TJ/LJs are my favorite era. They look so good, and they're simple. My '18 is complicated with electronics, and so bloated looking, Drives nice, more like an SUV than a fun, Jeep.
I’ve had XJs with 4.0s (both with auto and manual transmissions) and they ripped. I don’t know if it is because the last year of the 4.0 was choked with emissions or the crappy 42RLE transmission or both but this Jeep is s-l-o-w.
@@HarrySituations shame. My O6 TJ had one and backed by the six speed manual. I threw banks exhaust, k@n intake, and 31’s with steelies on it and sounded awesome and would lay rubber. Was it “fast”? Hell no, but that’s not what it was built for. It was made to be bulletproof, and run forever even if you drained out the oil and poured wet cement into it. That’s the one vehicle I purchased new and never had a single problem with. I sold it 10 years later. You put 37’s on there and are complaining about being slow? 😂
I've got a fully modified JLUR that's been surprisingly reliable and great on the trail, but the TJ/LJ is still, hands down, the best Wrangler Jeep ever made.
LJ’s and the TJ platform are still as popular as ever. Everyone is building them up. I believe there’s more of a market now than ever before for those AEV high line fenders and hood.
AEV has a tendency to discontinue products early and leave you high and dry with no way to repair or replace products without replacing a whole host of other components. I’ll never buy another AEV product because of that, however, if anyone has a silver JK Pintler beadlock in good shape, let me know.
My two cents,...I have a 99 tj 5" lift on 35s. I did a "cheap stroker" rebuild at about 160k miles (wife overheated it in a drive through, not her fault really). 240k on it now, still the best mod I have ever done to any vehicle. Power isn't massive, but the torque and throttle response is next level, better mileage too.
I really don’t understand what about the 4.0 there isn’t to like. I have an 05 and it’s perfect. Mine’s a 6 speed manual, and has been re-geared.. I LOVE it!
Honestly, the only reason why the LJ beats the Scrambler is because it's on links and coils from the factory. The scrambler and CJ6 have it beat in cool factor imo.
My buddy has an LJ rubi and it's great. 4 or 5 years ago I got a low mileage T3 turbo out of a Mazdaspeed3, him and I got the idea to convert his 4 liter to carb and I did the piping for the turbo, we didn't do anything crazy, just 7ish PSI, we did stud the head. Plenty of pep for it considering he just has 35s. Anyways the 4.0 had 60k and now another 50 or 60k with the turbo. Runs like a champ
Thanks for the inspiration as I'm gonna be getting a 2006 LJ in a few days. My wallet didn't need me to find another expensive hobby and project, but I'll happily open it.
I’m not entirely sure why he keeps dinging the Dana 44. It is like a juggernaut of overall reliability, ground clearance at general stability of the platform …. It makes no sense.
I purchased an '06 LJ Rubicon new. I also ordered the orange color. I have the manual transmission. The slave cylinder-master cylinder combo has gone out twice in 86,000 miles. It looks like a piece of plastic junk. I'm on my third clutch. The throw-out bearing went out at about 75,000 miles. I had the shop replace the clutch at the time. It only lasted about 12,000 miles. I know how to drive a manual; I've never owned an automatic. I had a Toyota Camry with 150,000 miles on it with the original clutch when I sold it. You might be better off with the automatic. My favorite modification is the Genright 31.5 gallon gas tank. I only get 12 or 13 mpg, so it gives me 350 miles of range. I do like your orange top. Mine is the original black. It gets very hot in the summer in Las Vegas. I have considered painting it, but have not done so, yet. Thanks for making this video. I love my LJ. Rick Péwé spoke at our local jeep club. When he was checking out rigs after the meeting, he offered to buy mine. He said that he had long wanted an LJ.
Frank I think the Hot Heads headliner would help insulate you from the heat. I put one of these in my Jeep and it helps both in the summer and winter. hotheadheadliners.com/collections/2004-2006-jeep-wrangler-lj?
Loved my 2004 LJ, very capable platform overall, though I really am enjoying building out my 2020 JT Gladiator and look forward to getting it out on the trail.
Man your LJ is sweet. My LJ Rubicon has a similar build but different parts. Highline fenders by Metal Cloak, 2” lift by Rustys, belly up aluminum skid by UCF, Savvy control arms with JJointsnand 35” Toyo MTs. I would love to have that 30 gallon tank you have on your LJ. Your steering and track bar setup sounds like a great way to go. My front end seems to bottom out on higher speed rough roads so I need to figure out why and do something similar to your set up with air bumps and proggresive springs.
I love the build. I would love to do something similar to my 2004 LJ but sadly AEV no longer make the highline kit or hood. I get that there are other highline kits out their, but those are pretty much all tube or flat fenders, and I'm just not into it. The AEV kit gave that extra space, but kept the factory look I like. I still love my LJ and certainly won't be getting ride of it any time soon though- if not ever!
