Advice on TJ vs LJ

[Randy_K]

I have had my 2006 TJ a year and a half now. It is getting closer to the Jeep I want. I have come across a 2005 Jeep LJ. The LJ is priced right and if im lucky it will cost a few grand more then I can sell my TJ for after I strip off most of the goodies. The one thing wrong with my TJ is that it does not tow my 1,700 lb pop up camper well.

Is a LJ worth the hassle of moving upgrades over and a few grand ? This is the LJ

and my TJ

 

[Boinked]

I have had my 2006 TJ a year and a half now. It is getting closer to the Jeep I want. I have come across a 2005 Jeep LJ. The LJ is priced right and if im lucky it will cost a few grand more then I can sell my TJ for after I strip off most of the goodies. The one thing wrong with my TJ is that it does not tow my 1,700 lb pop up camper well.

Is a LJ worth the hassle of moving upgrades over and a few grand ? This is the LJ
View attachment 54327 and my TJView attachment 54328

That would be a personal choice.
Is 12 inches worth it. Many if not all of the LJ guys will say yes.

 

[FireJeep]

I have an LJ and love it, I have never had a TJ but did have a CJ5, it rode like a buck board wagon!!! What is wrong with the TJ towing the trailer? Lack of power? The LJ will not fix that, it is actually heavier and has less available power for towing due to that. Wheel base would be a benefit, longer wheel base helps the stability while towing......

 

[Sancho]

That would be a personal choice.
Is 12 inches worth it. Many if not all of the LJ guys will say yes.

Hmm.. so you LJ guys like the inches huh? Thats what she said!


Btw.. the increased cargo room of an LJ can go a long way. Tj guys like me would love those extra inches.

She also said that!?

 

[bobthetj03]

Oh @tomtaylz !

 

[Boinked]

Oh @tomtaylz !

No no no its hey!!!!! @Chris

 

[bobthetj03]

No no no its hey!!!!! @Chris

@tomtaylz just went thru this, from owning a TJ, to just recently getting an LJ, so thought he might have some input for the OP.

 

[Boinked]

@tomtaylz just went thru this, from owning a TJ, to just recently getting an LJ, so thought he might have some input for the OP.

Ohhh.... my bad i just thought we were tagging the LJ owners.

 

[bobthetj03]

Ohhh.... my bad i just thought we were tagging the LJ owners.

Actually, we can put Chris it that category as well, now that you mentioned it.

 

[Camdenst]

Having had both, a 97 TJ and now an 05 LJ... LJ all the way. It’s so nice having a trunk and there is a massive amount of space compared to a TJ. The only thing I miss on the TJ is the pull for the headlights. I also kinda miss the ax-15... the 6 speed is nice, I feel the 5 speed was way smoother.

 

[Starrs]

LJ all day long lol. With the appropriate lift and 35s it’s a look that cannot be beat. I just feel that the higher the SWB version gets it starts to look goofy. The extra 12” really helps when lifted. LJR is a classic look.

 

[tomtaylz]

Yep I just went through it with the TJ last week, the TJ sold quick so it worked out decent for me.

For me it was the space, I was filling up the TJ quick without really “testing” storage space (ie 3 passengers). I wasn’t too far in to the TJ only having done a suspension lift and other items I took with me so I decided to switch. I just got the LJ but it’s great so far and I see it matching my lifestyle a lot more and what I really want to get out of the Jeep.

Here was my dilemma: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/lj-dilemma.12581/

There wasn’t many people who did the same switch that regretted it and there’s some great insight by current owners.

@tomtaylz just went thru this, from owning a TJ, to just recently getting an LJ, so thought he might have some input for the OP.

Starting a movement!

 

[GTboosted]

LJ is worth it specially since you are towing.

It also looks better to me. I own a TJ lol

 

[Chris]

It’s all personal choice. I prefer the looks of the TJ. The LJ needs 35s at minimum to look right.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

On the fact Unlimited can carry more gear, of course they can. If that's important to you, that's what you need to go with. For me, I've never not had enough room to carry what I needed in my TJ. If it won't fit, I will do without it And after 22 years of that, I've never wished for more storage room.

And I like its shorter wheelbase for the type of wheeling I do. It has a better breakover angle than an LJ that would need a taller suspension lift and bigger tires to achieve the same breakover angle. A good breakover angle is a key thing for the trails I enjoy most.

 

[JDS123]

Both the TJ and the LJ have their advantages and their disadvantages. In my opinion, the LJ's have been over hyped because they were only produced for a few years. And, at least in the wheeling I do, I would much much rather have my TJ than an LJ. I'm constantly weaving between tight trees, oftentimes pivoting around trees using my rear tire. I don't think I'd be able to do that with an LJ.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. For my uses, a TJ is much better than an LJ. But if you need more space or you are towing, an LJ might be the right choice. But I wouldn't buy an LJ just because everyone hypes them up to be the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[jmm45]

If I had to do it over again (and I might), I would probably go LJ. I have two kids and a dog, and the extra space would be great. The bonus is you can get away with less modification to go higher on lift, though it's probably tempting to go bigger on the rubber and spend more. Our TJ is a third vehicle mostly for play so we get by okay. The dog gets left if needed lol.

 

[TJ2]

My vote for the shorter wheel base with the boots.

 

[Boinked]

The dog gets left if needed lol.

How dare you leave the dogs.

The order of importance is

1. Yourself
2. Dogs
3. Food
4. Wife
5. Kids

 

[Ted]

I run rocks, mud, water and haven't had any more problems than the TJ's. And simply put wheels the JK's. And both the TJ and JK owners I wheel with would like to have an LJ.