Preparation questions about 2005 Rubicon I'm taking delivery of Thursday

[Henchman59]

I hate to bust your bubble but that frame has been doctored up ! look at the 3rd pic and zoom in just aft of the lower control arm mount and you can see where the coating has flaked off and see the rust . I'm pretty sure they coated the frame to cover up all the rust. also why does the top of the jeep/ paint look so good and the under side look so dirty ?

I see what your saying, missed it, my old eyes . When I get it home I will do a deep dive into it with more than a screwdriver. I will share what the outcome is, as I bought it as a project/toy and hopefully it's what I believe it to be. I looked at a lot of Jeeps and I wanted 05/06 Rubicon with 6-speed as it comes with a lot with it. This was one of the best in my 150 mile radius that wasn't ridiculous amount of money, ran well, was complete and not molested.

 

[primetime4]

It looks like you are missing bolts on the transfer case skid plate / center crossmember, although the picture is not very clear. You should have three into each frame rail. Speaking of the transfer case skid plate, a transfer case drop defeats the purpose of a lift.

I’m guessing the nutserts there are long gone like the ones for the factory sidesteps. But it can definitely be fixed.

 

[Henchman59]

I’m guessing the nutserts there are long gone like the ones for the factory sidesteps. But it can definitely be fixed.

I believe everything can be fixed... it's why I came here, except maybe my gray matter, that's been a work in process since as long as I can remember I have a lot to learn. I found a copy of the manual here. As I dig in, I tend to lean into improvements to fit and function, add visual appeal. Some of these Jeeps look really badass!

 

[JKP]

If it hasn't already, the PCM is going to die. Wranglerfix on the forum has a replacement PCM for the 05 and 06s.

The OPDA will need to be checked at some point. You can google and research.

My 06 is the twin to your 05. Currently at 280K mi, but it has lived it's life in salt free GA.

 

[Henchman59]

If it hasn't already, the PCM is going to die. Wranglerfix on the forum has a replacement PCM for the 05 and 06s.

The OPDA will need to be checked at some point. You can google and research.

My 06 is the twin to your 05. Currently at 280K mi, but it has lived it's life in salt free GA.

Will do! Thank you!

 

[Tob]

I may just take on the body lift (does this impact things like fuel, brakes, steering)

No, a moderate body lift will not affect those things. The maximum recommended body lift is about 1.25”. There is also a 3” option, but it requires modification of the fuel filler neck, fan shroud, and other items, it has questionable mechanical integrity, and just looks awful.

On the note of mechanical integrity, if you do install a body lift, avoid anything that is made of a compressible material (such as made by JKS) - those do not support the body well and will damage the body over time. The recommended option is aluminum spacers.

Two more notes on body lifts:
1) The radiator fan shroud is connected to the body. When lifted, the shroud will no longer surround the fan correctly and will be chewed up by the fan. You can either easily drill new holes in the plastic shroud to re-center it around the fan, or install a motor mount lift.

2) A motor mount lift not only will tilt the nose of the engine upwards so that the fan and shroud play nice again, but it will also change the slope of the whole drivetrain so that the rear transfer case output flange/shaft is pointing more downward. This can be helpful to avoid excessive driveshaft operating angles if the suspension is ever lifted or if the transfer case is ever tucked up higher for more ground clearance. Because the rear driveshaft of a TJ is so short, driveshaft angles (and driveline vibrations when angles are excessive) are a real battle when changing the relationship between the transfer case output and the rear axle yoke.

 

[Henchman59]

No, a moderate body lift will not affect those things. The maximum recommended body lift is about 1.25”. There is also a 3” option, but it requires modification of the fuel filler neck, fan shroud, and other items, it has questionable mechanical integrity, and just looks awful.

On the note of mechanical integrity, if you do install a body lift, avoid anything that is made of a compressible material (such as made by JKS) - those do not support the body well and will damage the body over time. The recommended option is aluminum spacers.

Two more notes on body lifts:
1) The radiator fan shroud is connected to the body. When lifted, the shroud will no longer surround the fan correctly and will be chewed up by the fan. You can either easily drill new holes in the plastic shroud to re-center it around the fan, or install a motor mount lift.

2) A motor mount lift not only will tilt the nose of the engine upwards so that the fan and shroud play nice again, but it will also change the slope of the whole drivetrain so that the rear transfer case output flange/shaft is pointing more downward. This can be helpful to avoid excessive driveshaft operating angles if the suspension is ever lifted or if the transfer case is ever tucked up higher for more ground clearance. Because the rear driveshaft of a TJ is so short, driveshaft angles (and driveline vibrations when angles are excessive) are a real battle when changing the relationship between the transfer case output and the rear axle yoke.

Thank you, I was looking at 1.25" Aluminum lifts. I understand the motor lift and angle. Does this mean I do the same to transmission (6-speed)? I've seen mounts and prefer to work with what is a known good solution. Is there a recommended kit?

 

[Tob]

Thank you, I was looking at 1.25" Aluminum lifts. I understand the motor lift and angle. Does this mean I do the same to transmission (6-speed)? I've seen mounts and prefer to work with what is a known good solution. Is there a recommended kit?

No modifications to the transmission mount are required for a body lift or motor mount lift. However, there are high-clearance replacement transfer case skid plates / crossmembers available that lift the transfer case higher to increase ground clearance.

 

[Henchman59]

No modifications to the transmission mount are required for a body lift or motor mount lift. However, there are high-clearance replacement transfer case skid plates / crossmembers available that lift the transfer case higher to increase ground clearance.

Great!!

