Pentastar power increase

[XJADDICTION]

I didn’t read through all of posts, so if a repeat I apologize.
I have 106,000 miles on my 6 cylinder pentastar. I have had only the battery issue everyone has after a while, but that’s not related to the motor.
Some people go nuts on here if you mention the “Max Tow package” mine is a 2020 bought October 2019. If they still make the Max Tow package for the JT IMOP it is best bang for the buck. I’ve had a Rubicon and too many issues with lockers for me.
Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc. just no lockers and no 4:1 t-case which are the only things that make the Rubicon interesting to me. I was going to put ARB lockers in and regear but I found out I don’t need either now, and I’ve done some pretty moderate off-roading and never needed my winch.
I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT.
1- they aren’t doors off convertible capable from factory.
2- they are way too big for the trails I’ve done and just daily driving them is a pita as far as I’m concerned. I’ve owned many full-sized pickups and suv’s. Most pickups were diesel crew cab 4x4 with 8 foot bed.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission. I have been very pleased with mine. I am a manual guy, but on the long trips I take to camp etc, the auto is nice.
My set-up
- Clayton 3.5” Overland lift with Tereflex 3 Falcon reservoir adjustable shocks. Fantastic, but took me several months to dial in for Overland heavy and winter light daily driver modes. The ride is soooooo good! No rear sag under overland load.
. I have BFG AT KO2s “D” load range with over 65,000 miles of off-road and on road driving on them with just less than 1/2 tread.
. I sacrificed a little ride comfort with D load rating vs C for longer wear, but Tereflex Falcon shocks take care of that. PSI daily is 30-32.
. still quiet and better gas mileage than MTs
. I have a winch so if needed I can self recover.
. Currently will wait for new BFG AT KO2s to be available. Will buy in. 37’s again until phase 5 for the Jeep and that swaps all drive-trane. Then will go with biggest AT BFG makes.
- Tazer computer controller.

I have plenty of mods but for what you are asking this is basics for an answer.
My answer for power;
- because of my relatively mild set-up though heavy at overland set-up with hard shell James Baroud XXL massive RTT, rack etc, weight at 1600 lb max load for Max Tow.
With the mini Tazer set for 36.3” tires and reset automatic transmission shift points, I can run up to 100+ mph , but who needs that with a JT (my GT 6 speed manual coyote Mustang will do over 150mph… again I don’t need that either, but it does it well and serves that need).
I can avg up hill and outwest mountains over speed limits to 80+ mph without a struggle.
For daily driving I can set cruise at 80-85mph and the JT gets it done. Passing at 90+ mph is fine. My avg mpg is 14, pushing mountains out west gets down to 9mpg.
- there is plenty of power in the stock pentastar V-6 with the 8 speed ZF auto and 37’s with 3.5” lift without making the motor less reliable by adding superchargers or turbo, IMOP, and well 106,000 miles of hard driving proof. I am not easy on my truck.

P.S. the traction control and the anti-rollover work, I’ve found that out.

for all around off-roading and DD my set-up works so well I haven’t even needed to add lockers. Modern traction control works for me in everything from medium rock-crawling, to snow (drove last year in up to foot of ice, then snow on interstate for 8 hours in 2 wheel drive, tires at 29 psi. No problem! Yes the BFG is a very capable snow and ice tire!).
If you want speed and more power try Tazer first, but if you have a manual… well you are SOL and IMOP more power with the stick manual is failure prone probably more often than the motor.

full sized trucks just are too big. I was on a shelf road 2 summers ago camping in Utah. 1000ft drop 6”es to my right, and shear wall of dirt and rock with my left mirror pulled in and 2”s or scraping on my driver’s side. This was an accidental shelf road rocky ruttted climb at 2200 hours, night time pitch black, cloud covered. A full-size truck would be a complete no-go here. Another reason I love my JT.
Get a tazer with the auto run a max 3.5” Clayton Overland Lift with Falcon 3 reservoir adjustable shocks on 37 BFG AT KO2s and the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.
towing up to max tow capacity is also not a problem.

