The Wrangler has been a dream car of mine since I was a kid. I recently got an 06’ LJ that’s not a Rubicon but I do plan on putting a rear diff in. It was a great find in this wild market.
Thanks for the video. No one really makes videos about LJ’s. It’s my favorite Jeep. Keep up the good work. I’m looking into buying an LJ rubicon but it’s already modified so it makes me cautious.
I agree, that is more tough to find but I don't know anyone that would prefer that over auto for Offroad, so I would guess that's the reason. I'm there three are people out there who are diehard stick drivers.... I just don't see the point when crawling over rocks and so forth. Thanks for the comment!
Rarest one is the '05 Unlimited Rubicon Sahara Edition, only 1000 has ever made and each one is numbered most of them are automatic. Finding one with the manual for sale is impossible
@@fonetikus they only made 783 in the color Jeep Green and only for 2006 year. Plus it's the only Jeep with all black seats made of rip stop material. Mine is not numbered but it is 1 of 783.
I have a 2004 lj in mint condition. Because its rare we keep it pristine and use it for sunny days and jeep events. Have a new jl 2021 two door willy's sport ordered to use in all weather conditions.
Awesome information, I just saw a listing for a Automatic 2006 LJR w/200,000 miles from Washington, seems like a lot of miles...I understand that they are very rare, especially here in Hawaii.
You would be surprised how many 4.0's run well with 200k miles. My '05 TJ Rocky Mtn 4.0 has 155k miles and runs absolutely amazing. Of course, I take great care of it, but any real Jeeper does.
I’ve got a 05 rubicon Tj and there’s some neighbor I see often who drives by in his yellow LJ and it’s funny how I saw his Jeep go from stock to lifted and the tire taken off the back and mine went from lifted without a tire on the back to normal tires and a bumper like the one in this video to hold my spare, I’d say it’s pretty fun
I just bought my 2006 LJ Rubicon. I also had a 2015 JK Unlimited Rubicon and regretted trading my TJ in on it. So I searched and found my LJ in Texas. It is getting a Iron Rock Long arm upgrade and a tummy tuck. It already has a 5 inch lift. You have a great looking Jeep.
Thank you for the upload. I'm in the market for an LJ as my first Wrangler. I've been wanting to get a manual, but most of the ones available in my area tend to be automatic. I may have to sacrifice that choice if an automatic pops up for the right price. It would be nice to get a Rubicon, but at this point, I just want any clean LJ.
I have a 2005 jeep wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4.0 6 speed , I also feel this is the last of the real jeeps meaning no bells and whistles roll down windows, simple guages all metal except for fender flares but still get head turns and compliments my jeep has a build from that Era I have a full traction 6in long arm , rock hard roll cage to add to factory cage, arb bull front bumper , Hanson rear bumper full basket around spare tire that hold 2 5 gallon jerry cans with small basket obove tire , Galvin roof top rack , Adam's drive line , advance adapter 2 speed transfer case, 35x12.50x18 Mickey Thompson mtz tires and the classic 2 rims , a warn rock winch , a solar panel on hood to help get battery charged on my dual battery set up , a sprintex supercharger to help with this now very heay jeep factory dry weight 3800 max weight 4600 I'm not at 5800 😢 unbelievable too heavy with arb rooftop tent and awning, hi lift jack inside still same I didn't change the seat I like them , I install a double din kenwood radio, I replace front axle with g2 with arb air locker and 488 gears and re gear rear axle with arb air locker to 488 I may have gone over board but it dose feel good to not be like everyone else like you said the jeep is very easy to work on the bullet proof 4.0 inline 6 a beast as long as you change oil do regular maintenance which is not much of anything oh yeah also rock hard Rock slider not sure if I ever sell it
Sounds like an amazing vehicle! I definitely agree with you, it was the last of the real Jeeps. The new ones are amazing and all, I've had a couple of them and really like them, but getting that feeling that it is really just a utility vehicle and not a luxury vehicle ended with the TJ. You feel everything on the TJ and it's awesome!
