New Jeep owner

[Dick Thompson]

Just picked up a 2005 Rubicon unlimited sahara with 74000 miles never been off road. Has zero rust and is in perfect condition. I wasnt really in the market and stumbled into this thing. Sorry having probs upoading pics from ipadI have some questions:

This is gonna be my daily driver for the next year. My offroading will be limited to fire roads and Avocado orchards. I will also be towing my Bass boat.

I am thinking OME DPG ultimate kit and running 33inch BFGs tires on the stock rims.

Do I need to do anything drivetrain wise other than the Motor mount kit and lowering TC?

Since this is a sahara edition, should I be concerned about modifying this thing? I dont plan on selling it, but how much are these things going for?

Thanks DT

 

[Dick Thompson]

Here’s a pic

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Welcome to the Jeep world Dick, that's a very nice and clean looking Rubicon! For a 4" suspension lift, you'll likely be good as-is with your Unlimited's extra wheelbase. That kit actually looks pretty complete as is, I think you'll like the results afterward!

What size tires do you plan to run and how heavy is the combined weight of your fully loaded bass boat and trailer? And is your new Jeep an automatic or does it have a manual transmission?

 

[No.IL.2005LJ]

Here’s a pic

Welcome fellow noob with a 2005 LJ...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dick Thompson]

It's a 6 speed manual and the boat is about 2000 lbs. im stuck between 32's or 33's on the stock wheels.

 

[Chris]

Wow... not sure if you realize it, but that's an uber rare Sahara Rubicon. Hold onto that thing and take care of it, they're worth something!

Like Jerry said, you can get away with a 4" lift and likely not even dropping the transfer case at all, due to the fact that you have a long wheel base TJ (often referred to as an LJ).

Ultimately you'll want to re-gear it at some point. With a 6 speed manual and 33" tires, I would go with 4.56 or 4.88 gears. I'd actually go with 4.88 personally. I don't think going from 4.10 to 4.56 is enough of a change to even make it worth the investment.

 

[glwood]

Welcome to the TJ world! Jumped right in, with the Holy Grail of TJness, I see.

I wouldn't lower the transfer case at first. Determine if you experience any drive line vibrations before doing that. The MM lift will also help, and will probably negate the need to drop the transfer case.

I think LJs look funny with anything less than 33s, personally.

 

[skrelnik]

Just picked up a 2005 Rubicon unlimited sahara with 74000 miles never been off road. Has zero rust and is in perfect condition. I wasnt really in the market and stumbled into this thing. Sorry having probs upoading pics from ipadI have some questions:

This is gonna be my daily driver for the next year. My offroading will be limited to fire roads and Avocado orchards. I will also be towing my Bass boat.

I am thinking OME DPG ultimate kit and running 33inch BFGs tires on the stock rims.

Do I need to do anything drivetrain wise other than the Motor mount kit and lowering TC?

Since this is a sahara edition, should I be concerned about modifying this thing? I dont plan on selling it, but how much are these things going for?

Thanks DT

Great find! I have a 2005 LJ, aka unlimited but non-rubicon. Another member is searching for an LJ Rubicon and I was scouring craigslist and have seen these priced as low as $17k and as high as $30k, depending on options and modifications. Yours at 74k miles and not modded, I could see that being listed between $22k and $26k.

I added the DPG ultimate kit, which I love. It comes with everything you need to fit 33s. The motor mount lift that you mentioned and a body lift are included in his ultimate kit. You do NOT need a transfer case drop, that is for the TJ, the shorter version to our LJ (aka unlimited). DPGs Ultimate is all you need along with tires.

The LJ can tow well, so you will be good towing a boat, assuming it is not 10k pounds. Depending on your towing frequency you may want to change your differential fluid more frequently, and potentially change the weight, @Jerry Bransford is a whiz about the oil weights and just about anything TJ related.

When adding 33s there are lots of forum members recommending to upgrade your gears. Currently you have 4.10 gears and you may want to upgrade to 4.56 or 4.88 with 33s. 32s and your gearing will be a-okay.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

It's a 6 speed manual and the boat is about 2000 lbs. im stuck between 32's or 33's on the stock wheels.

For sake of power Dick since you'll be towing your boat, I'd go with 32's. The larger the tire, the harder time the engine has turning them. If you're willing to spend the $1500 or so it would cost to regear both of your axles to 4.56, you could go for the 33's for looks plus they'd work a little better offroad if you plan to go offroading. Actually if you're willing to do that, I'd go for 35's and regear to 4.88. Your Unlimited's longer wheelbase does a lot better offroad if you go with a little larger tire. That lift kit you asked about would give you enough clearance for 35's. Though with a 33x12.50 or 35x12.50 tire you'd need aftermarket wheels since that wide of a tire would rub if mounted on the factory wheels.

 

[Dick Thompson]

Wow... not sure if you realize it, but that's an uber rare Sahara Rubicon. Hold onto that thing and take care of it, they're worth something!

Like Jerry said, you can get away with a 4" lift and likely not even dropping the transfer case at all, due to the fact that you have a long wheel base TJ (often referred to as an LJ).

Ultimately you'll want to re-gear it at some point. With a 6 speed manual and 33" tires, I would go with 4.56 or 4.88 gears. I'd actually go with 4.88 personally. I don't think going from 4.10 to 4.56 is enough of a change to even make it worth the investment.