 

[bucky]

I have an 05 LJR 6sp 113K with 2.5” lift on KO2 32s. It spent its entire life out here in the West so it’s relatively rust free. I did pay more than twice what you did though. PCM issues I believe are with automatics. OPDA issues are over rated IMO. Mine was replaced during a recall. I included some photos of mine showing what my frame looks like. Taken at night so not the best quality. TJs are the perfect vehicle if you like to tinker on vehicles. Everyone will tell you their year is the best but they all have their issues.

 

[Henchman59]

I have an 05 LJR 6sp 113K with 2.5” lift on KO2 32s. It spent its entire life out here in the West so it’s relatively rust free. I did pay more than twice what you did though. PCM issues I believe are with automatics. OPDA issues are over rated IMO. Mine was replaced during a recall. I included some photos of mine showing what my frame looks like. Taken at night so not the best quality. TJs are the perfect vehicle if you like to tinker on vehicles. Everyone will tell you their year is the best but they all have their issues.

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Certainly is rust free. Thanks for thoughts. Yes, I see lots of thoughts and ideas, which I appreciate. I did the best I could for the region and price range with wanting to work on it. I wanted the 6-speed, so 05/06 where my options in a TJ. Your clean pics help me understand now the condition it should be in, and let's see. It's my first project Jeep. See what I can do to learn. I'll keep track of it all, as it's to have some fun too!

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I have an 05 LJR 6sp 113K with 2.5” lift on KO2 32s. It spent its entire life out here in the West so it’s relatively rust free. I did pay more than twice what you did though. PCM issues I believe are with automatics. OPDA issues are over rated IMO. Mine was replaced during a recall. I included some photos of mine showing what my frame looks like. Taken at night so not the best quality. TJs are the perfect vehicle if you like to tinker on vehicles. Everyone will tell you their year is the best but they all have their issues.

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I’ll just add that the ‘04 is the best year, and it has no issues.



Great looking rig, Buck.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

And as everyone has said... get in there and don't be afraid of fingering all those holes! Short of a bore-scope, that's the best way to get a better idea of the overall health.

 

[cpwolf]

It looks like you are missing bolts on the transfer case skid plate / center crossmember, although the picture is not very clear. You should have three into each frame rail. Speaking of the transfer case skid plate, a transfer case drop defeats the purpose of a lift.

Is it me....or is this the biggest issue. I'm not seeing skid bolts anywhere on one side? Maybe I'm missing them in the pics??? in this pic, are any of the passenger skid plate bolts even there?

On this drivers side....do I only see 1? Maybe I'm missing something.

I can see 3 bolt heads on mine, and they aren’t there on this Rubicon, is skid welded?

 

[JMT]

Is it me....or is this the biggest issue. I'm not seeing skid bolts anywhere on one side? Maybe I'm missing them in the pics??? in this pic, are any of the passenger skid plate bolts even there?
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On this drivers side....do I only see 1? Maybe I'm missing something.


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I can see 3 bolt heads on mine, and they aren’t there on this Rubicon, is skid welded?
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No, I thought the same bolts were missing. All but one. Needing some nutserts and bolts urgently is saying it nicely. Check out BMB for the nutserts. Just replace all 6. 03-06 are metric.

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/categories/nutsert-kits-jeep-tj-03-06

 

[cpwolf]

No, I thought the same bolts were missing. All but one. Needing some nutserts and bolts urgently is saying it nicely. Check out BMB for the nutserts. Just replace all 6. 03-06 are metric.

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/categories/nutsert-kits-jeep-tj-03-06

I'm just wondering, how in the heck can that skid be held up...and holding up the driveline? There's not way all of that is held by 1 bolt, if I'm seeing that all correctly. If it is...I wouldn't drive it anywhere until that's corrected for sure.

 

[cpwolf]

If it hasn't already, the PCM is going to die. Wranglerfix on the forum has a replacement PCM for the 05 and 06s.

This is a 6 speed in this post. The PCM on the 05 and 06's with the issues are in the automatic TJ's I haven't seen any more issues with PCM in 05 manuals. Unless I'm missing something, which is possible for sure.

 

[JMT]

I believe everything can be fixed... it's why I came here, except maybe my gray matter, that's been a work in process since as long as I can remember I have a lot to learn. I found a copy of the manual here. As I dig in, I tend to lean into improvements to fit and function, add visual appeal. Some of these Jeeps look really badass!

Don’t be too dismayed by the negative comments, yet. I bought a salvage title TJR out of OH for $7200. I figured five parts off the rig are worth that much, so why not. It was rusted pretty good. The frame was just ok. We prepped and painted the outside of the frame and it looks brand new. The inside we decided to fluid film, so we give it a quick pass before every winter. Takes 10min. We re-did the entire suspension and yes, there were some broken bolts along the way. Replaced the passenger torque box. Replaced the front fenders. Replaced the windshield frame. It’s kept us busy, but is in really nice shape now.

 

[Henchman59]

No, I thought the same bolts were missing. All but one. Needing some nutserts and bolts urgently is saying it nicely. Check out BMB for the nutserts. Just replace all 6. 03-06 are metric.

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/categories/nutsert-kits-jeep-tj-03-06

Thanks all, I appreciate the eyes, it seems I have a little bit to do before I take it home.

 

[JKP]

This is a 6 speed in this post. The PCM on the 05 and 06's with the issues are in the automatic TJ's I haven't seen any more issues with PCM in 05 manuals. Unless I'm missing something, which is possible for sure.

All 05 and 06 PCMs are trash. They will just start shutting off while driving down the road. The ATs had issues with the trans control portion as well.

I replaced my 6 spd PCM last fall because it would just die driving down the road.