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Mudderoy
07-21-2011, 08:52 PM
So I've mentioned in the past that I was hoping to buy a Wrangler for my wife some day. I'm at the point where I want to start gaining a little knowledge about the Jeep Wrangler so I can hopefully make a good educated selection.

I know that I want a "TJ", and they stop making them in 2006.
I know that I want a 4.0l engine and a manual transmission.
I know that I want a hard top. If it comes with a soft top great, but knowing my wife when she wants it quite(ish) or warm she's going to want the hard top and the full doors.

So those are the things I know. If you see something about that as to why I wouldn't want those things please chime in.

If you have any advice I'd love to read it.

As far as I know all the TJ's have Dana 35 rear ends, with the exception of the Rubicon that has a Dana 44(?) I know some of the TJ's are the normal very short wheel base but there are some with long wheel base. Perhaps those are Rubicon as well. I believe my pref would be the Rubicon, but I don't want to spend $20k for a 5 year old vehicle.

I would like to find a white one or a red one. Those are my wife's favs.

I will be lifting it, and I will be putting larger tires on it, but unless I'm driving it off road it's going to be a mall crawler for my wife. It will get re-geared because the tires will be at least 33's or 35's. One of the reasons I was leaning to the Dana 44 rear end.

bigjim350
07-21-2011, 08:56 PM
The D44 was a option in the rear of TJ's, not just the rubicons. The longer wheelbase one is a Unlimited, also known as a LJ, and also those aren't all rubicons. Also you said you wanted a manual transmission. In the newer ones you have the option of a 5speed or a 6speed. I'd go with the 6speed.

Mudderoy
07-21-2011, 08:57 PM
The D44 was a option in the rear of TJ's, not just the rubicons. The longer wheelbase one is a Unlimited, also known as a LJ, and also those aren't all rubicons. Also you said you wanted a manual transmission. In the newer ones you have the option of a 5speed or a 6speed. I'd go with the 6speed.

oooo good info, thanks.

prerunner1982
07-21-2011, 09:18 PM
Tony, you won't need nearly as much lift on the TJ to fit 33"s or 35"s as you would on the XJ.

XJ4IV
07-21-2011, 10:58 PM
yup 31's with NO lift looks like yours with 4.5 inches... its pretty cool and I DO know that the TJ's didnt have the cooling issue NEARLY as badly as the XJ's do

bluedragon436
07-21-2011, 11:20 PM
I thought about picking up a Wrangler myself.. Everyone says that I should def. pick up a Rubicon.. but I figure I'm going to replace everything that makes it any different from a standard TJ, with the exception of the 4:1 TC, and the D44's... so the expense of the Rubi is def. not really worth it in the end to me..

bigjim350
07-21-2011, 11:53 PM
Well down here in setx the 4:1 rubicon transfer case is kinda useless, cause there ain't much crawling. In the deep mud we have 4wd hi bogs down too much and the rubicon 4wd lo won't give enough wheel speed.

XJ4IV
07-21-2011, 11:58 PM
I thought about picking up a Wrangler myself.. Everyone says that I should def. pick up a Rubicon.. but I figure I'm going to replace everything that makes it any different from a standard TJ, with the exception of the 4:1 TC, and the D44's... so the expense of the Rubi is def. not really worth it in the end to me..

Agreed the only reason id OPT for a rubi is if its still under factory warranty... just to cover the lockers... other than that I would NEVER prefer a rubi since all that it offers is what I would be installing CHEAPER and probably better anyhow!
My jeep has done so well over the years and I have followed all but TWO rubicons... but they werent "rubicons" anymore they were big billy baddass buggies other than that I can go with em anywhere!

default83
07-22-2011, 06:48 AM
go with a rubi or unlimited, you get the locker & d44(i dont know about the locker in the unlimited), you can get a used one for under 15 easy. also id get both tops, or buy one with hard top and get a soft top seperate, just for the fact that it sucks if you want to the top off with a hard top. just taking it off and putting it somewhere sucks.

also as it was stated, you can lift a wrangler 4" and run 35's but they might rub a little bit. i had 33's on mine with 4" and it looked good. i think you can run 33's with a stock lift or damn near close.

