Community Forums

Rvlegaleagle · 07-27-2017, 04:51 PM

Now that I have finally selected the rig I am looking into towing a Jeep wrangler. Wondering what the best year for the wrangler going back to 2005 as far as weight, length, ease of base plate, transmission, engine etc. Also any year(s) to avoid. Any help and experience would be a big help

gary2192 · 07-27-2017, 05:25 PM

2012 ..All about the engine...

Arizona · 07-27-2017, 06:52 PM

Agree, the new engine is great and makes the difference.

Old Scout · 07-27-2017, 07:00 PM

Agree--2006 or earlier [in-line 6] or 2012 and after [3.6 v-6]....in-line 6 sucks gas but its almost bullet-proof....

vsheetz · 07-27-2017, 07:22 PM

2005 and 2006 Wrangler LJ (only made those two years). Rubicon version if serious offroading. LJ is the long wheelbase version of the Wrangler TJ (1997 to 2006). Long wheelbase gives 13" more storage, rides more smoothly, and climbs steep inclines better.

If JK, 2012 or later due to the more powerful engine.

Dan McMartin · 07-27-2017, 08:15 PM

Exactly! 2006 and below is the TJ. The 4.0l inline 6 is a great engine. Not super powerful on the highway but lots of low end power and it will run 300,000 mile if maintained well. Avoid the 4 cylinder offered in the TJ's. Not sure if those were available in later models like 2005 and 2006 but if so, pass. I think they are tagged SE models. Good engines but very underpowered.

Also, 2005 was the first year the Rubicon was available. Dana 44's front and rear, lockers, etc. If you're into moderate to hard core off roading, it's worth the money. If not, then look for a Sport. Keep in mind, a rear Dana 44 was an option on Sports (standard on Rubicons front and rear). TJ's with that option are desirable and worth the extra cost.

Starting in 2004, you could get a longer wheel base Unlimited model (often called the LJ). Only two doors but more cargo room. They are desirable and pricey but cool!

Transmissions in 2005-2006 models were 4 speed auto and 6 speed manual. TJ's usually weigh well under 4000 lbs unless they are heavily modded.

Skip 2007-2012. Came with an underpowered, oil burning 3.8l six cylinder engine borrowed from Dodge/Chrysler minivans. Avoid!

2012 and above have the far superior 3.6l Pentastar V-6. Plenty of power on and off road and should last many, many miles. They come with either a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed auto transmission. JK's, as 2007 and up Wranglers are designated, have roomier and more comfortable interiors and are a bit bigger than TJ's. You, of course, have a choice between 2 door models and 4-door unlimited models. 2-doors come in at 3700 lbs and up. 4-doors come in at 4200 and up. For Rubicons in either flavor add a few hundred pounds. My Rubicon Unlimited was about 4500 lbs stock.

Beware the sticker packages. Jeep loves to slap on stickers, different wheels and tires, maybe an upgrade or two and sell them as special editions or with fancy names. They are Sport models. Generally, only Rubicons have upgraded axles, lockers, transfer cases, etc. These "special" models aren't bad but they aren't really upgraded. If you like one (Arctic, Mountain, Big Bear, Willy's, etc.) get it but you're getting a Sport model with a few bells and whistles and a higher price but not any upgraded off road features. Many, however, have nice wheels and tires which might be worth it if you plan to upgrade those anyway.

Finally, Wranglers hold their value really well. If you settle on a late model (say 2015 and up), you might be better off buying a new 2017. You'll get a full warranty and a brand new Jeep for only a few thousand more, not to mention better financing on new vs old. Dealers will be looking to make room for the all new 2018's when they come out this fall so you might get a great deal on a new 2017.

BTW, all Wrangler can be towed 4 down and are easy to add tow point to. Many after market bumpers come with recovery points for d-rings that can be used.

vsheetz · 07-27-2017, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

2005 and 2006 Wrangler LJ (only made those two years). Rubicon version if serious offroading. LJ is the long wheelbase version of the Wrangler TJ (1997 to 2006). Long wheelbase gives 13" more storage, rides more smoothly, and climbs steep inclines better.

If JK, 2012 or later due to the more powerful engine.

Correction to my post: LJ was built 3 years. 2004-2006-2006.

Dan McMartin · 07-27-2017, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Correction to my post: LJ was built 3 years. 2004-2006-2006.

Mid year intro in 2004...so like 2.5 years

Northviewinn · 08-01-2017, 07:50 PM

97 TJ....iconic body style, light weight, and will climb a tree with little modification......and btw, I have a 4cyl. 5 speed stick and love it. Simple to work on, small and lightweight. We have a rag top and love it. The 4 Cyl. won't set any speed records, but I can run down the hi way at 55 without beating it, and take it off road any time I want. Very easy to set up for 4 down towing....

Jeeps aren't built for speed....they're built for fun.....