Looking to upgrade from new Bronco to older Jeep Wrangler TJ

deserteagle56 said:
What kind of RPMS was the engine turning with those gears? My TJ has the stock 4.10 gears and at 60 I seem to remember it is already around 2500 rpm (33" tires).
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Somewhere between 3500 and 4500 in third and fourth gear. Cruising at 75mph is 3k.
 
DBow14 said:
Okay, so my story is I have a newer 2022 Bronco Badlands, 2 door with a manual. Problem is it has way more issues than any other Ford I have ever owned, Ford will not stand by their product, so I am wanting a more simple, yet tough and reliable alternative. It seems the latest version of a TJ gets me closest to what I want if I can find one. I like the I-6 idea, I like the manual transmission and Rubicon seems to be most closely matched to my Bronco. I liked my Bronco, it seemed to be mechancially sound, but it is ridden with computer and other software glitches to which I would find hard to diagnosis let alone fix. I know Jeeps are known for some reliability issues too. But I'm wondering if the Jeep I describe was the best they have been. I understand the earlier TJ's had drum brakes and a 5 speed. So if I should find a good example of a later TJ, what should I be on the lookout for as far as issues? If I could find a low mileage unit, what should I expect to pay? Any other info would be very helpful. I am a recovering Ford guy, have always loved my Fords, but the company under the current management and major quality issues....well I just can't get behind that.
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Bummer about the issues with the Bronco, Dbow14. We have a 2015 F150 and other than a few small, non-issue issues, it's been a great rig.

We just picked up a 2004 TJ Rubicon and it has 60k miles on the clock. Personally, we looked a long time for this particular model for the reasons others have stated. (modernized interior, no 2005-2006 computer issues, modern coil on plug tech, etc., etc)
  • Budget: I'll say that budgeting around 18-22k for a stock or slightly modded rig is realistic. For one like ours, with many mods, i'd say more like $25-30k is fairly common, though deals can be found if you look around.
  • Drivability: As far as drivability - my other car is a Honda civic, so night and day comparison, but as a Jeep guy, having driven JK/JL's as well as CJ2A's/CJ5's - the TJ is by far my favorite and to us, just the right blend of comfort and basic modern upgrades (heat, A/C, great hard top/soft top, seats, radio, HID lights, full cage, fuel injection, power steering and brakes, etc)
  • Durability: within reason, these rigs are bombproof. Our's has already been over the Rubicon on 35's via the previous owner, which is pretty much the toughest trail we plan on running.
  • Reliability: My opinion (we've had many Jeeps) is that TJ's/XJ's are very reliable and very easy to work on as long as you keep up on preventative maintenance and use quality replacement parts. My previous TJ had 60k with no issues, my XJ had 250k when sold, and I'm expecting that this TJ will be just as trouble-free (a few little things here and there, aside) like alternators, batteries, or wear items like steering parts due to the lift and tires.
  • Style: We also love the narrow body style for parking, tight trails and the light weight for towing with our F150.
  • As far as size and storage, we're a family of 5, with one off at college, and this rig will fit 5 in a pinch. It'll easily fit 4 for short drives around town and 2 for longer road trips just fine. If you have a backpackers/motorcycle rider's mentality about packing and on-board gear, you'll do fine. (and like us, if you plan to tow, the rest of the gear can get stowed in the pickup bed.
 
I don't understand the fear about the PCM issues in the 2005-2006. If you have an auto it's $600 and if it's a manual it's $1,200, small compared to the cost of the vehicle, so explain to the seller and try to get a discount for it, then replace it *if* the problems ever show themselves.

Steve Coogan Shrug GIF


Andy
 
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For your stated purposes and usage a TJ would be a good vehicle. You could also add teaching your kids basic mechanical skills as the TJ is very easy to work on. I agree with the previous comment regarding the LJ, although I am a little biased. You would need to look for and 05-06 if you wanted a manual. The PCM issue mostly effected the autos. The OPDA is an easy fix if it hasn't already been done. My father has an 05 manual that he has daily driven since he bought it new. It's creeping up on 200k and has never had a major repair. Being that you are in Florida a Rubicon might be a premium you don't need to pay for. Unless you plan to take it north to some rocks the 4:1 transfer case can be a bit low. I've had a couple of manual Rubicons and found for trail riding when using 4 low I was constantly shifting gears. Also, if you end up in some mud then the NP231's higher ratio would be better.
If you haven't driven one, definitely go for a test drive. The best driving TJ will still be far from a new Bronco. If you want to split the difference 16-18 JK's have proven to be decent. They still suffer from some electrical gremlins and are significantly more complicated compared to a TJ. However, parts are still being made for them which is a plus. The TJ is getting harder to find decent replacement parts and a lot of the aftermarket vendors are moving away from the platform.
I daily drive the same truck you do. 2013 XLT with the 5.0 and have enjoyed it. I've literally driven the thing from coast to coast and the only issue it has ever had in a 128k miles is a leaky pinion seal. I would love a newer one but agree that Fords quality has fallen very low.
 
AndyA said:
I don't understand the fear about the PCM issues in the 2005-2006. If you have an auto it's $600 and if it's a manual it's $1,200, small compared to the cost of the vehicle, so explain to the seller and try to get a discount for it, then replace it *if* the problems ever show themselves.

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Andy
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Good point and plan 👍🏻
 
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Harold&Cat said:
We have had our 2004 Lj for over ten years and have loved every minute . The longer wheelbase than the TJ gives it a slightly smoother ride and the extra cargo space has proven to be invaluable . When trail riding we easily carry recovery gear , a chainsaw , a decent size ice chest , a medical kit , the "blue bag" of snacks and other odds and ends . While camping we've also used it to haul firewood .At home it's a great grocery getter with the rear seat flipped up . I also really like having the disc brakes on the rear , easy to inspect and change as well as excellent braking .
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Awe, the “blue bag” of snacks, are you sure it makes it into the LJ?
 
AndyA said:
I don't understand the fear about the PCM issues in the 2005-2006. If you have an auto it's $600 and if it's a manual it's $1,200, small compared to the cost of the vehicle, so explain to the seller and try to get a discount for it, then replace it *if* the problems ever show themselves.

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Andy
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Agreed. I’m no expert but I looked up the prices one time out of curiosity and was surprised the manual was more than the automatic. I had assumed it would be the opposite since manuals have less electronics.
 
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