XJ Rat
07-24-2011, 12:21 PM
If you want a 6-speed, then look at a 2006 Unlimited. For street driving and mild off roading the six speed will be fine.

Unlimiteds all had the Dana 44 rear end with disc brakes. The factory Dana 44 is barely an upgrade from the Dana 35. Do not let anybody kid you, these ARE NOT comparable to the old style Dana 44. For street driving and mild off roading the factory Dana 44 will be fine. Two examples: 1) I bent my factory TJ Dana 44 and replaced it with an old school 44. No problems then. 2) The disc brakes on the rear of my XJ came off an Unlimiteds bent Dana 44 after the owner upgraded to a Dana 60.

For lift, put a 1" body lift on, 1" motor mount lift, and 2-1/2" Rancho Rockcrawler Suspension System and it will clear 33 x 12.5 x 15 tires. You may or may not have to put a SYE on it. My TJ with a shorter wheelbase did not vibrate at all as described above. The motor mount lift made the difference. I believe Rancho now has a 4" Rockcrawler kit. That should clear the 35" tires. I liked my 2-1/2" Rancho Rockcrawler Suspension System. It came complete with everything you need. New pitman arm, new brake lines, etc.

Hardtop is a good option to get with the Jeep. They are $$ afterwards + you will have to get the doors, too.

Mudderoy
08-17-2011, 12:30 AM
I just glanced through the responses again, and I don't think anyone mention the best year. You know like the XJ has the 1999 when everything came together at least for the 97+ models.

Is there a year TJ to want? A year to stay away from?

XJ Rat
08-17-2011, 12:43 PM
I just glanced through the responses again, and I don't think anyone mention the best year. You know like the XJ has the 1999 when everything came together at least for the 97+ models.

Is there a year TJ to want? A year to stay away from?

Depends on what you want:
TJ or LJ
Rubicon or Sport
5 speed or 6 speed

I would look for a 2006 LJ. They had the 6 speed and lockers (Rubicon).

Mudderoy
08-17-2011, 01:10 PM
Depends on what you want:
TJ or LJ
Rubicon or Sport
5 speed or 6 speed

I would look for a 2006 LJ. They had the 6 speed and lockers (Rubicon).

Oh I forgot about that. Isn't the LJ really just a slightly modified TJ? Longer really? Same 4.0L and transmission? If so I think the LJ would be fine.

This will be a road warrior vehicle.

prerunner1982
08-18-2011, 05:39 PM
LJ is like the Scrambler version of the TJ Wranglers.. Longer wheelbase and are known as Unlimiteds.

TJ:
http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae53/mo90749/1001001847.jpg

LJ:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/Squint77/jeep-after.jpg

InfernoGirl
08-18-2011, 10:42 PM
All LJ's have a D44 rear axle. Most are autos, but there are a few manuals. The biggest disadvantage to LJ's is the aftermarket for tops and windows is very limited since they only made them for 2 years. Early TJ's were carbed and don't have the coil packs. Rubicons weren't made until '03, they have air lockers, and the 4:1 transfer case, 4:10 gears and a D44 in front. Soft tops are really not any colder than hard tops, but they are much easier to lower/raise than hard tops. With a hard top you need 2 people or a hoist and pray you don't get stuck in a downpour... :) Half doors are my choice over full doors for the ease of removal as well. Full doors are heavy, and abundant used if she decides she must have them. Half doors have much more elbow room and a nicer arm rest. Watch for rust under the carpet, and on the fenders. Tailgate hinges get tweaked by carrying an oversized spare on the gate. www.wranglerforum.com is the best (nicest) wrangler forum I know of, and I highly recommend you spend some time there reading. As mentioned 3" will clear 33's easily. To go higher requires SYE's and all that stuff of which I know nothing...

