raylan Givens

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At first glance, and as a person who always wants more power I would say yes. Then if you compare it to what the competition has, it is inline with other midsize trucks. I think if towing is what you want you should hold out for the diesel. If you have no need for towing it is probably fine
 

ZEN357

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For towing I think the 3.6 is under powered. Too bad they don;t offer a Hemi option.
 

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Oilburner

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This was the reason I sold my '13 JKU. With minimal lift +33's I always felt like I had to kick it in the ass to get it to move = no torque down low. Hard to picture a truck which weighs more getting the job done any better, much less towing. Maybe the new auto tranny will help.
That, and I really dislike the way a gas V6 sounds, no matter what murfler you put on there.
 

2015er

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This was the reason I sold my '13 JKU. With minimal lift +33's I always felt like I had to kick it in the ass to get it to move = no torque down low. Hard to picture a truck which weighs more getting the job done any better, much less towing. Maybe the new auto tranny will help.
That, and I really dislike the way a gas V6 sounds, no matter what murfler you put on there.
I have to disagree as I own a 2015 Ram 1500 pentastar Laramie ordered specifically in this configuration from the factory. Before I accepted delivery from the dealer I had the dealer install dual exhaust using from Flowmaster - she's sounds great - better than the factory Hemi - no lie. Nice low rumble and when I put the foot down - the sound gets even sweeter.
 

Roddy13

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Nope its plenty powerful. I have this in a WK2 Grand Cherokee with an Overkill Tune and K&N drop in and I can run door to door almost with my brothers Durango R/T Hemi from a dig to 70mph.

Go drive a wrangler, you will be impressed with the power of the 3.6L
 

WXman

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The PUG version of the 3.6L that we're getting has 13% more of it's torque down at lower RPMs compared to the outgoing engine in the JK. The JL/JT also both have deeper standard axle gearing. And lastly, the ratios in the 850RFE are deeper down low and fantastic on the road. When you put all three of these things together, it really does make for a totally different driving experience. You can't really compare JK to JL/JT.

I have only towed about 2,500 lbs. with my JL so far, which isn't a lot of weight. But the P-star doesn't even know it's there. I do recommend trailer brakes though because non-Rubicon brakes are still a little weak with large tires and a load on the back.
 

homerun

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The PUG version of the 3.6L that we're getting has 13% more of it's torque down at lower RPMs compared to the outgoing engine in the JK. The JL/JT also both have deeper standard axle gearing. And lastly, the ratios in the 850RFE are deeper down low and fantastic on the road. When you put all three of these things together, it really does make for a totally different driving experience. You can't really compare JK to JL/JT.

I have only towed about 2,500 lbs. with my JL so far, which isn't a lot of weight. But the P-star doesn't even know it's there. I do recommend trailer brakes though because non-Rubicon brakes are still a little weak with large tires and a load on the back.
This is great to hear, especially from WXman, because I know he telling things the way he sees them and isn't afraid to be critical on Jeep. I really want a gasser as I often have short commutes and don't want to deal with all the maintenance that comes with a oil-burner, plus m/t is a must for me. I was a bit worried that the 3.6 would struggle with the extra weight on the JT vs the JL but this comment is reassuring. Still nervous to see the MPG rating, not that it will change my purchase but a high number would be nice.
 

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MuhThugga

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Yea the Ram is rated at 305 horse 269 tq whereas the JL is 285/260. Negligibly different and the JL truck is way lighter than the Ram, so back to my original hypothesis which is: The Jeep Truck will be fine. And some other facts to support my theory... The Taco is at 278/265 and Canyon/Coloraydos are at 305/269. So yea no worries, I am sure the diesel will really help too. I do think it will be just fine.
It depends on where the power is made. Plenty of people have complained about the new Taco V6 being sluggish because it has no low-end grunt.
 

Wraith

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I have spoke with a few JL Rubicon owners with the 3.6/8-speed combo and they have all claimed it has plenty of power to get up and go and even push 37's without much fuss. My JK with the 3.6/WA580 was an absolute dog that I had to regularly beat on to get it to move even with the AEV ProCal and other mods. We will all know soon enough how the 3.6/8-speed combo in the Gladiator moves. Looking forward to hearing the good and the bad about it.
 

