Well.. the day has come... I have a (IMHO) well built TJ rubicon, 4 inch lift with Core 4x4 arms with JJ at one end, antirock, 5.38s with chromolies in the rear, tummy tucked with several skid plates, bedrug, sound system, wranglerfix PCM and all the goodies we talk about in this forum.. but... I'm just about to sell it.. and that's because I found an extremely low milage, non-abused LJ Rubicon... it has 4.88s gears with metalcloak 3.5in gamechanger lift, other than that is pretty stock... my question would be... considering that I'm considerably well informed about the suspension needs for a TJ... are the LJs pretty much the same? the same DC driveshafts requirements, the same tummy tucks requirements, the same MML requirements, the same trackbars requirements, etc etc..? is there anything I should be aware of? I'm considering in taking some of the stuff in my TJ to the LJ, like the mats, speakers, headlights (they are brand new).. so.. what should I expect different from this LJ to my previous TJ... or they are just the same ??
Are things different from the TJ to the LJ?
- Thread starter Don Bulee
- Start date
LJ is just a TJ with a big ass. Everything is basically the same, other than rear driveshaft length.
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Everything is the same. You've just got a slightly longer driveline on the Unlimited which means driveshaft angles won't be as steep. A nice added bonus for sure.
You can move those things over.
Everything is the same from the front back until you get to the rear seat. It has more legroom. Rear axle is farther back. There is more tub behind the rear axle (big ass @TheBoogieman illustrated so well).
you have (or had) an LJ right Chris? was it better on rocks than the TJ? what are your thoughts about the LJ against the TJ? what would be your opinion? I'm changing my rubicon mostly because I have two kiddos and my TJ is simply not enough space, but the added 10 inches of wheel base would definitely be appreciated because I wheel mostly in rocks.. and last question... 37s are still out of the ecuation due to the axles right? I know that 37s would require better breaking, better wheelbase, better engine (stroker maybe) and better axles than a rubicon dana 44, but.. considering I can improve the breaking and the engine... (Im planning to do it some day) would chromoly with the dana's 44 are still not enough? if I want 37s I would need to swap my axles? thanks!
Powelligator
New Member
Depending on the year of your TJ there might be some differences under the hood. All LJ Rubicons were made in the last two years of the 4.0L engine, which means they all have the '05 and '06 weird tweaks that DaimlerChrysler had to do to get the 4.0 past federal emissions. Throttle body is different, fuel pump and injectors are different, I think the ECU is also different. That said, if your TJ is an '05 or '06 then it's all the same and you're good.
I'd rather have the longer wheelbase over the shorter wheelbase any day of the week. You get more room, more highway stability (it seems to ride better due to the longer wheelbase), etc.
The only possible downside I could think of would be a reduced break-over angle. However, that can easily be compensated by either a lift and bigger tires or in many cases just picking a different line / route.
37s are still out of the question due to axles and other things, yes. 35s is as big as you'll want to go.
If you want 37s you'll need to go with some 1-ton axles (Dana 60s). I see no point. You'll be just fine on 35s unless you're doing some extreme wheeling.
Dana 44s with upgraded axle shafts, lockers, and 35s is what I'd stick with!
yes, I'm changing my 06 rubicon TJ for an 06 rubicon LJ..
Do you have a replacement PCM from @Wranglerfix - might want to consider moving it to the LJ - sure Mark's team could do any necessary reprogramming.
-Mac
-Mac
Lj = Best J
You'll always get the "Ohh dude that's an LJ" like "Mmmhm yessir
"
Jokes aside, At times I wish It could be a Tj when coming down from obstacles since the rear end is longer on a Lj. But I'll stretch my Lj someday to compensate
You'll always get the "Ohh dude that's an LJ" like "Mmmhm yessir
"Jokes aside, At times I wish It could be a Tj when coming down from obstacles since the rear end is longer on a Lj. But I'll stretch my Lj someday to compensate
had both, swapped a lot of parts in between with them parked side by side. Year for year they're identical except in the ways they have to be different by virtue of 10" of wheelbase and 15" of tub. Driveshaft, roll bar, any cables, wiring, hoses or lines that go to the rear, carpet, top. Aftermarket rock sliders/rocker guards and corner armor, obviously. There are some optional TJ features that are standard on LJ like the 30" tire package and Dana 44 rear axle.
I have the OEM one for my TJ, I bought my PCM from Mark due to an incorrect diagnose of the shop, it was some wires that were damaged that ones causing the limp.. so the OEM PCM should be good for my TJ and the @Wranglerfix one I'm sure Mark can reprogram it for the new VIN in the LJ...
Hasselblad
TJ Enthusiast
LJ for sure. The extra space completely changes the math on what you can take with you.
What’s different?
When you drive an LJ, women you don’t know wink at you at red lights.
Strangers high five you.
Your banker will ask you to spot him a 20.
When you drive an LJ, women you don’t know wink at you at red lights.
Strangers high five you.
Your banker will ask you to spot him a 20.
Hey, hey, hey. Not all of us LJ's have big asses....
To the OP - If you are comparing an LJ to a TJ from a wheeling perspective - especially in rocks - there is a problem. Unless you are building big, as correctly noted above the axles will limit you to 35" tires on both platforms. In most cases (with a few exceptions), all things being equal, a TJ on 35's will out wheel an LJ on 35's. The wheelbase, breakover angle, departure angle, and turning radius do make a difference.
Now, if you are going to build big, the LJ becomes a better platform in my opinion. When you get into serious mods like axles, stretch, removing the big ass, and adding big power, the extra wheelbase makes a positive difference.
Now outside of wheeling, the LJ does have many advantages. Space, towing capacity, overall drive comfort, among them.
All depends on what is important to your needs, and what your plans are.
That said, I am obviously an LJ fan, and would go that direction. But go in with eyes open on all aspects.
Hey, hey, hey. Not all of us LJ's have big asses....
To the OP - If you are comparing an LJ to a TJ from a wheeling perspective - especially in rocks - there is a problem. Unless you are building big, as correctly noted above the axles will limit you to 35" tires on both platforms. In most cases (with a few exceptions), all things being equal, a TJ on 35's will out wheel an LJ on 35's. The wheelbase, breakover angle, departure angle, and turning radius do make a difference.
Now, if you are going to build big, the LJ becomes a better platform in my opinion. When you get into serious mods like axles, stretch, removing the big ass, and adding big power, the extra wheelbase makes a positive difference.
Now outside of wheeling, the LJ does have many advantages. Space, towing capacity, overall drive comfort, among them.
All depends on what is important to your needs, and what your plans are.
That said, I am obviously an LJ fan, and would go that direction. But go in with eyes open on all aspects.
Thanks for the input... I plan to keep my LJ forever... So eventually better axles and ls swap will be in the list.. Right now my priority is to have enough space for a cooler and chairs each time I go to the Beach with my kids..
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