OR, go to America’s Most wanted and buy one of their turn key builds if you need a Gladiator Truck like that.

OR, buy a muscle or super car to compliment your JT.

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.

Any of them with tow package come with that. It's not unique or special to the max tow.

Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc.

Brakes are the same - -they all say HD brakes on the build sheet.........
Mojave also has wide axles.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission.

Manual isn't rated for the top towing of any level of the Gladiator. If you want the best towing spec, you go with the ZF auto in any level of Gladiator.

 

[Beungood]

Too bad I wasn't that 2LT. ;-) Might have just strung you up in that tree along with the kit you put there. Always like a good gag, but when you set a thing in motion, physics takes over. There's always some big guy who is gonna hunt ya, and return the favor, or something like that!
NSDQ

This brought back so many memories of that unit I had some laughs thinking of all the hijinks. It was such a great unit. Officers,NCO's and enlisteds alike. I still keep in touch with a alot of them today.

 

[Beungood]

I didn’t read through all of posts, so if a repeat I apologize.
I have 106,000 miles on my 6 cylinder pentastar. I have had only the battery issue everyone has after a while, but that’s not related to the motor.
Some people go nuts on here if you mention the “Max Tow package” mine is a 2020 bought October 2019. If they still make the Max Tow package for the JT IMOP it is best bang for the buck. I’ve had a Rubicon and too many issues with lockers for me.
Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc. just no lockers and no 4:1 t-case which are the only things that make the Rubicon interesting to me. I was going to put ARB lockers in and regear but I found out I don’t need either now, and I’ve done some pretty moderate off-roading and never needed my winch.
I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT.
1- they aren’t doors off convertible capable from factory.
2- they are way too big for the trails I’ve done and just daily driving them is a pita as far as I’m concerned. I’ve owned many full-sized pickups and suv’s. Most pickups were diesel crew cab 4x4 with 8 foot bed.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission. I have been very pleased with mine. I am a manual guy, but on the long trips I take to camp etc, the auto is nice.
My set-up
- Clayton 3.5” Overland lift with Tereflex 3 Falcon reservoir adjustable shocks. Fantastic, but took me several months to dial in for Overland heavy and winter light daily driver modes. The ride is soooooo good! No rear sag under overland load.
. I have BFG AT KO2s “D” load range with over 65,000 miles of off-road and on road driving on them with just less than 1/2 tread.
. I sacrificed a little ride comfort with D load rating vs C for longer wear, but Tereflex Falcon shocks take care of that. PSI daily is 30-32.
. still quiet and better gas mileage than MTs
. I have a winch so if needed I can self recover.
. Currently will wait for new BFG AT KO2s to be available. Will buy in. 37’s again until phase 5 for the Jeep and that swaps all drive-trane. Then will go with biggest AT BFG makes.
- Tazer computer controller.

I have plenty of mods but for what you are asking this is basics for an answer.
My answer for power;
- because of my relatively mild set-up though heavy at overland set-up with hard shell James Baroud XXL massive RTT, rack etc, weight at 1600 lb max load for Max Tow.
With the mini Tazer set for 36.3” tires and reset automatic transmission shift points, I can run up to 100+ mph , but who needs that with a JT (my GT 6 speed manual coyote Mustang will do over 150mph… again I don’t need that either, but it does it well and serves that need).
I can avg up hill and outwest mountains over speed limits to 80+ mph without a struggle.
For daily driving I can set cruise at 80-85mph and the JT gets it done. Passing at 90+ mph is fine. My avg mpg is 14, pushing mountains out west gets down to 9mpg.
- there is plenty of power in the stock pentastar V-6 with the 8 speed ZF auto and 37’s with 3.5” lift without making the motor less reliable by adding superchargers or turbo, IMOP, and well 106,000 miles of hard driving proof. I am not easy on my truck.