I have a 2006 Jeep Wranger unlimited 4.0L inline 6. 2006 was the last year you can get the 4.0L inline that only came with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition.
I own a 2004 Unlimited (188K) LJ - runs great even though It needs some repairs. I would like to add a lift and change my hard top -would like any suggestions on this - regarding the lift, some mechanics suggest not to do it. Thanks
I don't understand how it tow capacity increases by 1500lb??? If it has the same engine the normal rubicon show pull just as much or more with the weight reduction of being shorter
My first Jeep was TJ 2003. Powerful little Jeep... The one that you have definitely is worth to keep...I was hoping you show us the truck area too...they are few of those after the Unlimited came out with 4 drs in 2007 sadly these days the original Wrangler concept is almost gone since 2 drs only sale 25% even the Willy’s editions in 2020 is altered. I currently own a JL 2 drs Sport Turbocharge. Enjoy your Jeep buddy, hope it won’t be difficult to find parts in the near future since FCA isn’t very good these days.
I have an LJ and love it. Getting ready to lift it. 3” lift with 33’s. It’s modest but I don’t take it into dicey conditions. I’m going to leave the stock rims on for now. Just wondering if I should bite the bullet now and go for the bigger aftermarket rims. Thoughts?
you have no need to run a "bigger" wheel with 33" tires. the reason you see 37"+ tires only made for 17"+ wheels is because you should upgrade your brakes to stop all that rotating mass, and you need the extra room back there for the bigger brakes. most people running 33"/35" tires with aftermarket wheels are still running a 15", but with 4" or 3.5" backspacing to create clearance so your tires arent hitting the frame or the water pump bolts when you turn.
Always do a modest build, the closer to stock geometry, the better. TJ's only need a 2 - 2.5" lift with 32" KO2'S or MT's to be highly capable off road while maintaining great on road drive ability, which is what I did for my '05 Rocky Mtn 4.0. And an LJ is perfect with a 3" lift with 33's. Great to see intelligent people building their Jeeps the right way for a change. The aftermarket pushers have been feasting on the dim bulbs for far too long. A fool and his money are soon parted.
2 door stock 4X4 Xj's are going up big time also. Very few made compared to the more station wagon like 4 door Chrerokee's. 2 dr Sport 4X4 with 4.0 and beige interior? Now you have something special. Not for sale, haha.
I've had a LJ 2004 since 2006 when I bought it almost new 11 k miles on it, It's been flawless. It has 85k on it and it was our daily driver for 14 years. All I've done to it is a battery, brakes and rotors and front axle u joints. Very dependable. We now use it as a three season toy as it's in mint condition and no more winters are in its future.
Of course, they can be daily driven. I've never heard of a 4.0 that constantly breaks down. You would have to be a total, neglectful imbecile to let the best Jeep engine go to shit, and certainly not worthy of such an amazing vehicle. I would argue the TJ is by far the greatest generation of Jeep, with apologies to the MB and CJ, specifically the CJ-7 and CJ-8 Scrambler.
The LJ has a 10” longer wheelbase over the TJ. Not 15” as you stated. Your LJ doesn’t have a rock slider. It’s just a piece of diamond plate for looks/trim. It’s weak and won’t take the full weight of the vehicle like a rock slider. Another important note: the OPDA is prone to failure. Look up the “FOG mod” to address the issue.
10" longer wheelbase but the Jeep itself is 15" longer. 2" of legroom and 13" more cargo. They are indeed rock sliders. I have had this Jeeps full weight more rocks than I can count. These are stronger in my opinion than the JK Rubicon stock sliders as they may be what you are thinking about? I would trust them to do anything I'd need them to including sliding down rocks with the full weight of the Jeep on them. Been on many trips. OPDA is something that I have read about but not sure it is all that some say it is as I know a lot of people with the 2005 and 2006 motors (and many others of the era) and never one have I seen it first hand.
