2004-2006 LJ vs LJ Rubicon

[FamilyFunWagon]

LJR has the better transfer case. Definitely need more details on each rig to properly compare/contrast.

Yeah. The transfer case is the one thing that has stopped me from pulling the trigger. I had a 2004 rubicon that I loved. But, I have always wanted a LJ.

The built rig has Black Magic brakes, slip yoke eliminator, metalcloack fenders, savvy armor, savvy tummy tuck, savvy sliders, AllJProducts front and rear bumpers, Warn Winch, Arb dual and single compressors. 35's, decent sound system.

The Rubicon looks to be pretty stock with the exception of the cheap lift. So, that actually adds no value to me. As I would just end up replacing it anyways.

 

[FamilyFunWagon]

Yeah. The transfer case is the one thing that has stopped me from pulling the trigger. I had a 2004 rubicon that I loved. But, I have always wanted a LJ.

The built rig has Black Magic brakes, slip yoke eliminator, metalcloack fenders, savvy armor, savvy tummy tuck, savvy sliders, AllJProducts front and rear bumpers, Warn Winch, Arb dual and single compressors. 35's, decent sound system.

The Rubicon looks to be pretty stock with the exception of the cheap lift. So, that actually adds no value to me. As I would just end up replacing it anyways.

Neither look as though they were beat up.

 

[FamilyFunWagon]

Both are really clean, considering they are 22 years old.

 

[suicideking]

What if the LJ has ARB lockers front and rear and 4.88 gears, Currie lift, rear outboard, savvy sliders and underbelly, etc. Built by Quinn at AllJProducts.

Just curious. I also found a LJR with about the same mileage, but has the cheap RC 3" lift. I am torn between the two. About the same price.

With no other details, I'd take the first LJ with the Currie lift and other parts you mentioned.

For the second one, I wouldn't consider an RC 3" lift to be a good thing. I'd plan on replacing that if the LJR had other good things going for it.

The main thing you will be missing is the TC. The Rubi TC is a great thing to have compared to the non Rubi TC.

 

[Ashim]

What if the LJ has ARB lockers front and rear and 4.88 gears, Currie lift, rear outboard, savvy sliders and underbelly, etc. Built by Quinn at AllJProducts.

Just curious. I also found a LJR with about the same mileage, but has the cheap RC 3" lift. I am torn between the two. About the same price.

I would definitely go with the first. ARB lockers w/4.88. OEM lockers in TJR and LJR are a weak link in my experience.

 

[RHanna]

First all the way. If you spent the money on the Rubicon to get the same setup I would guess it would be a lot more expensive than a used rubicon transfer case, probably even more expensive than an atlas transfer case.

 

[FamilyFunWagon]

First all the way. If you spent the money on the Rubicon to get the same setup I would guess it would be a lot more expensive than a used rubicon transfer case, probably even more expensive than an atlas transfer case.

Very true. Do you guys know if the NP 241 is a direct fit? If I could find one used or at a junk yard?

 

[RHanna]

Very true. Do you guys know if the NP 241 is a direct fit? If I could find one used or at a junk yard?

Don't know about fit but I doubt it's as easy as swapping a different 231. Maybe input shaft differences. You might find one at a junkyard but you would be extremely lucky that they wouldn't know the value. I'd look at facebook marketplace.

 

[Arthurius]

this is a quote from @Rickyd i found that sums up some differences between the 231 & 241. Linked the OP below it.

The np241j has different size ujoints. On the front a 1310 yoke can be installed on the rear i don't know what your options are. Expect to need driveshaft mods,the entire shift linkage from the 241 and wiring changes or just lose the dumb light on the dash that lets idiots know they are in 4x4. Also an electronic speedo correction device since the np241j doesn't use a speedo gear

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/231-to-241-transfer-case-swap.81253/post-1620467

 

[Arthurius]

The electronic speedo gear on the Rubicon tcase is a pain, i wish the 241 used the same mechanical method the 231 uses.

My speedometer is off and i don't want to futz around with a dongle and an app to fix it.

 

[Arthurius]

Here's another post from @Steel City 06 that also describes the swap, with some info from Novak Adapters.

As far as I know, there’s no difference in the input shafts.
This article might give a bit more background:
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np241orA couple things to note:
The TJ Rubicon transfer case has an electronic speed sensor instead of a gear. I’m not quite familiar with the solution.
As the case is larger, you may need the rear driveshaft (and possibly the front) to be altered.

You might also consider the Atlas 2 or 4 speed transfer cases, as the amount of work to install is probably a bit more and the price a bit more, but you can select ratios between 2:1 and 5:1 for the 2 speed or 1.5:1 to 10.44:1 for the 4 speed. They’re at least equal in strength if not significantly stronger than the stock cases.
https://www.advanceadapters.com/categories/atlas-transfer-cases/234/

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/np241-swap.25829/post-417018

 

[suicideking]

You might also consider the Atlas 2 or 4 speed transfer cases, as the amount of work to install is probably a bit more and the price a bit more

It's more than 'a bit more'. It's significantly more, thousands of dollars. IIRC, it's more than double the cost when you consider the cost of the Atlas + labor costs.

I don't remember the details or figures. Though when I thought my 241 was going bad, I discussed with Blaine the price difference between replacing with another 241, or going with an Atlas. After that discussion, I was planning to try and find another 241. Luckily, it wasn't a problem with my tcase, it was a driveshaft problem. That was a relief.

Sure, the end result is much better with an Atlas, but it's not cheap.

 

[AndyG]

What if the LJ has ARB lockers front and rear and 4.88 gears, Currie lift, rear outboard, savvy sliders and underbelly, etc. Built by Quinn at AllJProducts.

Just curious. I also found a LJR with about the same mileage, but has the cheap RC 3" lift. I am torn between the two. About the same price.

It’s going to be close to a Rubicon with that build except for the transfer case- If you’re in the rocks the 241 is killer.

I would have to step back and look at the condition of both vehicles probably sleep all on it.... or lose sleep

 

[Apparition]

What tranny is in them? 4.88 isn’t right for a 42RLE on 35’s but the 42RLE does make adding a rubicrawler a possibility.

 

[astjp2]

What if the LJ has ARB lockers front and rear and 4.88 gears, Currie lift, rear outboard, savvy sliders and underbelly, etc. Built by Quinn at AllJProducts.

Just curious. I also found a LJR with about the same mileage, but has the cheap RC 3" lift. I am torn between the two. About the same price.

I would get the one with the ARB’s if you want functionality over a name…

 

[LONGJP2]

The built rig has Black Magic brakes, slip yoke eliminator, metalcloack fenders, savvy armor, savvy tummy tuck, savvy sliders, AllJProducts front and rear bumpers, Warn Winch, Arb dual and single compressors. 35's, decent sound system.

What axles?
The LJR has 44s.

 

[FamilyFunWagon]

it still has the factory 30/40. It does have black magic big brake kit though.

 

[Camdenst]

New York Thread '2006 Unlimited Rubicon'

Apr 24, 2025

I’m on Long Island ny. All aftermarket parts have about 3k miles. It has :

4 inch Currie short arm lift with LJ rear specific spring. All new adjustable arms and track bar

Black magic rotors and pads with new calipers

Antirock sway bar

Rancho 5000x shocks

285/75/16s on stock rubicon wheels

Zj steering upgrade tie Rods and ends

All new u joints

Morryde tailgate reinforcement hinges

Rear bumper with hitch

Cb radio

New battery

Frame has no rust and was internally and externally frame coated with Eastwood products. Have extra cans if wanted. Never driven in the winter. I bought it...

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