P.S. the traction control and the anti-rollover work, I’ve found that out.

for all around off-roading and DD my set-up works so well I haven’t even needed to add lockers. Modern traction control works for me in everything from medium rock-crawling, to snow (drove last year in up to foot of ice, then snow on interstate for 8 hours in 2 wheel drive, tires at 29 psi. No problem! Yes the BFG is a very capable snow and ice tire!).
If you want speed and more power try Tazer first, but if you have a manual… well you are SOL and IMOP more power with the stick manual is failure prone probably more often than the motor.

full sized trucks just are too big. I was on a shelf road 2 summers ago camping in Utah. 1000ft drop 6”es to my right, and shear wall of dirt and rock with my left mirror pulled in and 2”s or scraping on my driver’s side. This was an accidental shelf road rocky ruttted climb at 2200 hours, night time pitch black, cloud covered. A full-size truck would be a complete no-go here. Another reason I love my JT.
Get a tazer with the auto run a max 3.5” Clayton Overland Lift with Falcon 3 reservoir adjustable shocks on 37 BFG AT KO2s and the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.
towing up to max tow capacity is also not a problem.

OR, go to America’s Most wanted and buy one of their turn key builds if you need a Gladiator Truck like that.

OR, buy a muscle or super car to compliment your JT.

What problems did you have with the lockers?

 

[Redfour5]

I didn’t read through all of posts, so if a repeat I apologize.
I have 106,000 miles on my 6 cylinder pentastar. I have had only the battery issue everyone has after a while, but that’s not related to the motor.
Some people go nuts on here if you mention the “Max Tow package” mine is a 2020 bought October 2019. If they still make the Max Tow package for the JT IMOP it is best bang for the buck. I’ve had a Rubicon and too many issues with lockers for me.
Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc. just no lockers and no 4:1 t-case which are the only things that make the Rubicon interesting to me. I was going to put ARB lockers in and regear but I found out I don’t need either now, and I’ve done some pretty moderate off-roading and never needed my winch.
I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT.
1- they aren’t doors off convertible capable from factory.
2- they are way too big for the trails I’ve done and just daily driving them is a pita as far as I’m concerned. I’ve owned many full-sized pickups and suv’s. Most pickups were diesel crew cab 4x4 with 8 foot bed.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission. I have been very pleased with mine. I am a manual guy, but on the long trips I take to camp etc, the auto is nice.
My set-up
- Clayton 3.5” Overland lift with Tereflex 3 Falcon reservoir adjustable shocks. Fantastic, but took me several months to dial in for Overland heavy and winter light daily driver modes. The ride is soooooo good! No rear sag under overland load.
. I have BFG AT KO2s “D” load range with over 65,000 miles of off-road and on road driving on them with just less than 1/2 tread.
. I sacrificed a little ride comfort with D load rating vs C for longer wear, but Tereflex Falcon shocks take care of that. PSI daily is 30-32.
. still quiet and better gas mileage than MTs
. I have a winch so if needed I can self recover.
. Currently will wait for new BFG AT KO2s to be available. Will buy in. 37’s again until phase 5 for the Jeep and that swaps all drive-trane. Then will go with biggest AT BFG makes.
- Tazer computer controller.

I have plenty of mods but for what you are asking this is basics for an answer.
My answer for power;
- because of my relatively mild set-up though heavy at overland set-up with hard shell James Baroud XXL massive RTT, rack etc, weight at 1600 lb max load for Max Tow.
With the mini Tazer set for 36.3” tires and reset automatic transmission shift points, I can run up to 100+ mph , but who needs that with a JT (my GT 6 speed manual coyote Mustang will do over 150mph… again I don’t need that either, but it does it well and serves that need).
I can avg up hill and outwest mountains over speed limits to 80+ mph without a struggle.
For daily driving I can set cruise at 80-85mph and the JT gets it done. Passing at 90+ mph is fine. My avg mpg is 14, pushing mountains out west gets down to 9mpg.
- there is plenty of power in the stock pentastar V-6 with the 8 speed ZF auto and 37’s with 3.5” lift without making the motor less reliable by adding superchargers or turbo, IMOP, and well 106,000 miles of hard driving proof. I am not easy on my truck.