The word is pinnacle, and if you're after a "Jeep" style vehicle, the LJ is the pinnacle of Jeep. As for SUV's, the pinnacle was the XJ, so either way, the top of the pile is a Jeep... :)
Dana 44 axles used to be the king of offroad builds. I had a 78 Bronco making about 325 hp, a C6 and 44's front and rear with 31 spline axles. Never had any problems. So what has changed?
I really like that you lower the control arm mounts on the frame. If I could find somebody to do that I will. Did you have to lower the upper control arm mounts also ?
My ‘06 LJ has a 1.25 body lift and a 1” engine lift with slip yoke eliminator, and a new rear drive line. The reason I did all that work was to give the LJ a tummy tuck. What is the name of the skid plate that you have? I didn’t see it in the list. I’ve been warned about getting damage like you mentioned and I wanna make sure I stay ahead of it. Lol. Thank you so much for posting the video.
It is a BellyUp kit from Teraflex. I have been really pleased with it. They have an optional front skidplate that covers the oil pan and the front have of the transmission pan that I highly recommend adding as well.
I really like my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Sahara Unlimited one of one thousand....Except I have had very expensive electronic repairs and the transmission either drops down a gear at 45 MPH or out of gear. and sometimes won't shift into high gear and cruises at 3,000 RPM at 45 MPH....It has less than 98,000 miles still has the original spare and never been off road....Other than that....Lol....
THE FACTS ARE JEEP'S ARE JUNK , BUT I HAVE THE BIGGEST HADRON TO BUY ONE AND IT'S THE L.J RUBICON THAT I DIG BUT THE MONEY THEY WANT FOR ONE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD / AND WATCHING YOUR CHANNEL DOES NOT HELP MATTERS / THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO AND A GREAT VIDEO NOW BACK TO WISHING AND DREAMING
Yes, my TJU (official code) is my grown up vehicle. In my opinion, the best 2 door Jeep ever produced (size, weight, simplicity, comfort, appearance). I've wheeled expert trails with mine and comfortably drove home at 75. Yeah, tough to go faster than that with 35's and 3.73 gears. Can't wait to get the rubicrawler!
This is one of the best walk around videos I've seen. I recently got rid of the JKU and other projects and bought a JT. Love it, no complaints (well yeah but... lol). I've really missed having a project. I don't think I'll pass on an LJ if the opportunity arises again. Great video, thanks.
The LJ is definitely among the best Jeep ever made. But this is way overbuilt, it's a rolling aftermarket parts catalog. This is another case of lacking skill and throwing a kings ransom at parts to compensate. I see this mostly from the 4 dr limo drivers. But more importantly, the LJ is the true unlimited Jeep, not the fake 4 dr limo, goofy version. While I do give the nod to the LJ, I would take my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn over any Jeep because of it having the original short wheelbase honoring the Willys MB configuration. These just look much better and more Jeep like than the LJ. The TJ, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler and the Willys MB are my favorite Jeeps. Excluding the LJ, a Jeep should honor the Willys MB configuration to be considered a true Jeep. Btw, a Jeep should never have a hard top cocooning its passengers. They are meant to have that great open air experience within a few minutes. My doors and windows are in the garage from late April - early November. O|||||||O 🇺🇸ONLY IN A 2 DR🇺🇸 '41 - '06
Here you go Chris: www.holley.com/blog/post/how_adding_an_earl_s_ultrapro_transmission_cooler_can_help_your_jeep_from_cooking_its_automatic_transmission/
Great question Rob. I agree that wider axles would definitely be beneficial, I am running 1.5-inch wheel spacers with 8.5-inch wide wheels with 3.6-inch backspacing. They scrub, and they rub (only when articulated and at full lock after adjust the steering stops). Getting rid of the front sway bar helped, but they do still rub the steering box bolts. I was hoping to find torx or allen head button head bolts without those thick washers to replace the factory steering box bolts but haven't had any luck in that regard.
Should have left that bad boy on 35’s. I personally would have bought a cheaper Jeep to rock crawl. That is a classic I couldn’t beat it, but damn nice Jeep man
Great detail on the LJ! can you share a picture of the lowered rear frame mounted or lowered by how much? Also what tail lights, reverse lights and license plate are you running? Also 1.7 roller rockers are a great addition for any 4.0 as it gives torque from idle on up and continues to pull harder at high rpms. I run the yella terra yt6628 on my 05 LJ rubicon as fit under the valve cover without a spacer. If you do swap to the 6spd, center force makes a heavy flywheel for the 4.0 including the 05-06. I also wish aev brings the high line kit back.
Sorry we didn't get a shot of it for the video Jonathan. It was lowered by 1.5 inches at the frame end with a new custom mount welded on, and raised 4 inches at the axle end with a JKS bracket.
