🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Wrangler

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

JK

Generation Code:

JK Generation (2007-2018)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Type:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Segment Leadership:

Category-defining off-road capability

Key Competitors 2008:

Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3

Iconic Design:

Distinctive seven-slot grille, round headlights, removable doors and top

Off Road Prowess:

Solid front and rear axles (Rubicon), advanced 4x4 systems (Command-Trac, Rock-Trac), high ground clearance

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4x4 system), Transfer Case

Chassis:

Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front/Rear), Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Seats, Glass

General Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Tire Rotation, Wiper Blade Replacement

Engine Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Repair, Piston and Connecting Rod Replacement, Crankshaft Service, Timing Chain/Belt Replacement, Cooling System Service

Transmission Repair:

Automatic and Manual Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Transfer Case Service

Brake Service:

Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining or Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Caliper and Wheel Cylinder Service

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation, Sensor Replacement

Suspension Steering:

Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Ball Joint Service, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump/Rack and Pinion Service

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation

Repair Scope:

Complete Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Specification Detail:

Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Fluid Capacities, Clearances, Electrical Resistance Values

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Printability:

Printable

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EGH (3.8L V6)

Engine Displacement:

3.8 Liters (230.5 cubic inches)

Engine Configuration:

OHV V6

Bore X Stroke:

3.92 in x 3.19 in (99.5 mm x 81.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower:

202 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

237 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug

Diesel Option:

Not available for the 2008 model year in North America.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

NSG370 6-speed manual

Automatic Transmission:

42RLE 4-speed automatic

Transfer Case Standard:

NV135 (Command-Trac NV241G for some models)

Transfer Case Rubicon:

NV241OR (Rock-Trac with 4:1 low-range ratio)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 2 Door:

95.4 inches (2423 mm)

Wheelbase 4 Door Unlimited:

116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Length 2 Door:

161.0 inches (4090 mm)

Length 4 Door Unlimited:

183.4 inches (4660 mm)

Width Body:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height Without Hardtop:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Ground Clearance Rubicon:

10.5 inches (267 mm)

Approach Angle Rubicon:

44.5 degrees

Departure Angle Rubicon:

37.2 degrees

Curb Weight 2 Door Est:

4,105 - 4,300 lbs (1862 - 1950 kg)

Curb Weight 4 Door Unlimited Est:

4,400 - 4,700 lbs (1996 - 2132 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

4/5 Stars (for models equipped with side curtain airbags, which became more prevalent in later JK models but might be optional or unavailable on early 2008s)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

4/5 Stars (similar caveat regarding airbags)

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not Rated (pre-dates widespread IIHS testing of this specific category)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes on most models)

Traction Control:

Standard

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESP)

Airbags Front:

Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal)

Airbags Side:

Optional (Side Curtain Airbags, typically on higher trims or later production).

Rollover Protection:

Integral sport cage

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Base AM/FM/CD player with 4 speakers, optional Infinity speaker system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio.

Navigation:

Optional Uconnect Navigation system (typically introduced in later JK model years, may be limited on early 2008 models).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Standard

Uconnect Hands Free:

Optional, integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe duty may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the 3.8L V6 (Long Life)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter for 3.8L V6

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent HOAT coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MS-9224 (GL-4) or equivalent for NSG370

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Lubricant or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Differentials Fluid:

API GL-5 80W-90 or 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check specific axle requirements for limited-slip additive if equipped)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Complaints 3.8L:

Some reports of oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), occasional stalling or rough idle (can be related to vacuum leaks or sensors), exhaust manifold cracks (less common on 3.8L than earlier engines).

Jk Chassis Issues:

Death Wobble (shimmying of the steering wheel at speed, often related to worn suspension components like track bar bushings or ball joints), leaks from windshield seal or hardtop, clutch pedal issues (on manual transmissions).

Transfer Case Considerations:

Regular fluid changes are crucial for longevity, especially for off-road use. Check for leaks around seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Direct descendant of WWII Willys MB, known for ruggedness and off-road capability since 1941.

Wrangler Lineage:

CJ Series (1945-1986) -> YJ Wrangler (1987-1995) -> TJ Wrangler (1996-2006) -> JK Wrangler (2007-2018)

Jk Generation Introduction:

Launched for the 2007 model year, representing a significant redesign with a longer wheelbase option (Unlimited) and a move to coil springs on all four wheels for the base models.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo Complex, Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Period:

2007 - 2018 (JK Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Four Wheeler Magazine Awarded:

Frequently recognized by off-road publications for its capability. While specific awards for the 2008 model year might vary, the JK generation consistently received praise for its off-road prowess.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports often rated the early JK Wranglers with average to below-average reliability ratings, particularly concerning the 3.8L engine and some electronic components, though specific ratings can vary by year and testing methodology.

Emissions Certification:

Meets relevant EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.