KL questions

[mjeff87]

I've pretty much figured that a used, earlier model KL will be in my future to eventually replace my KJ.  Probably in the next 2-3 years unless something unforeseen happens.  Aside from the transmission issues on the early models, have any other common mechanical issues been discovered on these things?  I admit to not knowing a thing about them.  Any major pitfalls or anything to steer clear of?

 

By way of example, I bought into my KJ in about the same fashion.  Only after purchasing did I learn that 3.7L's have a nasty habit of dropping valve seats and other valve train issues (and other little KJ annoyances like crappy window regulators, rear suspension bushings, crappy radiators, lousy cv joints in the front driveshaft, and......you get the point).

[shelbyluvv]

www.jeepcherokeeclub.com

I had a 14 Trailhawk and it had transmission issues. So much so I worried me that my wife would get into an accident because of the missing 3-2-1 down shift. Other than the flash to "fix" a failure prone snap ring, that removes the down shifts it was a great little Jeep.

I was just telling my wife I kinda miss the little guy. "Real Jeepers" and I use that term loosely. Will talk $#!& and bash your Fiat. I wheeled the piss out of my KL and I loved it. It is a damn capable Jeep.

If you ever plan on towing make 100% sure it has the factory tow package. If it doesn't it is limited to 2k towing. 4k with the factory towing package. Do not let the dealership lie and say they can install the package. They can't. The difference is in the diff ratio not the cooling system.

As one of the few that have owned a KL I would absolutely buy another Trailhawk (16 or newer) as a play toy/daily driver.

[mjeff87]

Thanks Bo...I was hoping you would chime in on this one.

 

Yeah, "real Jeepers".  I get that, remember I'm currently driving a KJ  I swore when they came out that I would never be caught dead in one, let alone OWN one.  Well, times change don't they LOL.  I said just about the same thing when the KL's came out in '14, I thought they looked hideous, but the more I see them on the road the more they're growing on me.  Like you said, as a DD/toy.  I'm comfortably sliding into middle-age now, and am starting to appreciate the creature comforts a bit more.

 

Question:  the only engine options on the early models is the I4 and the Pentastar 3.6 (?)L V6?  Any possibility of a manual trans and/or a manually shifted transfer case in any sub-model?  

 

I don't need "trail rated" either.

 

edit:  reading up a little on that cherokeeclub site you mentioned.....holy scary transmission issues Batman.  I knew they were troublesome but not quite THAT much.  When did FCA get it all ironed out (i.e. what year(s) should I stay away from)?

Edited July 13, 2018 by mjeff87
add info

[shelbyluvv]

Thanks Bo...I was hoping you would chime in on this one.
 
Yeah, "real Jeepers".  I get that, remember I'm currently driving a KJ  I swore when they came out that I would never be caught dead in one, let alone OWN one.  Well, times change don't they LOL.  I said just about the same thing when the KL's came out in '14, I thought they looked hideous, but the more I see them on the road the more they're growing on me.  Like you said, as a DD/toy.  I'm comfortably sliding into middle-age now, and am starting to appreciate the creature comforts a bit more.
 
Question:  the only engine options on the early models is the I4 and the Pentastar 3.6 (?)L V6?  Any possibility of a manual trans and/or a manually shifted transfer case in any sub-model?  
 
I don't need "trail rated" either.

The V6 is a 3.2 Pentastar and it is a beast! I would not have at 4 cylinder. We had a rental car with it and it was a dog. You won't find a shifter in them. Just a knob to engage the SelecTerrain.

I hated them also. I am a believer now. If you can get the Trailhawk. They are not much more money and you get so much more.

[shelbyluvv]

This is a local KL. 2" Hazard Sky lift, Rocky Road sliders and winch mount.

They look very good lifted!

[dasbulliwagen]

Stay away from the 2.4 4 cyl models. They are prone to oil consumption. When they get about 3 quarts low, the oil pump will loose prime, and the engine will just shut off. The intake valves in the Multiair assy are run off of oil pressure, and if they don't have oil, it doesnt open the valves. It sounds just like when you break a timing belt and the engine spins over with no compression. Topping off the oil and cranking it until it primes again gets it running again. As far as I know to this point they have yet to fix that issue. But the 9 speeds are less of an issue in the newer models, people still complain about how they shift sometimes though.