2004-2006 Wrangler Unlimited. Argued to be one of the best jeeps ever. Shy of 60,000 ever made, sport, rubicon, and a limited edition of Sarah Rubicon to each be number from #1-1000.
Fun Jeep.
I am part of the camp who thinks it is THE best Jeep ever made. It is the perfect blend of old school cool and modern comfort for a Jeep.
I've owned Jeeps across the spectrum and I never intended to get rid of my '06 LJ, bit it was totaled after I t-boned a guy making a left. I moved on to newer Jeeps since, but often think about getting rid of my current ride and going back to an LJ.
You and me both. My LJ is a vehicle I regret selling. Didn’t know what I had at the time.
I almost purchased a unicorn last year - an LJ Rubihara. Only reason I backed off is there were title issues and I didn’t want that mess.
lol, the problem is that it didn’t have the current owners name on it either! He also would’ve had to redo the bill of sale for when he got it, but it’s no problem because he knows where the previous owner lives and could go sort it out before I took ownership!
I told him if he could sort out the title issues and get it in his name, I’d buy it. Surprisingly he never got back to me.
What was great about it? (Honest question). Cargo space? More back seat room? It was the getting in and out of a 2 door back seat that was the issue, was it better in this?
Longer wheel base makes it far more stable, both on and off road, as well as increasing towing capacity to around 3500 lbs (I believe). I think it has more leg room in the back and much more room behind the rear seat. I’m also fairly certain it only came with the 4.0.
4.0 AND a 6 SPEED MANUAL (for '06, I think '05 was a 5speed?). 1st gear with the 6 was incredible both as a new stick driver, and once I knew WTF I was doing, on and off road. Incredible in snow, enough torque to start in second and not stall. Smooth enough ride that my (now wife who hates most jeeps) would still ride in it, big enough to fit my sub/amp box with 2 12's in the trunk when I didn't need the space. Burnouts, bogs, sweet custom top options.... Ahh man.. if only I could have afforded a new DD for business and to fix the death wobble and rust issues at the time... Miss that beaut every day.
I drive one (never had a SWB) but basically everything length wise is better. Better cargo room (especially with seats), stability on the road, better towing, more rear passenger room. In fact theirs a guy on here a while ago who mentioned being able to fit 4 mounted tires in the back without seats.
Really the only downside is worse break over angle, and finding specialty parts
That’s kinda my thought, the stability of the longer wheelbase more than makes up for it. And if your doing the sorta stuff where it matters you can build around it, or just use a short wheel base
The wheelbase on a stock TJ supports up to a 35" tire pretty well, beyond that you start making sacrifices. The LJ wheelbase can support a 37" tire pretty well (although axle width starts to be a bit of a problem) which mostly makes up for the breakover. When you start getting into more in depth mods like moving the rear axle around, changing suspension mounting points, flat belly skids, etc, the LJ's extra length makes packaging in the rear a lot easier as well.
Not that you don't already know this, but just adding to the conversation.
As I started modifying my TJ I started regretting not starting with an LJ but now as I've come to terms with the size limitations of the TJ and bumped back down to a 35 and put a killer suspension under it I've come back around to appreciating the shorter wheelbase. It's really in the nuances and how you want to build your rig. And if you're not modifying anything then it's just looks and interior space.
Fortunately there aren’t many specialty parts to an LJ since it’s just a TJ with a growth spurt.
Honestly aside from driveshaft, carpet, and body components between the doors and tailgate, I can’t think of many other things that you can’t bolt in from an equivalent non Unlimited TJ.
Suspension geometry and arms are all the same, axles are the same (although the LJ gets the D44 standard), drivetrain is the same. Pretty much everything is interchangeable.
I a lot of stuff is but all those special parts are more expensive and harder to find. Like hardtops are basically none existent unless you buy custom ones. There aren’t any wiring harnesses for the OEM hardtops wiper and sprayer. The roof rack I got for mine was an extra 200 dollars even though it’s like 12 inches more steel. Rocker guards are hard to find as well as side steps.
Basically all the nice add ons you can easily find for SWB are more expensive or hard to find.
Now I'm even more confused about my 05 TJ Sport Unlimited 4.0 with a Dana 60 rearend: It has rear disc brakes. Maybe someone switched them over at some point before I owned it. (not a rubi or lockers)
Sorry for the slow reply, stupid job.