I'm sure there's more, but right now I can't think of anything. I love my TJ, she's by far the most fun vehicle I've ever owned. And I know where you can get some awesome custom seat covers for your wife for Christmas... ;)

prerunner1982
08-20-2011, 09:30 AM
Early TJ's were carbed...


I am not sure about this at least for the 4 liter. The fuel injected 4.0 was in the YJ Wranglers in about 1991. So I don't imagine they would revert to a Carb in 1997 requiring a different fuel system when the fuel injected system was already in use/designed.

However, the early (87-90) YJ (square headlight) Wranglers were Carbed as they used the 258cid Inline 6 left over from the CJ7.

InfernoGirl
08-20-2011, 10:57 AM
I am not sure about this at least for the 4 liter. The fuel injected 4.0 was in the YJ Wranglers in about 1991. So I don't imagine they would revert to a Carb in 1997 requiring a different fuel system when the fuel injected system was already in use/designed.

However, the early (87-90) YJ (square headlight) Wranglers were Carbed as they used the 258cid Inline 6 left over from the CJ7.

I'm sure you're right. Sometimes my fingers out think my brain. There is something unusual about the early ones tho. Just don't recall exactly what it is atm...

XJ Rat
08-20-2011, 11:26 AM
1998 TJ had sliding heater controls and the old style intake manifold.
1999 TJ got round heater controls and had the 'D' shaped intake manifold.

Besides the above, colors, and a few option changes, they were the same vehicles.

In 2000 the AX15 tranny was replaced by the NV3550. Some say it was an upgrade some say not - depends on who you talk to.

All TJ's had fuel injection regardless of year or engine size.

InfernoGirl
08-20-2011, 11:42 PM
Early TJ's are shorter than later models. Only a few inches, but there is a difference.

bigjim350
08-20-2011, 11:46 PM
I'm sure you're right. Sometimes my fingers out think my brain. There is something unusual about the early ones tho. Just don't recall exactly what it is atm...

The only thing I can think that is unusual about the early TJ's is the 3 speed automatic. I think by 99 all the TJ automatics had 4 speed autos.

InfernoGirl
08-21-2011, 01:01 PM
The only thing I can think that is unusual about the early TJ's is the 3 speed automatic. I think by 99 all the TJ automatics had 4 speed autos.

Nope, my '01 has the 3 speed.

prerunner1982
08-21-2011, 02:15 PM
Transmission
30RH 3-speed auto(2.5L -02)
32RH 3-speed auto (4.0L -02)
4-speed auto 42RLE (4.0 & 2.5 03-)
Aisin-Warner AX-5 (2.5L 4 cyl )
Aisin-Warner AX-15 (4.0 6 cyl through 1999)
5-speed manual NV3550 (4.0 '00-'04)
5-speed manual NV1500 (2.4L -04)
6-speed manual NSG370 (4.0 '04-, 2.4 '04-)

Wheelbase
93.4 in (2,370 mm) standard
103.4 in (2,630 mm) LWB

Length 1997-99: 151.2 in (3,840 mm)
2000-03: 155.4 in (3,950 mm)
2004-06 SWB: 154.9 in (3,930 mm)
2004-06 LWB: 171 in (4,300 mm)

Width
1997–2003, 2004-06 LWB: 68.3 in (1,730 mm)
2004-06 SWB: 66.7 in (1,690 mm)

Height
1997-99: 70.2 in (1,780 mm)
2000-01: 71.1 in (1,810 mm)
2002-03 & 2004-06 LWB: 70.9 in (1,800 mm)
2004-06 SWB: 71.2 in (1,810 mm)

Mudderoy
07-05-2013, 10:03 PM
Well I was looking around to see where I could post up about my latest TJ mod. This is another one of those, not much work but waiting mods. I've been looking at this front winch bumper for awhile so I finally decided to order it the other day.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/SWB-StandardPreDesc.jpg

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/SWBCFPrerunner1.jpg

I also ordered a steering skid with it...

