Jeep Wrangler TJ One Year Review Pros and Cons Compared To Newer Jeep Wranglers A Buyers Guide #jeep

I have wanted an offroad vehicle for a while and when we made Arizona our home base this became the perfect time to purchase one as we have about six off road areas within a 30 mile radius of our home.

I first started looking at side by sides, but quickly realized that they are very expensive, they run about the same price of a brand new two door Jeep and they don’t have A/C which I felt was a must have for the Arizona desert.

So, I started looking at Jeeps as they have always been a vehicle I wished to own. I quickly started looking at Jeep TJ’s which are Jeep Wranglers made from 1997 to 2006 mainly because of price, I feel the Jeep TJ’s are the best bang for the buck Jeeps. I did look at Jeep YJ’s for a bit, they were made from 1987 to 1996, but I had a difficult time finding one that had Air conditioning, so I ruled them out.

So I mentioned price was a concern when shopping for a Jeep, but what I also found beneficial about the TJ compared to newer Jeeps was its size and weight. The Jeep TJ is much narrower than the newer Jeeps, making it perfect to fit down tight trails and the fact that it weighs 700 lbs less than a new Jeep made it ideal to tow behind our RV. This is a great advantage of a Jeep TJ that a newer Jeep will never have.
I knew whatever model Jeep I would buy, I was going to mod it out the way I wanted which meant I was going to be adding weight to the Jeep and at a stock weight of 3200 lbs the TJ was a good starting point compared to a new Jeep that weighs over 3900 lbs.

And at a 10,000 price tag I felt this Jeep was well worth the price. Jeep shopping is extremely frustrating, especially for these older ones. I looked at some many Jeep TJ’s that had much higher asking prices, but a list of issues some even including the 4x4 not working, but this Jeep here for 10K has zero rust and was in perfect working condition, I would even say the body is in excellent condition as well and everything on the Jeep works the way it should. This Jeep TJ also has many features I was looking for, Air Conditioning was a must on my list, but also I had Cruise Control on my wish list, but was not a must have, which this Jeep does have.
I was also able to get dana axles and the bullet proof 4.0 liter engine, this engine is known for it’s unmatched reliability. I was also able to find it in the 5 speed manual which was a must have for me, the 5 speed just makes it a fun driving vehicle, on and off road. I also wanted and got the 3.73 rear gear ratio and the Tru Track Rear Diff which is what Jeep calls their posi rear, what that means is both rear wheels will get power when stuck compared to an open diff where power goes to the wheel with the least resistance so if you have one tire in the air that is the tire that gets power instead of the wheel on the ground. This Trutrac has worked very well for me offroad.

The TJ I suppose does have some downsides compared to the newer Jeeps. No powered locks or windows, I suppose this is a downside as it would be nice to walk away from the Jeep click a button and have everything lock on it including the swing gate.

Power windows really isn’t that big of deal as it is so narrow I can just reach across and role the windows down.

Some people will say that the TJ has a rougher ride than a new Jeep, personally I don’t think this is true, even Sabrina feels as if my TJ rides better than a JK, which I know is not the newest model of Jeep, but I haven’t driven in a new JL two door to compare.

I had Ranchero Shocks installed on my Jeep which I highly recommend, these have been great for comfort on and off road.

Jeep TJ’s did not come with blue tooth radios, although it was fairly inexpensive for me to purchase a new radio that was Bluetooth enabled.
My TJ like most others also does not have anti lock breaks, so that is something to think about when shopping, I’m pretty sure all of the newer jeeps will have antilock breaks. I grew up in a time thought that most of my cars and vehicles did not have antilock brakes so I am comfortable not having them. Also you will find that newer Jeep Wranglers have a much better airbag setup then the TJ’s all I have is the two front airbags and that is it.

Finally the last negative of the older Jeep is they are louder than the newer Jeeps, I wouldn’t say by a whole lot, but this Jeep hear even with the hard top on is pretty loud at highway speeds, once you hit 65mph it sounds like a window is open, I have taken the top off checked and even replaced some seals and it’s still pretty loud compared to the newer wranglers.

Honestly, they are the only downsides to the TJ, which I personally don’t think is that bad and am 100% satisfied with my purchase of an older Jeep.

I would love to hear from you though in the comments, do you have a newer Jeep or an older Jeep what do you like and dislike about it and what made you purchase the particular model you have?

[chrispurvis]

Any issues with under the hood heat build up for the twin cats? I have a 2005 TJ, 4.0L, 6 speed manual, 5” lift, 32” tires, soft top, 153K. I have worked through and solved most of the issues myself but the lasting unsolved issue is what I call the “heat bonk”; dies in extreme heat conditions (+95deg). When it bonks it simulates an ASD situation except no DTE error codes. Only happens occasionally with the only commonality being that it hot outside. So I live in SE Alabama where it is hot 5 months of the year. Makes for some exciting driving experiences. Any suggestions for troubleshooting and fixing is appreciated although I probably have done all of the most logical checks their are always some
TJ SMEs that have additional insights.

