Help deciding between two TJs

JimboFen · Jan 9, 2024

Hey all, first post here. New to the site but not new to Jeeps. I had a 98 in college with 4.0/5speed, locked front and rear D44s, and 35s. It was the best vehicle I have ever owned. 15 year later, I'm looking to get back into a TJ.

I have two picked out nearby and can't decide. I'm looking for the lowest mileage, most capable, long road trip (6ish hours with the wife) worthy TJ I can find. Must be 4.0/manual.

Jeep one is an 01 Sahara with the 44 rear and 3.73s. 5 speed 4.0. Very clean. 33's, hard top. 2 soft tops, half doors with hard uppers. Stock bumpers, no winch. Black (big plus for me as my old one was black too. Sentiment and all) 116k miles

Jeep two is an 05 Rubicon. Stock axles and gears (locked 44s/4.10s if I'm not mistaken) 6 speed 4.0. Also very clean. 33s, hardtop, soft top, full metal doors. Warn winch. Khaki I think? Light tan of some sort with matching color tops. 150k miles

Both jeeps are the same price. Rust free. Appear to have been babied. Am I crazy for leaning toward the lower mileage Sahara? I feel like I'm crazy.

Would love some insight from the TJ crowd. Thanks!

P man · Jan 9, 2024

Welcome to the best tj forum on the web!!!

If both choices are rust and major damage free I am going with the rubicon every time. You have looked at the frames and underside of both jeeps?

I would also verify the rubi is still equipped with the 44's, np241 etx...we had a guy locally selling a rubicon that someone had sold the axles and transfer case out of and replaces with np231, dana 30 and 35.

hear · Jan 9, 2024

I'd go with the 01 hands down, unless you really really want the crawl ratio the Rubi gives you. The 05 & 06 have some unique problems that the earlier ones don't have. Given two reasonable options, I would always go for pre-05.

trojandawg · Jan 9, 2024

Whichever you like the best if they are the same price and shape. That being said, Rubi baby!

downthepines · Jan 9, 2024

Largely depends on what the intentions are with the Jeep. I might look at service history and maybe look inside the frame of both if possible. I feel like you will miss having lockers if you want to wheel it. I have owned both, I feel like a Sahara is perfect for being a nice cruiser, the Rubicon is more of a jack of all trades. I went around 10-12 years before getting my latest one.

macleanflood · Jan 9, 2024

Didn't the 01 have the heads that were prone to cracking?

I like the 97 to 99s because there is way less stuff...more simple.

And you can never go wrong with black.

3.73 gears however on 33s is a little miserable but not as bad as 3.07.

-Mac

JimboFen · Jan 9, 2024

hear said:
I'd go with the 01 hands down, unless you really really want the crawl ratio the Rubi gives you. The 05 & 06 have some unique problems that the earlier ones don't have. Given two reasonable options, I would always go for pre-05.

That's interesting information I haven't heard. What sort of issues do the later TJs have? Is the 6 speed not as good as the 5?

tr21triton · Jan 9, 2024

if both are rust free and in similar shape I'd go with the Rubi. it will hold it's value better IMHO . I own a 97 SAHARA and 05 Rubi now the Sahara just sits in the carport . I love the 6 speed in my 05 compared to the 5 speed in the 97 and it's a blast to drive.

Jerry Bransford · Jan 9, 2024

I personally would DEFINITELY go for the '01 over the 05 Rubicon. The '01 has fewer potential issues and it can be built to wheel just as well. Older TJs like the 01 just have fewer potential issues and they are simpler in many ways. Especially the OPDA (oil pump drive assembly) issue that isn't always permanently fixed with the Crown OPDA modification kit. Not to mention the NSG370 6-speed in the '05 is not known for its strength and ability to hold up well. Lots of complaints about it.

DavidBT · Jan 9, 2024

Absolutely love my 05' Rubicon. The 6 speed transmission is holding up for me. Manuals are a blast to drive.

Gilaguy23 · Jan 9, 2024

Id buy the both. Then resell the rUBI for more $$ and use the cash to mod the other.

JimboFen · Jan 9, 2024

macleanflood said:
Didn't the 01 have the heads that were prone to cracking?

I like the 97 to 99s because there is way less stuff...more simple.

And you can never go wrong with black.

3.73 gears however on 33s is a little miserable but not as bad as 3.07.

