Over the years, Jeep has come a long way in beefing up the Wrangler and with the new JK model, I was pleasantly surprised to see it come complete with skidplates protecting the automatic transmission, transfer case and gastank.
So, for some reason, Jeep decided to change the type of battery they use in the Jeep JK Wrangler from a Group 34, which was used in 2007-11, to a Group 91 which is now used in all 2012’s and I presume, on up. While this really shouldn’t be that big of a deal, the terminals on a Group 91 battery are opposite to those on a Group 34 and, this makes it near impossible to hook up the leads or, at least not without having to do some modifications. Of course, as luck would have it, a Group 91 battery or it’s equivalent, a Group 48, isn’t really a common size you find in a deep cycle format and unfortunately, not something that’s available in a Sears Diehard Platinum, Odyssey or even Optima.
The all new 2012 Jeep JK Wrangler comes with a new vacuum assist or pump which is located on the driver side frame rail and just behind the front bumper. For the most part, there’s nothing wrong with where it’s placed but, if you choose to run an aftermarket front bumper and install a large winch that sits between the frame rails, it is something that will need to get relocated.
There is so much I absolutely love about the all new 2012 Jeep JK Wrangler – I love the new interior, all the new creature comforts, tailgate that stays open on it’s own and who could forget the awesome 3.6L vvt Pentastar Engine with 5 speed automatic transmission. But, I do have to say I was a bit surprised to see all the new changes under the belly including a crazy exhaust loop, dangerously exposed transmission cooler line and no skid plates presnt to protect any of it.
Because you never know when you’re gonna need a little extra light, I like to carry a good MagLite flashlight with me in my JK.
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Keeping your valuables out of sight and secure in Jeep JK Wrangler can prove to be a real challenge. Even with your doors installed, a soft top offers little to no protection from would be thieves and, that’s why I always recommend Tuffy Security Products. Of course, if you’ve already got their locking glove box, center console and rear deck installed and are looking for just a bit more secure and convenient to use storage space, I would highly recommend that you get their Conceal Carry Drawer. |
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While the Jeep JK Wrangler does come with a roll bar right from the factory and one that actually holds up pretty well, it’s definitely something that could still benefit from a bit more support. Because a full custom weld in cage can be quite expensive to have installed and, is for the most part well more than what most people need, the addition of a sport cage like the kind that OR-FAB makes is what I might recommend instead. |
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Having come from a background of CJ’s, TJ’s and XJ’s that all came with nice torquey 258 or 4.0L I-6 engines, it was hard for me to get used to the lathargic 3.8L V6 that the JK’s come with. Granted, my previous Jeeps may not have been speed demons but, at least wanted to get up and go as soon as you hit the gas. More than the motor, the problem with lag that the JK’s have comes from the fact that they now come with an ETC or electric Throttle Control. And, while there are solutions available that can help address this lag by allowing you to reprogram your computer, there is another solution that does a great job of helping out as well – Sprint Booser. |
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In addition to things like taller coils, longer shocks and adjustable control arms and track bars, a new 1310 or 1350 double cardin U-Joint style front drive shaft is something that you really should have in your list of needed parts if you plan on lifting your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more and you have an automatic transmission. While the factory front drive shaft isn’t all that bad, its diameter is very wide and at 3" of lift or more, it will get hung up on the automatic transmission skid plate (limiting your droop) and its spline shaft boot will catch on the lip of your transmission sump pan causing it to tear. |
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