$10K Jeep Rubicon vs $55K Jeep Rubicon | Unexpected results in Moab
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- A stock Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon takes on a stock Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon on Moab's Fins & Things to see which performs better off-road. We compare functional off-road angles/ground clearance, Traction, Maneuverability, Slow Speed Crawling (important for rock obstacles), Value/Price, Comfort, Fuel Use, Fun Factor/Enagaement, Stock Protection, and Trail Fixability. This is also an Updated Trail Guide of Fin and Things Moab.
The TJ Rubicon is the first generation Rubicon made from 2003-2006. Some consider the TJ the greatest wrangler ever made. The JL Rubicon is the latest Rubicon (3rd generation) and is supposed to be greatest wrangler ever made. So which is it? Both Rubicons are stock with manual transmissions, 6 cyclinder engines, and have no mods. Stock is the way to test two Jeeps as anyone can build any generation Jeep to beat another generation of Jeep. To avoid driver differences, I drove both Jeeps with similar tiredness (worked an overnight 12 hour shift and then went filming on my rest). I love both Jeeps so I truly didn't care which one performed better, but this surprised me. I have had 4 TJs and 3 Modern Jeeps (2 JKs, 1 JL) so I feel like I know them well.
Rough Edit Input from Drew Hunter, Dean Johnson, and Derek Jarman
Video Edited By Dewie Jones
About Colorado Mallcrawlers:
We are a channel that aims to show incredible off-road trails and our adventures to get through them with stock or your not so typical off-road vehicles. If that sounds like a fun watch, we'd love to have you as a subscriber! The channel membership was created to give our community the best trail info on youtube quicker since trail/overland guides take a while to create. Video Editors are Drew Hunter and Dewie Jones. We're always looking for more offroad video editors as we film a ton of trails (100% of adsense goes to the editor).
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00:00 Wrangler TJ vs Wrangler JL intro
00:39 This is a new Trail Guide and Off-Road Comparison
1:22 Fins & Things Trail Information
1:54 2018-Present Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon Specs
2:33 2003-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon Specs
3:23 Driver Visibility Test: Which can you see the trail better with?
4:01 Ground Clearance Test: Will Better off-road numbers win this?
5:47 My reasoning on why I wheeled it that way
6:38 Slow Speed Crawl Test: Slower the better!
8:01 TrailsOffroad, My stupid bet, and Just Empty Every Pocket (Thanks KJ)
8:57 Fuel Use Test: Offroad vs highway, which is more important?
9:46 The TJ has no chance of winning this test, right? Comfort comparison
10:40 Which comes with better stock armor?
11:28 Two cool trail spots and we'll try the other route on 11 (Trail Guide shows passenger line)
12:13 Which is more maneuverable? Which will hit the tree? Does width matter?
12:51 This confirms an earlier test
13:48 Which Jeep is more fun?
14:25 Which is easier to repair on the trail?
16:13 How much these cost me and what's their value?
16:47 The Traction Test on the optional Wall Obstacle
18:44 Editor tries to make sense of these results
20:59 How to join us on our overland trips
21:38 Please check out another video 
Авто/Мото
I should be in the chat at the live premiere as I’m truly curious what y’all think of this comparison. Maybe I called it wrong, but I believe the footage supports my conclusions (which were different from my assumptions going into it). This has basically made me reconsider my plans for the TJ and JL… they need to serve two different roles to be more effective in creating guides of all levels. Still figuring this out.
Hell, I'll watch just to find out where you are getting TJ Rubicons for 10K!
Mine wasn’t 10k (but close), but I found one better than mine a month after for that. Colorado has deals if you keep on the lookout. Heck I’ve even seen deals on LJs.
@@coloradomallcrawlers man I already have one, but I still look (because I have a jeep problem) and haven’t seen a Rubicon that low. Just went back to a TJ from a Jk and paid a premium for one with 44k miles. I guess you know who I’ll be rooting for in the vid.
I still can’t make sense of this one. I’d love to hear your thoughts when you see it.
@@coloradomallcrawlers looking forward to it!
The TJ is still my favorite Jeep! 05-06 with the six-speed manual!, Yes please!
A great jeep indeed!
Exactly what I have - an 06 with 4 link long arms, 4" lift on 35s. BTW - I called Currie and they say the Anti rock is designed to remain connected when rock crawling.
Just great until you have to do maintenance. The heater core is a giant pain.
I love my $15k 05 TJ rubicon. Keeping it for life. Perfect combo of old and new. Inline4.0, fuel injection, 6 speed manuel, all wheel disc, coil springs. Otherwise, no modern tech, which is why I'll never get a new jeep.
@@rayss3323Whats your point, neither of these jeeps come stock with an Antirock.
Buy a TJ. Build it out. '05 Rubicon driver here. It's a beast with a little bit of investment. I'm going to MetalCloak sliders and fenders next...
Sounds like a great Jeep!
And for F's sake do something with the sway bar. Of course the older Jeeps will lose with a fixed sway bar and it is easy to just unbolt it. Antirock's are awesome.
Just put the Metalcloak arched and rockers on my 06, Love em!!
I always thought all my Jeeps were very capable…but once I got my first JL Rubicon I was AMAZED at its stock capability! Just unbelievable how good these new Jeeps are!
They really are crazy capable!
🤦♂️🤡
@johnphillipsjr7238 go off kid 😂
Stock is the way! Maybe some slightly beefed up stuff but Don’t need all the crazy stuff
@@jaredkish8716 You’re exactly right. I called them tasteful mods.
Quick disconnects on a TJ is the #1 modification in my opinion. You get sooo much more articulation it is a night and day difference. Smoother ride and allows you to use lockers as an absolute last resort. I was bummed with my stock performance (skill issue, I was the problem) but once I learned how to manage the clutch, and take the disconnects off paired with a small lift and larger tires…. It goes anywhere.
Absolutely!
It is a good 1st mod or just keep a set of wrenches around and disconnect manually. Antirock would be even better. Why Jeep decided to release the Rubicon in road only mode with the sway bar is beyond me. I guess the TJs were the first to be intended for real on road use.
Heaven forbid they come with locking hubs (-:
Who doesn't love a good old vs new comparison
lol, some of those who commented. Thanks for watching!
I love the part where you say "I have a TJ Rubicon, JL Rubicon, and Jeep Liberty."
_Shows picture of Liberty broken down._ 😂😂😂 Old jeep life
Still, great video. If you're ever in East TN again, we should do a "stock Rubicon vs moderately modified Sport" video since I'm lifted on 35s with 4.88 gears (also a manual transmission).
I come back to TN often to help my parents. However I usually fly as I can’t miss much work. I do plan on getting the Liberty out more in 2024 though.