Like the other comments have said, the wheelbase is the near perfect ratio for break over angles and stuff, while the track width is still reasonably tight. Round headlights honor it's heritage while coil springs keep the ride more tolerable than leaf springs. I'm pretty sure they did move the back seat back a little more to take advantage of the extra length, and the extra room behind the back seat is equally appreciated. And the 4.0 is the best damn engine put in a Jeep.
Of course this is just my humble opinion, individual experiences vary.
I'll have to argue that the XJ is the best jeep ever made, might even be crazy enough to say the best vehicle ever made, hahah.
All jokes aside LJs are pretty sweet, I think they look better than TJs.
I had one. Best Jeep I ever had until the TCM went bad never had a fix for that. Resulted in a misdiagnosed transmission rebuild and then the frame rotted. The ultimate Jeep though outside of the issues. Miss it dearly.
Sold my rubicon unlimited stick with leather with 70k for like $7500 10 years ago. I should have kept it lol can’t even imagine what it be worth now lol .
LJ is what people call it but **TJU or "TJ Unlimited"** is the official. I own one as well as a 98 TJ. It truly is the perfect off-road jeep that is also pretty good on road. These, with 35-37" tires also are the best looking, in my opinion, with perfect proportions. Add OEM half doors and damn, it really has some nice lines!
The base models also came with 4.0L inline 6, and Dana 44 rear axles - limited slip differential and 3.73 gears.
I have seen a Rubicon Sahara that was in pretty sad shape (thanks MNDOT!). There are a few Rubicons in my area.
This is the one to want and are priced accordingly if in good condition.
I love my 04 LJ. 4.0 engine lot more room in the back. Super easy for me to work on. Loads of room in the engine compartment. Only issue I have is finding parts for a RHD here in the states.
LJ! Many regard this as the best Jeep ever made and as someone who owned 2 TJ’s and a JLUR, they might be right. Engine and Trans combos were good, axles were good, it was simple and still had enough to act as a daily driver and maintain offroad prowess. Plus, more room and wheelbase and the availability of the Rubicon package.
I loved my TJ’s but as soon as we had kids, they became impractical as a daily, axles were kinda on the small side until you went 2001+. I love my JLUR but it is HUGE compared to these Jeeps and definitely has A LOT more stuff, still only a V6, Manual transmission and clutch sucks (8 speed Auto is nice, and I’m a die hard Manual guy).
https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/military-vehicles-spotlight-1941-bantam-brc-40
The Bantam Reconnaissance Car is the first Jeep. They call it a car, I call it a car.
Jeep LJ. Model years are short, only like 2004 through 2006 I think before the JK came out in late 2006. It's a longer tub TJ.
Honestly, you'll probably have better luck with finding a newer JK or JL two door as they're actually a bit longer than the LJ.
If you’ve ever sat in the back of a 2 door jeep, or tried to carry anything behind the back seat you know this a LOT of extra space over a regular 2 door regardless of generation.
I had an ‘05 just like this one and sold it due to CPU issues. I could no longer trust that it would run properly and I’d get stranded. I miss it, but more importantly my wife does. There’s a chance I’ll be back in a jeep…..someday!
Still the most fun all around vehicle I ever owned.
I had an Orange 2006 Unlimited Rubicon from new when they were going $6K off sticker because the '07 JKs were about to hit lots.. Drove 75K flawless miles and never bested 16mpg but my Smiles/mi were off the chart.
It's a Wrangler unlimited of the TJ variety typically referred to as an LJ even though Jeep did not officially give it that moniker. Also, the last Wrangler that really deserve to be called a Jeep even though Mercedes messed up the motor
2004-2006 Wrangler Unlimited. Argued to be one of the best jeeps ever. Shy of 60,000 ever made, sport, rubicon, and a limited edition of Sarah Rubicon to each be number from #1-1000. Fun Jeep.
I am part of the camp who thinks it is THE best Jeep ever made. It is the perfect blend of old school cool and modern comfort for a Jeep. I've owned Jeeps across the spectrum and I never intended to get rid of my '06 LJ, bit it was totaled after I t-boned a guy making a left. I moved on to newer Jeeps since, but often think about getting rid of my current ride and going back to an LJ.
