If you are leaning towards the Rubi, be sure to check that both lockers function correctly. New TJ Rubi locker parts are nearly if not completely unobtainable.
Help deciding between two TJs
- Thread starter JimboFen
- Start date
If you don't plan to regear, I'd go with the 05 and replace the OPDA. 160k on the 4.0l is break-in mileage if it's been well maintained. If you do plan to regear, I'd go with the 01 with the better 5 sp manual.
That's the bottom line. Without knowing that, nothing else matters. Both could be overpriced or underpriced? Figure $1,500+ for the cracked head on the 01' if you're not doing the work yourself. I've had three 00-01' Jeeps and two 05' 6 speeds. Two of the three 00-01's cracked the heads. I never had any issues with my 05's.
p.s. I only bought my Rubicon because it was a one owner and priced well below the value (at the time). $9.500 with 120,000 miles. The seller got so many responses he said, "maybe I should've asked more for it." It sold 8 hours after the ad was placed. I liked it so much I bought it twice.
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Man, a LOT of good info here. Thanks a million guys. I should have known ahead of time that there's nothing quite like an enthusiasts forum to make you scared of the fragility of what you previously believed to be bulletproof vehicles. I'm leaning toward the 01. I only plan on some mild wheeling since I've long lost my old wheeling buddies. The Rubicon axle part scarcity has me worried. I'm going to look at the 01 tomorrow evening. If the head has already been swapped, it's a no brainer. If not, and the oil still looks good, I'll just do it preemptively to help me sleep at night. I can probably live with the higher gears. And if I put a locker in the rear, it will be plenty capable for my needs. If there's anything major I don't like about it, the Rubicon is my backup plan.
Thanks again for all the help. I'll let you all know which one I get in a few days
Thanks again for all the help. I'll let you all know which one I get in a few days
If you wait, both will be gone by the end of the day. Nice TJ's don't hang around for long.
The Rubicon might, the other one I was supposed to see on Monday and the owner worked too late. His earliest availability is tomorrow so I can't imagine anyone else can sneak in and grab it. They've both been for sale for a few weeks so maybe I'm overpaying but I have pretty specific needs. FWIW, they're both $13,500. But, given I'm in South Carolina, I expect them to both be completely rust free
The Rubicon will probably move faster for sure. I like to get the VIN and pull the build sheet. At least know where the Jeep was originally sold and all the specs. I always pull a carfax before buying also. Sometimes before I even go look. There is a way to get a cheap carfax. Let me know if you are interested and I'll look back and dig up the site. I've used it twice and it has worked well for me.
Pulling a CarFax is a good idea to see if it ever spent time in the rust belt. Don’t take all the information as being complete. Some accident damage or other issues may not have been reported/recorded.
Hasselblad
TJ Enthusiast
Haven't seen it asked yet so I will:
What quality of lift kits does each have?
You can sink a lot of money into un ♧◇♡♤ing a ♧◇♡♤ed lift, ESPECIALLY if it has death wobble.
What quality of lift kits does each have?
You can sink a lot of money into un ♧◇♡♤ing a ♧◇♡♤ed lift, ESPECIALLY if it has death wobble.
You think they're both still available 6 months later?
Hasselblad
TJ Enthusiast
Yikes, did not even notice how old the thread was. Wondering why it was so high up in my browsing list.
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