@@coloradomallcrawlers yeah I feel that. I would love to do some trails in Colorado, Utah, California, but with a wife and 2 year old driving a lifted rig 2000 miles to do it isn't feasible. 😅
Super fun video! I liked seeing both of these in action side-by-side. I’m looking forward to some more vids coming up! Keep up the good work man 🤙🏼
Thanks! I’m on vacation right now, but I brought two new ones to edit. One has a 2 door bronco Sasquatch and my jeep and another is a san Juan mountain tour of the area over three days. Today is a travel so I might get some stuff done on them. Thanks for watching!
excellent edit/review! Always look forward to trail/jeep related videos!
Thank you buddy!
Stock for stock the JL is obviously a more capable vehicle. And it's a hell of a lot more tolerable as a daily driver. But the TJ has that simple charm and the legendary 4.0L. Plus the TJ will definitely be easier for the average doityourselfer to deal with. It all comes down to what ya want and how much you can spend.
Not a bad take
Awesome and outstanding.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
Thank you for watching!
Awesome video Dewie! Loved the comparison! 🤘
Thanks buddy!
I’d rather push my 2006 LJ Rubicon than drive a JL duck magnet
I like them both… I’m not into ducks, but a little rubber has definitely saved me in the past.
Your LJ isn't exempt from getting ducked hard 😂
Just came across your channel! I love the deep dive! Great content!
Thank you… we mostly make trail guides, but I was curious and fins was close enough to do some testing after work.
Final edit turned out great!
Thanks buddy!
Same driver, same course, same Rubicon spec, but most importantly: same color😁 👍
lol, somebody said the yellow one was gonna win the comparison
@@coloradomallcrawlers
NGL, regardless of the outcome, the yellow one is still my favorite.
Yellow is the best.
@@coloradomallcrawlers Please get a sway bar disconnect. If you aren't disconnecting that sway bar because you only mallcrawl it please sell it to someone who will, it doesn't deserve to be treated like that. It's like keeping a beautiful race horse in it's stall for it's entire life, very sad.
This was a solid video - I subscribed. Looking forward to more.
Thank you! Working on Moab’s Mashed Potatoes right now… we lost the trail, but it’s a good reminder of what we lost and that all hope is not lost yet.
@@coloradomallcrawlers We are lightly planning a trip over from TN for our JK and looking forward to the trail details. Let's hope it opens back up!
Dewie,This is a great video!👏👏👏
Thank you!
Your videos are well done, entertaining.
Thank you!
I own a 2005 Rubicon Unlimited (LJ) with a six speed manual in bright silver. Old man Emu lift with Rubi 16” rims and Toyo 33s. She is so tough and amazing.
Awesome!
The biggest thing for clearance on the TJR/LJR is doing a tummy tuck skidplate. The stock skid is strong, but has a flanged leading edge that hangs down and acts as a scoop. If I did my LJR build over, I'd start with a BL/MML 1" first and tummy tuck before I did my suspension lift. After 18ish years of owning our '05 LJR, still my favorite, but love my '22 JTR as well and would totally love a JLR. The D44s have gotten stronger over the years, not sure about the knuckles since new ones are aluminum. Nothing to run 35s on stock JLR D44s on the rocks, but not so much on the TJR's without a shaft and regear upgrade at least.
Trail fixes, definitely easier on the TJ/LJs but there were some more electronic controls (camshaft sensor, etc) added in the late years, not sure if that was Rubicon specific or Rubicon+'05/06 specific. Easy home mechanic replacement, but not trail fixable vs older TJs. I've had to zip tie some linkage rubber that dry rotted on the trail, but the LJ has been the most reliable 4x4 for us (vs Toyotas and Fords we've owned).
Absolutely, and I’ll likely be adding 35s to my JL and then use it as my rated 7 trail guide Jeep. We’ll see and thanks for watching!
I’ve had them all even a YJ. To date the 4dr JL is the best on road and off road but the TJ was the last jeep jeep with. Nostalgia. I personally think a LJ with a long arm or TJ long arm stretch is the most capable. The only problem with the TJ has been a slightly weaker axle.
For the price of a new JL Rubicon you can have an extremely built TJ that will go anywhere.
Great video again Dewy!!!
Thanks buddy, but I think you 4 door guys start smoking something when you get them. I wheel with a lot of people in a wide variety of rigs. If I can out wheel a built 4 door in a stock 2 door which often happens, the two door is the most capable. You should NOT need to add 37s to a Jeep. Don’t get me wrong… I like the 4 door and it’s good at some stuff, but I might need to make another versus video to illustrate this.
IMO, haha.. the 4 door with the longer wheel base will out crawl the 2 drs all day long. I’ve even witnessed it in Moab. I’m headed out there this week. (Thursdayish)I really wanted to do the white rim but apparently you need to get reservations a year in advance to get three days in a row. It looks like needles has a lot of open spots.. I may just go out to the white sand wash/ rabbit valley and ride my dirtbike.
If I ever get an invite on your overlander trips, I’ll show you how effortless four-door can be. 😂 In reality, I like the four-door for the extra room for camping.
Since 1996, I've owned 3 TJ, (a base 4 CYL, a Sport, and a Rubicon, 2 JK's (a Sahara and a Rubicon), and now currently own a heavily built JLUR. The JLUR is FAR more superior but the TJ's are just cool little offroaders. I want to add a 05/06 Rubicon to my driveway soon.
You sound like me. I have owned 3 TJs, 2 JKs, and now a JL and this used TJ. I use to think the JL model was far superior too, but that’s why I did this video. As I said in the description, you can make any generation of Jeep superior to another generation of Jeep, but that’s why this was STOCK vs STOCK. I just don’t think we can say the JL is far superior anymore. Is it a great Jeep? ABSOLUTELY! However the video was me investigating this notion I had (the JL is superior) with functional wheeling results.
Rich people. 😖🤢🤮
It’s about priorities bud. I live in my camper so I can buy Jeeps and take care of my parents. I do well, but I wouldn’t call myself rich, but I’m definitely thankful.
@@coloradomallcrawlers
I'm dirt poor and this piece of sh!t 2018 JL sport I'm still paying on is killing my in repairs, on top of the 3 coolant leaks , the rear main seal leak, the rear axle leaking , coolant warped the heads had to be torn apart and fixed and now the oil cooler is leaking all this happened between 70,000 mls and 78,000 mls , I'm at 80,000 now and it's dumping coolant everywhere I go. And that's not including all the other things like no rear defrost and the electronics freaking out , luckily I replaced the can bus block and hopefully that fix ed that. Every time I get in this thing I'm stressed wondering if I'm going to make it home.
