Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Help Me Choose Please!

trojandawg

trojandawg

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 24, 2023
Messages
536
Location
Northeast Georgia
Looking at two Jeeps. 2000 Sahara with 249k for $7k and a 2006 LJ with 170k for $12k. Both are 4.0 and auto. Both are excellent shape body/frame. Which would you pick and why? Are these prices decent??

Thanks in advance for any info!

IMG_4206.png


70931775984__1E494A4A-A61F-429A-BA98-327E1280FAEB.jpeg
 
Prices seem decent but I am not really up to speed on current prices. The Sahara looks great but the extra length in the LJ might really come in handy and can sell the hardtop if you wanted. Good luck
 
I'd go with the LJ. Lower mileage and more rare-er. And more cooler.😆 And longer rear driveshaft, which will help with driveline vibes if you put some lift on it.

Of course, that's if all else is equal and the 5k price difference is not a deciding factor. I love my Jeep, but I do wish it was an LJ.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cherrybomb
Both look like descent rigs and priced right. I'd personally pickup the LJ if it's mostly rust free. I'd give the drive train a real good listen when you test drive it.
 
I mean both have pretty high mileage though the LJ is lower. I think I hear a faint knock on the Sahara in the bottom end and the LJ drives a lot smoother/less walking. Probably due to none/little lift and smalller tires. Never really payed attention to the LJs but this one has peaked my curiosity. That said, $5k ain’t chump change either lol.

I’ve had a couple CJs and a YJ and been Jeepless for a few years now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jamison C, Minderbinder3 and 2001slvrstntj
Here are some more pics of each. I just can’t decide. Both are really nice underneath, but the miles and engine sounds scare me on the TJ. Though I think I like the looks of it better…

I won’t be doing any serious off roading or trails. Mostly riding dirt roads, fishing, and a little daily driving.

Also, the LJ has line x inside. Don’t seem to be covering anything bad, but I’m not a huge fan of it.

IMG_4213.png


IMG_4212.png




IMG_4210.jpeg


IMG_4209.jpeg


IMG_4207.jpeg


IMG_4211.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: 97TJNM
Get what makes you happy, but:
1-LJs are worth more, all else being equal.
2-LJ has 80k less miles than the TJ.
3-TJ has a suspect engine sound.
4-LJ hard tops are rare as hen's teeth, so again, more worth.

If the frame on the LJ is in good shape, it's a better buy.

But the TJ does look good.🤷‍♂️
 
  • Like
Reactions: cherrybomb and flyinfish
97TJNM said:
Get what makes you happy, but:
1-LJs are worth more, all else being equal.
2-LJ has 80k less miles than the TJ.
3-TJ has a suspect engine sound.
4-LJ hard tops are rare as hen's teeth, so again, more worth.

If the frame on the LJ is in good shape, it's a better buy.

But the TJ does look good.🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...

The frame on the LJ has been painted but it looks more preventative. I can’t find any rust or weak spots or anything. Almost looks too clean…lol

Then the line x on the inside. Again, seems to be preventative. I can’t find any indication of rust under the body either. Id probably be an idiot not to go with the LJ.

That Sahara does look sweet though lol.
 
  • USA Proud
Reactions: 97TJNM
trojandawg said:
The frame on the LJ has been painted but it looks more preventative. I can’t find any rust or weak spots or anything. Almost looks too clean…lol

Then the line x on the inside. Again, seems to be preventative. I can’t find any indication of rust under the body either. Id probably be an idiot not to go with the LJ.

That Sahara does look sweet though lol.
Click to expand...

Are both of them life long Georgia Jeeps??

Not that there is no snow around here.

Just probably way less chance of rust.
 
For 5k could put a remanufactured engine in the TJ if it goes south I think. Not sure what the cost run but might cover it.
 
I would DEFINITELY go for the 2000 with the automatic. It has a lot fewer potential problems than the 2006 with automatic has. But more importantly to me, I much prefer the 3-speed 32RH automatic used in the 2000 than the 4-speed 42RLE used in 2003 and newer TJs. The 32RH is far more likely to live a long happy life without problems and it's far easier to gear for.
 
All the way with LJ. Better move. (assume a black jeep is OK with you; I would/could never have a black vehicle, since washing is nearly unheard of)
 
Jerry Bransford said:
I would DEFINITELY go for the 2000 with the automatic. It has a lot fewer potential problems than the 2006 with automatic has. But more importantly to me, I much prefer the 3-speed 32RH automatic used in the 2000 than the 4-speed 42RLE used in 2003 and newer TJs. The 32RH is far more likely to live a long happy life without problems and it's far easier to gear for.
Click to expand...

Is the 4 speed auto that bad? I’ve read conflicting posts on here about them. Others issues with the 2006 year models??
 

Similar threads

B
First Jeep, need some advice!
Replies
15
Views
1,126
TJ General Discussion
Mac57
Mac57
coopnugz
Advice on purchasing my first TJ
Replies
40
Views
2,004
TJ General Discussion
tr21triton
tr21triton
cb4017
Which one of these TJs would you choose?
Replies
54
Views
4,084
TJ General Discussion
KennethS
KennethS
CadenY074
Dana 44 Waggy Swap Help
Replies
2
Views
657
TJ General Discussion
Wildman
Wildman
joneill
Our LJs
Replies
10
Views
842
TJ Build Threads & Member's Rides
joneill
joneill
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
Top Bottom