Will M You guys must be Mall Crawlers because NO-ONE who uses there Jeep off road would rely on the flimsy stock diamond plate. It is essentially just a piece of trim. If you use your TJ/LJ for rock climbing and you don’t upgrade, you will fuck up your tub. It will NOT take much abuse. Anyone that claims otherwise is stupid. But by all means, do as you wish. It’s your Jeep and you most certainly have a right to your opinions. To say that I’m 100% incorrect is childish and it shows your inexperience. If that flimsy piece of diamond plate was an actual “rock slider”, aftermarket companies would not be making “the real deal” for people who seriously off-road their Jeep. So, I am 100% correct and I use my 06 LJ off-road in Alaska. I’ve owned and modified Wranglers for over a dozen years now. Mall crawlers just drool...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@bemyers123 its NOT a trim piece and I also said there are better aftermarket options. Its 5/16s steel and wraps underneath the tub tying into to frame mounts unlike the diamond plate trim many people install which just adheres to the tub.
Will M I know exactly what it is, where it is and it’s dimensions because I replaced it for a real rock slider. You’re 100% incorrect about the stock rocker trim tying into the frame. It’s fastened directly to the tub. Not even close to the frame.
If ur wheelchair folds and wheels pop off, u can prob fit in back behind the back seat. If ur wheelchair doesnt fold, flip up the back seat and there is a decent amount of room. I can check in the next couple days if u want
@@EdWoodFineArt dude, thank you so much!!! I was really hoping someone would reply. The wheelchair wheels don't come off on her chair, unfortunately. It's a ridged frame chair with a cushioned seat and arm rest. There is one for sale a town over and I'm going to bring her with me to check it out. Thank you for the reply
Wouldn't recommend going over 33" for tires with the 3.73 gears. Past that, you lose a lot of power. I have 32s on now with 3.73 gears and its a little sluggish.
I kept the 4.10 gears with 35s and was still able to cruise at 80 on the highway. Acceleration took a small hit but it was fine. I went to 4.88s when I upgraded to 37s
He said the legendary 4.0 by Jeep. AMC created the 4.0 but Chrysler bought and continued using the 4.0 until 2006. For an LJ, the 4.0 was a Chrysler product with AMC legacy.
@@jeffreyjones3367 the 4.0 was the last engine developed by AMC. Was used in Comanches, Cherokees, and Grand Cherokees before being used in the Wranglers I believe in 91. My Comanche had a 4.0 in it and 1987. My Wrangler had a 4.2 in 89.
also in your video description you mention the 4.0 pairing well with 3.73 gears... the non rubicons have 3.73, the Rubicons all come with 4.10s
The Wrangler has been a dream car of mine since I was a kid. I recently got an 06’ LJ that’s not a Rubicon but I do plan on putting a rear diff in. It was a great find in this wild market.
I have the 06 LJ Unlimited Rubicon 6 speed in light khaki and a hard top with 40K.......it is a Unicorn for sure!
Wow! That's great, nice buy!!!
Thanks for the video. No one really makes videos about LJ’s. It’s my favorite Jeep. Keep up the good work. I’m looking into buying an LJ rubicon but it’s already modified so it makes me cautious.
Your welcome! Hope u find a good one!
The real unicorn is that Jeep with the 6 speed transmission.
I agree, that is more tough to find but I don't know anyone that would prefer that over auto for Offroad, so I would guess that's the reason. I'm there three are people out there who are diehard stick drivers.... I just don't see the point when crawling over rocks and so forth. Thanks for the comment!
@@BustMonk I have a 2006 Jeep LJ with a 6spd and would never trade it for an auto.
Rarest one is the '05 Unlimited Rubicon Sahara Edition, only 1000 has ever made and each one is numbered most of them are automatic. Finding one with the manual for sale is impossible
@@fonetikus they only made 783 in the color Jeep Green and only for 2006 year. Plus it's the only Jeep with all black seats made of rip stop material. Mine is not numbered but it is 1 of 783.
