is this easier that 3 screws to remove and install a PCM or even changing the OPDA ? plus not sure what year they changed the seats and interior. I prefer the 05 interior and seats more than the ones in my 97. I mean they all have trouble areas .
Help deciding between two TJs
- Thread starter JimboFen
- Start date
is this easier that 3 screws to remove and install a PCM or even changing the OPDA ? plus not sure what year they changed the seats and interior. I prefer the 05 interior and seats more than the ones in my 97. I mean they all have trouble areas .
If the OPDA fix with Crown's kit actually permanently fixed all possible OPDA issues without problem in all situations I would gladly stop raising the OPDA issue. But it clearly doesn't so I do. Jeep really fawked up that part of the 4.0 in 2005 which is less of a problem in 06, the factory must have changed improved part of that design in the last bunch of TJs.
I'd probably go Rubicon. Resale, lockers, 241 TC, can always AX15 swap later if you have trans issues (and if it shifts well now and you don't beat the shit out of it you likely won't). OPDA is a concern, I did the crown swap in about 2017 and haven't had an issue since. If I do have any major issues I'll probably just start my LS swap...
My 2002 had the 0331 head and I discovered a crack a few months after I bought it. I replaced it with a head from Clearwater and haven't regretted it. If I had a choice again, I'd still buy a pre-05 to avoid the potential issues they have with the pcm, opda, trans, etc.
As far as rubicon equipment vs Sahara, all of that stuff can be upgraded with better parts anyway. It would be a no-brainer for me.
Easily fixed with a $100 OPDA and a $1,200 (manual) or $600 (auto) PCM, both are simple DIY jobs so labor is $0.
Any used vehicle of any year can have problems.
Andy
I saw that one. Red LJR IIRC. I was all pumped, and then disappointed.
For the OP. I’d go for the Rubi.
A new Clearwater head is around $900, a head gasket kit is $150. $50 for new bolts and I'd throw a timing chain at it for another $100. Maybe a $30 crank pulley and a $30 Napa/Gates water pump. Easy weekend of work. Head and gaskets on a 4.0 are easy.
Assuming you had to do it.
-Mac
Assuming you had to do it.
-Mac
WHAT???? I Haven't been reading enough then, this is still an issue? Ugh. I thought the Crown fixed it. I'll have to start looking for the threads on this, not cool Jerry with your downer information, ha.
Thanks, any preventative to be done? I actually have an extra Crown OPDA on the bench if I need to switch again.
so your thinking the crown OPDA isn't permanent ? 1st I've heard of that, dang it I wasn't concerned about fixing it and have a replacement crown for both my 05 and my brothers 06 in the extra parts box !
The Rubi, it allows you to wheel better if you chose to, fine as a daily driver too. As others have mentioned make sure it still has the proper Rubi axles and transfer case. Also be aware the Rubi locker air pumps and other axle internals are discontinued and unobtainium, workarounds exist. But hey, all used vehicles have potential issues, nothing money can't overcome.
Maybe I found the sweet spot with my 04 Rubi...???
If I had to guess people still having problems likely damaged their cam and putting a new OPDA isn't going to remedy that.
Yeah, but troubleshooting a bad computer is really hard to do and it tends to be a last ditch "let's see if this fixes it". The good news is everybody gets to pick their own poison here.
The newer TJ's are just better. 
'05 never had a problem with OPDA. Switched to Crown and still no problem with OPDA. Getting a new computer though! Only because I'm swapping to an auto though. LOL
'05 never had a problem with OPDA. Switched to Crown and still no problem with OPDA. Getting a new computer though! Only because I'm swapping to an auto though. LOL
My ‘01, had a cracked head when I bought it with 117k on it. Replaced it with a Clearwater head and about 1.5 yrs later a piston skirt broke leading to a rebuild. Just FYI, but not sure the head replacement was related to the skirt issue. Just keep a look out for the head if you go with the ‘01.
Don't forget to change the lighter duty made in India steering box in the 03 and up TJ's also the 03 + TJ's come with the T-case skid plate that hangs down
about 1 1/2 " lower then the 01 , ( The Shovel ) .
The 05 and 06 PCM failures seem to be limited to a very small set of behaviors and error codes. If you have one of those then it likely is the PCM not something else.
Andy
Then you should buy the 05 & 06's when they come up for sale. I'll take the pre-05's and we can both win.
I already bought an 06. I don't need a second Jeep. Andy
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