P.S. the traction control and the anti-rollover work, I’ve found that out.

for all around off-roading and DD my set-up works so well I haven’t even needed to add lockers. Modern traction control works for me in everything from medium rock-crawling, to snow (drove last year in up to foot of ice, then snow on interstate for 8 hours in 2 wheel drive, tires at 29 psi. No problem! Yes the BFG is a very capable snow and ice tire!).
If you want speed and more power try Tazer first, but if you have a manual… well you are SOL and IMOP more power with the stick manual is failure prone probably more often than the motor.

full sized trucks just are too big. I was on a shelf road 2 summers ago camping in Utah. 1000ft drop 6”es to my right, and shear wall of dirt and rock with my left mirror pulled in and 2”s or scraping on my driver’s side. This was an accidental shelf road rocky ruttted climb at 2200 hours, night time pitch black, cloud covered. A full-size truck would be a complete no-go here. Another reason I love my JT.
Get a tazer with the auto run a max 3.5” Clayton Overland Lift with Falcon 3 reservoir adjustable shocks on 37 BFG AT KO2s and the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.
towing up to max tow capacity is also not a problem.

OR, go to America’s Most wanted and buy one of their turn key builds if you need a Gladiator Truck like that.

OR, buy a muscle or super car to compliment your JT.

Something along these lines is what I had in mind.

 

[Flyin6]

This brought back so many memories of that unit I had some laughs thinking of all the hijinks. It was such a great unit. Officers,NCO's and enlisteds alike. I still keep in touch with a alot of them today.

Yea, me too.
As much like family as you can get. Going to war with guys is both a great and an awful way of getting to know them...

 

[Flyin6]

I didn’t read through all of posts, so if a repeat I apologize.
I have 106,000 miles on my 6 cylinder pentastar. I have had only the battery issue everyone has after a while, but that’s not related to the motor.
Some people go nuts on here if you mention the “Max Tow package” mine is a 2020 bought October 2019. If they still make the Max Tow package for the JT IMOP it is best bang for the buck. I’ve had a Rubicon and too many issues with lockers for me.
Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc. just no lockers and no 4:1 t-case which are the only things that make the Rubicon interesting to me. I was going to put ARB lockers in and regear but I found out I don’t need either now, and I’ve done some pretty moderate off-roading and never needed my winch.
I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT.
1- they aren’t doors off convertible capable from factory.
2- they are way too big for the trails I’ve done and just daily driving them is a pita as far as I’m concerned. I’ve owned many full-sized pickups and suv’s. Most pickups were diesel crew cab 4x4 with 8 foot bed.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission. I have been very pleased with mine. I am a manual guy, but on the long trips I take to camp etc, the auto is nice.
My set-up
- Clayton 3.5” Overland lift with Tereflex 3 Falcon reservoir adjustable shocks. Fantastic, but took me several months to dial in for Overland heavy and winter light daily driver modes. The ride is soooooo good! No rear sag under overland load.
. I have BFG AT KO2s “D” load range with over 65,000 miles of off-road and on road driving on them with just less than 1/2 tread.
. I sacrificed a little ride comfort with D load rating vs C for longer wear, but Tereflex Falcon shocks take care of that. PSI daily is 30-32.
. still quiet and better gas mileage than MTs
. I have a winch so if needed I can self recover.
. Currently will wait for new BFG AT KO2s to be available. Will buy in. 37’s again until phase 5 for the Jeep and that swaps all drive-trane. Then will go with biggest AT BFG makes.
- Tazer computer controller.