I own one of those unicorns. 05 Rubi LJ 6 speed. Never selling it.
A real rare beauty. Look so much better. Now on the hunt for a Rubi LJ Hardtop.
I have one with damage but could be fixed
I have a 2004 lj in mint condition. Because its rare we keep it pristine and use it for sunny days and jeep events. Have a new jl 2021 two door willy's sport ordered to use in all weather conditions.
Awesome information, I just saw a listing for a Automatic 2006 LJR w/200,000 miles from Washington, seems like a lot of miles...I understand that they are very rare, especially here in Hawaii.
You would be surprised how many 4.0's run well with 200k miles. My '05 TJ Rocky Mtn 4.0 has 155k miles and runs absolutely amazing. Of course, I take great care of it, but any real Jeeper does.
One of best parts of owning a jeep is being able to chop it up (done tastefully). Gotta respect though 100 stock jeeps though. Nice ride
I’ve got a 05 rubicon Tj and there’s some neighbor I see often who drives by in his yellow LJ and it’s funny how I saw his Jeep go from stock to lifted and the tire taken off the back and mine went from lifted without a tire on the back to normal tires and a bumper like the one in this video to hold my spare, I’d say it’s pretty fun
What a gem you have there...
I just bought my 2006 LJ Rubicon. I also had a 2015 JK Unlimited Rubicon and regretted trading my TJ in on it. So I searched and found my LJ in Texas. It is getting a Iron Rock Long arm upgrade and a tummy tuck. It already has a 5 inch lift. You have a great looking Jeep.
Thank you! And great story! Thanks for sharing. :)
You forgot to mention that it’s “Trail Rated”. Also pushing the locker button once locks the rear, not the front.
i feel like a lift is all that those things need, awesome rig
Nice LJ man. I'm in the process of building an 05.
Press once locks the rear press twice locks both ;)
Thank you for the upload. I'm in the market for an LJ as my first Wrangler. I've been wanting to get a manual, but most of the ones available in my area tend to be automatic. I may have to sacrifice that choice if an automatic pops up for the right price. It would be nice to get a Rubicon, but at this point, I just want any clean LJ.
That’s a nice Jeep. The first thing I would do is to throw away that high lift jack though.
I have a 2005 jeep wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4.0 6 speed , I also feel this is the last of the real jeeps meaning no bells and whistles roll down windows, simple guages all metal except for fender flares but still get head turns and compliments my jeep has a build from that Era I have a full traction 6in long arm , rock hard roll cage to add to factory cage, arb bull front bumper , Hanson rear bumper full basket around spare tire that hold 2 5 gallon jerry cans with small basket obove tire , Galvin roof top rack , Adam's drive line , advance adapter 2 speed transfer case, 35x12.50x18 Mickey Thompson mtz tires and the classic 2 rims , a warn rock winch , a solar panel on hood to help get battery charged on my dual battery set up , a sprintex supercharger to help with this now very heay jeep factory dry weight 3800 max weight 4600 I'm not at 5800 😢 unbelievable too heavy with arb rooftop tent and awning, hi lift jack inside still same I didn't change the seat I like them , I install a double din kenwood radio, I replace front axle with g2 with arb air locker and 488 gears and re gear rear axle with arb air locker to 488 I may have gone over board but it dose feel good to not be like everyone else like you said the jeep is very easy to work on the bullet proof 4.0 inline 6 a beast as long as you change oil do regular maintenance which is not much of anything oh yeah also rock hard Rock slider not sure if I ever sell it
Sounds like an amazing vehicle! I definitely agree with you, it was the last of the real Jeeps. The new ones are amazing and all, I've had a couple of them and really like them, but getting that feeling that it is really just a utility vehicle and not a luxury vehicle ended with the TJ. You feel everything on the TJ and it's awesome!
And the 4.0.... oh I miss it!
Definitely agree with you, such a good vehicle. I wish you the best, sounds like you have a wonderful build!