Thank you. Yes im aware of what it is. I was looking for a YJ to use on the ranch and stumbled into this with no intentions of ever having a jeep like it.

I intend to keep it forever.

 

[Chris]

Thank you. Yes im aware of what it is. I was looking for a YJ to use on the ranch and stumbled into this with no intentions of ever having a jeep like it.

I intend to keep it forever.

Good call. Those LJ Rubicons (especially a Sahara Rubicon) are only going up in value, that's for sure.

 

[Dick Thompson]

For sake of power Dick since you'll be towing your boat, I'd go with 32's. The larger the tire, the harder time the engine has turning them. If you're willing to spend the $1500 or so it would cost to regear both of your axles to 4.56, you could go for the 33's for looks plus they'd work a little better offroad if you plan to go offroading. Actually if you're willing to do that, I'd go for 35's and regear to 4.88. Your Unlimited's longer wheelbase does a lot better offroad if you go with a little larger tire. That lift kit you asked about would give you enough clearance for 35's. Though with a 33x12.50 or 35x12.50 tire you'd need aftermarket wheels since that wide of a tire would rub if mounted on the factory wheels.

Roger that. So a 32" on the stock wheel is a better bet?

If that's the case, can I run the 2" OME suspension lift and avoid the body lift?

Sorry. I am having issues with installing a body lift. Hate them. But im willing to consider.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Roger that. So a 32" on the stock wheel is a better bet?

If that's the case, can I run the 2" OME suspension lift and avoid the body lift?

Sorry. I am having issues with installing a body lift. Hate them. But im willing to consider.

Yes you could run 32's with just the 2" lift. Don't be too against a basic 1" body lift, they're fine on our Wranglers. It's when you get to a 2" or 3" body lift that they're not recommended. For center-of-gravity (and slightly lower cost) reasons, if I needed a 3" lift, I'd rather have a 2" suspension lift plus a 1" body lift than a 3" suspension lift.

 

[Dick Thompson]

Great find! I have a 2005 LJ, aka unlimited but non-rubicon. Another member is searching for an LJ Rubicon and I was scouring craigslist and have seen these priced as low as $17k and as high as $30k, depending on options and modifications. Yours at 74k miles and not modded, I could see that being listed between $22k and $26k.

I added the DPG ultimate kit, which I love. It comes with everything you need to fit 33s. The motor mount lift that you mentioned and a body lift are included in his ultimate kit. You do NOT need a transfer case drop, that is for the TJ, the shorter version to our LJ (aka unlimited). DPGs Ultimate is all you need along with tires.

The LJ can tow well, so you will be good towing a boat, assuming it is not 10k pounds. Depending on your towing frequency you may want to change your differential fluid more frequently, and potentially change the weight, @Jerry Bransford is a whiz about the oil weights and just about anything TJ related.

When adding 33s there are lots of forum members recommending to upgrade your gears. Currently you have 4.10 gears and you may want to upgrade to 4.56 or 4.88 with 33s. 32s and your gearing will be a-okay.

Thank you super helpful

 

[Dick Thompson]

Welcome to the TJ world! Jumped right in, with the Holy Grail of TJness, I see.

I wouldn't lower the transfer case at first. Determine if you experience any drive line vibrations before doing that. The MM lift will also help, and will probably negate the need to drop the transfer case.

I think LJs look funny with anything less than 33s, personally.

I agree. I also think they look cool with the stock wheels but wasnt aware of thr rubbing issues. I think ill try them out for a bit and if i have issues get wheels.

Thanks

 

[Dick Thompson]

Is there a slick way to add and apple play style stereo head with out modifying the dash console?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Is there a slick way to add and apple play style stereo head with out modifying the dash console?

Install a replacement stereo with an aux input USB port and plug an Apple NANO or similar MP3 player into it. Most radios are set up to control Apple MP3 players and display the song title, artist, etc. in the radio's display. There are plastic 1 to 1.5 DIN adapters that make for a clean install of the aftermarket radio. I recently replaced my Sony radio with a Kenwood but the Kenwood's user interface is clumsy and really difficult to use compared to the Sony. I wish I still had my Sony for that reason. Look for one with a rear USB port so you can hide the cable between the radio and your MP3 player.

 

[skrelnik]

Is there a slick way to add and apple play style stereo head with out modifying the dash console?

Go to crutchfield and play around. This is the center console bezel that you can purchase for a seamless plug and play. Harness will be sent as well.

I agree with @Jerry Bransford that the single DIN head units are annoying as they have so many options that create a myriad of headaches. I opted for a single DIN though, because of bluetooth, HD radio and better streaming quality, but I placed a digital sound processor in between the head unit and speakers so I can control everything through that interface, treble, bass, frequencies and a host of other goodies. It also has a built in 5 channel amp and super small, so ideal for out jeeps.

 

[Dick Thompson]

Welcome fellow noob with a 2005 LJ...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello! Thanks.

 

[Dick Thompson]

Go to crutchfield and play around. This is the center console bezel that you can purchase for a seamless plug and play. Harness will be sent as well.

I agree with @Jerry Bransford that the single DIN head units are annoying as they have so many options that create a myriad of headaches. I opted for a single DIN though, because of bluetooth, HD radio and better streaming quality, but I placed a digital sound processor in between the head unit and speakers so I can control everything through that interface, treble, bass, frequencies and a host of other goodies. It also has a built in 5 channel amp and super small, so ideal for out jeeps.


View attachment 51775

Awesome. Thank you