-Mac

Damn. Just started reading up on this after you mentioned it. I can't seem to see how common it is. Any idea?

cpwolf · Jan 9, 2024

Lot of good input. I've had multiple 05 standards. There are 3 main issues that I've heard, 1. OPDA oil pump needs to be replaced or you can end up with a huge issue, Crown one works easy install, might already have been done. 2. PCM issues, but I believe that's on Automatics, not stick. 3. NSG370. Lot of people hate the 6 speed. I've owned multiple and had to have one rebuilt, expensive AF and while I personally like using it, or better yet haven't had an issue with it, it's issues are annoying and it's built weird internally crappy shifting rail etc.

I updated my 2005 x with 05 Rubicon axles, and I'll say this, wheeling is night and day. Yes, the 2001 you can upgrade, agree, but if the 05 Rubi has lockers and 4.10s and the Rubi T Case, you're set really. Cost wise it's all that evaluation, because you KNOW you have to spend $4k ish for gears and lockers in the 2001. You "might" have to rebuild your Trans in the 05.

Those would be the deciders to me, do I want to do the project and cost guaranteed with 01, or take the "ready" TJ with the risk of fixes possible with the 05.

hear · Jan 9, 2024

cpwolf said:
I updated my 2005 x with 05 Rubicon axles, and I'll say this, wheeling is night and day. Yes, the 2001 you can upgrade, agree, but if the 05 Rubi has lockers and 4.10s and the Rubi T Case, you're set really. Cost wise it's all that evaluation, because you KNOW you have to spend $4k ish for gears and lockers in the 2001. You "might" have to rebuild your Trans in the 05.

That's a good analysis. Maybe a good question to ask is what are the goals for the jeep? Are you gonna wheel it? And how hard? Its entirely possible all that stuff the rubi gives you isn't anything he'll ever use. But you're right it will help resale value later.

I did just notice the rubi has full steel doors...that's a big selling point for me.

tr21triton · Jan 9, 2024

Just buy both, swap the good parts off the Rubi and put them on the 01 and then sell the Rubi ! It wont be any different than those selling 97 SE Rubicons

JimboFen · Jan 9, 2024

hear said:
That's a good analysis. Maybe a good question to ask is what are the goals for the jeep? Are you gonna wheel it? And how hard? Its entirely possible all that stuff the rubi gives you isn't anything he'll ever use. But you're right it will help resale value later.

I did just notice the rubi has full steel doors...that's a big selling point for me.

Great question. I suppose I probably won't wheel it as hard as my old one even though that is what I'm picturing in my head. If I put a locker in the rear of the Sahara, with the 33's, it would probably be plenty for what I'll need. I'm a little worried about the 3.73s. My last TJ had 35's and 4.88s. I was very happy with that. I guess the test drive will settle that one.

But I'm also a bit worried about the 01 heads cracking now too...

JimboFen · Jan 9, 2024

tr21triton said:
Just buy both, swap the good parts off the Rubi and put them on the 01 and then sell the Rubi ! It wont be any different than those selling 97 SE Rubicons

Haha if only my budget and space allowed. This will be car number 5 for our two person household with a two car garage. We also both work from home and don't really go out much. My wife's patience for my "collection" only goes so far

Jerry Bransford · Jan 9, 2024

JimboFen said:
But I'm also a bit worried about the 01 heads cracking now too...

That's an easy permanent fix with a replacement TUPY head.

Artsifrtsi · Jan 9, 2024

For the money, I'd go with the Rubi. I have a 2005 X, owned since new. Knocking on wood, the only major issue I've had, is the NSG developed the Reverse kick-out issue... I replaced that in 2013 with a brand new crate NSG, and have not looked back. The Rubi gets you better axle ratios, and for offroad you'll get a 4:1 low range transfer case that you'll not have in the sahara...

Regardless what you choose, look long and hard at the frames, both inside and out for rust. Poke your fingers into all the holes and feel for rust/scale, use a bore-scope to look inside.

JustDandee · Jan 9, 2024

i have 05 6 speed, I like having the 6 gears with 33's and the gearing is a good match- first was real low on stock size tires- ....however....first can pop out- super infrequent on you, reverse too but more often- a light hand on the shifter address those quirks.

I lean towards the 01 as mileage is the true measurement of age to me. But if you want lockers/winch- that has a lot $$ value if were to add those to the 01.

Help deciding between two TJs

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I just wanna go wheeling...

Its more than a Jeep, its an economic driver.

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