Thanks 😊
I have a 2006 Jeep Wranger unlimited 4.0L inline 6. 2006 was the last year you can get the 4.0L inline that only came with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition.
I waiting for new one like LJ
Mine is a nonRubicon LJ and it’s all stock except for the 17” wheels and 31” tires. I love mine and will never get rid of it
Just picked up an LJR in patriot blue for 14k
Thanks for the vid. Looking forward to a build.
Love mine!
Right on!
good info bra! thx
Beautiful jeep. I own a black LJ 😁
I own a 2004 Unlimited (188K) LJ - runs great even though It needs some repairs. I would like to add a lift and change my hard top -would like any suggestions on this - regarding the lift, some mechanics suggest not to do it. Thanks
I don't understand how it tow capacity increases by 1500lb???
If it has the same engine the normal rubicon show pull just as much or more with the weight reduction of being shorter
It’s like seeing a unicorn and a leprechaun playing poker with Bigfoot in Atlantis.
My first Jeep was TJ 2003. Powerful little Jeep... The one that you have definitely is worth to keep...I was hoping you show us the truck area too...they are few of those after the Unlimited came out with 4 drs in 2007 sadly these days the original Wrangler concept is almost gone since 2 drs only sale 25% even the Willy’s editions in 2020 is altered. I currently own a JL 2 drs Sport Turbocharge. Enjoy your Jeep buddy, hope it won’t be difficult to find parts in the near future since FCA isn’t very good these days.
I have the exact same one same year same top same rims
If I could only find one
Still looking 😅
I just found one 2006 with 88k miles on it . I get tempted. But they asking only 26k .
I have an LJ and love it. Getting ready to lift it. 3” lift with 33’s. It’s modest but I don’t take it into dicey conditions. I’m going to leave the stock rims on for now. Just wondering if I should bite the bullet now and go for the bigger aftermarket rims. Thoughts?
you have no need to run a "bigger" wheel with 33" tires. the reason you see 37"+ tires only made for 17"+ wheels is because you should upgrade your brakes to stop all that rotating mass, and you need the extra room back there for the bigger brakes. most people running 33"/35" tires with aftermarket wheels are still running a 15", but with 4" or 3.5" backspacing to create clearance so your tires arent hitting the frame or the water pump bolts when you turn.
Always do a modest build, the closer to stock geometry, the better. TJ's only need a 2 - 2.5" lift with 32" KO2'S or MT's to be highly capable off road while maintaining great on road drive ability, which is what I did for my '05 Rocky Mtn 4.0. And an LJ is perfect with a 3" lift with 33's. Great to see intelligent people building their Jeeps the right way for a change. The aftermarket pushers have been feasting on the dim bulbs for far too long. A fool and his money are soon parted.
I like long jeep
2 door stock 4X4 Xj's are going up big time also. Very few made compared to the more station wagon like 4 door Chrerokee's. 2 dr Sport 4X4 with 4.0 and beige interior? Now you have something special. Not for sale, haha.
Surprised those tires are working out for you...
Can these be daily driven without constantly breaking down? Based on reviews of the Inline 6 I would say yes but trying to get an owners perspective.
Yes they can
I've had a LJ 2004 since 2006 when I bought it almost new 11 k miles on it, It's been flawless. It has 85k on it and it was our daily driver for 14 years. All I've done to it is a battery, brakes and rotors and front axle u joints. Very dependable. We now use it as a three season toy as it's in mint condition and no more winters are in its future.
Of course, they can be daily driven. I've never heard of a 4.0 that constantly breaks down. You would have to be a total, neglectful imbecile to let the best Jeep engine go to shit, and certainly not worthy of such an amazing vehicle. I would argue the TJ is by far the greatest generation of Jeep, with apologies to the MB and CJ, specifically the CJ-7 and CJ-8 Scrambler.
The LJ has a 10” longer wheelbase over the TJ. Not 15” as you stated.