I have plenty of mods but for what you are asking this is basics for an answer.
My answer for power;
- because of my relatively mild set-up though heavy at overland set-up with hard shell James Baroud XXL massive RTT, rack etc, weight at 1600 lb max load for Max Tow.
With the mini Tazer set for 36.3” tires and reset automatic transmission shift points, I can run up to 100+ mph , but who needs that with a JT (my GT 6 speed manual coyote Mustang will do over 150mph… again I don’t need that either, but it does it well and serves that need).
I can avg up hill and outwest mountains over speed limits to 80+ mph without a struggle.
For daily driving I can set cruise at 80-85mph and the JT gets it done. Passing at 90+ mph is fine. My avg mpg is 14, pushing mountains out west gets down to 9mpg.
- there is plenty of power in the stock pentastar V-6 with the 8 speed ZF auto and 37’s with 3.5” lift without making the motor less reliable by adding superchargers or turbo, IMOP, and well 106,000 miles of hard driving proof. I am not easy on my truck.

P.S. the traction control and the anti-rollover work, I’ve found that out.

for all around off-roading and DD my set-up works so well I haven’t even needed to add lockers. Modern traction control works for me in everything from medium rock-crawling, to snow (drove last year in up to foot of ice, then snow on interstate for 8 hours in 2 wheel drive, tires at 29 psi. No problem! Yes the BFG is a very capable snow and ice tire!).
If you want speed and more power try Tazer first, but if you have a manual… well you are SOL and IMOP more power with the stick manual is failure prone probably more often than the motor.

full sized trucks just are too big. I was on a shelf road 2 summers ago camping in Utah. 1000ft drop 6”es to my right, and shear wall of dirt and rock with my left mirror pulled in and 2”s or scraping on my driver’s side. This was an accidental shelf road rocky ruttted climb at 2200 hours, night time pitch black, cloud covered. A full-size truck would be a complete no-go here. Another reason I love my JT.
Get a tazer with the auto run a max 3.5” Clayton Overland Lift with Falcon 3 reservoir adjustable shocks on 37 BFG AT KO2s and the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.
towing up to max tow capacity is also not a problem.

OR, go to America’s Most wanted and buy one of their turn key builds if you need a Gladiator Truck like that.

OR, buy a muscle or super car to compliment your JT.

Man, you wrote a book complete with a section of illustrations!!!!!!

I guess if you say so, it must be so, but in no way can I get my Gladiator to do many of those things. I have the towing package, 37's, Clayton 3.5" and Falcon 3.3's. My tires are KM's whereas yours are KO's and I run a rack and a roof tent. My jeep is blue and yours a nice red.

So with the setups being so similar does this tazor reprogramming account for that much of a difference? I cannot cruise at 80. I can only pass at 90 if my Jeep was dropped ahead of yours off the ramp of a C17 at flight level 2-5-0.

Well, maybe someday I will get there, but lagging severely at the moment. Funny, but this Gladiator is like my KLR Kawasaki. Always the last one to arrive...But, it always arrives! Another possible difference is the GPEC5 I am burdened with vs the GPEC2 your earlier Jeep has.

On the KO tires, I will look at those but likely only look. In Kentuckee, we have gooey mud. My farm is full of the stuff. It's in my shoes, tires, carpet, and breakfast cereal. I wheel the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ya guess it, mud there too. I didn't find any in Texas, New Mexico, or Colorado where I explored this past summer, but I will note that my KMs did well sliding down Corkscrew pass and crawling up and over Engineer, Cinnamon, California, and Hurricane passes to name a few. Oh and narrow shelf roads? Yeah, for sure know about those. Ran one in Red River NM that was about as wide as JT. My wife was making strange noises I hadn't heard before. Coming back she got out and walked it while I drove it a second time. Not a big fan of narrow shelf roads way up near the tops of tall mountains.

