I have one of these, it’s a 2004 jeep lj, its only got 98k miles on it, it’s my first car, and it is the best thing ever, I frickin love it. And even with the back seats up, I can easily fit my golf clubs in the back
My Grandmother bought a Brown 05 Wrangler Unlimited brand new back in 2005. She drove it daily for almost 15 years, not long ago they stuck it in the garage and since then I’ve been trying to buy it from them. It came with colour matching soft and hard top, and a standard transmission. It’s a great daily vehicle in my opinion especially in the countryside and the beach where it spent a lot of time. I learned how to drive stick in their Jeep when I was 12 and drove it on and off for them after they stopped driving it to keep it from seizing up. It never fails to start either, one Canadian winter it sat for months and I hopped in and it started right up. Funnily enough though I rarely see these Unlimiteds tooting around these days. Happy to see it get some recognition. Cheers from Canada.
I love your enthusiasm! And I love my '06 LJ for many of the things you point out. But the extra 15 inches is 2 in the rear leg room and 13 in the rear cargo space. The wheel base is 10 inches longer meaning that extra 5 inches in back does harm the departure angle and breakover angles a little bit. The standard LJ has an open d30 up front and d44 in back with a limited slip differential. LJ Rubicon has d44's front and rear with selectable locking diffs in both. You can buy new hard tops still but they're going to cost well over 2 grand. Yeah, they do look a little funny, but if you can get over it you'll see that these really are the perfect blend of old school Jeep, performance and livability.
I have the 2004 unlimited. This jeep is a beast. I got 221k miles and its still running strong and the extended back end is great for throwing whatever you want back there.
Hi, I own a 2004 unlimited as well (188K) - I'm not so fond of the hard top and looking to change to the a Bestop Trektop - I also wanted to lift it but some mechanics say no. What's interesting is that, I find myself liking my Wrangler more and more lately. Any suggestions? Thanks
Loved your report on Jeep Wrangler2004-2006 LJ. I moved my rear seat back three inches and rebolted. It really makes it much more comfortable and roomy. Rear storage space is still good. Keep it up! .
I only just read the title, but wholeheartedly agree! To this day, I wish they still made a 2dr Unlimited. Have no idea why they stopped making it. They should bring it back with a diesel.
I've got an '05 LJ Premium package that I'm not letting go of. Just keeping it stock and I'll say this about a stock Jeep CJ or Wrangler. Never underestimate their ability to off road. My previous Jeeps were CJ5s and I wanted the extra room inside. I couldn't find a CJ6 in my area and the used LJ popped up up in Kentucky near me. I snagged it up, drove it home.
I was going to post similar. The lockers were air lockers on rubicons with the dana 44. No parts available for the air locker but you can get electric lockers which is more expensive than a repair but I feel a elocker is more reliable to get it locked.
I just bought a non rubicon with soft top that is an LJ unlimited. I was lucky enough to find a hardtop for it. I am having it shipped from Ontario to British Columbia. Bug plans for this jeep and when I am done I may get two more to build if I can find them either for family members or for sale. Asking price will be into the 6 figure area but it won't be really a jeep anymore. A quality build on 1 ton axles and coilovers and v8 LS power. Sure 500llus hp jeeps have been done before. But think about it, when was the last time you saw one for sale completely built with modern features like push button start, heated and cooled seats, on 40's actually for sale. I have not. And if you did it is likely just one that you can remember
@@rgd2598Actually TJ/LJ lockers were air activated lockers from the factory. There are a couple small air pumps under the drivers seat that activate them at around 5psi
I proudly "wheel" my 230,000 mile non-Rubicon LJ all over AZ to show folks how capable a stock LJ running 31.5 tires & no lift with 6 speed manual is. So comfy running the highway over my Rubicon TJ.
in 2003 i bought my wife a wrangler x, the following year they came out with the unlimited so we went back to the dealership for a test drive and my wife fell in love with the way the unlimited handled on the highway. when we left the dealership after trading in the 03 for the 04 and a half we had 3 miles on the clock. my wife loves her jeep, she drove it up to 211,461 miles before the no.5 piston skirt cracked off. thankfully no damage to the block so i taught her how to replace pistons, rings, connecting rods,and bearings. she now has 253,000 miles on it and will never give it up.