The tail lights are cheap :ED ones that I bought off Amazon and had to add pigtails to from the stock tail lights. The license plate bracket is from Warrior Products and the reverse light is a Baja Designs S2 Sport mounted on a Teraflex bracket intended for a CB antenna.
Hey Harry, just curious I saw a new video and your LJ seems to not run the AEV wheels anymore, was there not enough backspacing on the AEV wheels for 37s? I ask because I was planning on getting AEV wheels for my Jeep jk and possibly running 37s on a 2.5 inch lift w/ flat fenders
I have run a bunch of different wheel combos over the years. Currently the truck has beadlocked Pintlers for a JK with an adapter to the 5x5 bolt pattern.
The range is about 450 miles now. The sending unit still have the same sweep so it goes through about 8 gallons before the gauge moves and there is another 8 gallons once the needle is on E. I find the trip meter to be a more accurate way of knowing how much fuel is in the tank than the fuel gauge.
Trying to follow this build on my 06 LJ , since AEV stopped making the fenders and hood has anyone made a similar product? Would the Meatalcloake fenders give the TJ around the same clearance?
@@HarrySituations A few salient points, you don't need 37's, 35's and even 33's are good on an LJ. You just have to air down. 37's will make most any engine run sluggish. Regearing is far more important. Above all, SKILL outweighs all the unnecessary huge tires and lifts.
@@HarrySituations Went right over your head, not at all surprised. You, like so many arrogant people who lack skill do all these unnecessary mods to compensate. I was taught by wise, humble, veteran trail leaders how to wheel. They Never once said, you "need" this or that aftermarket part. Go drop another $15k to compensate.
@@JeepTJWheelin you told me to air down dude. You don’t sound that humble to me. Where do you live? What trails do you run? Let me know when you want to show me all your wheeling skills, you can find me on the trail nearly every weekend.
If you wanna build a legit high end jeep, goat built LJ kit is the only way too go. The LJ is by far the best jeep ever made. Unless you 10” stretch a 3.6 jk two door,
Get hydro assist! My 10.5" lifted 98 long arm on 35s (utill they are gone) didn't "require" the hydro assist either, or so I thought as well, until I installed mine wow I would NEVER go back. 70MPH + no problem👍
I'm curious to know more about your track bar set up. I guess I'm asking how were you able to get it horizontal to the ground and keep the same travel arc as the drag link has in the movement of the suspension? And maybe also why it being horizontal reduces body roll?
They are both pretty flat now. The WJ knuckles raise the drag link but you are kind of on your own for the track bar. It needs to be not only on the same plane as the drag link to minimize bump steer but also similar length. There is a link to the article I wrote on the conversion in the video description.
Did you check the angle on the axles as you dropped the control arms or just lower it and inch based on what advise? And does the lower lift high come into play with this. I have a four inch lift currently
The flatter your control arms are the better, since the force is transferred back into the chassis rather than upwards, which can cause strange handling like jacking when you are trying to climb a steep obstacle. Long arms are the way to go with a 4” lift in my opinion. Rubicon Express and Metal Cloak make great long arm kits to upgrade your current suspension.
400 miles is as far as I have pushed it. The sending unit is stock so it uses about 7 gallons before the needle moves and there is another 7 gallons still in the tank when the low fuel light comes on.
@@joshnasche5495 that would be a less expensive option if I had the stock tank. But my tailgate hinges already seem pissed with the 37” spare and FrontRunner table on the tailgate.
Funny story about the GenRight tank. When the Jeep had a stock tank the previous owner went to Moab with his family. After running out of gas at Elephant Hill (whoops) his wife green lit the idea of getting a huge GenRight tank.
@6:43 a stock tj or lj non rubicon has a low pinion 30 not a high pinion. The high pinion 30 is in pre 1997 xjs and it’s a 30% stronger axle housing vs the low pinion and personally I find it’s better then the rubicon 44 for many reasons that I won’t get into.
@@beeteekay9117 the second gen xj when they got the face lift and the tj interior have the same low pinion as the tj and some of the really early xjs can even have a low pinion disconnect. I’m not completely up to date with the years but I’ve owned/parted out a good bit and I can tell you there’s a variety.
How do feel about those 5.38 gears when you’re not off road with regards to RPM’s on that 4.0L? Especially with those freeway speed limits you have out there and commuting around the mountains. I need to figure out a gear set when I ditch my stock Dana 30/35’s.
@@HarrySituations Thanks. I love the "grownup jeep" build philosophy and have enjoyed seeing your LJ in previous videos. You mentioned that the kings rode significantly better with proper tuning. With custom tuning and the shocks in the stock location, do you feel that the 2.5s are a worthwhile upgrade over a 2.0 resi?