My take away: Buy things that are Red. ;-) Check out the Tazor and hope it is not made of snake oil. Continue to hope some engineer cracks the code to get inside the GPEC5.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Tazer isn't doing anything for the transmission.
You can shift manually if you feel the transmission shifting is causing concern or problems.
There's no added power or zip from tazer. It can't help performance or make getting up hill better with the 3.6

Once tire size is correctly set (or when you change it) the transmission relearns. You may have to use tazer or jscan or whatever to force the TCM into relearning, but if you dig around the Wrangler areas they've talked of this for a while.

I noticed this when our JLU got a new transmission - man, some of the shifts felt harsh for the ZF 8 speed auto, but it's smooth and good as ever now that it's learned.

 

[Willpower1]

RIP XJADDICTION...

This forum has a particularly demeaning notation for banned members lol. Not only does it say Banned
in bold, but banned again below that, and there’s a line through the former members name. I think it’s the line through that looks the most over the top, and tasteless.

Mods, I guess you’re trying to make a point, but it comes off as banning with EXTREME PREJUDICE, and is in poor taste, in my humble opinion. It makes the administration here look bad. Though it is sorta funny I’ll give you that.

Hopefully i don’t get banned for giving an opinion on banning ?

 

[Flyin6]

RIP XJADDICTION...

This forum has a particularly demeaning notation for banned members lol. Not only does it say Banned
in bold, but banned again below that, and there’s a line through the former members name. I think it’s the line through that looks the most over the top, and tasteless.

Mods, I guess you’re trying to make a point, but it comes off as banning with EXTREME PREJUDICE, and is in poor taste, in my humble opinion. It makes the administration here look bad. Though it is sorta funny I’ll give you that.

Hopefully i don’t get banned for giving an opinion on banning ?

I own and run a forum...I'd say they ban you too just to make a point, and like you said it would be kind of funny ;-)


OK, seriously, just kiddin'

Don't ban me TOO along with this varmit! ;-))

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just some points based on observations and first-hand experiences:

There are ways to post other than in public on most forums.........

This is some really sophisticated forum software. It's light years ahead of the software used in any forums I've moderated in, and in the one where I'm admin (and we have about 4 moderators)
It's possible to configure forum software to take automatic actions when someone is banned, or temporarily blocked (time-out).
MAYBE a moderator bans someone and the forum's software does the rest, maybe it's a combination.
So I can't render any sort of judgement on how things look when something is done or happens - could be a selection process by moderator or admin, could be configured that way.

But none of that is anything to do with Pentastar power.
Keep in mind what is taken into consideration when building a drag car from a stock classic - besides increasing HP, you can reduce weight.
HP to weight ratio.
It can be one of the reasons some say "mine is really snappy and zippy" while the next guy loaded with gear isn't quite as pleased with the power of the exact same engine in their vehicle.
Mine isn't as "zippy" as it was stock and I have myself to blame - weight of a winch, steel bumper, 140+ pounds of power steps, and my own weight.
"HVAC delete" plates, "Wiper delete" plates, among others, are popular items for people turning their street car into a strip car. I know we're not talking racing here, but it's the same principals.
400 HP in a 5,000 pound vehicle will feel better than 400 HP in a 6,000 pound vehicle.
Tires and wheels count. It's still mass that must be moved.

 

[Redfour5]

I didn’t read through all of posts, so if a repeat I apologize.
I have 106,000 miles on my 6 cylinder pentastar. I have had only the battery issue everyone has after a while, but that’s not related to the motor.
Some people go nuts on here if you mention the “Max Tow package” mine is a 2020 bought October 2019. If they still make the Max Tow package for the JT IMOP it is best bang for the buck. I’ve had a Rubicon and too many issues with lockers for me.
Basically the Max tow is the Rubicon with same wide axles, 4:10 gearing, big brakes etc. just no lockers and no 4:1 t-case which are the only things that make the Rubicon interesting to me. I was going to put ARB lockers in and regear but I found out I don’t need either now, and I’ve done some pretty moderate off-roading and never needed my winch.
I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT.
1- they aren’t doors off convertible capable from factory.
2- they are way too big for the trails I’ve done and just daily driving them is a pita as far as I’m concerned. I’ve owned many full-sized pickups and suv’s. Most pickups were diesel crew cab 4x4 with 8 foot bed.

