Why a TJ?

[inkedrose]

2. I’m not intimidated by the mechanics of it. I can work on the thing and that is an odyssey in itself. It is generally what keeps this forum alive...and this forum keeps the jeeps alive too.

For me, transferred addictions. I had to give up a couple other hobbies due to injuries (primarily BASE Jumping and skydiving). Part of those sports are maintaining gear, inspecting... the rituals. Depressing when I had to stop. Sold my gear and bought an old beater TJ. Best money spent, ended up in the mountains couple days a week. Went back and forth of should I go newer, more comfortable, then stumbled onto the TJ I have now. Was built close to what I wanted with room to upgrade. Covid hit, "tinkering" in my garage was something to do. Now, when I'm stressed out I go find something that needs to be "fixed". I'm no mechanic but there's a sense of pride that comes from being able to fix things and work on them yourself. I wouldn't be able to do that with anything newer. If it wasn't for this forum I'd be screwed.

 

[Badgerbiter]

I would love to have a 1969 CJ with a V6 and a steel dash. Tailgate please. Vacuum driven wipers. I could fix the other issues.

 

[downthepines]

Money spend for ability to perform offroad is mininal and once modded, Take a stock rubicon throw in on 35's with all the proper things are required for 35, Tummy Tucked. You can now wheel 90 percent of trails, Have a solid 4x4 and Fun summer toy. And I was a teen when these came out, Had a few then, got out of it for a decade and I am back with the TJR again. I wont sell mine until I am old old, But I'll likely give this guy to one of my boys or both

 

[AndyG]

For me, transferred addictions. I had to give up a couple other hobbies due to injuries (primarily BASE Jumping and skydiving). Part of those sports are maintaining gear, inspecting... the rituals. Depressing when I had to stop. Sold my gear and bought an old beater TJ. Best money spent, ended up in the mountains couple days a week. Went back and forth of should I go newer, more comfortable, then stumbled onto the TJ I have now. Was built close to what I wanted with room to upgrade. Covid hit, "tinkering" in my garage was something to do. Now, when I'm stressed out I go find something that needs to be "fixed". I'm no mechanic but there's a sense of pride that comes from being able to fix things and work on them yourself. I wouldn't be able to do that with anything newer. If it wasn't for this forum I'd be screwed.

That’s pretty much me right there- Working on the vehicle is as therapeutic as driving it and the forum gives you ideas and confidence. Tonight did the Locker override on the LJ Rubicon and I absolutely love being able to use either locker when the situation requires.

The nannies that were put on the stock Rubicon were to protect the vehicle from locker misuse I think.

If you’ve got some videos of base jumps that would be cool to see man that is some of the scariest stuff I’ve ever seen especially when there are a lot of guide wires on a tower.

 

[inkedrose]

That’s pretty much me right there- Working on the vehicle is as therapeutic as driving it and the forum gives you ideas and confidence. Tonight did the Locker override on the LJ Rubicon and I absolutely love being able to use either locker when the situation requires.

The nannies that were put on the stock Rubicon were to protect the vehicle from locker misuse I think.

If you’ve got some videos of base jumps that would be cool to see man that is some of the scariest stuff I’ve ever seen especially when there are a lot of guide wires on a tower.

I did new axle shafts tonight! Went with the Revolution. Wires are scary!!! Invisible death

 

[CMBD]

Why a TJ?

Fate. Someone, somewhere, possibly some of my wheelin buddies that have passed away, got together and wished this upon me

I have long history of dislike for just about all Chrysler products. And for me, the TJ is a really undesirable platform. Yet here I am.

I ask myself "why me?" Just about every time I drive it. And I truly believe that someone somewhere is laughing hard because "i" am spending money on a jeep.