I also thought they were ugly when they first came out. Then I realized I can get a half hard top and make it look like a Scrambler. So I found a 2006 Sport and added a 3" Zone Offroad lift kit, some American Racing Baja II wheels and 33" General Grabber ATX tires. Then my diabetes flared up and damaged the retina in my good eye. So now I'm legally blind in both eyes and no longer drive. I never got to do the half hard top. Also have a Kenwood 2-DIN radio and bezel, and an Alpine powered subwoofer that never got installed. I still have the Jeep. I can't bring myself to sell it. It only has a little over 98,000 miles on it. But times are getting tough. Groceries cost more, mortgage rate went up, HOA fees were raised and my disability check barely covers the bills. So I may have to put it up for sale soon. I have a video of it before the lift kit went in. I've been too lazy to make the updated video.
LJ was our family vehicle in 2004, top leaked and replaced, transfer case blown once due to mud running at too high speed. other than that it has been flawless until sold in 2011. It was great driving in bad weather, still have traction on iced incline where some car would just slip down with snow tires.
I had a 03 not rubi .Soooo miss mine .I had a soft top .Im from illinois nit the greatest for winter .Jeep was warm but road salt plays havoc with soft top unless of course u garage it all winter .Ohhh I miss mine .THANK U FOR THE SHARE
Yep still own one from new and 15 mpg on the highway might be good gas mileage for 1968 but for 2005 not so much. But I did not buy this for mpg. Only major issue I have had is .when the ECU went bad and Mopar does not sell replacements, but did some research and found someone that does make a replacement. All is good with the normal amount of rust for its age.
The TJ had transmission changes, both automatic and manual, plus the 4 cylinder went from the old 2.5 pushrod a modern 2.4 DOHC. Those are actually significant updates.
I have an 04 I bought used with a soft top. The hard top may be more valuable but it doesn’t do anything for the appearance, other than make it look dated.
If you really *need* a hardtop because you live in very cold climates, then the LJ Safari Hard Top by gr8tops would be the way to go. Literally turns your Jeep into a more capable Land Rover Defender, it even has a massive barn door in the back, and sliding windows.
I too own an 04/unlimited - like have the hard top and you're RIGHT, it doesn't do much for appearance and would like to change it to the Bestop Trektop by spring. My son drove it down to the ground - I have been driving it for the past 6mos and it's been really growing on me. It needs some repairs, which I've been doing - Change oil regularly. Any suggestions on the soft tops?? - I have the added 10inches version on my unlimited.
Bought my 2004 with a hardtop. Bought a Bestop soft top and stored my hard top. Made huge mistake and sold hardtop for pennies on the dollar. Nevertheless still driving with 194,000 miles.
Hard tops are available because I purchased one for mine. It was a company out of California so yes it was aftermarket, I paid 1800$ for it and it looked like original, the hard top was great!
I have a 2004 LJ with 229,000 mile’s on her have had her for 13 yrs now. I would like to get a four door Unlimited and sell this two door to my 16 year old daughter because she wants it.
I have a 2004 TJ unlimited (long extra 10" version) - I don't care for the hard top as it doesn't do much for the appearance. I want to change to a soft top by Spring - My son had it for a while and really ran it down. I'm now in the process of repair, then upgrade. I've been driving it lately and liking it a lot. Any suggestions??
I have been using a frameless top on my Jeep for year and will not use anything else. I want to find a hard top for mine for the winter months my wife says it’s to cold to ride in my Jeep during the winter
Get out west in CO, UT, NV, AZ, and two door hardtop Wranglers are king for serious outdoor adventure. Those four door land yachts shouldn't be called Jeep.
They have a place in the market. I personally don't like them and will take a 2 door over a 4 door every day if the week but the 4 doors are the high volume sellers. Without jeep catering to the soccer moms/dads and the overlanding dorks that want enough room to shove a fridge in the back, we probably wouldn't even have wranglers today. I just wish they would give us a 2 door truck lol.
@@c4onmylip you right !! 2 door wrangler was loosing popularity back then , for many reasons and this TJ unlimited was an opportunity to open the market and save the wrangler. Then they realized 4 door , more air bags , including wider body lines and more , was making a whole new kind of buyers interest in this. I LOVE MY CLASSIC TJ UNLIMITED 😎
Love ur videos...like you all jeeps didn't interest me..but truly enjoy the education! Transplant to Colo..enjoy seeing rusty cars. Haven't in 20 yrs 😊
I have an '05 Unlimited Rubicon, also. Sub 65K miles. Only 11,596 produced in '05 and '06. Oh, and original paperwork says TJ (longbody). Get lots of offers.
Right after you said about the hard top i found one for sale on Facebook marketplace in one minute 🤣. Im sorry need to make some correctios over here, found another one for sale right the way scrolling down). And then the third one 🤦♂️🤦♀️
I don't really understand why this version of the Jeep, ie, the unlimited didn't sell better? It seems like it is an overall better car than the standard shorter Jeep. Was it too expensive back in the day to buy new?