the Max Tow only comes with the 8 speed German ZF transmission. I have been very pleased with mine. I am a manual guy, but on the long trips I take to camp etc, the auto is nice.
My set-up
- Clayton 3.5” Overland lift with Tereflex 3 Falcon reservoir adjustable shocks. Fantastic, but took me several months to dial in for Overland heavy and winter light daily driver modes. The ride is soooooo good! No rear sag under overland load.
. I have BFG AT KO2s “D” load range with over 65,000 miles of off-road and on road driving on them with just less than 1/2 tread.
. I sacrificed a little ride comfort with D load rating vs C for longer wear, but Tereflex Falcon shocks take care of that. PSI daily is 30-32.
. still quiet and better gas mileage than MTs
. I have a winch so if needed I can self recover.
. Currently will wait for new BFG AT KO2s to be available. Will buy in. 37’s again until phase 5 for the Jeep and that swaps all drive-trane. Then will go with biggest AT BFG makes.
- Tazer computer controller.

I have plenty of mods but for what you are asking this is basics for an answer.
My answer for power;
- because of my relatively mild set-up though heavy at overland set-up with hard shell James Baroud XXL massive RTT, rack etc, weight at 1600 lb max load for Max Tow.
With the mini Tazer set for 36.3” tires and reset automatic transmission shift points, I can run up to 100+ mph , but who needs that with a JT (my GT 6 speed manual coyote Mustang will do over 150mph… again I don’t need that either, but it does it well and serves that need).
I can avg up hill and outwest mountains over speed limits to 80+ mph without a struggle.
For daily driving I can set cruise at 80-85mph and the JT gets it done. Passing at 90+ mph is fine. My avg mpg is 14, pushing mountains out west gets down to 9mpg.
- there is plenty of power in the stock pentastar V-6 with the 8 speed ZF auto and 37’s with 3.5” lift without making the motor less reliable by adding superchargers or turbo, IMOP, and well 106,000 miles of hard driving proof. I am not easy on my truck.

P.S. the traction control and the anti-rollover work, I’ve found that out.

for all around off-roading and DD my set-up works so well I haven’t even needed to add lockers. Modern traction control works for me in everything from medium rock-crawling, to snow (drove last year in up to foot of ice, then snow on interstate for 8 hours in 2 wheel drive, tires at 29 psi. No problem! Yes the BFG is a very capable snow and ice tire!).
If you want speed and more power try Tazer first, but if you have a manual… well you are SOL and IMOP more power with the stick manual is failure prone probably more often than the motor.

full sized trucks just are too big. I was on a shelf road 2 summers ago camping in Utah. 1000ft drop 6”es to my right, and shear wall of dirt and rock with my left mirror pulled in and 2”s or scraping on my driver’s side. This was an accidental shelf road rocky ruttted climb at 2200 hours, night time pitch black, cloud covered. A full-size truck would be a complete no-go here. Another reason I love my JT.
Get a tazer with the auto run a max 3.5” Clayton Overland Lift with Falcon 3 reservoir adjustable shocks on 37 BFG AT KO2s and the truck is absolutely amazing and does everything well… including totaling idiot that run into the stock rear bumper with class IV hitch Max Tow comes with.
towing up to max tow capacity is also not a problem.

OR, go to America’s Most wanted and buy one of their turn key builds if you need a Gladiator Truck like that.

OR, buy a muscle or super car to compliment your JT.

" I saw someone mention you need a big full-sized truck. Well all it takes is one narrow shelf road to prove a full size is not for most of our purposes for the JT. "

I have a Ram 2500 set up, winch bumper, still pretty stock for towing. I now ALSO have a Gladiator... I wonder why... I've turned around a couple times in the 2500 because of how narrow the trail was. AND it is a beast of a truck. Just a beast.