Edit: and yes, all that shit is still leaking today.
🤬🤬🤬
Man, I’m sorry to hear that. That’s a real shame and I hope things turn around for you.
Great filming and editing skill man !
Thank you! I’m learning from Drew, our better editor!
Great video!! It's great because my buddy and I just went to Merus Off-road in TX. He has an 18 JLU Rubicon on 35's. I have an 03 Sport 2in lift 456 gears and rear locker on super 35 kit. It was cool to see the differences. Mine was smaller and more nimble. But his added wheel base and front locker helped on steep climbs.
Very cool! That sounded like a fun time!
@@coloradomallcrawlers it's a great park, I do recommend.
@ford4602 one day I’ll get down there… I’ve wheeled a lot of off-road parks, but not that one.
Great video! We’re going to work our way out there next year can’t wait! Deciding on whether to take our TJ or our gladiator
Thanks and either would be fun in my opinion!
I've been waiting for this!
Hope it did what it needs to do!
@@coloradomallcrawlers most definitely
Neat comparison. Reliability for a vehicle that is 20 years old, ease of finding parts and so on - maybe more of a daily driver concern, but a concern. Cost of a good, no rust vehicle for TJ are rising, then there is the consumables that should be replaced like shocks, bushings, bearings and so on. But there is a fun factor to replace that fun stuff.
I think the best way to do it is what you have done - BOTH.
Yeah, you’re right! Still, I’m in the process of restoring the TJ and so far it has been pretty straightforward getting parts.
Great job guys. They just keep getting better!
Yeah, I also thought about if someone put larger tires on the TJ and it would then be easily beating the clearance of the stock JL. The JL is so nice to live with though, even with possible quirks like the aux battery or etorque. Knock on wood, my eTorques have been solid to over 80 and 90k miles respectively.
Yeah I love them both, but this surprised me. Still, 20 year old machine vs 3 year old machine… right now, I’d count on the JL to get me home. However, once I tighten up some of the TJ’s issues, I feel it’ll be just as reliable. At least till then, I can likely get the TJ off the trail if it breaks.
I own a Jeep Rubicon 4xe and I’ve ridden in a lifted TJ. The difference that I noticed was how much smoother the JL way. Just a way more comfortable ride.
Definitely a smooth ride in the new one!
The OG TJ RUBI is just so cool.
Thanks, I think so too!
Nicely done and a great comparison video. I still have my Solar Yellow 04 TJ Rubi (although it does NOT have a "Trail Rated" badge or the plastic tailgate covers) and it is my fave weekend Jeep!
Thank you! Interesting, did you remove them or did it just not come with it. I had an early 2004 in lime green TJR and I don’t believe it had those either, but I’m not sure. The TJs could be weird from year to year tho… it’s like they updated them mid production.
@@coloradomallcrawlers when Rubicon came out they didn't have them in Solar Yellow so I called the factory and asked if they would make one, they said "no, because it would be a collector's model if it was a sole Yellow TJ in the first year of Rubicon production." Later on in the fall they built it for me, but said they will call it an '04. So I have an '03 looking '04 and it is still my most fun Jeep!
Nice drone shots.
Thanks! I’ve been working on them.
Kids today love their way overused catchphrases, like a ton of this and a ton of that, and everything is a ton, ton, ton.
Where was there a kid in this video?
Speaking of this with friend just today - he told me about his beloved 2005 Wrangler conking on him near Ouray (fuel pump). The takeaway is that, no matter how wonderfully perfect a vehicle was when new, they all get old and less reliable.
Trust me, I get that. I have been off-roading for decades and have yet to be stranded on a trail, but I know it’s due to happen. Will it be the TJ or will it be the JL? Due to time constraints and financial constraints, the JL is in the best shape of all my Jeeps. My goal is to tighten up the TJ when I get back tho.
Fuel pumps get old and need to be replaced regardless. The first thing I did when I got my old rig was replace my fuel pump and water pump. Let's see Imogene 3 times, black bear once moab several times. Old does not mean unreliable. Old and not doing alot of maintenance means thumb out. 👍
Yup, time to go spend $50,000 for a new Jeep because a fuel pump went bad.
Thanks Captain Obvious.
We were in Moab in March. We rented a slightly modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon; had bigger tires and a one inch lift. After taking it on elephant hill; it was cool to see just how capable they are even with slight mods. It was able to keep up with both my uncle’s heavily modded wranglers. We had the wrangler for three days so quite the test drive in my opinion. My wife and I really need a new vehicle this year as my 01 F150 finally died on us. The Gladiator was high on my list from the beginning; but after what was pretty much a prolonged test drive, I’ve pretty much decided on the Gladiator. Granted we will only be able to afford the sport s trim; but for my needs (camping/ light off roading) I know it will be more than enough. Maybe a one inch lift and 35s at some point down the road; don’t really need to have the crazy mods. Nice Video.
A Sport Jeep is plenty capable… the reason I rarely use lockers in trail guides is because the off-road traction control gets most stuff done! Enjoy!
Great! Now I want a TJ to go with my JL.
It’s a good combo!
I'd certainly love to have a TJ or LJ
TJ vs LJ!
Great and fun video! My RUclips channel is based around my TJ so I'm a little biased but I think you hit a lot of good points. I think the JLs are arguably the better vehicle but TJs are a lot more fun in my opinion. You feel more connected to the Jeep and it just feels more rugged than with a JL. Couple that with the huge price difference and it makes beating a TJ up on the trails a lot less painful than a JL that is around the same capability.
Nice video and enjoy your multi day adventures this year!
Thank you!
Great concept and great video bud! What a great trail to choose as well; lots of fun. I believe that “wall” obstacle is what I’ve referred to as Camp Hill, and believe it or not, followed a JL like yours up that in the KL last year.
Also, a bit irrelevant for performance, but if you added in a styling point for a tie breaker, which way would you lean? I personally think the JL way out styles the TJ in looks, inside and out! Lol Would love to hit Moab with ya sometime 🤙🏼
Hey buddy! Yeah, that was a suggested category to add to this, but I like the way both look. I think the TJ is a looker on the outside, but the JL is a looker from the driver seat so it’s tough for me to call. Plus I like the JL’s look so much because it was TJ and CJ inspired.
Great comparison video. I'll throw my own comparison out there... Had a 2004 manual TJ Rubicon for 14 years, amazing in everything it did and reliable, loved the torque and the fun. As a taller person it wreaked havoc on my SI joint due to seating position. Also the body rot on the frame from being in New England ( needed Fluid Film). Sold the 2004 in 2018 for an auto 2dr Recon Rubicon, last of the JK's, 6 years in and it has been even more reliable than the old TJ, while being more capable and much more comfortable (frame sprayed immediately with Fluid Film) btw. Also much better in snow and slop due to the BLD. Do I miss the TJ, yep it was more fun... You have the best of both worlds, love to see more content!