I’m all about more engine power but I think the Cummins 2.8 would serve your rig very well...the range is huge and she would have the torque when you want it...I don’t know just my thoughts. Great rig as always Harry 👊🏻👊🏻
I really like this build! having a flat trackbar also helps with bind up if you have lots of droop mainly if you're running outboard shocks. I think that's all you're missing
It works ..... I wouldn't change anything I'm not a wrangler guy..... im one of the black sheep types, im into ZJs WJs and old school Grand Wagoneers. We really need more content and aftermarket support for these.
You don't need 37's, 35's and even 33's are good on an LJ. You just have air down. 37's make any engine run sluggish especially if you don't regear correctly. Above all, SKILL outweighs all the unnecessary huge tires and lifts.
@@HarrySituations I would like to buy one but a tough choice. I care more about mountain travels (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Siberia) than heavy off-road. If Offroad, it's more mud than rocks.
TJ/LJs are my favorite era. They look so good, and they're simple. My '18 is complicated with electronics, and so bloated looking, Drives nice, more like an SUV than a fun, Jeep.
To answer the question, was the 2004 - 2006 LJ the finest Jeep ever produced? Well, yes it was.
👍
I appreciate your shout-outs and naming all of your shops and resources. I'm somewhat new to Reno, and not super familiar with the shops around here.
There are a ton of talented fabricators in this area, we are really fortune.
You don’t love the 4.0 in-line six? You are fired. It’s one of the toughest and most reliable motors ever made
I’ve had XJs with 4.0s (both with auto and manual transmissions) and they ripped. I don’t know if it is because the last year of the 4.0 was choked with emissions or the crappy 42RLE transmission or both but this Jeep is s-l-o-w.
@@HarrySituations shame. My O6 TJ had one and backed by the six speed manual. I threw banks exhaust, k@n intake, and 31’s with steelies on it and sounded awesome and would lay rubber. Was it “fast”? Hell no, but that’s not what it was built for. It was made to be bulletproof, and run forever even if you drained out the oil and poured wet cement into it. That’s the one vehicle I purchased new and never had a single problem with. I sold it 10 years later. You put 37’s on there and are complaining about being slow? 😂
I've got a fully modified JLUR that's been surprisingly reliable and great on the trail, but the TJ/LJ is still, hands down, the best Wrangler Jeep ever made.
whats a jlur
@@magmasloth3619 2019 and up for door rubicon
5:44 this is why solid axles are awesome. Look at how level/stable the body is and how much work that front axle is doing.
Yup. IFS defintely is more prone to tipping and flipping off-road
Love the high line fenders and hood, I wish I had added those to our LJ before they were discontinued.
I don’t understand why they don’t still make them, I think there is a market for them still.
LJ’s and the TJ platform are still as popular as ever. Everyone is building them up. I believe there’s more of a market now than ever before for those AEV high line fenders and hood.
AEV has a tendency to discontinue products early and leave you high and dry with no way to repair or replace products without replacing a whole host of other components. I’ll never buy another AEV product because of that, however, if anyone has a silver JK Pintler beadlock in good shape, let me know.
My two cents,...I have a 99 tj 5" lift on 35s. I did a "cheap stroker" rebuild at about 160k miles (wife overheated it in a drive through, not her fault really). 240k on it now, still the best mod I have ever done to any vehicle. Power isn't massive, but the torque and throttle response is next level, better mileage too.
HP Dana 30 was never offered in a TJ. In particular years in a Cheerokee yes.
I really don’t understand what about the 4.0 there isn’t to like. I have an 05 and it’s perfect. Mine’s a 6 speed manual, and has been re-geared.. I LOVE it!
Regeared to what? Asking cause I have a 06 6 speed lj rubi
@@twostep2382 I went 488 so I could run 37’s, and they run great!
The 4.0 I6 is the best engine Jeep ever made! I have an '05 TJ Rocky Mtn and it's by far the best vehicle I've ever had.
nicest lj on the web. that AEV front fender kit is killer
Honestly, the only reason why the LJ beats the Scrambler is because it's on links and coils from the factory. The scrambler and CJ6 have it beat in cool factor imo.
Great looking Jeep and I was glad to help build version one with Jereme. You are doing it right.
Thanks for sharing the lowered control arm relocation holes, doing this now myself. Great vid
My buddy has an LJ rubi and it's great. 4 or 5 years ago I got a low mileage T3 turbo out of a Mazdaspeed3, him and I got the idea to convert his 4 liter to carb and I did the piping for the turbo, we didn't do anything crazy, just 7ish PSI, we did stud the head. Plenty of pep for it considering he just has 35s. Anyways the 4.0 had 60k and now another 50 or 60k with the turbo. Runs like a champ
Thanks for the inspiration as I'm gonna be getting a 2006 LJ in a few days. My wallet didn't need me to find another expensive hobby and project, but I'll happily open it.
Great info. I have been considering building my 06 LJ. You provided some great ideas and products to consider in my build. Thanks for sharing.
I’m not entirely sure why he keeps dinging the Dana 44. It is like a juggernaut of overall reliability, ground clearance at general stability of the platform …. It makes no sense.
