So I was thinking about buying a 2004 rubicon wrangler but whe. I was test driving it it seemed really slow like it would barley pick up after 60 or barley even make it over 60 on the highway I think the tires are 33s or 35s from the dealer he wasn't specific but I know rubicona have the Dana 44 I thought they could handle tires that big or would changing the tires help this problem?? Please help ive never road in another jeep wrangler or jeep in general so idk how they drive
TJ seemed really slow when I was test driving it
- Thread starter onthatmoon
- Start date
1) The stock TJ 4.0L is NOT known for it’s speed. Maybe you are used to faster cars.
2) If the rig has larger than stock tires and stock gears, this only gets worse. 35s with stock 4.11 rubicon gears will definitely feel sluggish.
3) Pictures (including underneath) will help folks here assess your possible purchase. Number one thing to avoid is frame rust.
Is it an auto? My 5 speed Rubicon had no problems cruising at 80 mph on the highway when it had stock gearing and 35s. Uphill, was a different story.
Thanks sp much yes its my first time driving any jeep especially an older one it gas 88,000 miles on it but I was just checking the specs in the dealership website there Lt245/75r16 on/off road bsw tires is that still normal? I really want the car I wanted to fix it up right I just didnt wanna buy a lemon. It has no rust or any issues I can. I just thought it was too good to be true its 13,000 dollars but when I drove it it felt like it didnt move after 60. Please let me know. First jeep owner
Tire size and gearing. Mileage is mostly irrelevant on a 20 year old vehicle.
Probably needs a lot of maintenance plus items...rubber items like hoses, motor and transmission mounts, crank pulley.
-Mac
Probably needs a lot of maintenance plus items...rubber items like hoses, motor and transmission mounts, crank pulley.
-Mac
Is that really expensive? Im not a mechanic so im probably gonna have to pay someone to do it? Is labor alot? I can do basic stuff but transmission and rear gearing i can't
245/75R16 is the original tire size for a 2003-2006 Rubicon. You should get the VIN and do a search to make sure it is actually a Rubicon and not a sport with a sticker on the hood. Probably your best bet is to get a pre purchase inspection at an independent garage to make sure everything is legit and point out any problems.
I would not buy a 20 year old vehicle and be completely reliant on people who want your money for help.
That being said there's a ton of stuff you can do with pretty basic tools.
Regearing a Jeep is probably not a good starting project. Folks usually pay $1500 to $3k or more per axle. We have write ups on how to do it and can link videos...look up BFH Garage on YouTube.
This is a project vehicle. No matter how good it looks cosmetically... it's 20 years old. You will be working on it frequently.
Check for frame rust. Inside. With a bore scope. Buy one on Amazon for $30.
This is a Jeep a friend bought for $8k and never looked at the frame until a shop she took it too told her there was a problem.
-Mac
watch out for fake Rubicon's for sure. Unless it's the ultra rare '97 sahara sport rubicon SE with a 4 cylinder those are priceless
I just checked the vin it just says jeep wrangler even on the model would it say rubicon on the model? Or rubicon i thought it would say wrangler
Ctdriver86
TJ Enthusiast
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/c4bdcea6-1ae8-4a79-be9c-2907c090a01e/
Looks like a pavement princess. MTRs look brand new. Drive it again but flip off the Od/off switch on the interstate. You’ll notice a difference.
Looks like a pavement princess. MTRs look brand new. Drive it again but flip off the Od/off switch on the interstate. You’ll notice a difference.
No it is a real rubicon say the axles n everything it just felt slow ass hell like above 60 I couldn't even get it and I was stepping hard. I wouldn't trust it on the highway. You just think something is wrong with it?
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Drive it again, can't read the tire size but looks like 33 12.50 15, but maybe someone else can see it better.
Turn the Overdrive off and drive it, that's the way I drive my 06 rubicon on 33's
I did but do you have to for stock tires size? On the highway or to go above 60 on any tj style
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/free-vin-decoder.54278/
Check out your VIN. Never hurts to have a carfax either. If been up north, run away.
There are lots of good TJ's in TX, be patient. Not sure a dealership is best place to buy, be careful.
Also lots of guys on here in TX, am sure one would be glad to help you look at any one you are seriously
considering.
Same for CO or over our way in TN, AL and GA (know that can be far for a road trip)
Check out your VIN. Never hurts to have a carfax either. If been up north, run away.
There are lots of good TJ's in TX, be patient. Not sure a dealership is best place to buy, be careful.
Also lots of guys on here in TX, am sure one would be glad to help you look at any one you are seriously
considering.
Same for CO or over our way in TN, AL and GA (know that can be far for a road trip)
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it says 35's hell ya it's going to feel slow. and if it doesn't have a speedhealer it's actually running about 70 at 60 onthe speedo.
Ctdriver86
TJ Enthusiast
I used key words plus your location to find that rig. Your in tx, mentioned 04rubicon with 88k for 13 thousand at a dealership. Was this not the one you referring to.
To answer your question, with a question that hopefully answers your question. Why would a vehicle come from the factory with a switch, for stock drivetrain, if they never intended you needing this switch?
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