 

[MemphisMississipp]

Power requirements are highly subjective when it comes to things like these trucks. Other than the requirement for a MilSpec or performance number for things like aircraft the actual power required is something based on a myriad of factors.

Having said that, I now have accumulated a bunch of experience with this cool truck. I have never been limited by power on any off-road occasion which I now have a bunch of experience. I have wheeled in many states down to sea level and up to nearly touching 13,000 feet. All of that:GTG

Now getting to and from these places over, I'm guessing is 20+ states, I/we just don't have the power to cruise effectively above the mid-60s. My configuration (lifted on 37's with an RTT) is draggy, but the gearing is spot on (5.13's). But when trying to set the cruise control to 70-71-72, the darned thing is constantly shifting down to 5th then back up to 8th. I find it excessively annoying.

More power would fix this. How do I know?

I also drive an overland Suburban 2500. It has a 6.0 V8 that is modified and has a supercharger. I can stick it on any speed up to nearly 80 with the cruise control and it just pulls in OD all the time. No fussy shifting all over the place. The reason is the motor produces around 550 torque to the tire (Dyno tested) and has that big ole abundance.

This thread is not meant to be an indictment on "my need for power", or "why I need more power." It is meant to stimulate a discussion about developing more power from this motor and why, exactly, the aftermarket is ignoring it.

Power requirements are highly subjective when it comes to things like these trucks. Other than the requirement for a MilSpec or performance number for things like aircraft the actual power required is something based on a myriad of factors.

Having said that, I now have accumulated a bunch of experience with this cool truck. I have never been limited by power on any off-road occasion which I now have a bunch of experience. I have wheeled in many states down to sea level and up to nearly touching 13,000 feet. All of that:GTG

Now getting to and from these places over, I'm guessing is 20+ states, I/we just don't have the power to cruise effectively above the mid-60s. My configuration (lifted on 37's with an RTT) is draggy, but the gearing is spot on (5.13's). But when trying to set the cruise control to 70-71-72, the darned thing is constantly shifting down to 5th then back up to 8th. I find it excessively annoying.

More power would fix this. How do I know?

I also drive an overland Suburban 2500. It has a 6.0 V8 that is modified and has a supercharger. I can stick it on any speed up to nearly 80 with the cruise control and it just pulls in OD all the time. No fussy shifting all over the place. The reason is the motor produces around 550 torque to the tire (Dyno tested) and has that big ole abundance.

This thread is not meant to be an indictment on "my need for power", or "why I need more power." It is meant to stimulate a discussion about developing more power from this motor and why, exactly, the aftermarket is ignoring it.

I use the manual option on the auto shift pulling my trailer behind my Max Tow. I rarely get in 8th gear and cruise in 7th doing between 60-65

 

[Flyin6]

I use the manual option on the auto shift pulling my trailer behind my Max Tow. I rarely get in 8th gear and cruise in 7th doing between 60-65

A good/smart technique.
I wanted to pull an off-road camper, one that I built from scratch. But after experiencing driving the truck, I tossed that idea...Darn! I even installed the Mopar trailer braking module to actuate the electric brakes I built into the camper. Now I am planning to just remove the rear tow hitch to save on some more weight.
Happy that it is working out for you!

 

[Flyin6]

I started this thread back in 2023. I highlighted the fact that the Pentastar is just underpowered (for me).

Let me bring this thing up to date

I did manage to get the GPEC5 ECM unlocked and tuned...for a supercharger.

I purchased and installed a Ripp (Vortech) supercharger in late 2025 and finished installing it in early 2026. That all led me to abandon the V6 and any efforts to increase power. The supercharger is noisy and frankly worries me to the point that I have taken zero trips in my Jeep. Anything that sounds that bad just can't be reliable, and I am not walking back from a trail half the way to nowhere (again).

So, I purchased a Hemi 6.4 swap, which I am having professionally done at High Lift in Cincinnati.

That should solve all my lack-of-power concerns...

Yippee!

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