This video was extremely well done
Been waiting on this video for awhile now. Such a great job and a awesome Jeep congratulations man
I purchased an '06 LJ Rubicon new. I also ordered the orange color. I have the manual transmission. The slave cylinder-master cylinder combo has gone out twice in 86,000 miles. It looks like a piece of plastic junk. I'm on my third clutch. The throw-out bearing went out at about 75,000 miles. I had the shop replace the clutch at the time. It only lasted about 12,000 miles. I know how to drive a manual; I've never owned an automatic. I had a Toyota Camry with 150,000 miles on it with the original clutch when I sold it. You might be better off with the automatic. My favorite modification is the Genright 31.5 gallon gas tank. I only get 12 or 13 mpg, so it gives me 350 miles of range. I do like your orange top. Mine is the original black. It gets very hot in the summer in Las Vegas. I have considered painting it, but have not done so, yet. Thanks for making this video. I love my LJ. Rick Péwé spoke at our local jeep club. When he was checking out rigs after the meeting, he offered to buy mine. He said that he had long wanted an LJ.
Frank I think the Hot Heads headliner would help insulate you from the heat. I put one of these in my Jeep and it helps both in the summer and winter.
hotheadheadliners.com/collections/2004-2006-jeep-wrangler-lj?
Loved my 2004 LJ, very capable platform overall, though I really am enjoying building out my 2020 JT Gladiator and look forward to getting it out on the trail.
Great video and great Jeep! Always loved the TJ but I’m really loving my JL Rubicon!
My 2004 LJ’s name is the Brown Burden… Just.Empty.Every.Pocket….for sure
😆👍
Just bought a 05 tj x from Florida 38k miles. Love it
Where lmao
Man your LJ is sweet. My LJ Rubicon has a similar build but different parts. Highline fenders by Metal Cloak, 2” lift by Rustys, belly up aluminum skid by UCF, Savvy control arms with JJointsnand 35” Toyo MTs. I would love to have that 30 gallon tank you have on your LJ. Your steering and track bar setup sounds like a great way to go. My front end seems to bottom out on higher speed rough roads so I need to figure out why and do something similar to your set up with air bumps and proggresive springs.
One thing I’d change would be EVERY permanent modification back to stock..but it’s wrecked now so...
I love the build. I would love to do something similar to my 2004 LJ but sadly AEV no longer make the highline kit or hood. I get that there are other highline kits out their, but those are pretty much all tube or flat fenders, and I'm just not into it. The AEV kit gave that extra space, but kept the factory look I like. I still love my LJ and certainly won't be getting ride of it any time soon though- if not ever!
Beautiful jeep that aev fenders and hoods look great!
The word is pinnacle, and if you're after a "Jeep" style vehicle, the LJ is the pinnacle of Jeep. As for SUV's, the pinnacle was the XJ, so either way, the top of the pile is a Jeep... :)
I love XJs but it is tough to argue against a Jeep you can fit 37s on with 2” lift springs.
always get the manual, very easy to repair and reliable and super fun!
Harry, the TJ didn't get the HP30 front. That was the XJ.
Thanks I screwed that up in the YJ video also. 🤦🏼♂️
@@HarrySituations YJ/TJ (LJ) all should of had the HP Dana 30 not the LP Dana 30 (for non-rubicon’s which should of been front HP Dana 44)
@@jeremy8715 TJ rubicon is low pinion with an air locker rather than an E locker
Nice video, great way to do a walk around. I may do the same thing for my CJ7. Subscribed too..
I lusted over that color when they were new, and hope to find one when I can pick up a new toy. Personally I wouldn’t change anything
Dana 44 axles used to be the king of offroad builds. I had a 78 Bronco making about 325 hp, a C6 and 44's front and rear with 31 spline axles. Never had any problems. So what has changed?
It didn’t have a 9” in the rear?
hi, I've been running the rubi-crawler for over a year now and i would consider it one of the best mods that i have done.
Hnnnggggg i love this jeep! I want an LJ so bad now. Been out of the jeep game for 10 years and looking to get back in
I really like that you lower the control arm mounts on the frame. If I could find somebody to do that I will. Did you have to lower the upper control arm mounts also ?
I have almost the exact same truck with Mopar front bumper, manual transmission, and milky white color
I'm thinking nothing, looks great
That is a awesome sleeper 👍🏼👍🏼
I love my LJ name plan on keeping it as factory as possible..... But damnit I want some highline fenders. I'm seen the hood alone go for 3k.
Finally!!! Been waiting for this!!!!!
Thanks for the detailed video! I just picked up an LJ and have been researching future mods.
stay away from this jokers recommends. check out Trail Recon or even better, Jeep Forum. This dude sucks ass
@@oggearhound2242 😂😎 It's a rolling aftermarket parts catalog. Typical aftermarket tool.
