Best TJ Features

[mrblaine]

Is the Engine really bullet proof when the electronic components and computer can shut everything down every other day rendering it a chunk of metal full of oil lol

Hey now, that's my line. Every conversation I see where folks use the excuse that they don't want to add the complexity of wiring in an ARB compressor gets the example of how complex the wiring already is where simply cutting one wire will render a TJ Undriveable.

 

[Bsulzberger]

Hey now, that's my line. Every conversation I see where folks use the excuse that they don't want to add the complexity of wiring in an ARB compressor gets the example of how complex the wiring already is where simply cutting one wire will render a TJ Undriveable.

True, I was wiring my fog lights to the the multifunction switch and I felt like I was on the bomb squad and worried I’d clip the wrong wire and that is a simple one.

 

[JeepingNet]

I remember attending a Jeep Jamboree in early 2003 and there had been a roamer of the Rubicon but we truly didn't believe it. The idea of dana 44 front, lockers and a 4 to 1 transfer case with mud tires just seemed too good to be true. At that time dealerships would refuse any warranty work if you even had a tad bit of dirt on your jeep.

This was right before all the manufacture started with all the crazy builds and options they have today. Back then it was a standard 3 models and everything was pretty basic. Things like the Raptor or Hellcat were not even thoughts.. It really felt like the industry was going in a different direction.

Then they brought out the Rubicon at the event and told us it would be at the dealerships in a few weeks we all went nuts. It was literal the only thing anyone talked about at the event for the rest of the weekend. It was my dream to own one and since then have owned 3 I was and still am most impressed by the option of a 4 to 1 transfercase.

 

[AndyG]

It is surely misunderstood. It is heavy, low output, low revving, horribly inefficient, and so difficult to bring up to modern standards that it was discontinued. It is barely tolerable to drag the TJ around in stock form. Everything you do to the rig after that affects the engine not in a good way. The only plus is that it is reasonably reliable.

That’s it in a nutshell...I’d appreciate it a lot lore at 255- 265 more horses.

 

[ColoJeep]

Q: Why do TJ owners have a hole in the rear left shoulder of all their shirts?
A: They are always patting themselves on the back for getting one!

I always thought it was to match their jeans with a ripped off belt loop.

 

[TheBoogieman]

It makes me wonder if Jeep even cares, because they'll sell them no matter what (just like RC and their shit lifts). Jeep needs a huge Hemi engine to compete and lose to a Ford Ecoboost with a store bought tuner. My brother's F-150 tuned Ecoboost on 35s is miles above his tuned JK. HP numbers above 500 and torque is unreal at 600 +. Apples vs old rotten apples .

 

[Zorba]

I would put reliability of the 4.0 at the top of my list, granted I had a bad head and blew it, I still think the 4.0 is under appreciated by most

Everybody here knows I'm an "odd duck" - but I *always* put the engine at the very top of my list of considerations when shopping for a vehicle. That's why I'm always talking about the Mercedes OM-617 diesel, the GMC big block V6, the Ford 300 straight six, the IHC 6.9l diesel, and yes - the AMC series of straight sixes. Even the little Fiat "Pop" we have became a front runner after I researched its "Multi-Air" engine and drove one - it has an amazing amount of low end grunt for what it is! We'll see if it has the longevity that I consider essential, but so far so good.

By comparison, the rest of the vehicle is merely a contraption that the engine lives in. Fast twirling engines are all the rage these days, but I like lots of power at low RPM and utter reliability.

 

[TheGanzman]

Best TJ feature - it's NOT a JK! I'm a watch aficionado as well; interestingly enough, when Rolex went from the Submariner Ref#14060 to the 114060 (and up from there), most felt that they RUINED the simple, clean, uncluttered design; to wit: bigger, bulkier case without the delicate lines of ALL previous Rolex Submariners, removal of the lug holes on the sides to facilitate quick & easy strap/bracelet changes, extra text on the dial and "anti-counterfeit" repetitive "Rolex" all around the rehaut area, and fatter hands. Reminds me too of how Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge Ram trucks now have evolved to fucking HUGE billboard tailgate "pronouncements" that Stevie Wonder could read from a mile away, and ginormous grille logos. "Gee - is that a Ford Raptor? I never would have guessed!" (Insert sarcasm emoji HERE)

 

[bucky]

It makes me wonder if Jeep even cares, because they'll sell them no matter what (just like RC and their shit lifts). Jeep needs a huge Hemi engine to compete and lose to a Ford Ecoboost with a store bought tuner. My brother's F-150 tuned Ecoboost on 35s is miles above his tuned JK. HP numbers above 500 and torque is unreal at 600 +. Apples vs old rotten apples .

