🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Wrangler

Model Code:

JK

Year:

2008

Jk Generation Start Year:

2007

Jk Generation End Year:

2018

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Jeep Heritage:

Continuation of Jeep's legacy as a purveyor of highly capable off-road vehicles, building on the iconic Wrangler lineage.

Direct Competitors 2008:

Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3, Land Rover LR2, and to a lesser extent, Ford Bronco (previous generation) and Chevrolet Colorado Z71 (off-road variants).

Body Styles:

Two-door (JK) and four-door ('Unlimited', JKU) variants available.

Iconic Design:

Retains classic Jeep design cues: seven-slot grille, round headlights, flat fenders, and removable doors/top.

Off Road Capability:

Renowned for its off-road prowess with solid axles (initially, front axle transitioned to Dana 44 later in JK production but front on 2008 is typically Dana 30), available locking differentials, and advanced 4x4 systems.

Customization Potential:

Extremely popular platform for modification and customization, making a parts catalog indispensable for owners and enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts Catalog

Estimated Page Count:

High Volume (typical parts catalogs exceed 1000 pages)

Manual Type:

Illustrated Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

All engine components, including block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, intake/exhaust manifolds, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system.

Drivetrain Components:

Transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, front and rear axles, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints.

Suspension Steering Components:

Front and rear suspension (coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars), steering gear, steering column, tie rods, drag links.

Brake Components:

Brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS components.

Electrical System Components:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, sensors, ECUs.

Body Exterior Components:

Body panels (fenders, hoods, doors, quarter panels), bumpers, grille, windshield, side glass, rear glass, mirrors, soft top/hardtop components.

Body Interior Components:

Seats, dashboard, interior trim panels, steering wheel, shifter, pedals, floor mats, carpeting.

HVAC Components:

A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, ducting, controls.

Chassis Frame Components:

Frame rails, crossmembers, mounting hardware.

Part Identification:

Identification of all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts with corresponding part numbers and exploded diagrams.

Assembly Disassembly Visuals:

Visual guides showing the arrangement of components for correct assembly and disassembly, crucial for ordering the right parts.

Component Interchangeability:

Information that may implicitly or explicitly guide on component interchangeability within the JK platform or across similar models.

Depth Of Information:

Highly detailed for parts sourcing and identification, essential for repair and restoration projects. It focuses on 'what' parts are needed, not 'how' to install them (that would be a service manual).

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution PDF suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific part numbers or descriptions.

Printability:

Designed for printing, with clear diagrams and readable text for workshop use.

Binding Type For Print:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type For Print:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ERH

Engine Name:

3.8L V6 (Chrysler Pushrod V6)

Engine Displacement:

3778 cc (230.5 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 86.0 mm (3.78 in x 3.39 in)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower:

202 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

237 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Required Octane:

87 octane (recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (NSG 370)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV241 GII (standard), optional: Rock-Trac NV241 OHD (on Rubicon models)

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 4.46, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.58, 4th: 1.19, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.84, Reverse: 4.01

Gear Ratios Automatic:

1st: 2.84, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.69, Reverse: 2.21

Transfer Case Ratios:

Command-Trac: 2.72:1 low range; Rock-Trac: 4.0:1 low range

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Two Door:

95.4 inches (2423 mm)

Wheelbase Four Door Unlimited:

116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Length Two Door:

160.0 inches (4064 mm)

Length Four Door Unlimited:

179.4 inches (4557 mm)

Width Without Doors:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height To Top Of Hardtop:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 10.5 inches (267 mm)

Approach Angle:

44.5 degrees (typical)

Departure Angle:

37.2 degrees (typical)

Breakover Angle:

22.3 degrees (typical)

Curb Weight Two Door Manual:

Approx. 3,760 lbs (1705 kg)

Curb Weight Four Door Unlimited Auto:

Approx. 4,267 lbs (1935 kg)

Towing Capacity:

2,000 lbs (8890 N) for 2-door; 3,500 lbs (15560 N) for 4-door Unlimited

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2008:

3 out of 5 stars

IIHS Small Overlap Front Rating:

Not tested for this specific year/configuration, but later JK models generally performed poorly in this test.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Antilock Brakes:

4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced windshield frame and integrated sport cage for rollover protection.

💡 Technology Features

Available Audio Systems:

Base AM/FM/CD stereo, optional Infinity speaker system, optional navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link (Uconnect not widely adopted in 2008).

Connectivity 2008:

Limited by modern standards; primarily auxiliary audio input jack.

Camera Systems:

No factory rearview camera available for 2008 models.

Bluetooth Handsfree:

Not available for 2008 model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4800-8000 km) or every 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8000-12000 km)

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48000 km) or 2 years

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48000-96000 km), especially under severe use.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96000 km)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or Chrysler MS-6395 compliant

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter

Coolant Specification:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/100 or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) meeting Chrysler MS-9769.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 synthetic

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant (MS-16456) or equivalent SAE 75W-85 GL-5

Axle Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant, API GL-5 (with Mopar friction modifier for Trac-Lok differentials if equipped).

3 8L V6 Engine Performance:

Underpowered for its size and weight, especially when carrying loads or off-roading. Known for a lack of high-end torque.

Automatic Transmission Shifting:

The 42RLE transmission is often criticized for its slow shifts and lack of overdrive gears, contributing to lower fuel economy on the highway.

Clutch Wear Manual:

Some owners reported premature clutch wear, though this can be highly dependent on driving habits and off-road use.

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Reports of early catalytic converter failure, particularly on models with higher mileage or subjected to extreme conditions.

Door Seal Leaks:

Common issue with water leaks around doors and hardtop seals, especially in heavy rain or car washes.

Heater Core Failures:

Some instances of heater core leaks, leading to coolant loss and cabin fogging.

Importance For Offroad:

Crucial for identifying specific parts needed for off-road upgrades or repairs, as many JK owners extensively modify their vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Origins:

Jeep's lineage traces back to World War II military vehicles, establishing its reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.

Predecessor Model:

Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2006)

Jk Introduction:

The JK generation debuted for the 2007 model year, representing a significant redesign from the TJ. It was the first Wrangler to offer a four-door 'Unlimited' version.

Key Jk Changes Vs Tj:

Wider track, coil springs on all four corners (TJ had rear coil), more interior space, improved on-road manners, available electronic stability control, and the introduction of the longer wheelbase Unlimited model.

Assembly Plant:

Toledo North Assembly Plant, Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

Consistently recognized by off-road publications and enthusiasts for its superior off-road capability, often winning 'Best 4x4' or similar accolades within its class.

Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards:

The JK platform itself has received automotive awards for its engineering and design innovations.