My ‘06 LJ has a 1.25 body lift and a 1” engine lift with slip yoke eliminator, and a new rear drive line. The reason I did all that work was to give the LJ a tummy tuck.
What is the name of the skid plate that you have? I didn’t see it in the list. I’ve been warned about getting damage like you mentioned and I wanna make sure I stay ahead of it. Lol. Thank you so much for posting the video.
It is a BellyUp kit from Teraflex. I have been really pleased with it. They have an optional front skidplate that covers the oil pan and the front have of the transmission pan that I highly recommend adding as well.
Only thing I would change is owners cause I want it lol
Such cool jeep. LJ or bust!
I really like my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Sahara Unlimited one of one thousand....Except I have had very expensive electronic repairs and the transmission either drops down a gear at 45 MPH or out of gear. and sometimes won't shift into high gear and cruises at 3,000 RPM at 45 MPH....It has less than 98,000 miles still has the original spare and never been off road....Other than that....Lol....
I started carrying a spare ECU from Wrangler Fix because I was worried about electrical issues on the trail.
THE FACTS ARE JEEP'S ARE JUNK , BUT I HAVE THE BIGGEST HADRON TO BUY ONE AND IT'S THE L.J RUBICON THAT I DIG BUT THE MONEY THEY WANT FOR ONE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD / AND WATCHING YOUR CHANNEL DOES NOT HELP MATTERS / THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO AND A GREAT VIDEO NOW BACK TO WISHING AND DREAMING
Put portal axles in it and get wicked ground clearance
HW-- just picked up a JL and excited to make it better. Good info here. 6 speed manual. Any issues with the OPDA?
I haven’t had any issues with my oil pump, or any engine issues at all. I do wish I had a six speed manual like you got though!
I like the new color!
Yes, my TJU (official code) is my grown up vehicle. In my opinion, the best 2 door Jeep ever produced (size, weight, simplicity, comfort, appearance). I've wheeled expert trails with mine and comfortably drove home at 75. Yeah, tough to go faster than that with 35's and 3.73 gears. Can't wait to get the rubicrawler!
This is one of the best walk around videos I've seen. I recently got rid of the JKU and other projects and bought a JT. Love it, no complaints (well yeah but... lol). I've really missed having a project. I don't think I'll pass on an LJ if the opportunity arises again. Great video, thanks.
The LJ is definitely among the best Jeep ever made. But this is way overbuilt, it's a rolling aftermarket parts catalog. This is another case of lacking skill and throwing a kings ransom at parts to compensate. I see this mostly from the 4 dr limo drivers.
But more importantly, the LJ is the true unlimited Jeep, not the fake 4 dr limo, goofy version. While I do give the nod to the LJ, I would take my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn over any Jeep because of it having the original short wheelbase honoring the Willys MB configuration. These just look much better and more Jeep like than the LJ. The TJ, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler and the Willys MB are my favorite Jeeps. Excluding the LJ, a Jeep should honor the Willys MB configuration to be considered a true Jeep.
Btw, a Jeep should never have a hard top cocooning its passengers. They are meant to have that great open air experience within a few minutes. My doors and windows are in the garage from late April - early November.
O|||||||O
🇺🇸ONLY IN A 2 DR🇺🇸
'41 - '06
I wish there was a TLC 4x4 for these things.
Also dana 44 is well balanced just throw some chromoly axles and the trust kit
It has RCVs, but I wish it had fixed spindles and locking hubs like the Dana 44 in my last rig.
Do you have a video on where the trans cooler is mounted or an install video
Here you go Chris: www.holley.com/blog/post/how_adding_an_earl_s_ultrapro_transmission_cooler_can_help_your_jeep_from_cooking_its_automatic_transmission/
How do you clear the 37s (width wise)? What is your backspacing? Spacers? The 60’ WMS is very tight for 37s especially at the steering box bolts.
Great question Rob. I agree that wider axles would definitely be beneficial, I am running 1.5-inch wheel spacers with 8.5-inch wide wheels with 3.6-inch backspacing. They scrub, and they rub (only when articulated and at full lock after adjust the steering stops). Getting rid of the front sway bar helped, but they do still rub the steering box bolts. I was hoping to find torx or allen head button head bolts without those thick washers to replace the factory steering box bolts but haven't had any luck in that regard.
Should have left that bad boy on 35’s. I personally would have bought a cheaper Jeep to rock crawl. That is a classic I couldn’t beat it, but damn nice Jeep man
Did I just see you driving from Ridgway to Ouray yesterday?
Yep that was me!
@@HarrySituations hahaha. Awesome. I thought I recognized that rig! - Geoff
Do I have to cut my rear fender wells when I add this kit to my LJ?
You do not need to, but I did some trimming to fit the 37s with only two inches of lift.
Cool LJ luck out on aev hood & fenders
This is 100% my dream vehicle. Just a awesome clean Jeep.