[storminmoorman]

I've owned every model of wrangler made; YJ, TJ, JK and JL, and currently own every one except the YJ which I sold. The TJ is the golden age for Jeeps. It has the best balance of modern features (anti lock brakes, airbags, etc) but it's not a rolling computer (JL). It's simply the best jeep ever made

[rafaelcontador]

Fantastic oversight of the TJ. I personally have a 2004 6cyl manual Jeep Tj and man you never get tired of riding it!

[Alexanderthenotsobad]

I got my most recent Jeep TJ around 8 years ago for $10K. It only had 48K miles. Garage kept, and it still had it's original clear coat. It was a Florida Jeep, so no rust, also no A/C, 5 speed, but I still feel I got a steal. I now have 115K miles since it's my daily driver, but I could not imagine driving anything else. I've been installing the A/C this past year myself, and I can fix the water pump and radiator myself.
Those will be your weak spots. Because my previous 4.0 Jeeps (1 TJ, 1 YJ) each had over 280K miles when I sold them. My YJ had 368K miles, and I still got $2K for it, and I realize today I was robbed.
My point is that 4.0 is one of the best engines ever made anywhere, anytime, by anyone. Absolutely bulletproof..
Enjoy.

[twoknuckles]

You have the best Jeep ever made, TJ w/4.0 and 5sp. Working ac and cruise is a plus. Mine is a 99 Sport, same setup. I've had 85 CJ7 (loved that one), and a 89 YJ Sahara, and my TJ is the best. Anything made after they discontinued the 4IL6 is not really a Jeep imo. Enjoy!!!

[carolcarpenter]

Very nice! I have a 2000 I bought stock in 2018 from a dealer in Mesa. Had it shipped to San Diego and made her my own. Did a bunch of upgrades and love wheeling in the Anza Borrego desert. Glad to see these beauties being used for what they were intended.

[MovingForwardAdventures]

I have a correction to make. In the video I call the rear diff a True-Trac, but Jeep actually calls it a Trac-Lock

[kabinkrew]

Holy smokes, brother, our TJ stories are nearly identical. I live in the Las Vegas valley and have been trail riding with friends and their side by sides (I don't own one) for years. In late '22, I decided I wanted a Jeep and started researching what I'd want. After several months, I decided to hunt for the TJ with a 5spd, 4.0L, hard top, and A/C. After another several months of looking at numerous lemons, I found the perfect '01 TJ. Previous owner had already accomplished much of what I had planned. Came with 4" lift, 33" KO2 tires (now 35"), 4.56 Dana 44 axles, JKS sway bar disconnect, JKS adjustable track bars, Currie Currectlync steering, winch, and Wilderness Racks front and rear bumpers (with swing out tire carrier, jerry can holders and ice chest rack). It had 194K (now about 198K) miles on it with zero leaks and zero oil consumption/loss. Negotiated to $9, 500 and drove it home. I couldn't be happier with this Jeep!
By the way, great review video!

[brianpagemodeltrains]

I have a 2002 TJ, it's beat up and like driving a brick through a wind tunnel, but it's rust free and I love it.

[JeepTJWheelin]

The TJ is the best generation of Jeep with its classic rugged, utilitarian looks and stance, and the off-road prowess of its MB grandfather, only the TJ is far better. There's nothing like the military 2 door, short wheelbase from '41 - '06. Add in the coil suspension, you have the best and most fun Jeep ever built in the TJ.

I thought about a 3" lift w/ 33's but fortunately very early on getting into off roading Jeeps, many told me, their TJ became very sluggish going from just 32's to 33's in addition to a domino effect of needing additional expensive parts. And I'm glad I listened! Because I drove a TJ with this set up and it didn't have that excellent low-end torque and was very slow off the line. And most of them returned to 32's while some fell for the aftermarket bait, very expensive bait.

I get many who want to know what the perfect build is. Which is not easy to answer because everyone does different things with their Jeep.

But I would like to share mine since my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn drives and handles absolutely amazing on and off-road.

Keep in mind, I am NOT a rock crawler, I'm an adventurer who takes the family beach wheelin, beach camping, surf fishing, and we hit fun, moderate trails in the fall and winter getting to our favorite fishing holes and camp sites. Which is why the build is for what's near and for what we do, nothing was put on this TJ unnecessarily for show. I see too many "spotless Jeeps" with 33's - 38's.

As long as you have good off-road instincts and common sense, a modest, high-quality build will allow you and your family to have a lot of fun!

All in, I'm at $29k with my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. And I can honestly say build wise, I'm done!! I might Raptor line it since the TJ has a few rough paint spots and won't ever have to worry about off road pinstriping again. The best part is, this TJ not only keeps up, but outperforms a lot of these $45k - $95k JK's & JL' s. Due in part to people's inexperience and just "over building". The '05 TJ has a modest build, yet is extremely capable, durable and best of all, affordable. And you don't need a 2nd vehicle or rental to take that long out of state trip anymore because this build affords you excellent on road manners too besides being an off-road animal.

