Georgia Trail Riders Forum
MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: BigMike on May 05, 2016, 01:55:53 PM
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I'm "playing" with the idea of getting a trail rig. I'd sell my '14 Rubicon and get a daily driver. Now when I say "trail rig", I mean something that I'd mainly use on the trail but needs to be streetable as well. It would also get driven to rides and not towed.
Looking for an LJ but also looking at TJ Rubicons. The LJ Rubicons are considered if the price is right but people selling them have a stupid perception of what they are worth. The price difference between LJ's and LJ Rubicons would easily allow upgrading to "better than Rubicon".
TJ guys, do you have LJ envy or is the TJ good for everything that you want to do?
Again, just considering it at this point and in no hurry. Need to find out what my JK Rubicon is worth as well.
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TJ is too short, needs to be stretched, hence one reason the LJ is such an awesome platform.
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TJ is too short, needs to be stretched, hence one reason the LJ is such an awesome platform.
I think LJs are ugly, but it is definitely the platform I'd build if I were starting from scratch. With that said, I'd go with any LJ and build it like Jared did, except nut used axles (ie, mini-stretch, 4 speed atlas, 1 tons, ORI or coilover, and armor).
I'm going to make my TJ work, and live with its limitations, so my LJ envy isn't very high, but I do recognize the LJ is a better base platform. I would also consider a YJ, like Steve did, so you can get to the LS engine and not have to muck with emissions.
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I absolutely love my LJ. I've owned a YJ, TJ, JKU and this LJ. I do wish it was an LJR but like you said they are bringing more money than I'm willing to spend. I prefer the simplistic wiring of the TJ/LJ platform better. Just ask anyone with thoughts of swapping a V8 in either.... Good luck with your search. I saw a LJR with 180,000 miles and a hard too a couple days ago for 10K. I'll see if I can find you the link
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(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/451d238c454b757fa6a673b3b807f6f9.jpg)
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I wouldn't buy anything from the north.
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I wouldn't buy anything from the north.
X2, "very little rust"
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Mike,
I did a whole lot of wheeling in my TJ before I stretched it.
Defiantly go Rubicon though.....LJ would be better but you
could have a lot of fun in a TJ Rubicon.
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I used to go back and forth on the same question. I never really got serious about it though. More like a hindsight 20/20 situation. I thought, TJ and tow rig. I decided the cage was my tipping point of no return. @Tcdawg fights this battle regularly.
Imo, if you aren't going with a fully built route, I wouldn't bother. Like you said though, I guess it depends on how much you can get for yours and how much you want to put into another one.
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I never looked where it was only that it was an area code I didn't recognize. Not sure if it's been up north it's whole life or not. It would be worth a call or text to find out though.
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Not going to address Clark's comment about LJ's being ugly.
If you're OK to spend the money to get to "better than Rubicon" then you should do that. Last thing you want to do is buy the Rubi and then be upgrading to tons in a year.
TJ is fine if you are ok with these two things:
* Very likely comp cutting the rear corners at some point if going 40's or bigger.
* Room for cargo only if you remove the back seat.
I wasn't ok with either, and i think LJ's look awesome. So it was an easy decision for me.
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TJ is fine if you are ok with these two things:
* Very likely comp cutting the rear corners at some point if going 40's or bigger.
* Room for cargo only if you remove the back seat.
Yup, been there, done that...
and i think LJ's look awesome. So it was an easy decision for me.
I agree. If I had to do it all over again, I would start with an LJ...
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Not going to address Clark's comment about LJ's being ugly.
Ok.
...and i think LJ's look awesome.
Liar!
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Does a few inches really matter lmao lmao
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I'd be interested in selling my TJ if you want a built rig. It's stretched (100" WB) on tons with 4-link, lockers, cage, etc. etc.
Streetable and passes emissions. Since the buggy has gotten to be reliable I don't need two built rigs.
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I will enter the room of truth...
I still look for and lust after an LJ. It's the perfect platform for a hardcore wheeler that is still very streetable. The main point ,IMO , is that you don't need to stretch it and move the fuel tank to the interior.
Mike,
Are you going to go baller hardcore wheeler. 60's and 40's? If No, stick with the JK
Are you happy with 35's or 37's? Stay w the JK
Do you want to trailer and build a seriously bad ass rock crawler that will have big boy axles and tires and not coat $60k...LJ is for you.