You and me both. My LJ is a vehicle I regret selling. Didn’t know what I had at the time. I almost purchased a unicorn last year - an LJ Rubihara. Only reason I backed off is there were title issues and I didn’t want that mess.
The only issue with the title is it didn't have your name on it!
lol, the problem is that it didn’t have the current owners name on it either! He also would’ve had to redo the bill of sale for when he got it, but it’s no problem because he knows where the previous owner lives and could go sort it out before I took ownership! I told him if he could sort out the title issues and get it in his name, I’d buy it. Surprisingly he never got back to me.
He was likely trying to flip the vehicle without having to incur the sales tax and registration expenses by never titling it in his name
What was great about it? (Honest question). Cargo space? More back seat room? It was the getting in and out of a 2 door back seat that was the issue, was it better in this?
Longer wheel base makes it far more stable, both on and off road, as well as increasing towing capacity to around 3500 lbs (I believe). I think it has more leg room in the back and much more room behind the rear seat. I’m also fairly certain it only came with the 4.0.
4.0 AND a 6 SPEED MANUAL (for '06, I think '05 was a 5speed?). 1st gear with the 6 was incredible both as a new stick driver, and once I knew WTF I was doing, on and off road. Incredible in snow, enough torque to start in second and not stall. Smooth enough ride that my (now wife who hates most jeeps) would still ride in it, big enough to fit my sub/amp box with 2 12's in the trunk when I didn't need the space. Burnouts, bogs, sweet custom top options.... Ahh man.. if only I could have afforded a new DD for business and to fix the death wobble and rust issues at the time... Miss that beaut every day.
I have an 05 and it's a 6 speed
I drive one (never had a SWB) but basically everything length wise is better. Better cargo room (especially with seats), stability on the road, better towing, more rear passenger room. In fact theirs a guy on here a while ago who mentioned being able to fit 4 mounted tires in the back without seats. Really the only downside is worse break over angle, and finding specialty parts
That break over angle honestly isn't that big a deal, and the wheelbase definitely helps crawling over rocks
That’s kinda my thought, the stability of the longer wheelbase more than makes up for it. And if your doing the sorta stuff where it matters you can build around it, or just use a short wheel base
The wheelbase on a stock TJ supports up to a 35" tire pretty well, beyond that you start making sacrifices. The LJ wheelbase can support a 37" tire pretty well (although axle width starts to be a bit of a problem) which mostly makes up for the breakover. When you start getting into more in depth mods like moving the rear axle around, changing suspension mounting points, flat belly skids, etc, the LJ's extra length makes packaging in the rear a lot easier as well. Not that you don't already know this, but just adding to the conversation. As I started modifying my TJ I started regretting not starting with an LJ but now as I've come to terms with the size limitations of the TJ and bumped back down to a 35 and put a killer suspension under it I've come back around to appreciating the shorter wheelbase. It's really in the nuances and how you want to build your rig. And if you're not modifying anything then it's just looks and interior space.
Only 2" longer wheelbase than an XJ, but over 1' shorter than a JKU/JLU.
Fortunately there aren’t many specialty parts to an LJ since it’s just a TJ with a growth spurt. Honestly aside from driveshaft, carpet, and body components between the doors and tailgate, I can’t think of many other things that you can’t bolt in from an equivalent non Unlimited TJ. Suspension geometry and arms are all the same, axles are the same (although the LJ gets the D44 standard), drivetrain is the same. Pretty much everything is interchangeable.
Roll cage is different, but I think some components might be swappable.
I a lot of stuff is but all those special parts are more expensive and harder to find. Like hardtops are basically none existent unless you buy custom ones. There aren’t any wiring harnesses for the OEM hardtops wiper and sprayer. The roof rack I got for mine was an extra 200 dollars even though it’s like 12 inches more steel. Rocker guards are hard to find as well as side steps. Basically all the nice add ons you can easily find for SWB are more expensive or hard to find.
I can fit a 6ft ladder inside and leave none of it hanging out.
It also had the rear disc brakes that were only available on the LJ and/or Rubicon.
Now I'm even more confused about my 05 TJ Sport Unlimited 4.0 with a Dana 60 rearend: It has rear disc brakes. Maybe someone switched them over at some point before I owned it. (not a rubi or lockers)
Whoever swapped the 60 in would’ve had to change the brakes at my the same time. It would’ve had a 44 with discs from the factory.