I 100% agree with Road dog!! Hate the new jeeps!! They bowed down to the suburb people who don't know what off road or trail riding is! GM ruined the Hummer and Blazer now Chrysler ruined the Jeep! I'll never own one!
Go get another one, I did. Just got my replacement last month. Went from 04 non-Rubicon that I let go 10 years ago to an 06 Rubicon hardtop just like the one in this video, just a year newer. It’s never too late.
Love the vid. But I've owned a handful of Wranglers that I've used as daily drivers and never had the "leaky" issues this guy talks about. He's right though about the 4 liter being better than the minivan V6 that Jeep is using now in their so called "Wrangler". The Wrangler was never meant to be comfortable, a vehicle for the masses or a trendy fashion accessory as it's now become.
I soooo agree on this - They are becoming less and less Wranglers. I saw a 1987 Wrangler in great shape and thought, wow.... that's great. Yeah! today's wranglers, not sure about them. I own a 2004 TJ sport (extra 10") 188k and running strong. Look to do some upgrades by Spring.
Low miles, best straight six engine, 13 inches longer, DANA44 front and rear, and I think it has a Rear LSD stock because I know my 03 Sahara came with a LSD for my rear 44
The TJ rubicons came with air lockers front and rear I believe. If I'm not mistaken they had little baby compressors that only put out like 10 psi tucked up above the t case skid.
I just picked up the same color ‘05 TJU with a hard top but not a rubi…it came from Tucson and has zero rust. 86K I got rid of a Porsche to buy it - much less cost of ownership and I can fix it myself :)
Why would a longer wheel base make it a better offroad vehicle? Ive got an '06 TJ so I'm biased, but these things go through trials that most longer wheelbase 4WDs dont
I want to like them because I’m sure they ride better but I hate the look, too long and it looks off compared to a regular TJ. The unicorn is not an LJ by itself, it’s a Sahara rubicon LJ, that’s what the community considers a unicorn. All TJs had a Dana 30 up front and the engine isn’t any different so that had nothing to do with the LJ. Nice video though!
I own a 2004 TJ (188k), runs great in spite of repairs needed (in the Chicago snow and ice). However, I don't care for the hard top look, and aiming to change that. Suggestions welcome.
Never liked the look. I prefer the TJ style look and for how nimble it is, squeeze in any tight trail or parking space. Better breakover angle for climbing. Though LJs do look good with a 4" lift and 35" tires. And of course, more space inside is a welcome.. I recently drove an LJ with 4" lift, 35" tires and 5.13 gears and it was pretty sluggish. I think they weigh and extra 300 lbs over the TJ, and then start adding big tires, bumpers...adds up. Then a hard top weighs even more. One other thing, most LJs were made when Chrylser was done with the 4.0 and they cut serious corners. The oil pump/cam was a poor design to save money. The best TJ, LJs were prior to 05/06.
I own the TJ sport Unlimited (2004), and honestly do not like the hard top look - I would need to lift it as you mentioned to 4" at least but some mechanics have advised against it. I want to change to a soft top but I don't want anything cheap as I don't care for the wrinkled look. Any suggestions on the lift??
What about 2004 Sahara? Lol I got mine with less than 13k miles. 😬 Soft top. Def not as much storage space as this one tho, but decent. Also got me that die hard engine. Lol. I actually love it being so durable bcuz I can be kind of rough on things. 😬 I often wonder if I paid too much. Lol. But I love having it and driving it.
Yeah, Sahara Trim commands at most $1000 premium over the more basic trims. The rubicon trim was all mechanical upgrades that is vital for a serious offroader, therefore it is $4000-5000 more than other trims.
SEAN L Yeah. I didn’t set out for anything super specific. I mainly bot this one bcuz of the super low mileage and “like new” condition. And I wanted soft top bcuz I’m a single woman with no garage and no one around to help me get a hard top on and off. It’s much faster and easier to just take off the side panels and/or roll up the back window when I feel like a bit of fun. (If it would ever stop raining these days. lol). Plus I live down south.
@@goodenoughgirl8102You made a good decision. I don't think anyone would need a Rubicon unless they were interested in Rock Crawling/driving into thick mud. In my opinion, a hard top ruins the purpose of having a Wrangler, the only convertible, do it all Suv in the market. The LJ rubicon discussed in this video is expensive because it is rarer and caters to enthusiasts than any other Jeep model which leads to it keeping it's value.