I’m glad you found a Jeep that works for you! I really liked my JK… it was a durable little Jeep. I feel very fortunate and thank you!
My 04 Rubicon LJ was by far my favorite jeep!
Loved it compared to my YJ's and JK's.
Nice!
Jeep has always said that the wheel base on the TJ was the best stock set up for crawling they’ve ever done. The problem was the interior was cramped. My 2000 TJ was a better crawler stock than some of the “built” JK models. I miss my Wrangler. Driving a Cherokee now.
The Cherokee is pretty nice too!
Nice comparison I have a 2004 Rubicon had a 2013 Rubicon tenth anniversary issue. Liked them both but the JK was to pretty.
Two thoughts on the video the 2004 had the NV 3550 five speed so your crawl ratio in the video is wrong unless you had the 05-06 six speed. The TJ Rubicon rear axles also came with a rear factory posi which you didn’t mention and should have helped your traction issues maybe yours isn’t working ?
Thanks! Yeah, 5 speed, I rushed to get it done at the end.
Good overall comparison. I thought it was done pretty fairly. Ive got an 06 rubi with 4" lift and 4 link long arms on 35s. I really think lowering air pressure would have helped both, but probably more on the TJ since its lighter. BTW - I and many other TJ owners tend to run about 25 psi on the street, which helps smooth things out.
Thank you! You’re running 35s, running 30.5in tires at 25 on the streets wouldn’t be wise. This was meant to be a stock vs stock comparison. Had I aired down, it could be argued I introduced too many variables into this. Plus it’s slick rock and I’ve wheeled it so much that I know I’d rather have a bit more clearance than grip.
With inflation both the TJ and JL have the same base price. I have driven both in stock and modified. The TJ I ran had a 6" long arm on 35's, JL 2" on 35's both manual trans. I liked the TJ more and have since traded the JL out. and purchased a TJ Rubicon. The TJ's are just more fun and after lift and tires more capable.
I did the inflation calculation, TJ rubicons were expensive Jeeps, but about 10-15k less than a cheaper JL rubicon like mine (manual, cloth seats, black fenders/top). My parents bought a TJ Rubicon new from the factory in 2004. I make more than my dad did, but can’t justify buying like he could back then. It was easier times in my opinion.
@@coloradomallcrawlers 2004 average annual income 55-60k . 2024 average income 55-60K . 2004 TJ Rubicon with all options paid 24k. 2023 JL paid 44k not optioned out. Average house price in 2004 was 200k, 2023 average house price 400k. Salaries haven't gone up but inflation has. If salaries had kept up with inflation the ratio on pricing would make them equal.
@@coloradomallcrawlers Yeah you're right, adjusted for inflation 24K is about 39K in 20 years. Average inflation was 2.55% from '04.
Yeah, I was rushing the edit, but used the msrp of this TJ rubicon or maybe my old green TJ rubicon to do the calculations. However, I think we got the TJ rubicon for less than msrp and I got my JL rubicon for less than msrp. It wasn’t meant to be a deep dive, but rather general look between the two. Secretly I shot these hoping for a 1 day edit… it wasn’t that.
@@montechie What we really need is more of your content. Love stock wheeling.
I had a TJ Rubicon and a JL Rubicon. Because of its smaller size which I prefer on Colorado trails I would rather a TJ offroad rather than the JL. Another place that I prefer the TJ over the JL was open air feeling. Primarily where the TJ wins here is with the windshield down. Yes it was slightly more annoying to drop the window in a TJ (10 bolts on the TJ and a wire that had to be disconnected, but windshield wipers removed with no tools, vs 4 bolts on the JL plus two nuts on the wipers) but when the TJ's windshield was down it sat lower on the hood and the lack of any kind of roll structure around you made for a much more open air experience, similar to riding a rollercoaster. The JL's windshield sits so high on the hood it blocks offroad visibility and since the roll structure remains in place it feels much more confined. The JL is probably safer, but the TJ was more fun.
I don’t really prefer one over the other, but I totally get that!
I’m curious (I may have missed it) what was the comparison in tires? Did they have the same?
They’re both running MTs but not the same as they came with different tires (MTRs on the TJ, Wildpeak MTs on the JL). The JL still has the wildpeaks, the TJ has Kenda Klever MT2s as I wanted to test them.
You mentioned the AUX battery problems in the JL. With a manual trans I think the AUX battery is a little less problematic. I know I never turn off the start/stop like the people with the automatics always do. Only time the start/stop kicks in with the manual is when you want it to, vehicle stopped, the trans in neutral, and clutch out for the start/stop to kick in. By not constantly having the override button activated is the entire system is running and charging system is fully active.
I don’t turn it off either, but all batteries die and if the aux battery dies, it’s going to be a pain. Even with a manual, but I guess I won’t know till it happens.
@coloradomallcrawlers I'm hoping that by not using the bypass button, the batteries will have a normal life span rather than the 3-4 years a lot report. I can usually get 6-10 years out of a battery normally.
I do the same but my aux battery did something weird this winter making me think it might go out soon. I’m getting it inspected while I’m on vacation.
@@coloradomallcrawlers I'm debating on spending the money on the Genesis dual battery setup. At least I'd have two batteries the same size, and both would be easily accessible. That and I could run a heavier 12 volt plug to the back for a refrigerator from it. The factory wiring is pretty light to the 12 volt plug in the back.
They put that auto start stop crap on a stick shift? 😂
I’m curious there is a button to manage descents on the new JL, did you have that engaged when testing?
I’ve used it before (off-road plus), but it doesn’t seem to do much in a manual. I could totally be wrong tho, but I stopped using it when I didn’t feel a real benefit to it while wheeling.
I'd rather just downshift, instead of heating up the brakes.
Thanks for the fun and informative video. In the end, any Wrangler is more fun than a Camry and therefore a winner in my book. I do however tend to favor the TJ just because of it's size and maneuverability, oh, and not to mention, reliability and simplicity. That being said, I've never driven a JL, and might think differently if I owned and drove one. With my budget though, I don't foresee making that comparison for myself.
Thank you and as much as I like the JL, Jeep prices are getting out of hand. They are not a luxury brand… they are off-road brand and that’s why most of us have remained loyal to them as they use to know that.
Great stable!!
May i suggest the 2023 VW GTI manual
Thanks! lol, I’m thinking Escalade.
Even if it was TJ-0 JL-10, I’d still pick the TJ
Right on!