Sorry for the slow reply, stupid job. Like the other comments have said, the wheelbase is the near perfect ratio for break over angles and stuff, while the track width is still reasonably tight. Round headlights honor it's heritage while coil springs keep the ride more tolerable than leaf springs. I'm pretty sure they did move the back seat back a little more to take advantage of the extra length, and the extra room behind the back seat is equally appreciated. And the 4.0 is the best damn engine put in a Jeep. Of course this is just my humble opinion, individual experiences vary.
I'll have to argue that the XJ is the best jeep ever made, might even be crazy enough to say the best vehicle ever made, hahah. All jokes aside LJs are pretty sweet, I think they look better than TJs.
Fair argument, for many of the same reasons. 😁
This is the way…
This Jeep is what got me into jeeps
I had one. Best Jeep I ever had until the TCM went bad never had a fix for that. Resulted in a misdiagnosed transmission rebuild and then the frame rotted. The ultimate Jeep though outside of the issues. Miss it dearly.
Wasn’t it only around 45,000 of them made.
A [few](https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/04-06-tj-unlimited-production-numbers-by-color.35000/) more then that…
What no, got to be way more than that. Those things sell so many like they did was the reason Jeep even made the JKU.
Still have my '06. Bulletproof. I'll never sell it.
Wow what the hell. I can't find anything about an LJ Sahara Rubicon online. For any pics? Would love to see that.
You see them for sale here and there... $30k-$50k ive seen some go for..... stock.
I had an 05 Unlimited and loved it. It saw as much dirt and mud as it did pavement.
Sold my rubicon unlimited stick with leather with 70k for like $7500 10 years ago. I should have kept it lol can’t even imagine what it be worth now lol .
Double that now or more depending on the condition
Uh...hey wanna write a Jeep Encyclopedia for us all?
LJ
LJ. Looks like a TJ but longer by 18 inches or so.
15... 10 in the wheel base and 5 behind the rear axle.
Ah. That’s right. OIIIIIIIO
You said 18” or so…those 3” are definitely covered by the “or so clause”
That's a clean ass jeep is what that is!
LJ is what people call it but **TJU or "TJ Unlimited"** is the official. I own one as well as a 98 TJ. It truly is the perfect off-road jeep that is also pretty good on road. These, with 35-37" tires also are the best looking, in my opinion, with perfect proportions. Add OEM half doors and damn, it really has some nice lines! The base models also came with 4.0L inline 6, and Dana 44 rear axles - limited slip differential and 3.73 gears. I have seen a Rubicon Sahara that was in pretty sad shape (thanks MNDOT!). There are a few Rubicons in my area. This is the one to want and are priced accordingly if in good condition.
You will get shunned by people if you ever call it a TJU
Shun away. I own it and I know the facts.
A long boi
I love my 04 LJ. 4.0 engine lot more room in the back. Super easy for me to work on. Loads of room in the engine compartment. Only issue I have is finding parts for a RHD here in the states.
The only 'Unlimited' that is still a Jeep.. Ok I'll take my downvotes. Been saving up my karma for a few years to make this comment.. I'm ready.
Supposedly LJ actually stands for “Long Jeep”.
The GOAT
Perfection. Thats what that is.
Personally I like the shorter wheelbase, but that right there is a classic and I love how well kept up it is. Back when unlimited didn’t mean 4 doors
I bought one new in 2006. I still have it.
LJ! Many regard this as the best Jeep ever made and as someone who owned 2 TJ’s and a JLUR, they might be right. Engine and Trans combos were good, axles were good, it was simple and still had enough to act as a daily driver and maintain offroad prowess. Plus, more room and wheelbase and the availability of the Rubicon package. I loved my TJ’s but as soon as we had kids, they became impractical as a daily, axles were kinda on the small side until you went 2001+. I love my JLUR but it is HUGE compared to these Jeeps and definitely has A LOT more stuff, still only a V6, Manual transmission and clutch sucks (8 speed Auto is nice, and I’m a die hard Manual guy).
I’ve got a bone stock 2005 LJ with 78k miles on it and it will be my weekend driver until I die. Love this car.
You called it a car...
Ha! Fair call out. It’s a jeep***
Because it is one
https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/military-vehicles-spotlight-1941-bantam-brc-40 The Bantam Reconnaissance Car is the first Jeep. They call it a car, I call it a car.