Your LJ doesn’t have a rock slider. It’s just a piece of diamond plate for looks/trim. It’s weak and won’t take the full weight of the vehicle like a rock slider.
Another important note: the OPDA is prone to failure. Look up the “FOG mod” to address the issue.
10" longer wheelbase but the Jeep itself is 15" longer. 2" of legroom and 13" more cargo.
They are indeed rock sliders. I have had this Jeeps full weight more rocks than I can count. These are stronger in my opinion than the JK Rubicon stock sliders as they may be what you are thinking about? I would trust them to do anything I'd need them to including sliding down rocks with the full weight of the Jeep on them. Been on many trips.
OPDA is something that I have read about but not sure it is all that some say it is as I know a lot of people with the 2005 and 2006 motors (and many others of the era) and never one have I seen it first hand.
Your 100% incorrect. The rubicon has an actual rock rail. There are better aftermarket options but its real...
Will M You guys must be Mall Crawlers because NO-ONE who uses there Jeep off road would rely on the flimsy stock diamond plate. It is essentially just a piece of trim. If you use your TJ/LJ for rock climbing and you don’t upgrade, you will fuck up your tub. It will NOT take much abuse. Anyone that claims otherwise is stupid. But by all means, do as you wish. It’s your Jeep and you most certainly have a right to your opinions. To say that I’m 100% incorrect is childish and it shows your inexperience. If that flimsy piece of diamond plate was an actual “rock slider”, aftermarket companies would not be making “the real deal” for people who seriously off-road their Jeep. So, I am 100% correct and I use my 06 LJ off-road in Alaska. I’ve owned and modified Wranglers for over a dozen years now. Mall crawlers just drool...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@bemyers123 its NOT a trim piece and I also said there are better aftermarket options. Its 5/16s steel and wraps underneath the tub tying into to frame mounts unlike the diamond plate trim many people install which just adheres to the tub.
Will M I know exactly what it is, where it is and it’s dimensions because I replaced it for a real rock slider.
You’re 100% incorrect about the stock rocker trim tying into the frame. It’s fastened directly to the tub. Not even close to the frame.
Can you fit a wheelchair in the back?
If ur wheelchair folds and wheels pop off, u can prob fit in back behind the back seat. If ur wheelchair doesnt fold, flip up the back seat and there is a decent amount of room. I can check in the next couple days if u want
@@EdWoodFineArt dude, thank you so much!!! I was really hoping someone would reply. The wheelchair wheels don't come off on her chair, unfortunately. It's a ridged frame chair with a cushioned seat and arm rest. There is one for sale a town over and I'm going to bring her with me to check it out. Thank you for the reply
Wouldn't recommend going over 33" for tires with the 3.73 gears. Past that, you lose a lot of power. I have 32s on now with 3.73 gears and its a little sluggish.
Max T I agree if it’s an automatic. A manual would handle that and more.
I kept the 4.10 gears with 35s and was still able to cruise at 80 on the highway. Acceleration took a small hit but it was fine. I went to 4.88s when I upgraded to 37s
I had a 6 speed*
Not lj rubicon is 16000 dude that is worth anything
Give this guy a break you can he's a rookie jeep off road guy.
1:43 learn your stuff before making a video bro, the legendary 4.0 made by "jeep" was created by AMC.
He said the legendary 4.0 by Jeep. AMC created the 4.0 but Chrysler bought and continued using the 4.0 until 2006. For an LJ, the 4.0 was a Chrysler product with AMC legacy.
The AMC 258 was a 4.2
@@jeffreyjones3367 the 4.0 was the last engine developed by AMC. Was used in Comanches, Cherokees, and Grand Cherokees before being used in the Wranglers I believe in 91. My Comanche had a 4.0 in it and 1987. My Wrangler had a 4.2 in 89.
LJs are good but are way over priced and won't compete with Grenadieres
It’s too much money 💰 for that little length 😅
Mpg sucks too
My full size ram 2500 better on fuel and much more power