Great detail on the LJ! can you share a picture of the lowered rear frame mounted or lowered by how much? Also what tail lights, reverse lights and license plate are you running? Also 1.7 roller rockers are a great addition for any 4.0 as it gives torque from idle on up and continues to pull harder at high rpms. I run the yella terra yt6628 on my 05 LJ rubicon as fit under the valve cover without a spacer. If you do swap to the 6spd, center force makes a heavy flywheel for the 4.0 including the 05-06. I also wish aev brings the high line kit back.
Sorry we didn't get a shot of it for the video Jonathan. It was lowered by 1.5 inches at the frame end with a new custom mount welded on, and raised 4 inches at the axle end with a JKS bracket.
The tail lights are cheap :ED ones that I bought off Amazon and had to add pigtails to from the stock tail lights. The license plate bracket is from Warrior Products and the reverse light is a Baja Designs S2 Sport mounted on a Teraflex bracket intended for a CB antenna.
And thanks for the recommendation on the roller rockers!
Hey Harry, just curious I saw a new video and your LJ seems to not run the AEV wheels anymore, was there not enough backspacing on the AEV wheels for 37s? I ask because I was planning on getting AEV wheels for my Jeep jk and possibly running 37s on a 2.5 inch lift w/ flat fenders
I have run a bunch of different wheel combos over the years. Currently the truck has beadlocked Pintlers for a JK with an adapter to the 5x5 bolt pattern.
Love this LJ! I want to copy this on my own. Can’t find the AEV parts anywhere. What is the range on the new tank?
The range is about 450 miles now. The sending unit still have the same sweep so it goes through about 8 gallons before the gauge moves and there is another 8 gallons once the needle is on E. I find the trip meter to be a more accurate way of knowing how much fuel is in the tank than the fuel gauge.
@@HarrySituations thank you definitely going to get it. Wish I could find those AEV parts
"I was shocked" Pun intended.
Trying to follow this build on my 06 LJ , since AEV stopped making the fenders and hood has anyone made a similar product? Would the Meatalcloake fenders give the TJ around the same clearance?
That would work. You could also run Genright tube fenders and a hood from Varozza.
I'm not saying this guy don't have a cool rig, but he has his fact wrong on a lot of details on the LJ.
Are you gonna tell us what I got wrong or keep us guessing?
@@HarrySituations A few salient points, you don't need 37's, 35's and even 33's are good on an LJ. You just have to air down. 37's will make most any engine run sluggish. Regearing is far more important. Above all, SKILL outweighs all the unnecessary huge tires and lifts.
@@JeepTJWheelin oh ok thanks, I’ll try airing down next time. 👍
@@HarrySituations Went right over your head, not at all surprised. You, like so many arrogant people who lack skill do all these unnecessary mods to compensate. I was taught by wise, humble, veteran trail leaders how to wheel. They Never once said, you "need" this or that aftermarket part. Go drop another $15k to compensate.
@@JeepTJWheelin you told me to air down dude. You don’t sound that humble to me. Where do you live? What trails do you run? Let me know when you want to show me all your wheeling skills, you can find me on the trail nearly every weekend.
Sick Jeep
If you wanna build a legit high end jeep, goat built LJ kit is the only way too go. The LJ is by far the best jeep ever made. Unless you 10” stretch a 3.6 jk two door,
Let me know if you plan on selling this - cool build
Get hydro assist! My 10.5" lifted 98 long arm on 35s (utill they are gone) didn't "require" the hydro assist either, or so I thought as well, until I installed mine wow I would NEVER go back. 70MPH + no problem👍
I have three other vehicles with hydraulic assist, I'm quite familiar with the benefits.
I'm curious to know more about your track bar set up. I guess I'm asking how were you able to get it horizontal to the ground and keep the same travel arc as the drag link has in the movement of the suspension? And maybe also why it being horizontal reduces body roll?
Okay, maybe nevermind. I rewatched and I think you're just talking about a rear track bar and not the front.
They are both pretty flat now. The WJ knuckles raise the drag link but you are kind of on your own for the track bar. It needs to be not only on the same plane as the drag link to minimize bump steer but also similar length. There is a link to the article I wrote on the conversion in the video description.
I don't see the spacer on the JKS coil spacers at 8:11. Can you run JKS ACOS without the spacer so you can get the air bump but no additional lift?
Good eye! I didn’t want the additional lift height so I frenched the air bump mounts into the coil buckets.
Did you check the angle on the axles as you dropped the control arms or just lower it and inch based on what advise? And does the lower lift high come into play with this. I have a four inch lift currently
The flatter your control arms are the better, since the force is transferred back into the chassis rather than upwards, which can cause strange handling like jacking when you are trying to climb a steep obstacle. Long arms are the way to go with a 4” lift in my opinion. Rubicon Express and Metal Cloak make great long arm kits to upgrade your current suspension.