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I disagree with Tony in one respect...a well built TJ, like Danny's or John's (once he goes full hydro and stretches the front), is second best in the rocks, only to a buggy; LJ, like Jared's, is third. I hope my semi-stretched TJ is fourth, but my comments at the end will indicate why I'll be behind a well built JK and JKU. :)
The gas tank in the cab, and limited storage capacity, is what really separates the LJ from a TJ. If you aren't overlanding (or carrying rear passengers), and want to have a body on the machine, and are willing to have fuel in the cab, a stretched TJ is the way to go for pure badassness. If you plan to overland, or don't want fuel in the cab, LJ with limited stretch is the ride for you. To me, for pure rock crawling capability, a truly stretched TJ is the best (without going buggy).
I also contend that on various obstacles, some vehicles will do better than others, so it comes down to overall capability.
Since you want to drive it to/from every park, I'd stick with the JK since it comes naturally with that cloud of titties, marshmallow fluff ride. A TJ, even on a nice suspension setup, is of no comparison, based on my driving of Jay's JKU. YMMV
Don't forget the benefit of gearing (differential, transfer case, and transmission), engine, tires, and, of course, driver skill and fear levels.
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I will enter the room of truth...
I still look for and lust after an LJ. It's the perfect platform for a hardcore wheeler that is still very streetable. The main point ,IMO , is that you don't need to stretch it and move the fuel tank to the interior.
Mike,
Are you going to go baller hardcore wheeler. 60's and 40's? If No, stick with the JK
Are you happy with 35's or 37's? Stay w the JK
Do you want to trailer and build a seriously bad ass rock crawler that will have big boy axles and tires and not coat $60k...LJ is for you.
I needed to take my own advice about 3 years ago...
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Great discussion!
My primary reason is the buy a NICE daily driver. I can't keep my JKR and my Harley and buy a NICE daily driver. Well, I can, but won't invest that much money in toys. I'm a believer in investing until it hurts (sans Harley) and plan to have a very comfortable retirement.
- I don't want a buggy or a off-road only Jeep
- I don't want to trailer it
- I want to be able to drive it from here to FL if I want to, just like I do with my JKR
- I like the simplicity of the TJ/LJ platform
- I don't care about a back seat. I removed it from my JKR the day after I brought it home from the dealer.
- 37's a built 44's would probably be the limit. Honestly, I have just as much fun when we go to ORV's as you guys on the big stuff. Even though I'm armored underneath, I still cringe when I slam down on rocks wondering if I'm going to be able to get to work on Monday.
- NADA says that a stock 2014 JKR with the options that I have has a Clean Retail of ~$33k. I have $10k to $11k in mods in my rig today. I'd like to recover 50% of that. Not sure if it's possible.
- Not sure what a NICE daily driver means yet. I'm smitten with the new Mustang GT with track package (convertible). I also like the C6 Grand Sport Corvette, 911S Porsche (997.2), maybe a slightly used Tahoe 4wd, or take my wife's 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (Hemi) and buy her a new SUV.
- My plan was to keep my JKR for a long time. It will be paid off in 2 years. Take it off of the road then and continue to build it. That is probably what I should do.
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I'm smitten with the new Mustang GT with track package.
Me too, but a coupe. I have been thinking about a new daily driver and this is one on my list...
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C6 over the mustang...
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C6 over the mustang...
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Agree, but different price points...
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I absolutely love the new Vettes. Sexy as hell.
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Nissan makes a wonderful daily know as gtr hahhahah
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My TJ is streetable, but I wouldn't really want to drive it to FL (noise). When it was built the cruise control module was left attached and the steering wheel has the buttons, but I have never tried it to see if it works. Because it has a lot of armor, cage, skids, it's a lot heavier than stock. I've had it up to 65 on GA400, but that's the max on a flat road for comfort.
OTOH I really have no worries about banging it into the rocks.
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Been there and done that, Lj over a Tj any day.
I stretched my TJ to 107", 40s, Tons, 241OR, Aw4, fuel cell in cab with full hydro. It was a very capable jeep but I traded it for a Lj Rubicon on 36s with a 3.5" Rk lift to build up the way I wanted.
Now I have stretched my Lj to 110", 39s, Tons, 241OR, Aw4, hydro assist and don't have to have a fuel cell in the cab (saving about $500).
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Been there and done that, Lj over a Tj any day.
I stretched my TJ to 107", 40s, Tons, 241OR, Aw4, fuel cell in cab with full hydro. It was a very capable jeep but I traded it for a Lj Rubicon on 36s with a 3.5" Rk lift to build up the way I wanted.
