Also agree with getting an LJ. Mine is an 06 and started with the 6 speed manual. Swapped it to the 42RLE. No problems with either trans. I don't miss the manual and will never get a manual for wheeling again. Might get one if I ever get a fast car.
To LJ or not to LJ
- Thread starter NKlekas
- Start date
A couple for sale in Phoenix area. They are out there you just might have to travel to get it. I drove 800mi one way to get mine.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/d/glendale-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/7384582566.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/d/glendale-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/7384582566.html
Oh, yea I've been looking at every car sight ever made lol. Need to get hitched in a couple of weeks and sell my TJ first tho!
Bin there done that.
I've had short wheelbase Jeeps since Grade 12, 1972,, an M38 flat fender, drove it a year in Alberta without a roof. Only sold it cuz the freaking wiring was all submersible and freaking expensive.
Since then , a few CJs, loved them. a YJ maybe the best Jeep ever till the Rubicon, an LJ and 2 Rubicons.
The LJ was the big mistake..... Bought it, added the 4" lift and 35s...... and sold it within a year.
It was just tooooo long. I loved the CJ5 wheelbase. The TJ was a step up but the LJ was wayyyy too much more. I hated not being able to go/do/turn around as easily as a YJ could...... and the added storage/cargo space was a complete waste.... like why when I never needed that space in a CJ5.
If you want a LJ ya might as well buy a quad cab pickup and get neutered.
I've had short wheelbase Jeeps since Grade 12, 1972,, an M38 flat fender, drove it a year in Alberta without a roof. Only sold it cuz the freaking wiring was all submersible and freaking expensive.
Since then , a few CJs, loved them. a YJ maybe the best Jeep ever till the Rubicon, an LJ and 2 Rubicons.
The LJ was the big mistake..... Bought it, added the 4" lift and 35s...... and sold it within a year.
It was just tooooo long. I loved the CJ5 wheelbase. The TJ was a step up but the LJ was wayyyy too much more. I hated not being able to go/do/turn around as easily as a YJ could...... and the added storage/cargo space was a complete waste.... like why when I never needed that space in a CJ5.
If you want a LJ ya might as well buy a quad cab pickup and get neutered.
Yea I've certainly considered the longer wheelbase off-road. That's one thing I know ill miss. When I off-road, the feeling I have of being so nimble and easy to do anything is super nice.
I have both, 2005 TJ and a 2005 Unlimited. I prefer to drive the TJ around town, but when you are carrying stuff the extra room in the Unlimited is super nice.
in the Tj, if it's just you and the wife get rid of the back seat...if you need more room, add a interior rack...if that can't do it add a roof rack...I got both and a M416 Ain't hauling' no more...
Oh, the Back seat is rarely in. I built a shelf and draw to put stuff on/in. It helped but with extra water, a cooler for food, a bin for necessities; tools, tow strap etc., and our bags...it gets tight.
How come you like the TJ driving around town more? I would have figured the extra length in the wheel base would help the ride quality a little.
The TJ has more pep (both are rubicons with the 42rle), and I don't notice a difference in ride quality.
Pacoson71
TJ Enthusiast
Rubihara # 398. 42RLE is horrible with 33s until I re geared to 5.38 from RG&A .
I no longer need to turn off the OD, get about 4 MPG better and it's just fun to drive.
Keep your eyes open for one and best of luck.
I no longer need to turn off the OD, get about 4 MPG better and it's just fun to drive.
Keep your eyes open for one and best of luck.
My 04 rubicon with a 5spd felt like it had way more pep than my 06 LJR. That’s what I miss about my 04.
I'll add to the echo chamber. Like many others in here I had a TJ (AX15) before my LJ (NSG370). And for such a relatively small difference on paper, the practical difference is huge. Sure there is extra room to store stuff, but to me, the best difference is in the better ride. I'd recommend making the switch if you can find a suitable LJ. And I would note that it seems these days, you really have to do the math on whether paying the premium for the rubicon out weighs the cost of having lockers and gears done.
Yea that's what I'm hoping for in my switch! I'm 100% ok with not getting a Rubicon. LJ's already have the Dana 44 anyway and ideally, id run 35's so I would have had to re-gear anyway. The lockers are where I'm the most upset(ish).
Mine is on 35s and out for regearing right now, so I can't speak to that end yet, but, if a more comfortable daily experience is what you're looking for, I can tell you that 1 thing made all the difference. Noise insulation. I found that wore me down the most driving the jeep on long trips is the noise, I didn't even realize how much noise there was in there until it was cut down. Fresh cut pile carpet and a few Dyna Pads brought the sounds down to normal sedan levels. now I'm hooked on making my Jeep more civilized. My next move is probably going to be lizard skining the tub and hardtop and adding a headliner.
I’m on top of that. I already have boom mats installed on my TJ hard top right now and they are hands down my favorite mod. That will be a very fast install on my LJ
@PLMCRZY would be the only one who could answer that maybe. He is who has provided all the build data that i have.