 

[inkedrose]

@AndyG No vids on my phone but one of my favorite pics

 

[AndyG]

@AndyG No vids on my phone but one of my favorite pics

View attachment 492161

Dude! Has to be a rush

 

[inkedrose]

Dude! Has to be a rush

There's nothing like it. Most things get less scary the more you do them... that never happened for me hahaha I miss it a lot. I'm starting to have fun on rocks now. Have had a couple pretty good pucker moments in the Jeep. It's fun going through the learning process again. Nothing taps that adrenaline feeling the same though

 

[AndyG]

There's nothing like it. Most things get less scary the more you do them... that never happened for me hahaha I miss it a lot. I'm starting to have fun on rocks now. Have had a couple pretty good pucker moments in the Jeep. It's fun going through the learning process again. Nothing taps that adrenaline feeling the same though

I believe that 100%. So little room for error.

 

[Rickyd]

I have long history of dislike for just about all Chrysler products. And for me, the TJ is a really undesirable platform. Yet here I am.

Yep, i can't stand chrysler products unless its early 70s or older. I like to tell myself its really just the electronics that are chrysler. Motor is still amc and all the other major parts are made by someone else.

At times i want to gut my tj and put a cj style dash in it. Then megasquirt or an LS swap to remove the rest of the cancer,lol.

It's bones are still jeep to me so I'm happy. What are you? A toyota guy?trucks?

 

[MikeE024]

@AndyG No vids on my phone but one of my favorite pics

View attachment 492161

Looks like where my friend instructed in twin falls….and where the old man died by botching his last fire jump (officially “low pulled” into the water).

 

[MikeE024]

Nothing taps that adrenaline feeling the same though

Killing someone who’s also hunting you is on that level so I hear, but that’s some extreme company.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Killing someone who’s also hunting you is on that level so I hear, but that’s some extreme company.

That might be fun IF you could pick the people hunting you. I have a small list.

 

[MikekiM]

For me, transferred addictions. I had to give up a couple other hobbies due to injuries (primarily BASE Jumping and skydiving).

Two things I love to watch others do, but Never in Forever would I be able take those first steps

 

[Tejasol]

1. Much more comfortable and capable than the 78 CJ5 I had in college
2. Top down doors off from Spring Break to September is priceless
3. I can remove, repair, or replace just about everything on it with the tools I have in two tool bags
4. Has been the most reliable vehicle we've ever owned
5. Handled my son driving it through high school without a problem
6. Fond memories of my wife taking it places with open axles and 31s that built rigs wouldn't go
7. Perfect vehicle to teach kids to drive a manual transmission (an old VW Bug would be a close second)
8. With the top and doors off it feels like driving a go-kart
9. There is a mythology of invincibility that grows with each mile
10. Seemingly limitless adaptability (rock crawler, overlander, beach buggy, weekend cruiser, etc.)

 

[BC Moto]

Solid Axles
Coil Springs
Good starting platform... Just wish I bought a LJ

 

['05Train]

It's a convertible. It'll carry 4 adults. Weather won't stop it. Don't need paved roads. Dead simple to work on. A zillion of them made and a robust aftermarket. The only American sports car (according to Enzo). The coolest looking vehicle on or off the road.

 

[MikeE024]

- 4.0L reliability
- I prefer the look of TJ front fenders

I wanted something to explore AZ and liked that the simpler TJ interior wouldn’t be ruined if it got dirty or wet. I wanted a more rugged sport/offroad vehicle, not a refined luxury/sport vehicle (that’s insulated from the environment).

I didn't expect it to happen, but the TJ has removed my desire to get another sport bike or go the cruiser route. I enjoy the feeling of freedom and adventure that it gives me.

 

['05Train]

I didn't expect it to happen, but the TJ has removed my desire to get another sport bike or go the cruiser route. I enjoy the feeling of freedom and adventure that it gives me.

True this. I sold my Road Glide about a month after I got the TJ....Didn't see the point. I can carry a passenger and more stuff in the TJ, we're not screaming at each other to be understood, no helmets, gloves, or other riding gear necessary, we can bring the dog, etc.

I still have my Night Train, but I have the feeling that it's not going to last out the spring.