I have a stock 2014 JK Rubicon, and a not stock 1995 YJ 2.5. Both are manual transmission biggest difference is $ with pucker factor regarding body damage. Love the lockers of Rubicon. The AX5 is doing what AX5 do. I'm not sure if a rebuild, or a repower with new transmission is in the near future...
Sounds like a great combo!
Great video
Moab is on the bucket list
Just retired a yellow '15 4dr wrangler and got a jt overland
What a difference one generation of jeep makes let alone new rubi vs tj
Always loved the tj and came close a couple times but they are hard to find ,most besten to death and overpriced
Better deals on xj ,wj etc
Or the Lib
The JT is a sweet jeep! Thanks for stopping by.
Hello from Albuquerque. I have a TJ Rubicon on 35's as well as a GX460 on 33.4's and would love to join you guys on a trip!
I’d love that. However, it’s kinda tricky to organize so I’m doing the trips through our channel membership. This way everyone can get on the same page since filming trail guides isn’t like a normal wheeling trip. We’re trying to make something useful and entertaining while having a great time.
@@coloradomallcrawlers Looks like you have different tiers, named after trails. Is that to sign up for those trails? The dates would be the most important thing to me.
The lowest tier ($.99) gets all trail/trip info… if I could have made it free, I would have. The $4.99/mo tier gets quickly edited videos on topics that will eventually filter into the channel. For instance, I’m scouting rim rocker next week. We are going to film a great trail guide on it with Drew, but I’ll likely make 5-10 minute video providing insights on the trail while scouting it out. It won’t be the quality of the videos we release to everyone, but it was my way to get info out quicker without altering the algorithm.
Downhill, the JL has a crawl control feature that wields like magic, especially in the snow. If you are going to ding the JL for extra electronics, you should at least use them when appropriate.
A Manual JL does not have hill descent. I could use the brake while descending to slow it down, but this was a TJ vs JL test. I didn’t use the brakes in either Jeep and just let it descend in first gear and 4Low.
Just bypass the secondary battery and remove it when it goes bad (it's easier to go through the inner fender well than removing the fusebox and coming in from the top. That little motorcycle battery is only used to keep electronics running when the engine shuts off at red lights but you can just use the main battery for that with a quick jumper on your fuse block, and you can tell it to remember your decision to not use that ESS stop/start by using a tazer JL, which will also give you the ability to make the rear camera come on when you hit your turn signals, among other things
Dealers/Jeep hate the tazer tho and I’ve heard of denied warranty work because of them. I’m someone that shows my Jeep in action and altho my dealer is good, they watch my vids. I am about to pick up the JL after my trip and I know they did a lot of stuff that was warranty covered.
I think one thing you left out on the descent comparison is Hill Descent mode that the JL will have. That would even it out a little bit more in that area.
I like the new Jeeps but I sold my jku because mine was really unreliable. I also have an LJ that I’ve been working on, you are right about the comfort as well. I have nicer suspension and such and it is pretty comfortable but not quite what a modern Jeep is. Still, I would still take my LJ.
I have a manual JL so no hill descent in that one. I’m curious if the auto can descend slower as I’d assume it could since I believe it uses braking to active the slow crawls. Articulation and water fording weren’t tested tho. I’d like to put them both on a ramp as I’m interested. Water fording I really don’t want to test as I’d have to go over 30in to figure it out.
@@coloradomallcrawlers I think it would. I had it in my JK and it did do it’s own braking and was pretty good. Look forward to seeing more Jeep content, especially the LJ 😀.
Hi
So the tj rubicon is a 4.0l the new one is the 3.6l?
Yes, that is correct.
Why did you not use the slow .6mph crawl on the downhill in the jl?
It’s a manual… it doesn’t have hill descent. Neither does the TJ tho, so this looked at the Jeeps exactly running exactly the same way.
I’ve used the heck out of my JL rock rails with no issues.
But did you see mine? I use my Jeep on Rubicon equivalent trails. The Rubicon was made as a factory off-roader that could do the rubicon without modifications.
Due to the type of limited slip in the rear, you should keep the rear locked as much as possible when off-road. Especially on hard surfaces or where one wheel can catch traction. It's the main weakness of this axle design .
Thanks for the tips!
This is way off the purpose of the video, but I'm wondering what your take is on yellow? Well clearly you like the colour. I've been in a hunt for a TJ for quite a while now. There aren't many for sale in my rural area. The best value I've found so far is a yellow Rocky Mountain Edition; has the Dana 44, same diamond plate rocker guards as the Rubicon, some pretty sweet factory Alcoa wheels, and a few other cosmetics. Never had yellow been on my wish list. But the colour is really growing on me as I stare at pictures and watch your videos. Wondering if people give you a rough time with the colour and if sticking out too much ever gets annoying? I know that I shouldn't care what other people think, but for some reason I envision the comments towards the colour getting tiring over time. I could be way off.
Awesome video by the way. My take away; A stock TJ and JL Rubicon are more than capable for 99% of peoples needs. TJ has far more bang for your buck. JL only necessary if you want to today's creature comforts and peace of mind that there should be far less maintenance needed for at least 5 or 10 years.
So I actually never liked yellow. I had a forest green 1997 2.5L TJ when I was kid. I ended up loving it, but it was underpowered (to kid version of me) for daily driving. One day my mom and I were driving somewhere and she saw a solar yellow TJ 4.0 sport displayed at the dealer. She loved it and I suspected it had the 4.0. She convinced my dad to trade the 97 for 00 yellow. That ended up being my best Jeep ever.
The first one I bought completely on my own was rescue green as I always liked green on Jeeps. However I soon realized I made a mistake and missed yellow. I’ve now owned 7 Jeeps and the yellow ones always seem to be rock solid. They also stand out better in the forest where my green ones blended into the forest. Anyway, I think they look good now, but I think this yellow stuff resulted from all the good experiences with that 2000. I wouldn’t paint a non-wrangler yellow tho.
About other’s opinions. I usually get compliments on the color. The only issue I’ve ever had is my old housemates use to argue if Dozer (my 2012’s color) was yellow or orange. I’m sure some people don’t like yellow Jeeps, but I absolutely don’t care what people I don’t know think. You got to be like that if you make videos (see some of the comments here).
Thank you!
I wish my JL aux battery went out on the trail. Mine went out at night in the middle of the busiest road in town. It went completely dead. The hazard lights wouldn't even work. Fortunately, someone helped me push it off the road before I got hit.
Oh man, that’s terrifying but I’m glad it worked out for you. I dropped off my JL at the dealer before I went to vacation. Apparently, the check engine light came on while they had it and the last I heard, they thought it was the aux battery.