Let’s see 500hp 4” lift and and a teenage driver what will you get? The low power engine is there to protect us idiots that complain that our short wheel base top heavy Jeeps won’t go over 80 mph. If Jeep put a Helcat engine in, we would drive it like a Helcat.

 

[C5TJ]

The best soft top systems ever.

Tell me more!

 

[mastergunnera8]

1. Roll up windows
2. I can reach over and roll up the passenger window

 

[LarryTJ]

Fold down/lay down the front window option.

 

[C5TJ]

1. Short wheelbase - less bottoming out and high centering
2. Approach and departure angles are pretty great
3. Carries its own larger spare tire externally without much trouble
4. Gigantic aftermarket support
5. Doors and tops come off, easily
6. Coil springs - so much better than the YJ!
7. Manual transmission
8. Possibly the best updating of a classic body style of any vehicle
9. An engine that embodies the phrase: "if you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough"
10. Fenders that work with or are easily modified for larger tires
11. Cheap replacement parts and a simple design for DIY mechanics
12. Round headlights!
13. It's basically a blank canvas to customize

 

[InOmaha]

Don't know. I looked at all sorts of stuff. And ended up loving the thing. Smaller and better than the 4drs. Utilitarian.

I'd have bought an old Toyota if they weren't so hard to find and expensive.

It was between an LJ and CJ8. I found the LJ first.

More HP better gas mileage engine would be great, but it rides and shifts like a tractor or farm truck so I drive it more like one. My mini weighs 1000 lbs less and has 168 hp to the TJs 190 hp. It's weight to hp ratio is way better and the PO put on even lighter wheels.

The first thing we do is get bigger tires, a big ass heavy spare, a winch, armor, and hundreds of extra lbs of shit. Then complain the ratio got worse. No shit. They designed it for one weight, not what your piggy weighs now. They could have come standard with a supercharger I guess. What are the specs on the GM 3.8L (or was it 3.1) supercharged V6. That was a solid engine.

 

[downthepines]

Last of the great jeeps.

 

[Rubicon88]

This thread is the diametric opposite of a current thread that points out the TJs flaws.

What do you see as its strong points?

Heres my take-

A timeless body style. It embodies the best elements of most all previous models.

A more protective roll cage that looks good and serves other purposes (speakers, lights, grab handles)

The best soft top systems ever.

An easier to access area behind the back seat.

Good seats. Pre ‘03 are great seats.

Great highway manners. Granted this normally is tossed out the window with bad lifts and other mods.

Simplicity- while they are far more complex than their predecessors, the TJ is basic by modern vehicle standards.

Affordable parts. A mirror for my F250 is 1400.00. a TJ mirror can be had for about 60 bucks.

Agile and Maneuverible. No question on this.

Capable. Rubicon=Extremely Capable.

The half door option

Mechanically Sound - it really doesn’t win awards for its’ output numbers or transmission performance, but if you take off into the wild in one with other comparable vehicles following you, the TJ will most likely go the farthest and be the hardest to kill.

Good cabin comfort- this is a given to most owners, but for everyone that had CJ’s and had to give your date a blanket, you know what I’m talking about.

Love to hear more from you guys.

We can ramble on all day about this like the dislikes...
Why not take the time and do a poll.
Much easier to glance at what most people's number 1 positive of this platform.

 

[AndyG]

We can ramble on all day about this like the dislikes...
Why not take the time and do a poll.
Much easier to glance at what most people's number 1 positive of this platform.

Because polls don’t engage people like discussions do. The TJ is amazing that is has so many major bad features at the same time is so great to own.

 

[Bionic_Scorpion]

I like the short wheel base and tight turning radius. You can get it in and out of just about anywhere.

 

[Brianj5600]

Good, that means I don't have to skin those uppers and install the soft top.

Get aholt of flyin Ryan yet to tune your electronic nanny?

You would be surprised what the extra power of the tune does to make the 42rle behave. I never touch the OD button anymore.

 

[JMT]

The driver of a TJ is the best feature, hands down.