I definitely want to get the Genright gas tank for my YJ wangler. What is the furthest you've gone on one tank of gas?
400 miles is as far as I have pushed it. The sending unit is stock so it uses about 7 gallons before the needle moves and there is another 7 gallons still in the tank when the low fuel light comes on.
Ever thought about getting the Titan Terrker spare fuel tank or nah lol
@@joshnasche5495 that would be a less expensive option if I had the stock tank. But my tailgate hinges already seem pissed with the 37” spare and FrontRunner table on the tailgate.
Funny story about the GenRight tank. When the Jeep had a stock tank the previous owner went to Moab with his family. After running out of gas at Elephant Hill (whoops) his wife green lit the idea of getting a huge GenRight tank.
Does this mean that the TJ is the 2nd best ever?
Great tj
06 LJR arguably the best Jeep made
@6:43 a stock tj or lj non rubicon has a low pinion 30 not a high pinion. The high pinion 30 is in pre 1997 xjs and it’s a 30% stronger axle housing vs the low pinion and personally I find it’s better then the rubicon 44 for many reasons that I won’t get into.
I totally agree. The high pinion 30 is lighter and has better ground clearance and arguably is just as strong.
The hp 30 was in xj's through '99
@@beeteekay9117 the second gen xj when they got the face lift and the tj interior have the same low pinion as the tj and some of the really early xjs can even have a low pinion disconnect. I’m not completely up to date with the years but I’ve owned/parted out a good bit and I can tell you there’s a variety.
Golen Stroker proven reliable plug and play. Your friends talked you out of it?
Friends who get a "good deal" and think, "Just to turn around and flip it," there's a special place in Hell for you.
How do feel about those 5.38 gears when you’re not off road with regards to RPM’s on that 4.0L? Especially with those freeway speed limits you have out there and commuting around the mountains. I need to figure out a gear set when I ditch my stock Dana 30/35’s.
With the 37s and the tall overdrive in the 42RLE (0.70) I think they are a good match. It doesn’t really go 80 mph so high RPM isn’t a concern.
4.88’s aren’t low enough for 35’s with the auto. I’d go as low as you can go with 37’s.
Throw in a Newcomer Racing stroker with a Holley dominator or a MS3Pro ecu
Did you do anything to adjust the angle of the upper arms as well? Ie raise the axle side mounts?
I did not. There doesn’t seem to be enough material there without building new mounts.
@@HarrySituations Thanks. I love the "grownup jeep" build philosophy and have enjoyed seeing your LJ in previous videos.
You mentioned that the kings rode significantly better with proper tuning. With custom tuning and the shocks in the stock location, do you feel that the 2.5s are a worthwhile upgrade over a 2.0 resi?
@@WhiskeyTango87 for how I use this Jeep I think you could get away with a properly valved 2.0 and no air bump and it would ride just fine.
I’m all about more engine power but I think the Cummins 2.8 would serve your rig very well...the range is huge and she would have the torque when you want it...I don’t know just my thoughts. Great rig as always Harry 👊🏻👊🏻
I agree that would be a great combo!
I really like this build! having a flat trackbar also helps with bind up if you have lots of droop mainly if you're running outboard shocks. I think that's all you're missing
That is how my Tracker is setup, but I don't think that I have enough real estate outside the frame with the LJ.
@@HarrySituations You have to french the mounts into the frame rail.
It works ..... I wouldn't change anything
I'm not a wrangler guy..... im one of the black sheep types, im into ZJs WJs and old school Grand Wagoneers. We really need more content and aftermarket support for these.
cool
Why not make any more this jeep that is the best design look very good
Was this rig for sale on the AEV Forum?
Nope not this one.
What is it about the 4.0 that you think could be better? Genuinely interested. I don't know much about them.
I just wish it made more horsepower. When the Jeep had 35s on it the power was fine but with 37s it is pretty slow.
@@HarrySituations gotcha. That's understandable.
@@HarrySituations
It's not the engine it's not geared properly for 37s
Well, I take that back if you're running 5.38 gears
You don't need 37's, 35's and even 33's are good on an LJ. You just have air down. 37's make any engine run sluggish especially if you don't regear correctly. Above all, SKILL outweighs all the unnecessary huge tires and lifts.
I think so. And will argue with anyone that thinks otherwise
Rubicon’s have 1330 u joints
The TJ didn’t get a high pinion Dana 30
Did you get asking price for that Yota? Seemed like a steal to me for 18 or however much you wanted..
Yeah it was just a matter of finding the right buyer.
How can you not love the 4.0?
After driving a JL with a 3.6L and eight speed the drivetrain in my LJ feels pretty antiquated.
Wrangler Rubicon LJ or Land Cruiser 80 ?
Both great choices!
@@HarrySituations I would like to buy one but a tough choice. I care more about mountain travels (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Siberia) than heavy off-road. If Offroad, it's more mud than rocks.