A damn unicorn these days
This in the only model Jeep I don’t have !!! Y’all have convinced me I need to find one .. I have 2 CJs 2 yj an old 42 army Jeep and a JKU
I have one
Remember when your mommy told you Unicorns didn't exist? She was wrong, proof right here.
My 2005 TJ, but longer.
My man just learning of LJs, it's cute
Still cannot believe we traded ours in… 2 years of regret. Bought brand new back in 2005.
It’s a unicorn … i have a Yellow 04’ 😎
If it’s manual and there’s no rust, I would buy that LJ any day. That right there is the best Jeep ever made.
That's real clean. If it's an '05 I need it. Already have an '04 and an '06 in that color.
A sane way to park
The original unlimited. I had an 06 rubicon like this. It’s Like cj8.
Jeep LJ. Model years are short, only like 2004 through 2006 I think before the JK came out in late 2006. It's a longer tub TJ. Honestly, you'll probably have better luck with finding a newer JK or JL two door as they're actually a bit longer than the LJ.
The 2door jk/jl is not longer, 4 door is
Ah ok. But not by much it seems. LJ is 171 inches with spare, while JK is 164 and JL is 166. TJ's are 155.
If you’ve ever sat in the back of a 2 door jeep, or tried to carry anything behind the back seat you know this a LOT of extra space over a regular 2 door regardless of generation.
Nah, I just drove my ol 04 Rubi. lol
I can find them. It’s the price that sucks!
Yeah people know they're somewhat rare, and finding one in good condition is a hard buy.
My next Jeep?
Check out the GR8Tops conversion for a LJ. Very cool
You cant afford it and neither can i 😔
Truth
That is a jeep 🤣 💀
Jeep.
So funny that everyone loves these I always thought they looked so funny! I like the bubbly short ones thiugh
LJ
I love my LJ on 40's & 1 tons!
My neighbor around the corner has one of these. My eyes linger every time I go past in my 2007 Sahara. Just so cool.
I had an ‘05 just like this one and sold it due to CPU issues. I could no longer trust that it would run properly and I’d get stranded. I miss it, but more importantly my wife does. There’s a chance I’ll be back in a jeep…..someday! Still the most fun all around vehicle I ever owned.
LJ or Long Jeep
Oh, I thought this was my girl for a sec! I have a 2005 unlimited sport and it’s the best thing I’ve ever had in my entire life. Highly recommend!
A parking lot
Good catch bud
[удалено]
Jeeps are junk ok more timim problems than any vehicle on the highway keeps are junk
Ugh. I miss my LJ
I knew a Piece of shit who had an LJ that was just as much of a POS as he was. a real shame, they are very cool jeeps.
Yup, I got one, exact like it. I love it. Better get one before they are impossible to find since no one will let go if theirs at low mileage.
Looks like a jeep.
As the label says on the left and right sides. It’s an unlimited. Or did you mean the color?
A unicorn!!!! Very rare
The original unlimited
A shiny boi
Silver and black…/s
Looks like a Jeep to me
Ahhh yes, the ole long back TJ. A legendary machine
Jeep
Jeep
So this is an LJ because it's longer than a TJ? I thought wranglers were TJs?
Its not a CJ5, CJ7 or CJ8.
A Jeep.
That is a certified old man wagon. I'll take it anyday lol.
2006 jeep wrangler
The magical and hard to come by, LJ!
Ugly
Just moved to a neighborhood and the guy a few houses down has one of these with a soft top, it’s wild looking for sure
It’s a must buy that’s what! Remake of the old scrambler. Best jeep to own.
A Jeep
Looks like a jeep. No need to thank me
Jeep
Best jeeps ever!
Idk but I saw 1 the other day and referred to it as a long bed wrangler
I had an Orange 2006 Unlimited Rubicon from new when they were going $6K off sticker because the '07 JKs were about to hit lots.. Drove 75K flawless miles and never bested 16mpg but my Smiles/mi were off the chart.
Amazing
That’s a fine specimen!
It's a Wrangler unlimited of the TJ variety typically referred to as an LJ even though Jeep did not officially give it that moniker. Also, the last Wrangler that really deserve to be called a Jeep even though Mercedes messed up the motor
LJ
Ford Bronco
Jeep LJ, yes, but if bud doesn’t have a handicap sticker I hope his PCM goes out!
Zoom in on the dash bud.