Very true. I like the style and look of the JK, but the TJ/LJ just seems more traditional to me. The longer wheelbase of the JK unlimited does provide an advantage over the short wheelbase the TJ offers.
Not yet, I've been on the hunt for a 2005-2006 LJ Rubi Manuel trans. Everything I find is either a huge rust bucket beat all to hell and back or it's a automatic transmission.
Thanks. I won't stop looking. Lol. Do you know of any good sites to narrow down my search? I've tried the norm like autotrader, cars, etc. I even found a site that just post jeeps but doesn't seem to be very active these days.
I and many other more experienced Jeepers will recommend any model year Rubicon or TJ except 2005-2006. 4.0L engines from those two model years have an oil-pump drive assembly problem that is not always easily fixed, or fixed for long. If you want an LJ Rubicon, I'd stick with a 2003 or 2004 which are far more trouble-free. My 2004 has been fine.
I and many other more experienced Jeepers will recommend any model year Rubicon or TJ except 2005-2006. 4.0L engines from those two model years have an oil-pump drive assembly problem that is not always easily fixed, or fixed for long. If you want an LJ Rubicon, I'd stick with a 2003 or 2004 which are far more trouble-free. My 2004 has been fine.
Also, the 6-speed is a lighter-duty transmission that gives more problems than the previous NV3500. The 6-speed was only available in the 2005-6 models so you'll either have to settle for the better/stronger 5-speed or go with the automatic which is a better transmission choice for more technically challenging course. Not because you don't have to shift, because the automatic gives an infinitely low 1st gear ratio and it multiplies torque (yes) 2-3X over that of a manual transmission (yes too) when you're accelerating up & over an obstacle or leaving from a stop.
The nice thing about going from a JK to a TJ is that TJs are a LOT easier to work on and modify. Good decision to go that way!
. In fact, I think there were dang few available in 04.Well. Shit.
I bought my 2006 LJ Rubi automatic a month ago. Somehow I missed this info until now. 
Well. Shit.
What should I do about it if selling isn't an option? Anything to be done before the problem hits? Anything I should be listening for or looking for to fix it before something catastrophic happens?
Is he part of the Just Jeeps of Omaha club? We just made a trip to the Tuttle Creek ORV park in Kansas for some wheeling and camping. It was a blast! Tell him to look for the club on Facebook if he's not already a member. We do other activities as a group too, like pulling tractors to their starting area for tractor pulls and donating Christmas gifts to local kids in foster care.Hey, xenocryst, just noticed your locale. My oldest is stationed there... has an '03 TJ.