Are they both automatics? I have a 2019 2dr manual rubicon and its crawls amazing, I put 35’s on it no lift and wouldn’t go any taller on a 2dr…….
Both are manuals. The 2021 has a 6 speed which has been waiting on a recall for at least a year. The 2004 has a 5 speed that I believe is still original.
Wow, my first gear in low is way slower then your 2021 then my 2019, are you driving them in 4 low?
Yep, 4Low… I ran them basically the same. The 3 descents reinforced how much slower the TJ is. I’m not sure you’re actually slower unless there is a true difference in 1st gear on the 18 and 21. Basically if I didn’t have the TJ to compare it too, I wouldn’t have believed it was as fast as the video showed.
To put the prices closer, a nice TJR is usually around $12-16k. You can get an early JLR around $25-30k now. I have a TJ and a JT, and they're completely different driving experiences.
This video was my experience. My TJ was 13k, but a lower mileage TJ Rubicon was sold in grey a few weeks after I bought mine for 10k. My JLR was listed for 55k, but I ended up paying less than the dealer paid for it. I think I talk about it my how to order a Jeep video. I became a Jeep salesman to learn how to do that.
With how many miles on the TJ? I’m paying 18k for a 2004 TJR with 73,000 miles in it. New BFGs in it.
110k, no rust, some minor issues I have to fix, but otherwise a good deal
It’s amazing how the TJ performed, it shows you how Mark Allen and that TEAM…. Genuinely cared about the JEEP brand…. The only thing with the TJ will be its frame…. Prone to rust
I really like Mark Allen and that team… I’m a bit concerned they’re not there anymore. My TJ is rust free thankfully. Thanks for watching!
Ugh. This comparison has been the bane of my Wrangler search now for several years. I love the larger size, refinements, and grocery list of creature comforts available in the JL’s, but my heart has been stuck in the 90’s-2000’s; because nostalgia. I love the feel and sound of the 4.0, the thin doors, and the sheer minimalism of the past generation. I’ve seriously looked at over 11 TJ Rubicons (here in Oklahoma) and every one has been plagued with rust, needing (darn near) every seal on the drivetrain replaced, and a bit of transmission TLC. Stock, or with all the 4WP’s appointments already added; lift, 4.88’s, 35’s, sliders, bumpers, winch. All with incredible curb appeal and priced at about $15-$22k. That is until you crawl underneath and the cruelty of time sets in. They need a lot of work. So the new ones come up. They’re not Chryslers anymore. My older buddies sneer at the fact that they’re not really Jeeps anymore either; because they have minivan engines in them now. Blah blah blah… I don’t care. I just want an unbiased report of how these 3.6 Pentastar units are. *I picked up instead a beautiful 1991 XJ Briarwood in 2021 and have had nothing but issues with its eventual engine replacement (electrical/ignition). I’m ready to start over at this point. Seeing things through rose tinted glasses can be dangerous. How do the newer JK/JL’s hold up over the TJ’s? Let me know. I’m desperate.
Well, my 2012 JK lasted for ten years without much issue. The biggest problem with used is not knowing what that Jeep’s story was. If you maintain them, you should have no issues as I’ve never had major issues. If you buy an abused Jeep, you won’t know what you get till it’s too late. TJ frames rot (mine hasn’t thankfully), newer frames should be better. Older electronics are simpler, newer electronics are complicated but all should be fixable. The 3.6L in my 2012 JK was as reliable as my 2000 TJ’s 4.0 at the ten year mark. That’s why my JL has it.
Dude… what you could do with the suspension on a TJ with the cost difference…. There would be no contest at that point.
Absolutely… that’s wild to think about.
Im not sure if the JL had the sway bar disconnected or not, but on the tj having it connected makes all the difference on that trail. Im pretty sure you would have had a better time walking up if the tj sway bar was disconnected.
JL was disconnected once I started the trail. Since it was stock vs stock. The TJ was connected since it didn’t have an easy way to disconnect.
@coloradomallcrawlers o ok got it! I have quick disconnects and forgot to disconnect. While I was on the trail I was like why I'm struggling lol. Then my quick disconnect pin ended up breaking so I disconnected both and after that no issues.
I own a TJ and a JL. Overall the JL wins but my TJ is fun to cruise in.
Not a bad combo, but remember this is stock to stock. You can build anything to be better than another.
@@coloradomallcrawlers JL is much more comfortable..more room
Put 33's and a belly up skid plate on the TJ and it will out perform a stock JL 😉
I like a challenge, probably building up the JL instead. Leaving the TJ as my stock wheeler.
Dewey, yep I get that, but a 1" body lift and a belly up will help you from scraping underneath 😉
Do you have a Patreon or YT membership only set up?
We have a channel membership… I don’t really like memberships or patreon, but I’ll admit I have become a fan of the RUclips membership. It allows me to produce real time updates and less edited videos without it affecting the algorithm. For instance, I’m wheeling in Japan right now, I’ll release a behind the scenes of it on my way back. The polished and hopefully nicely edited video will be released to everyone a few months later. This way we can release our best videos on the channel and you don’t get stuff like my vevor heater review.
@@coloradomallcrawlers Japan?? Wow.
Yeah, it’s pretty crazy, but I have flight benefits through my mom so it makes it both cheap, but slightly harder as I’m standby.
I would certainty take the TJ with the 4.0 L6 + AX15. 3 or 4" lift and some 35s and good to go
It’d be a nice setup!
I bought a 22 JL Rubi and 2 weeks after I bought it I took it and wheeled a bunch of badge trails in Colorado. It cost $52,000 equipped how I had it.
Old school Jeep people shit a brick at the MSRP but Jeep spent 50 years selling Jeeps to watch the aftermarket make damn near as much in aftermarket parts to make up the difference. Jeep was like nah we can do it. You can get a stock JL from 34k to 90k.
You can, but they’re pushing luxury over function. We gotta remember the JL was created when Jeepers like Mark Allen were still there. The newest leadership seemed clueless when I watched their press intro.
@@coloradomallcrawlers I think the side by side market eats to much of the "tiny jeep market" the WW2 sized Jeeps or Jimnys. Safety regulations just are not going to allow the smaller new Jeeps to do everything. They have teased Renegade replacements as well but they generally are going to be quiet up to the level of a basic Wrangler.
Probably so. I’m about to rent a Jimny tho… I think we need it in the USA
Saw your TrailsOffroad review of hells revenge. There is not a single other trail in Utah or Colorado rated a 4 that is as shitty as the last mile of HR. They refuse to change the rating for whatever reason. That last section is a real kick in the ass after thinking you're done, and newbs shouldn't be there without a friend. I don't understand their hesitance to admit it
Rating trails is difficult… a few of their authors ask me for their opinions on the ratings and I’m usually like I errr on the side rating something more difficult if it’s on the fence. The thing with TrailsOffroad is that they measure the obstacles to try to be more objective and that’s usually where their rating comes from. It’s more objective. Still, I get it, ratings are just difficult but I still find TO to be more accurate than others.