SEAN L Right. Lol. I was actually thinking of something smaller. I might be more of a rag top fan than a Jeep fan (😅😅), but since I got the Jeep, I’m seeing the other benefits as well, and I’m very happy with it. My original online search was for my adult son who wanted to take it for a spin “naked” and I wanted him to know how to correctly take things off and put them back on. 🤣 Stumbled upon this vid and checked it out. Lol.
I say BS. I own, which I bought new in 2006 a Rubicon 2 door "LJ" with a 4 litre straight 6. ANYTHING bought from 2007 to 2021 is cheap Fiat SHIT. All show and no go soccer mom vehicles. Mine has a little over 55K miles and the original pristine Soft (Garage Kept) top. PS. The dealership still contacts me wanting to buy it back, they will pay me nearly as much as I paid for it. They constantly have people coming in that want it. My answer always is "Call me next year". Lmao.
I like that - I own a 2004 TJ Sport (longer 10") unlimited - 188k and running strong in Chicago Weather - only thing, I want to change the flippin' hard top (doesn't look good to me).
I have one of these, it’s a 2004 jeep lj, its only got 98k miles on it, it’s my first car, and it is the best thing ever, I frickin love it. And even with the back seats up, I can easily fit my golf clubs in the back
My Grandmother bought a Brown 05 Wrangler Unlimited brand new back in 2005. She drove it daily for almost 15 years, not long ago they stuck it in the garage and since then I’ve been trying to buy it from them. It came with colour matching soft and hard top, and a standard transmission. It’s a great daily vehicle in my opinion especially in the countryside and the beach where it spent a lot of time. I learned how to drive stick in their Jeep when I was 12 and drove it on and off for them after they stopped driving it to keep it from seizing up. It never fails to start either, one Canadian winter it sat for months and I hopped in and it started right up. Funnily enough though I rarely see these Unlimiteds tooting around these days. Happy to see it get some recognition.
Cheers from Canada.
I love my '06 TJU soft top. I specifically searched out this model and got a great deal. I'm never letting it go.
Just picked up my '05 with 75,000 miles, hard top, mostly stock, and I'm In Love. I've wanted one since they came out.
I love your enthusiasm! And I love my '06 LJ for many of the things you point out.
But the extra 15 inches is 2 in the rear leg room and 13 in the rear cargo space. The wheel base is 10 inches longer meaning that extra 5 inches in back does harm the departure angle and breakover angles a little bit.
The standard LJ has an open d30 up front and d44 in back with a limited slip differential. LJ Rubicon has d44's front and rear with selectable locking diffs in both.
You can buy new hard tops still but they're going to cost well over 2 grand.
Yeah, they do look a little funny, but if you can get over it you'll see that these really are the perfect blend of old school Jeep, performance and livability.
I have the 2004 unlimited. This jeep is a beast. I got 221k miles and its still running strong and the extended back end is great for throwing whatever you want back there.
Hi, I own a 2004 unlimited as well (188K) - I'm not so fond of the hard top and looking to change to the a Bestop Trektop - I also wanted to lift it but some mechanics say no. What's interesting is that, I find myself liking my Wrangler more and more lately. Any suggestions? Thanks
Where all unlimted jeeps rubicons too ?
Or where not all unlimted jeeps rubicon?
Loved your report on Jeep Wrangler2004-2006 LJ. I moved my rear seat back three inches and rebolted. It really makes it much more comfortable and roomy. Rear storage space is still good. Keep it up! .
I only just read the title, but wholeheartedly agree! To this day, I wish they still made a 2dr Unlimited. Have no idea why they stopped making it. They should bring it back with a diesel.
I've got an '05 LJ Premium package that I'm not letting go of. Just keeping it stock and I'll say this about a stock Jeep CJ or Wrangler. Never underestimate their ability to off road. My previous Jeeps were CJ5s and I wanted the extra room inside. I couldn't find a CJ6 in my area and the used LJ popped up up in Kentucky near me. I snagged it up, drove it home.
DOUG DEMURO OF THE EAST, I LIKE IT
yeah not even close
Dana 44 both front and rear on all rubicons regardless of the year 2003-2020 just a heads up
I was going to post similar.
The lockers were air lockers on rubicons with the dana 44. No parts available for the air locker but you can get electric lockers which is more expensive than a repair but I feel a elocker is more reliable to get it locked.