Lou3.6

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At first glance, and as a person who always wants more power I would say yes. Then if you compare it to what the competition has, it is inline with other midsize trucks. I think if towing is what you want you should hold out for the diesel. If you have no need for towing it is probably fine
I hear your point of view, if your into comparing with Competitors ! Not Me, I have never had interest in any other American Brands in my life (long time, ha). Practically born in a 2 door Plymouth (with "wings," remember those?) and all the Plymouths & Dodges that followed ! I did "waver" a bit when 1st in the Navy, buying a little Nissan ('87). Dodge B200's and Dodge/Ram 1500s followed. Now have the WK2 (2016) WITH this 3.6 / ESS (285/260). If ya wanna compare, sort of, this 3.6 in my WK2, it's slow & weak compared to that 2003 Hemi (13 years & no issues) . . . but, that's not fare ! Still the WK2 ( don't recall it's Curb weight) is NOT peppy, not nearly as "fun" as any Hemi (obviously), but. we all seem to agree . . . it "gets the job done" in most applications FCA has given it; so far ! Still, a bump to say 295 or 305 (RAM) for the heavier JT is a no-brainer to me - From the Factory (under full warrantee) ! I hate "messing with things" !
 

Lou3.6

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The PUG version of the 3.6L that we're getting has 13% more of it's torque down at lower RPMs compared to the outgoing engine in the JK. The JL/JT also both have deeper standard axle gearing. And lastly, the ratios in the 850RFE are deeper down low and fantastic on the road. When you put all three of these things together, it really does make for a totally different driving experience. You can't really compare JK to JL/JT.

I have only towed about 2,500 lbs. with my JL so far, which isn't a lot of weight. But the P-star doesn't even know it's there. I do recommend trailer brakes though because non-Rubicon brakes are still a little weak with large tires and a load on the back.
You make a Very Good Point, one which I neglected to think about (amateur!) - gearing and how it affects low end usable torque ! I believe my PUG/WK2 75th Laredo (2016) has the 3.21 for better gas milage ! I do tow a drift boat - trailer & boat totals are under 1000, so not really an issue ! Or at least non that I experience or that bothers me ! It's acceptable, is what I'm trying to say - although HERE I am, looking to trade to either a JKU 3.6 or a small-maybe, JT ? It will have to "grow on me" for the next 6 months, as I am still (even) pondering the 2.0L ! Talk about "Issues"! ! ! Another time & place perhaps . . .
 

mortuar

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I've owned a 3.8L JKUR, a 3.6 JKUR, and now a 3.6 JLUR - and I gotta say, I don't find it slow at all when you compare it to other small trucks or other SUVs that aren't tuned for speed. I am running the 4.10 gears in mine, so it has lots of pep - so much that I've caused the rear tires to chirp on take off many times.

I towed a fully loaded 5x8 Uhaul (only about 5ft tall interior) from Seattle, WA to San Antonio, TX over 3 days and my 2014 JKUR with the 3.6 and 4.10 gearing towed fantastically - not a single issue that entire trip, including through mountain passes.

I now regularly tow a 6x10 trailer with about 3,000lbs of gear in it for my band without trailer brakes or weight distribution hitch using my 2018 JLUR. At first, I was totally upset with how it towed - completely different experience from my 2014 JKUR. I thought I had the gear loaded properly in the trailer at first until I bought a trailer tongue scale and found that I was grossly overweight on the tongue. After moving my gear around, I was able to get the tongue weight down to about 350lbs and it tows fantastic - up hills and all. This band trailer is single axle, no brakes, and 6.6ft interior - it's a very tall trailer.

I have zero qualms about towing with my JL, and I know the Gladiator will be just fine as well. If you're unsure about your tongue weight, spend the ~$125 and get a nice tongue scale off Amazon. I'm so glad I did, no regrets on that purchase at all!

JLUR towing.jpg
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