From a TJ to a LJ?

[Root Moose]

I think a lot of it boils down to how you intend to use the Jeep. I've had a LWB (other marque) and currently have a SWB.

For me, as much as I like the look of a LWB TJ I think I'll stick with my YJ (SWB obviously). Between me and my wife and our two boys that makes four people but we will likely use the YJ for short day trip kind of usage. For the farther afield stuff we have the XJ and hopefully soon a WJ. I was toying with the idea of stretching the YJ to unlimited length but between the PITA and time factors I don't think I'm going to bother at this point. The YJ needs a new tub and drivetrain as it is... and I'm getting tired of mega-projects.

If I was a single guy with just a significant other I would likely stick with the SWB.

If I did not intend to drive the Jeep long distances (i.e. multiple 8-16 hour days at a time on four+ lane highways) I'd stick with the SWB.

If I needed the cargo capacity I'd go with the LWB.

If I had kids, particularly older ones I'd go with the LWB.

If I could only have one Jeep I'd go with the LWB.

If I was toing anything more than a 1500 lb trailer I'd go with the LWB.

$0.02

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Nomad, I'd like to see pics of that "comfortable for 4" loadout.

Well, I generally don't pack the LJ out and then take pictures of it. I will say that we are minimalistic on our outings and with a full length rack its very doable.

 

[Azlugz]

I sold my LJ earlier this year in favor of a 5.9 Grand Cherokee. The LJ was just not big enough for the three of us to wheel in all the time. With 5" of lift and our age, it was getting harder to get into (I am not a small person either). I loved the LJ, but just needed more interior space. The ZJ is working out good so far tho, but I do miss the places the LJ would go!!

 

[Mexican_Hippie]

Nomad, I'd like to see pics of that "comfortable for 4" loadout.

Well, I generally don't pack the LJ out and then take pictures of it. I will say that we are minimalistic on our outings and with a full length rack its very doable.

Here's my TJ loaded out with room for 4 inside. Picture is several years old; I don't usually take pics of it loaded.

Only pillows, snack, etc in the cab. There's a weeks worth of supplies, recovery gear, cooking items, water, a tent, air mattresses, queen size fold-out mattress platform, etc. up top. Three plastic foot lockers, side by side, up front. Then a large box, water, etc towards the back of the cage. That Congo Cage can hold a lot of stuff, but man does it kill any aerodynamics the Jeep may have had!

 

[Mexican_Hippie]

Forgot the pic

Forgot the pic

If you take your time and aren't rock crawling really hard trails the extra weight up top if fine. You just have to recognize it's there and be a little more cautious. I'm not going to tackle anything 4+ with the kids on a camping trip anyway.

 

[nwoods]

I don't have any photos of my Jeep loaded up, but here is a photo of what we try to bring with us, including 2 kids and two adults. This does fit in an LJ, but just barely, and very creatively.

I should mention that I am in the Tetris hall of fame...

Update: Here is a photo of the inside with my son zoonked out during the drive home

Another update: I don't have a photo of it stuffed to the gills, but I discovered that I can fit all four off our sleeping bags in the Trasharoo hanging of the spare tire. This made a tremendous improvement in interior space availability.

 

[JeepinBear]

Go with the LJ

I think you should go with the LJ...in fact I think you should go with THIS LJ:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47136

 

[Warhead]

I think you should go with the LJ...in fact I think you should go with THIS LJ:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47136

no offense but I can`t stand yellow & I would prefer a stock platform to start with
Nice Rubi though, I don`t think you will have any trouble finding it a new home, Good Luck

 

[JeepinBear]

None taken :victory:

 

[LUISJG]

today i found a 2005 rubicon unlimited white with only 14k miles on it.
unbelievable to find with so litle miles..
I was ready to pay cash for it,, but took it for a test drive and it feels
like it has 100k miles,, strange ,is very loose and the engine sounds rough .

this is at a dealer and say 14 k miles are original,, but inspection sticker that
was issued back in march of this year say 113,240 ,, might be a typo for 11k.
or who knows.

the body ,paint ,original tires engine compartment,interior ,,etc all looks like
brand spanking new,, just ir doesnt drive like a 14k mile jeep.

i was very dissapointed, very very strange.

.

 

[nwoods]

Maybe they towed it a lot behind an RV? Unless I'm mistaken, I don't think the speedo/odometer operates when being flat towed.

 

[nwoods]

If you're not in a terrible hurry, I might be selling our LJ. My wife decided to exit the work force, effective at the end of this month. The jeep was related to her employment, and without her income, it is very likely I will not be able to take over the payments. I'm considering all options fiscally right now, including changing jobs myself. Without her working, many things will change, but its too early to have it figured all out yet. Our Jeep has 18,000 miles on it, and it's well built and highly capable. It does not look or feel new however. Those 18,000 miles include a lot of fun trails.

 

[Warhead]

well for now I think I am going to keep the TJ, I may be relocating to Colorado if all the planets align for me:wings:
Maybe down the road I`ll be looking for a LJ, still not sold on the JK. It took me years to warm up to a TJ

 

[alosix]

well for now I think I am going to keep the TJ, I may be relocating to Colorado if all the planets align for me:wings:
Maybe down the road I`ll be looking for a LJ, still not sold on the JK. It took me years to warm up to a TJ

Could always brute kit it to add a little more room for gear .

I keep toying with using the brute extension kit then throwing a Chinook on the back...

because I need more projects

Jason

 

[alexfm]

Its probably not any help, but there's a very nice white LJ Rubi here in town, lifted, tires, lights, hi lift, its a nice rig. a bit pricey though. If i remember correctly it was either $12k, or $21k. I cant remember which. Oh, and its white.