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/TJSteeringSkid1.jpg

Anyone know how long you have to wait for JCR Offroad bumpers?

Mudderoy
07-09-2013, 08:18 PM
Fronts sometimes ship right around that 10 day window, but we are pretty slammed right now, so it could be up to 15.
Thanks for your order, I promise our stuff is worth the wait!


Daryl Hutson
JcrOffroad Inc.

:(

prcjeep
07-10-2013, 07:00 PM
Fronts sometimes ship right around that 10 day window, but we are pretty slammed right now, so it could be up to 15.
Thanks for your order, I promise our stuff is worth the wait!


Daryl Hutson
JcrOffroad Inc.

:(

Yeah, We were quoted 10 biz days til ship and it was 20 on my JCR rack

Mudderoy
07-10-2013, 07:16 PM
Have you guys seen this XJ bumper at JCR?

I personally would want a tire carrier, but for those of you that don't want or need, this is a slick looking bumper.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/97UpTailLightBoxes_2.jpg

XJ Wheeler
07-10-2013, 07:26 PM
Yeah, I've looked heavily at their stuff and like most of it. On that one, personally, it does look nice although i would like a little more length so its a bit farther back and solid sides instead of the bolt on ones. Price isn't bad either.

Mudderoy
07-24-2013, 02:42 PM
The 25th is the 15th business day, if I'm counting the holiday correctly, so I sent them an e-mail asking for a status update yesterday morning. I receive a response in about an hour saying that they were on track to have them completed and shipped out in the next 2 or 3 days. Right on time based on their estimates.

At 4pm I received another "automated" e-mail, SHIPPED!

According to UPS the bumper and steering box skid should be here Monday.

Mudderoy
07-29-2013, 02:43 PM
I wonder if the UPS guy thinks that loop was a handle for the delivery guy?

3220

I tell you what, that bumper is a damn sight smaller than the one Mark made me for my XJ!

Mudderoy
07-29-2013, 03:43 PM
Looks pretty good from here!

3227

Mudderoy
07-29-2013, 03:52 PM
JCR Offroad had a break in. Show them some love on their Facebook page!

3228

XJ Wheeler
07-29-2013, 05:22 PM
Nice! How are you gonna coat it?

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Mudderoy
07-29-2013, 09:02 PM
Nice! How are you gonna coat it?

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Well I'm glad you asked!

3230

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3232

3234

Brasscatz
07-29-2013, 09:33 PM
Wow Tony... I know we always see you above the waist on the podcast, but I didn't know you liked wearing women's sandals... as seen in the first pic lol.

Bumper looks great buddy ;) Already have a winch for it?

4.3LXJ
07-29-2013, 09:40 PM
Looks real nice and up to the usual Mudderoy standards

XJ Wheeler
07-29-2013, 09:42 PM
Now that looks good! Paint came out great, and its installed! My, you've been a busy boy. :smiley-laughing021:

Mudderoy
07-29-2013, 09:55 PM
Wow Tony... I know we always see you above the waist on the podcast, but I didn't know you liked wearing women's sandals... as seen in the first pic lol.

Bumper looks great buddy ;) Already have a winch for it?

Nope, I was kind of surprised at the prices of winches now! I only paid $499 for my SuperWinch. No hurry on a winch anyway. I'll wait and get a good deal, hopefully.

cantab27
07-29-2013, 11:58 PM
nice bit of gear tony .........the bumper I mean sheesh

TimmyTXJ
07-30-2013, 07:52 AM
Well I'm glad you asked!

3230

3231

3232

3234

That bumper sure does look familiar! Nice job.

Mudderoy
07-30-2013, 09:19 AM
Better day time pictures.

3236

3237

I have to take the bumper off, drill some holes for the off road light wiring, oh and get some d-rings, of course.

mike@jcroffroad
08-01-2013, 06:55 AM
Bumper looks good on there! Sorry about it taking so long we have been extremely busy the past few months and we are also preparing to move to a larger building in September.