@@coloradomallcrawlers agreed... And I love that reviews and the rating slide thing have.
But you have to admit, saying Bill Moore Lake and HR are both 4's is crazzzyyy
Yeah, for sure. There really should be a differentiator for Moab/Utah. FunTreks Moab book has harder ratings than their equivalent Colorado books. My ratings might skew that way too… haven’t really evaluated that yet.
Do you have a Jeep Liberty update?
There’s a little one in the video, but I made an informal vid on the membership about it.
@@coloradomallcrawlers do you know when non members will get to see an update or anything with the jeep liberty? I'm really curious between what I have seen about it between this video and the 2nd shakedown run video I'm really curious about what happened to it. Also I do love seeing someone actually offroad a liberty (I'm getting there still)
Whenever I can get to it. The member videos are simply unpolished quick updates that don’t affect the algorithm. For instance, I can talk about the liberty without making a guide which is a very involved edit. Everything that comes to members will come onto the channel, but basically the liberty was overheating in 2023. It’s finally fixed, but still needs work. The new mechanics are good, but I’m not made of money so I’m putting money into it as I can.
I subbed. You owe me a beer.
Are you winning, son?
Just checked, He’s winning… but we’re catching up. It’ll take me a little bit, but I have a 2 door bronco and my 2 door JL on mashed potatoes next which should be good.
Great comparison for sure!
Thanks Jason!
Difference is TJ is 20 years old and still operating I seriously doubt your JL will. Love my TJ plus I can take mine in small trails new ones are too big.
We will see .
Between me, my dad, and my grandpa we’ve got 4 tj’s and 1 lj. There never has been, nor there ever will be another vehicle that exhibits a balance of function and simplicity as perfectly as this generation of wrangler. JLs are fine but we have no interest in owning any.
Sounds like a great collection!
I would note that the tj in this vid is not "stock". The wheels are from a jk and the tires are slightly oversized. Love my '00 tj with the 4 banger. it'll take on just about anything with 2.5" lift and 33's.
That TJ is absolutely stock. It had oversized tires when I bought it with the stock suspension. I went back to stock size, but didn’t go with MTRs and instead something similar. The moab rims are TJ Rubicon rims and my 2004 TJ Rubicon that I owned in 2004 looked exactly like this one. You can see my old lime green TJR in the Poughkeepsie trail guide.
The Only Jeep I owned was a 1956 JEEP Ambulance! I drove it from CS to the flat tops hunted out of it for 2 weeks drove it back to the Springs it used more OIL THAN FUEL !!! But that thing would out CRAWL any new Jeep Made ! I now run a 4runner and I took my front swaybar off 10 years ago never needed it again!!!
Sweet!
I just got a JT, and if course, I had to have 35s. This hobby gets expensive fast.
It sure does!
Where can you get a TJ rubicon for 10k??
Colorado… mine was the price noted in the video, but there was a nicer than mine version listed and sold for 10k on the front range. Mine was a western slope TJ.
I am also in CO (Golden). Most on FB market are around 15 or higher.
Keep looking, I bought the TJ at the end of the season tho. Now is prime time for expensive old Jeeps.
Where are you getting a TJ Rubicon for $10,000?
Colorado, FB marketplace, end of wheeling season
Why didn’t the TJ rubicon have lockers?
It does
@@coloradomallcrawlers yeah I kind of got that later in the video. It seems like you chose when to use them. also aren’t the lifts different stock and doesn’t the JL Rubicon come with bigger wheels and tires?
These are both stock. JL runs bigger tires, but they didn’t let the lunatic fringe put bigger tires on the TJ. 33s were huge when the TJ was in production. Current tire sizes are a result of the 4 door needing to fix a bad breakover angle. Guess the good thing is it has gotten us beefier axles for those big tires.
How in the world did you damage the JL rock rail and body panel? I have owned many JK and JL Rubicons, as well as the TJ Rubicon. I have never once damaged a JL or a JK rock rail ( they are similar in design) and I have literally beat the crap out of them and even had the entire weight of the Jeep slam down on them, and not a single dent (scratched yes, but never dented) in either the body or the rock rail. The TJ merely had diamond plate metal that was just bent around the body. I’m not sure how that would make it stronger than an actual separate metal bar.
By wheeling man. I’ve slammed my JK’s rock rails just as hard over 10 years without any body damage. However the JL’s flex if they hit a rock and bend into the aluminum sheet metal causing damage. Jeep told me they’re not designed for rocks. That’s absolutely unacceptable.
@@coloradomallcrawlersOf course Jeep’s going to say that. They also won’t warranty it if they can prove you off-road it. It’s the same with fast cars if they find one you’ve raced it on a track. From the picture in your video, it looks like the rail and body got hit from the side as they were both bent inward towards the center of the Jeep. Probably not designed to withstand a hit like that. They are not designed as rock sliders and to pivot off a rock. Have you hit the TJ’s rocker protection in the same way as the JL’s and had a different result?
I have not but my buddy Eric who I bought my TJ from has bashed his TJ’s rocker guards hard and they’ve held up. Steel with extra steel is better protection that flimsy steel with aluminum body panels. In 20 years, I’ve never had to pay for body work till the JL and they’ve all been bashed.
@@coloradomallcrawlers Well, that's unfortunate. I've only hit my JL's on minor stuff so far. You'd think they'd be every bit as strong as the JK's, which sounds like you had good experience with those. And what about the underbelly armor? The stock TJ belly pan is beefy but hangs extremely low. I've liked the JL's so far. Had no complaints.
I don't want to be this guy but, I believe if you would have disconnected the TJ the added flex would make a difference. I have a jk and a Jt I love both!
How so? On an RTI ramp, yes. On fins, I hardly see how it would have changed this. Plus, I owned a TJ Rubicon in 2004. I didn’t disconnect the sway bar then. To me wheeling it like a normal rubicon driver of each era was a better way to test the two.