Now I have stretched my Lj to 110", 39s, Tons, 241OR, Aw4, hydro assist and don't have to have a fuel cell in the cab (saving about $500).
Jealous of all of your interior room...
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Jealous of all of your interior room...
Interior room was 50% of the reason for going to and LJ. Need room for 3/4 people, coolers, spare parts and tools.
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C6 over the mustang...
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Agree, but different price points...
Actually a low mileage (5k) C6 Grand Sport is about the same price as a fully decked out Mustang GT convertible, maybe cheaper.
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If you plan to overland, or don't want fuel in the cab, LJ with limited stretch is the ride for you. To me, for pure rock crawling capability, a truly stretched TJ is the best (without going buggy).
agree on both points
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I'm smitten with the new Mustang GT with track package.
Me too, but a coupe. I have been thinking about a new daily driver and this is one on my list...
Test drove a GT 6 speed with the performance package. Track mode is Bueno. Very nice rig. Interior treatment is pretty good for an American car. Acceleration and exhaust note were very nice.
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My boss got a 50th anniversary GT earlier this year with all the bells and whistles. It's a nice car
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Another option is
Nice daily = Silverado 2500 LTZ or Sierra 2500 Denali or Ram 2500 Limited.
Then tow in style to the trails when you want to.
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Or, buy a double trailer you leave at my house and pay for the fuel when we pull both jeeps!
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My boss got a 50th anniversary GT earlier this year with all the bells and whistles. It's a nice car
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I'm smitten with the new Mustang GT with track package.
Me too, but a coupe. I have been thinking about a new daily driver and this is one on my list...
Test drove a GT 6 speed with the performance package. Track mode is Bueno. Very nice rig. Interior treatment is pretty good for an American car. Acceleration and exhaust note were very nice.
The newer mustangs are fun. Full exhaust and air intake adds around 50hp.
I'm back to thinking about getting rid of mine again. Leaves me with 1 thing unpaid, gsxr 750 but it's at 0% for the life of the loan.
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My boss got a 50th anniversary GT earlier this year with all the bells and whistles. It's a nice car
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I'm smitten with the new Mustang GT with track package.
Me too, but a coupe. I have been thinking about a new daily driver and this is one on my list...
Test drove a GT 6 speed with the performance package. Track mode is Bueno. Very nice rig. Interior treatment is pretty good for an American car. Acceleration and exhaust note were very nice.
The newer mustangs are fun. Full exhaust and air intake adds around 50hp.
I'm back to thinking about getting rid of mine again. Leaves me with 1 thing unpaid, gsxr 750 but it's at 0% for the life of the loan.
750s are nice. You are a brave man if you ride anywhere near Atlanta though. Sold my 600 setup for WERA when I moved here.
Sold my 600 too. I get enough adrenaline from wheeling.
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Seriously thinking of make a move. I'd ask $38k for my Jeep. NADA says $32k stock and I have about $11k in it. Thoughts?
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Honestly it seems hard to get a penny over book for mods these days with so many around, and few buyers wants exactly what you want. Most mods are worth half the parts and no labor for resale.
But no harm in trying.. Maybe meet in the middle.
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Maybe 36k. Not sure what all you have. Post on the jk forum where your market is better and GA Jeepers fb page.
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I think the rule of thumb is that out of the 11k, you get zero for the labor portion, and 60% for the equipment.
Maybe you can see what is selling that is comparable to yours.
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Daveys jeeps has a LJ right now
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Mike, you could also take it back to stock pretty easily and sell your upgrade parts once they're removed. Check CL or even Allsouth for a stock JK coming in for its first round of upgrades and grab the OEM parts for cheap.
Probably not your preference but definitely an option.
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Mike, you could also take it back to stock pretty easily and sell your upgrade parts once they're removed. Check CL or even Allsouth for a stock JK coming in for its first round of upgrades and grab the OEM parts for cheap.
Probably not your preference but definitely an option.
I've wondered what you spent to return yours to stock
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Great feedback everyone, thanks! I'd like to recoup 50% of the cost of the parts. 100% of the labor was done by me which was a labor of love. The $11k is parts only. I keep a spreadsheet for the Jeep and Harley to track what I have in them.
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Perfect build platform right here...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/vehicles-trailers-sale/2323297-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-lj-salvage-but-very-light-damage-cheap.html (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/vehicles-trailers-sale/2323297-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-lj-salvage-but-very-light-damage-cheap.html)
won't last long
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http://daveysjeeps.com/repairables.html (http://daveysjeeps.com/repairables.html)
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Mike, you could also take it back to stock pretty easily and sell your upgrade parts once they're removed. Check CL or even Allsouth for a stock JK coming in for its first round of upgrades and grab the OEM parts for cheap.