As for affordable winches we use a Warn VR8000s on our LJ

Amazon.com: Warn 87835 VR8000-s Winch with Synthetic Rope: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412WggovUhL.@@AMEPARAM@@412WggovUhL

It can also be had with a steel cable for a bit less.

WARN 86245 VR8000 8, 000 lb Winch : Amazon.com : Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ST7mNDR9L.@@AMEPARAM@@41ST7mNDR9L

Mudderoy
08-01-2013, 09:34 AM
Bumper looks good on there! Sorry about it taking so long we have been extremely busy the past few months and we are also preparing to move to a larger building in September.

As for affordable winches we use a Warn VR8000s on our LJ

Amazon.com: Warn 87835 VR8000-s Winch with Synthetic Rope: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Warn-87835-VR8000-s-Winch-Synthetic/dp/B00625F8ZO/)

It can also be had with a steel cable for a bit less.

WARN 86245 VR8000 8, 000 lb Winch : Amazon.com : Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/WARN-86245-VR8000-000-Winch/dp/B004UJ3IAQ/)

No worries Mike. Thanks for taking the time for the post and the winch recommendation. I think WARN is always a safe bet.

The bumper actually made it to my house sooner than expected. I really didn't think it would be shipped before the 25th based on the status update that I received via e-mail.

The quality on this bumper was great! The only thing I'd recommend is drilling some holes into the hoop so wiring can be run from the light mounts.

I can get to the base of the hoop tube, it just won't be a straight shot. Then the only holes I would have to drill would be on the main hoop to feed the wires from the lights into. It's not a big deal drilling it myself, it would just be a nice value add to really a extraordinarily nice bumper.

I'm sure I'll be talking about the bumper and JCR on this weeks XJ TALK SHOW! podcast.

Thanks again!

3255

OrangeXJ
08-01-2013, 10:09 AM
Your "D" rings are not red. you feeling alright? :smiley-laughing021:

Mudderoy
08-01-2013, 10:15 AM
Your "D" rings are not red. you feeling alright? :smiley-laughing021:

Just got them yesterday. They will be red soon.

OrangeXJ
08-01-2013, 10:21 AM
I bet your ready for me to go back to work so I will quit pestering people :D

Mudderoy
08-01-2013, 10:44 AM
I bet your ready for me to go back to work so I will quit pestering people :D

Not at all, selfishly I like you having those idle hands so you post and chat it up on the site. :D

TimmyTXJ
08-01-2013, 10:53 AM
No worries Mike. Thanks for taking the time for the post and the winch recommendation. I think WARN is always a safe bet.

The bumper actually made it to my house sooner than expected. I really didn't think it would be shipped before the 25th based on the status update that I received via e-mail.

The quality on this bumper was great! The only thing I'd recommend is drilling some holes into the hoop so wiring can be run from the light mounts.

I can get to the base of the hoop tube, it just won't be a straight shot. Then the only holes I would have to drill would be on the main hoop to feed the wires from the lights into. It's not a big deal drilling it myself, it would just be a nice value add to really a extraordinarily nice bumper.

I'm sure I'll be talking about the bumper and JCR on this weeks XJ TALK SHOW! podcast.

Thanks again!

3255

Quality of JCR bumpers x2! I'm very happy with mine as well, JCR makes a very high quality product! Sorry to hear about the break-in Mike.

Mudderoy
08-01-2013, 03:10 PM
lol UPS guy had to use a dolly for this one...

3259

Mudderoy
08-03-2013, 12:06 AM
Ok holes drilled...
Power lines for KC lights extended and ran through the loop and out bottom of loop behind the bumper.
KC spots aligned and verified
Smitybilt XRC 8 installed except for battery connection. Wait for daylight and test.
3/4" D-rings primered and painted PR-4 red! :P

Mudderoy
08-03-2013, 02:39 PM
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