4 wheels are 4 wheels... The JL has traction control and bigger tires maybe longer shocks and more articulation (droop and higher bump stops.) The TJ is lighter with better quality more American made type quality, but has smaller tires and probably shorter shocks and less articulation due to the shorter shocks and a lower fender height... The .6 inches of clearance doesn't matter. The only thing that matters in this case is the size of the tire, the grip of the tire... put the same tire and same size on both vehicles with the same fender height and same spring and shock length and the TJ is superior because it's lighter with lower gears. Most people who have looked into this know that the TJ is better off-road as a platform than the new Jeeps because it's lighter. I'm pretty sure my stock ZJ with good tires and stock everything else and no lockers would make it through those trails with maybe some minor damage, but it's like a mountain goat and has pretty much the same suspension as the TJ. Those 90's Jeeps were the best ever made. The ones in the 80's and 70's were great but lack the spring suspension. You should put the same exact size tires and brand/model tires and length shocks and springs on both then do the comparison... also the TJ was actually better and you were afraid to push it due to wanting to preserve it undamaged. Get a beater TJ with good mechanics and it will beat the stock new Jeeps every time on the same tires. So this test is more about tires than anything else, but I was reading the comments about the MPG on a new Gladiator on 37's being better than a TJ on 30's... the new Jeeps are still flimsy Italian made junk and everyone knows it.
This was stock vs stock. Modifying it would have changed that. I’m actually building the JL, the TJ will remain stock.
Aren't the TJs axles smaller and weaker (spindly) and the JLs have bigger, stronger eveything: housings, axle shafts, axle outers, etc. The TJs were known for having the equivalent of dana 30 outers on the front axle. Are the ring and pinions bigger on the JL? Would need a bigger pumpkin to go around all that, therefore, although the JL has bigger tires the axles pumpkins are bigger, too. The JL also has a very good traction control system which would make it superior to the TJ if both dont use their lockers. Nice comparison, i like the TJs the best.
Yes, this is true. Since this was stock to stock, I didn’t talk about it because both axles are perfectly fine for their current configurations. I’d feel ok about running 33s on the TJ and 35s on the JL. 33s on the TJ would probably be superior to 35s on the JL, but I’m likely making the JL an extreme recon 2 door and leaving the TJ stock. Yeah, that’s why I gave traction to the JL, but the real test needs to be a slippery obstacle where one fails to get enough traction.
True 4.0 always. Not even a jeep person but that motor is the most bulletproof motor based on a decades old pattern.
Yeah, and not trying to push more power out of a small power plant. I have had good luck with the 3.6L tho.
You didn't disconnect the TJs sway bars or lock it's lockers, but you do on the JK. Also the JKs 1010 lbs more than the TJ and also the smaller TJ can fit places the bigger JL can't. I'd rather save $45,000 and have the TJ.
I ran it as it was built and that wasn’t a traction test. I don’t disagree with you, but I like both my JL and my TJ. I just wanted to see their differences off road and I made it a video for all instead of my own personal knowledge.
So........... If I understand you correctly you are saying the longer wheelbase of the JL makes it ride better. Who would have guessed that? You also say you're compaing the 2 to see which is better. Then you should have the JL in the 2 door version. You said you didn't have the front locked on the TJ on the rocks? Was that a fair comparison! I've seen enough.......................
Never said that. I said the ride was better and said I could make the TJ’s ride better with shocks. So how do you get I attribute that to wheelbase. I said I didn’t use the front locker because I felt I was beating up the TJ too much. That was a ground clearance/off-road angles test. It was as fair as you can get because I have equal love for the Jeeps. Guess you didn’t see the end lol
@@coloradomallcrawlers NOTHING you can ever do will make the ride comparison of the TJ to the JL fair! It's called WHEELBASE! Nothing will make the comparison off road fair! It's called WHEELBASE! Go borrow a 2 door and make this a comparison! Otherwise it's a feel good video!
@XXPS60 both are two doors my man
@@coloradomallcrawlers The width on the JL is wider.......... The wheel base on the JL is longer.
lol, so? It’s an old vs new comparison. Thanks for all the engagement !
Psi in tires?
35-37
@@coloradomallcrawlerswhy so high? I'd have been running about 15. Big difference on a light vehicle.
Then it becomes about the tires and not the Jeeps.
You need to do that in a flat Fender
Willies.
That’s actually what I was looking for (and a WK2) when I found the TJ.
I enjoyed the video... but several of your categories seemed opinion based or sort of arbitrary. From the footage I watched, the JL was the clear winner. I am potentially biased, though.
There is definite subjectivity to this video, but I tried to explain my reasoning at the end. I own both Jeeps and I believe I love them equally, but maybe I’m more TJ biased. However, full disclosure, I thought the JL was going to clearly win when I went to film this video. It was going to be a “hold on guys, the TJ isn’t the last great Jeep” video. It was during editing that my opinion changed and this video is the result. Still, I absolutely love both of them.
@coloradomallcrawlers I watched a similar video here a few weeks ago comparing the military HUMMWV to the civilian Hummer and thought the HUMMWV would blow it away... yet like your test, it came out better than I thought. I think it shows that the difference money buys you isn't as much as marketing would have us believe. At the end of the day, driver skills go much further than vehicle technology does.
TJ could have easily done that first ledge... front locker and right line. been there done that.
I’m sure you did on 30.5in tires, but that wasn’t the test there.
@@coloradomallcrawlersyou refused to use the front "stock" locker. Your excuse made no sense. You were already in contact with the ricks.
How does using the front locker change a ground clearance test? Just remember, I own both of them… if you don’t like the way I conducted my test, do your own with your rubicons.
@coloradomallcrawlers You were past the oil pan, the t case, and tyranny hitting just before the rear tire. The front locker would have pulled you right up. You never once mentioned it being a ground clearance test until you edited it.
So I didn’t talk about ground clearance immediately after wheeling the ledge while I was out there. lol, I’ll be sure to hire a better host in the future.
Your comparison is very flawed. You refused to use the front locker on the TJ and didn't disconnect the sway bar. In a short wheel base jeep, the front locker is more important than the rear. Disconnecting the sway bar improves the ride tremendously as well as adding traction from articulation. Were the tire pressures the same? Were they the same model of tires? The 4.0 in the TJ is bullet proof, and the JL motor can't compare in torque or longevity. No, I don't own a TJ. Had a JK and a YJ. Got rid of the JK and kept the YJ.
Rats, very flawed? I thought I said it was stock vs stock. Sorry for not clarifying that. The TJ lost the ledge test not because of the locker but because I was hitting the frame and skids too much. It was a functional ground clearance test. They were driven as if I had driven them off the dealer lot. The JL has an electronic disconnect sway bar, while Jeep didn’t even put quick disconnects in the TJ. Tire pressures were the same. The TJ and JL didn’t come with the same tires. The JL was ordered with optional tires and the TJ is running tires similar to the MTR (the stock TJ rubicon tire). My 10 year old 3.6L (2012 JK) was as reliable as my 10 year old 4.0L (2000 TJ)… both jeeps were bought new and maintained by me. Hope that clarifies and sorry for not making it clear that this was a stock vs stock test.