Probably not your preference but definitely an option.
I've wondered what you spent to return yours to stock
It was a lot. But most of it was body work and paint...
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Perfect build platform right here...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/vehicles-trailers-sale/2323297-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-lj-salvage-but-very-light-damage-cheap.html (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/vehicles-trailers-sale/2323297-2005-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-lj-salvage-but-very-light-damage-cheap.html)
It looks like a do-it-yourselfer can't rebuild a Jeep in GA and have a salvage title changed to a rebuilt title. Only a licensed rebuilder can do that.
http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/salvaged-vehicles.php (http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/salvaged-vehicles.php)
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Not true.
I'm am no licensed builder and I have personally bought a jeep with a salvaged title. Transferred the salvage title into my name. Then I repaired it and took it to the inspection office and received a rebuilt title. Then put a tag on it the following day.
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My old man is a TV repair man and has an awesome set of tools. I can fix it.
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My old man is a TV repair man and has an awesome set of tools. I can fix it.
"Ultimate" set of tools.
Fast Times...great movie
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My old man is a TV repair man and has an awesome set of tools. I can fix it.
"Ultimate" set of tools.
Fast Times...great movie
Quote in question at about 1:50....
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Not true.
I'm am no licensed builder and I have personally bought a jeep with a salvaged title. Transferred the salvage title into my name. Then I repaired it and took it to the inspection office and received a rebuilt title. Then put a tag on it the following day.
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This right here.
Helped my father in law go through it. Real easy.
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I test drove some daily drivers over the weekend.
MB E550 Convertible - nice but way too many electronics on the inside. If you've never driven a 550, you should. They sound better than the Mustang
Audi S5 Convertible - Nice, clean, fast, but not exciting
MB CLK550 Convertible- This is Mercedes version of a muscle car. Simple, clean, as FAST.
Mustang GT Couple and Convertible - Drove the couple because it had all of the options that I'd get. GT Performance Pkg, Nav, 6sp, etc. Sounded great and of course it hauled ass. Then I drove a Mustang GT California Speical Convertible with an automatic. I have to say the automatic, while I wouldn't get one, shifted damn fast. Sandy Springs actually had the exact color and optioned convertible and even had the key, but couldn't find the car on their lot. I'm a bit relieved or I might have driven it home.
After driving all of them, the Mercedes CLK550 was my favorite. If I buy the CLK, I'll probably keep the Jeep that I have. Decisions, decisions.
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By the way, I do have my JKR listed on JKO. If you're a forum member there and care to reply to my thread with a testimonial about the condition or anything else, it would be appreciated. @tcdawg @Doug
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/sale-jeeps-any-model/322042-2014-2dr-rubicon-ga-built.html (http://www.jkowners.com/forum/sale-jeeps-any-model/322042-2014-2dr-rubicon-ga-built.html)
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I bought a 2009 CLK550 that only has 26,000 miles on it from a local car enthusiast. It doesn't have a scratch on it and looks brand new. It has many AMG goodies (wheels, exhaust, etc.). This thing is a beast and very fast. 5.5L V8 w/384hp but the MB dealer flashed the ECU with an AMG download that puts it over 400hp. I'm only going to sell me JKR if I can get $36k for it, otherwise I'm keeping it.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/BigMikeATL/09CLK550/mb9_zpseop2akvz.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/BigMikeATL/media/09CLK550/mb9_zpseop2akvz.jpg.html)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/BigMikeATL/09CLK550/mb7_zpsxipk6lwc.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/BigMikeATL/media/09CLK550/mb7_zpsxipk6lwc.jpg.html)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/BigMikeATL/09CLK550/mb8_zps6whhrhyr.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/BigMikeATL/media/09CLK550/mb8_zps6whhrhyr.jpg.html)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/BigMikeATL/09CLK550/mb17_zpsqjmqzl0p.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/BigMikeATL/media/09CLK550/mb17_zpsqjmqzl0p.jpg.html)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/BigMikeATL/09CLK550/mb11_zpsrezydzck.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/BigMikeATL/media/09CLK550/mb11_zpsrezydzck.jpg.html)
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Congrats. Nice ride.
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Very nice
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Damn, that's awesome! Congratulations
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sweet