I just bought a non rubicon with soft top that is an LJ unlimited. I was lucky enough to find a hardtop for it. I am having it shipped from Ontario to British Columbia. Bug plans for this jeep and when I am done I may get two more to build if I can find them either for family members or for sale. Asking price will be into the 6 figure area but it won't be really a jeep anymore. A quality build on 1 ton axles and coilovers and v8 LS power. Sure 500llus hp jeeps have been done before. But think about it, when was the last time you saw one for sale completely built with modern features like push button start, heated and cooled seats, on 40's actually for sale. I have not. And if you did it is likely just one that you can remember
@@clipofthedayyup4907 … wrong. They never installed air lockers from the factory. It’s always been electric for selectable lockers
@@rgd2598Actually TJ/LJ lockers were air activated lockers from the factory. There are a couple small air pumps under the drivers seat that activate them at around 5psi
"It doesn't do backflips" cuts to not one but two of them flipping over backwards 😂
Pretty sure all 3 were lj's lol
Yep. 😅😂😂
I proudly "wheel" my 230,000 mile non-Rubicon LJ all over AZ to show folks how capable a stock LJ running 31.5 tires & no lift with 6 speed manual is. So comfy running the highway over my Rubicon TJ.
in 2003 i bought my wife a wrangler x, the following year they came out with the unlimited so we went back to the dealership for a test drive and my wife fell in love with the way the unlimited handled on the highway. when we left the dealership after trading in the 03 for the 04 and a half we had 3 miles on the clock. my wife loves her jeep, she drove it up to 211,461 miles before the no.5 piston skirt cracked off. thankfully no damage to the block so i taught her how to replace pistons, rings, connecting rods,and bearings. she now has 253,000 miles on it and will never give it up.
Raise ur hand if you recognize or have been on the trails shown in the video, I’ve been to most of them up in Moab
8:16 man's best friend 🤣
Bro said HELL NAW
I have one of these LJ’s and I have had it for 15 years now
I also thought they were ugly when they first came out. Then I realized I can get a half hard top and make it look like a Scrambler. So I found a 2006 Sport and added a 3" Zone Offroad lift kit, some American Racing Baja II wheels and 33" General Grabber ATX tires. Then my diabetes flared up and damaged the retina in my good eye. So now I'm legally blind in both eyes and no longer drive. I never got to do the half hard top. Also have a Kenwood 2-DIN radio and bezel, and an Alpine powered subwoofer that never got installed. I still have the Jeep. I can't bring myself to sell it. It only has a little over 98,000 miles on it. But times are getting tough. Groceries cost more, mortgage rate went up, HOA fees were raised and my disability check barely covers the bills. So I may have to put it up for sale soon. I have a video of it before the lift kit went in. I've been too lazy to make the updated video.
LJ was our family vehicle in 2004, top leaked and replaced, transfer case blown once due to mud running at too high speed. other than that it has been flawless until sold in 2011. It was great driving in bad weather, still have traction on iced incline where some car would just slip down with snow tires.
Rubicon was D44 front and rear
I do prefer the tj over the lj.
Don’t care about rear passengers.
Don’t care about payload.
It is a go anywhere escape pod. Get in and go.
Love my 06 LJ 45,000 miles hard top.
I have a 2005 LJ. You said the LJ was hard to flip over backwards and then the video you showed was an LJ flipping over backwards 😂
Noticed that too
I have an '06 with both tops - love it!
Those tires on that Jeep make me want to cry.
I had a 03 not rubi .Soooo miss mine .I had a soft top .Im from illinois nit the greatest for winter .Jeep was warm but road salt plays havoc with soft top unless of course u garage it all winter .Ohhh I miss mine .THANK U FOR THE SHARE
“It gets good gas mileage”😂😂
I have a 2006 LJ Rubicon, I get 11 to 12 miles to the gallon. How many miles do most people get? and what did you do to improve the MPG?
😄😄😄😄
Yep still own one from new and 15 mpg on the highway might be good gas mileage for 1968 but for 2005 not so much. But I did not buy this for mpg. Only major issue I have had is .when the ECU went bad and Mopar does not sell replacements, but did some research and found someone that does make a replacement. All is good with the normal amount of rust for its age.
12 to 13 miles a gallon. Very much like driving a shoe box with the hard top on..
I get at low 16mpg rn due to cold weather got 19-20mpg in summer. But I’m riding on 31s currently.
03 TJ 200,000 miles still rolling love it.
D44 front and rear for Rubs.
Not to mention front and rear locking diffs.
Picking mine up in FL in less than 24 hrs!! Can’t wait. First Jeep.
2006 was the last year for the in-line 6 engines
With how popular the LJ is now I’m surprised they don’t offer a extended version of the 2 door JL
not much of a market tho, if you want an unlimited, you just get a four-door model.
