DIY Fix: Replacing the Lower Intake Manifold on My 2008 Jeep Wrangler (3.8L V6)

Before the tear-down: My ‘08 JK looking innocent under the hood. Little did I know the coolant wars were about to begin.

Hey folks, welcome to my corner of the web—CNG Adventures, where I chronicle off-road mishaps, garage triumphs, and the occasional “why did I buy a Jeep?” moment. If you’re a Wrangler owner staring at a check engine light and a $1,200 shop quote for a lower intake manifold replacement, this post is your lifeline. I tackled this on my 2008 JK (3.8L V6) last weekend in my driveway, armed with basic tools and a YouTube playlist. Total cost: ~$250 in parts. Time: 6 hours (plus beer breaks). Skill level: Intermediate weekend mechanic.