Jeep Motor

[Born Again]

Based on the off road stuff I like to do, I would really "like" a v-8 in my next Jeep. Does anybody know of anything in the works from Jeep on a future v-8? I am weighing my options on a new build...any info would be appreciated.

[JeepinJon]

Based on the off road stuff I like to do, I would really "like" a v-8 in my next Jeep. Does anybody know of anything in the works from Jeep on a future v-8? I am weighing my options on a new build...any info would be appreciated.

Jeep has made no announcement. I know that the current V6 is going to be replaced with one of the new V6 motors being created under the "Phoenix" project. Last time anyone from Chrysler was asked they said that the JK was not designed for a V8 and it would take a complete redesign for it to fit, which obviously is false.

I would say though don't hold your breath because I just do see it happening through them as the auto industry as a whole is in major turmoil and trying to become more fuel effecient placing all SUV issues onto the back burner.

[Born Again]

Jeep has made no announcement. I know that the current V6 is going to be replaced with one of the new V6 motors being created under the "Phoenix" project. Last time anyone from Chrysler was asked they said that the JK was not designed for a V8 and it would take a complete redesign for it to fit, which obviously is false.

I would say though don't hold your breath because I just do see it happening through them as the auto industry as a whole is in major turmoil and trying to become more fuel effecient placing all SUV issues onto the back burner.

Bummer....looks like I figure a way to pay for a conversion!

[Born Again]

From a performance standpoint, how does the 5.7L perform in the JK? I assume it has enough power to turn 35s or 37s all day in mud, sand, etc?

Would I need to upgrade the front axle to a D60? .... Would plan to on the rear. Given the investment here...definately would be easy on the throttle.

Does AEV offer upgraded axle shaft (alloys)?

[djb_rh]

I have yet to do any serious wheeling in mine, but I have a TJ Brute with the 5.7L and I have an Unlimited JK with the 5.7L. The TJ has 10k miles on it the drivetrain, but only a thousand of it was as a Brute...the rest it was just an LJ. The JK isn't even completely broken in yet.

The Brute is on 37's and the JK on 35's. The Brute feels a good bit snappier, but that's mostly due to the fact that it is a LOT lighter than the JK (JK still has full hard top on).

I'd say you'd be plenty happy with the 5.7L in stock form. Hard to imagine needing more torque, especially if you aren't talking about building a really heavy vehicle. If you're doing a SWB TJ then you'd be in heaven as it'll be pretty light, all things considered. I didn't upgrade any axles, so I actually do fear doing much serious wheeling as I could see me tearing up stuff. I got both mine mostly for foul weather as well as for taking in the sand down at the beach.

Based on what I've HEARD, I'd think a D44/D60 combo with a stock 5.7L would be a pretty good setup. You might get by with D44's on both ends with some upgraded parts, too. I'll let those with more know chime in on that, but you might want to mention if you're talking SWB or long and if you plan any other mods that would increase the weight of the rig significantly or not.


--Donnie

[JeepinJon]

From a performance standpoint, how does the 5.7L perform in the JK? I assume it has enough power to turn 35s or 37s all day in mud, sand, etc?

Would I need to upgrade the front axle to a D60? .... Would plan to on the rear. Given the investment here...definately would be easy on the throttle.

Does AEV offer upgraded axle shaft (alloys)?

I know that if you have a conversion done by AEV they do offer upgraded axle shafts. I would probably run the Dana 60 in the rear with a Hemi, but between the Currie and the Dynatrac I am not sure wich of those two is better.
In the front I would run a Superior axle shaft with an ARB air locker since you would be upgrading the rear for the 60. I have heard that you can fit a 35 spline Dana 60 shaft in the front with an ARB locker from Off Road Evolution and that should be plenty strong as long as you are not doing any jumping. I am assuming that AEV also ties the ARB air locker into the stock Rubi switch, otherwise if you want the stock look and switches to still work Off Road Evolution makes fix so you can hook the ARB right into the stock locker wiring harness.