I remember seeing these years ago. Very rarely see them now, just the 4d mallcrawlers.
I myself have a JL Sport S 6sp. 2 door of course
Cant believe any dodge product has such a huge value! Awesome vid that model with the stout engine is Def a keeper.
shut the fuck up about brand loyalty you fucking troglodyte
@@permaban135 ain’t no one brand loyal you little non English speaking peasant. Actually get a vehicle first, then we can talk.
I love my 2006 LJ.
Same.
The TJ had transmission changes, both automatic and manual, plus the 4 cylinder went from the old 2.5 pushrod a modern 2.4 DOHC. Those are actually significant updates.
I have an 04 I bought used with a soft top. The hard top may be more valuable but it doesn’t do anything for the appearance, other than make it look dated.
Same here. Lol.
If you really *need* a hardtop because you live in very cold climates, then the LJ Safari Hard Top by gr8tops would be the way to go. Literally turns your Jeep into a more capable Land Rover Defender, it even has a massive barn door in the back, and sliding windows.
I too own an 04/unlimited - like have the hard top and you're RIGHT, it doesn't do much for appearance and would like to change it to the Bestop Trektop by spring. My son drove it down to the ground - I have been driving it for the past 6mos and it's been really growing on me. It needs some repairs, which I've been doing - Change oil regularly. Any suggestions on the soft tops?? - I have the added 10inches version on my unlimited.
Bought my 2004 with a hardtop. Bought a Bestop soft top and stored my hard top. Made huge mistake and sold hardtop for pennies on the dollar. Nevertheless still driving with 194,000 miles.
Hard tops are available because I purchased one for mine. It was a company out of California so yes it was aftermarket, I paid 1800$ for it and it looked like original, the hard top was great!
I have a 2004 LJ with 229,000 mile’s on her have had her for 13 yrs now. I would like to get a four door Unlimited and sell this two door to my 16 year old daughter because she wants it.
I have a 2004 TJ unlimited (long extra 10" version) - I don't care for the hard top as it doesn't do much for the appearance. I want to change to a soft top by Spring - My son had it for a while and really ran it down. I'm now in the process of repair, then upgrade. I've been driving it lately and liking it a lot. Any suggestions??
I have been using a frameless top on my Jeep for year and will not use anything else. I want to find a hard top for mine for the winter months my wife says it’s to cold to ride in my Jeep during the winter
The first Unlimited was a 2004.5 half year. Rubicon obviously came out in 03. But you couldn't get an unlimited rubicon except in 05 and 06.
I own a 2004 Unlimited - Have been driving it more lately and find myself liking it more and more each day.
Get out west in CO, UT, NV, AZ, and two door hardtop Wranglers are king for serious outdoor adventure. Those four door land yachts shouldn't be called Jeep.
They shouldn’t be called a Jeep Wrangler!
🤣🤣🤣
They have a place in the market. I personally don't like them and will take a 2 door over a 4 door every day if the week but the 4 doors are the high volume sellers. Without jeep catering to the soccer moms/dads and the overlanding dorks that want enough room to shove a fridge in the back, we probably wouldn't even have wranglers today. I just wish they would give us a 2 door truck lol.
@@c4onmylip you right !! 2 door wrangler was loosing popularity back then , for many reasons and this TJ unlimited was an opportunity to open the market and save the wrangler. Then they realized 4 door , more air bags , including wider body lines and more , was making a whole new kind of buyers interest in this. I LOVE MY CLASSIC TJ UNLIMITED 😎
@@c4onmylip take 2 door's off and it's a 2 door truck 😂😂
Love ur videos...like you all jeeps didn't interest me..but truly enjoy the education! Transplant to Colo..enjoy seeing rusty cars. Haven't in 20 yrs 😊
I have an '05 Unlimited Rubicon, also. Sub 65K miles. Only 11,596 produced in '05 and '06. Oh, and original paperwork says TJ (longbody). Get lots of offers.
You can find the factory hard tops but they aren’t cheap. I’ve got one I’ve never put on. Just like the soft top.
Got a very nice one for $400. Right place, right time.
Mine still has the hardtop. 😎
I like these American car reviews. It’s special because you have legroom and a useable trunk.
that was about 5 seconds of the video but ok.. wouldnt really say he called it special cause of that just gave the comparison
I own a 2006 lj with the same engine .... 2005 wasnt the last year of it
2004.5-2006
sooo, you make the point that an LJ doesn't do backflips....by showing an LJ doing a backflip...twice.
