Hi Whitestripe99,
I have driven diesel / manual 4WDs for over 20 years and swear by them (especially the new high torque CRD variants), but I was in the same situation as you for the last 8 months while changing over from my Navara D40... to the JKU 3.6l V6 Pentastar auto... yes I said auto.
This was a total mindflip for me, but I thought about it long and hard, and decided the new 3.6 Pentastar was worth giving a try, which as previously mentioned, is much cheaper than the price of the CRD. I also figured if down the track I'm disappointed in the petrol, then just I'll spend the difference I saved on the diesel, on a RIPPMODS SuperCharger, then I won't have any more torque or power problems.
Why the auto... in my old Navara, the manual drivetrain and clutches had a big problem wearing out, slipping, and flogging out of driveshaft CV joints, luckly whilst during warranty, but gave me the reasoning that the new CRD cars these days have too much torque for the drivetrains. I was also told that's why they don't do a diesel / manual in Rubicons. The Wrangler manual diesel is tuned down to 410Nm as opposed to the diesel auto; you always have to ask the question when a manufacture does that.
At the end of the day, its entirely your choice from the options you have. If you know some of the people on the forum, go for a drive swap in their cars for little bit and see what you think.
My new JK has only hit 1000Km, but 2 small pain points are no left footrest for driver (a very good body anchor point when negotiating obstacles) and the low beam headlights turn off completely when you hit the highbeam. I live a little bit out of town, and this is a little annoying when driving at home at night.
However on the handling, I've only done basic track work in it so far, but I am hugely amazed at the handling in 4LO, using the automatic and downhill assist and hill start features, they really work well.
My beast, stock standard JKU 3.6 Pentastar automatic, mods to follow
Cheers,
Miles
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