Buddy of mine has one with 37“ tires and armor, DD daily. The 3.8 lugs all that around with not much power, and not much fuss. It’s been deal reliable. With 37” tires, 6th gear never sees action, at all. He is also super easy on it, on the clutch, and doesn’t get in a hurry. It’s done Moab, it’s been out west a few times. It lives.
I had a 3.8 in a minivan, and had no issues with it. I’d probably prefer the 3.6, but it is more complicated. My 3.8 used very little oil. I also had the 3.3 version, which did use less oil, such as, none at all. I liked my 3.8. It seemed a little rowdier than the 3.3.
id give it a look, theyre good jeeps.