Ok, this was 4 years ago. How much are they (LJ /Rubicon) worth in 2024?
Its a dana 44 front and rear on any rubicon
That is reminiscent of the CJ8 scrambler that I used to own.
Right after you said about the hard top i found one for sale on Facebook marketplace in one minute 🤣. Im sorry need to make some correctios over here, found another one for sale right the way scrolling down). And then the third one 🤦♂️🤦♀️
Aftermarket hardtops available all day long
I love my LJ.!!
I don't really understand why this version of the Jeep, ie, the unlimited didn't sell better? It seems like it is an overall better car than the standard shorter Jeep. Was it too expensive back in the day to buy new?
When this jeep come back again I like the long design
Thisbis my favorite
But they are hard to find, and expensive
Thank you so much for this, I’m buying one soon we’re I live and this info is very good👍🏼
Where are you located? I have a LJ super clean listed.
1:00... I see them all the time. 2:56... you don't see them very often. Which is it?
I have a 2004 LJ
I 100% agree with Road dog!! Hate the new jeeps!! They bowed down to the suburb people who don't know what off road or trail riding is! GM ruined the Hummer and Blazer now Chrysler ruined the Jeep! I'll never own one!
And the prices are still climbing on those LJs.
15” ?
My mind : we can make that happen 🤔
Me : *stratches head*
Damm!!! I miss my 2006 LJ
Go get another one, I did. Just got my replacement last month. Went from 04 non-Rubicon that I let go 10 years ago to an 06 Rubicon hardtop just like the one in this video, just a year newer. It’s never too late.
now if you want even more exclusive? try finding an "Unlimited RubiHara", ultra rare jeep
Here are some of the quirks and features...
the first jeep you showed flippin over was an LJ
Is anyone gonna tell him that the first clip of Jeep flipping actually is an LJ? LOL 😂
Love the vid. But I've owned a handful of Wranglers that I've used as daily drivers and never had the "leaky" issues this guy talks about. He's right though about the 4 liter being better than the minivan V6 that Jeep is using now in their so called "Wrangler". The Wrangler was never meant to be comfortable, a vehicle for the masses or a trendy fashion accessory as it's now become.
05 TJ unlimited and it LEAKS
Very well put together! Great job. Carry on! Sonny (CT)
I love my tj but those are the best tj that you can buy .
Look at THAT TINY RUBICON name 😂
Gravity is gravity whether Yu have a Rubicon or not . The height and angles is what happens
The TJ was the last Jeeps ever made. The new wranglers are ugly as homemade sin and might as well be hummers.
I soooo agree on this - They are becoming less and less Wranglers. I saw a 1987 Wrangler in great shape and thought, wow.... that's great. Yeah! today's wranglers, not sure about them. I own a 2004 TJ sport (extra 10") 188k and running strong. Look to do some upgrades by Spring.
Low miles, best straight six engine, 13 inches longer, DANA44 front and rear, and I think it has a Rear LSD stock because I know my 03 Sahara came with a LSD for my rear 44
The TJ rubicons came with air lockers front and rear I believe. If I'm not mistaken they had little baby compressors that only put out like 10 psi tucked up above the t case skid.
After the TJ they went to electronic lockers in the JKs and JLs.
@@c4onmylip oh that’s cool I thought they just had a LSD
Prices are still going up. I have the exact LJ in this video except mine is an ‘06. And a CA only life history. Zero rust with only 89K miles.
I just picked up the same color ‘05 TJU with a hard top but not a rubi…it came from Tucson and has zero rust. 86K
I got rid of a Porsche to buy it - much less cost of ownership and I can fix it myself :)
@@buckyes6749 Nice one. Congrats!
@@tho464 thanks! I love it. We plan to flat tow it behind a RV - but I drive it all over
They sell for 23k now
my 1997 TJ has a hardtop and it doesn't leak. I live in Costa Rica in the rain forest. Which means a lot of rain. Just saying...
Two years later and you can easily get 25+ with those low miles
Now 30 lol
I just bought one the other day for 11.5k, 2006 with 160k and the frame is super clean, found a gem
Ive seen an 05’ tju for $25000
Jeep JK gets good gas mileage and it’s reliable? No one has ever said that about modern jeeps lol.
I have an 06 LJ with 5.13 gears and a rear e locker make me an offer located in Vegas
"you dont see them very often." I see one everyday (its my dads)
I was thinking it has a 44 f and 44b
Why would a longer wheel base make it a better offroad vehicle? Ive got an '06 TJ so I'm biased, but these things go through trials that most longer wheelbase 4WDs dont
I want to like them because I’m sure they ride better but I hate the look, too long and it looks off compared to a regular TJ. The unicorn is not an LJ by itself, it’s a Sahara rubicon LJ, that’s what the community considers a unicorn. All TJs had a Dana 30 up front and the engine isn’t any different so that had nothing to do with the LJ. Nice video though!
I own a 2004 TJ (188k), runs great in spite of repairs needed (in the Chicago snow and ice). However, I don't care for the hard top look, and aiming to change that. Suggestions welcome.
Never liked the look. I prefer the TJ style look and for how nimble it is, squeeze in any tight trail or parking space. Better breakover angle for climbing. Though LJs do look good with a 4" lift and 35" tires. And of course, more space inside is a welcome.. I recently drove an LJ with 4" lift, 35" tires and 5.13 gears and it was pretty sluggish. I think they weigh and extra 300 lbs over the TJ, and then start adding big tires, bumpers...adds up. Then a hard top weighs even more. One other thing, most LJs were made when Chrylser was done with the 4.0 and they cut serious corners. The oil pump/cam was a poor design to save money. The best TJ, LJs were prior to 05/06.
I own the TJ sport Unlimited (2004), and honestly do not like the hard top look - I would need to lift it as you mentioned to 4" at least but some mechanics have advised against it. I want to change to a soft top but I don't want anything cheap as I don't care for the wrinkled look. Any suggestions on the lift??
Just bought two one 99k miles for 10k and ljr for 13k with 139k miles
From what part of the country. Beware of the rust. Mine is a CA rig all its life.
I’m sure it’s sold but I’d love the chance to buy it
There’s someone on Facebook selling a lj hardtop for $1500 in Wyoming
Bullshit that’s a scam post
It’s not lol
Great salesman and great video. Lots to learn👍
Start from 03:36
This is his Doug review.
What dealer apps do you have? Can you make a video about them thanks.
How can. I sell mine?
LJ is not a fictitious name, they literally say LJ on the build tag under the front bumper
Hey is it still available
Aaand now they’re going for $20-20k
What about 2004 Sahara? Lol I got mine with less than 13k miles. 😬 Soft top. Def not as much storage space as this one tho, but decent. Also got me that die hard engine. Lol. I actually love it being so durable bcuz I can be kind of rough on things. 😬 I often wonder if I paid too much. Lol. But I love having it and driving it.
The Sahara was nothing special just some esthetic changes to charge more
Yeah, Sahara Trim commands at most $1000 premium over the more basic trims. The rubicon trim was all mechanical upgrades that is vital for a serious offroader, therefore it is $4000-5000 more than other trims.
SEAN L Yeah. I didn’t set out for anything super specific. I mainly bot this one bcuz of the super low mileage and “like new” condition. And I wanted soft top bcuz I’m a single woman with no garage and no one around to help me get a hard top on and off. It’s much faster and easier to just take off the side panels and/or roll up the back window when I feel like a bit of fun. (If it would ever stop raining these days. lol). Plus I live down south.
@@goodenoughgirl8102You made a good decision. I don't think anyone would need a Rubicon unless they were interested in Rock Crawling/driving into thick mud. In my opinion, a hard top ruins the purpose of having a Wrangler, the only convertible, do it all Suv in the market. The LJ rubicon discussed in this video is expensive because it is rarer and caters to enthusiasts than any other Jeep model which leads to it keeping it's value.
SEAN L Right. Lol. I was actually thinking of something smaller. I might be more of a rag top fan than a Jeep fan (😅😅), but since I got the Jeep, I’m seeing the other benefits as well, and I’m very happy with it. My original online search was for my adult son who wanted to take it for a spin “naked” and I wanted him to know how to correctly take things off and put them back on. 🤣 Stumbled upon this vid and checked it out. Lol.
I say BS. I own, which I bought new in 2006 a Rubicon 2 door "LJ" with a 4 litre straight 6. ANYTHING bought from 2007 to 2021 is cheap Fiat SHIT. All show and no go soccer mom vehicles. Mine has a little over 55K miles and the original pristine Soft (Garage Kept) top. PS. The dealership still contacts me wanting to buy it back, they will pay me nearly as much as I paid for it. They constantly have people coming in that want it. My answer always is "Call me next year". Lmao.
I like that - I own a 2004 TJ Sport (longer 10") unlimited - 188k and running strong in Chicago Weather - only thing, I want to change the flippin' hard top (doesn't look good to me).
Loved that Toyota 4.0L. Bulletproof indeed!