I encourage any Jeeper to search for a rust-free TJ 4.0 I6, preferably stock, 3.73's w/ LSD and a Dana 44. And to use my build as a "guide". Although I highly recommend this build for anyone who is an adventurer, not a rock crawler. Best of all, it will eliminate you from chasing your tail, and the aftermarket will have one less "just empty every pocket" victim out there!

It was a lot of trial and error, but it has been well worth it.

2" Old Man Emu coils
32" KO2's or 32" BFG MT's
Quadratec Baja alloy rims - perfect backspacing - no rub!
Currectlync steering
Freedom Off Road front adj track bar
Napa Heavy Duty gearbox - very stout!
M.O.R.E gearbox brace
JKS quick disconnects
PPR Industries 32 Teeth Speedomoter Gear - if you have 3.73 gears and 32" tires

Freedom Off Road front lower Adjustable control arms
The rest are Fixed Detroit Axles

Transfer case drop kit
Fox 2.0 Shox
Fox steering stabilizer

Professional 4x4 shop to do the alignment

*If you have an "05 or '06 TJ, I highly encourage getting a Wranglerfix.com PCM. These 2 years are notorious for having erratic shift point and "so-called trans issues". Keep in mind, the 42RLE auto trans is actually very good, it's the lousy Chrysler pcm's that have given them a bad rap. Since installing this Wranglerfix pcm, it's like having a new TJ out of the showroom, excellent, smooth shift points and very nice acceleration now with no goofy, unwarranted codes. Thank God, because replacing a trans is something no one wants to do. Coupled with the best engine ever put in any Jeep, the 4.0L I6, and you have one of the best TJ's out there.

Since doing this, I have had the best experience with any vehicle I've ever had.

Staying with 32's allows us Jeepers to maintain that great low-end torque, saves us a lot of money on unnecessary aftermarket parts and still be able to wheel most anywhere. It's the best of all worlds!

One of my favorite mods was added a Banks cat back exhaust giving it a throaty growl, but not obnoxiously loud. Absolutely perfect for the 4.0 I6.

I might add front and rear ARB lockers and 32" BFG Mud Terrains if the family moves to a place with trails, but for now this is perfect for OBX beach wheelin', etc.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself, build your TJ for what you will be using it for. And know YOU CAN do great trails and much more with just a 2" lift and 32" ko2's or MT's!

DO NOT let the aftermarket pushers fool or shame you into thinking you "need" 33" - 40" tires and a 5" lift to wheel. That's ! They know full well, once they get you at 33's, it's a freaking cash cow for them! Because you just embarked on their multi thousand dollar build conveyor belt. And it's 100% unnecessary for moderate wheelin'! Your axles, drive train, drive shafts, engine, gearing and a host of a lot of other stuff now "needs" to be upgraded. The aftermarket pushers feast on naive people. Don't be that guy! Like cereal companies saying breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the aftermarket will continue to take advantage of the misinformed.

Thanks for reading this, my intention is to help as many Jeepers as possible, and to assist with avoiding making the mistakes I did.


Only in a 2 Dr
'41- '06

[mollypolly]

I have a 2003 tj with the same specs as yours but softop, had it for over 10 years, I couldn't describe how it is better than you did. sending love from Australia

[jayjohnson]

I’m not shopping for a jeep only because I’m broke, but it’s my daydream.
Thank you for the detailed review.
The TJ is right up my alley. I agree with you on the manual transmission also.
Someday hopefully I’ll get to post a review about one.

[mariodesmo]

I bought my TJ in 2005, it has 54, 000 flawless miles on it, and I'm never selling it. Mine is Yellow which is not a favorite color of mine for vehicles, but it has grown on me and it is somewhat rare. The TJ goes wherever I aim it, up mountains, down mountains, and everything in between. And as you say, it has AC! I wanted a manual transmission when I was shopping for mine and I'm glad I did buy a manual especially when I am off road. Good Luck!

[teop]

I still have my original '97 with the 2.5L

Awesome.

[davejones]

I’m in Peoria AZ and bought my 2000 TJ back in 2000 new and still have the sticker. It had 616 miles on it and it now has almost 255K miles on it. I just finally had it lifted after 24 years of driving it stock ad my daily driver. It’s a sport with the 4.0 and 5 spd.

[rolenrodes]

I just bought a 2003 Rubicon here in Phoenix with 120K miles. It is in excellent condition and I paid $16, 300. Very happy with it.

[ronoutwest]

I’ve had my 06 TJ Rubicon since it was brand new with 1.5 miles on it at the lot. It’s been modded up a bit since 06. 204, 000 miles and it still runs great! 3.5” Rock Krawler lift, Currie tie rod and drag link and a couple new clutches over the years. Warn Zeon winch Tom Woods dc drive shaft etc etc…..it’s the only Jeep I want!

[richardamadeusharrisiii]

We have recently purchased a 2003 Wrangler Sahara. We primarily use it as a recreational vehicle as a toad, cruising around destination towns, and off-roading. We absolutely love it! Enjoy the good times!

[PlasticBarriers]

Being patient in the search for a TJ and taking it to a mechanic is super important. My third jeep purchase was an impulse buy and, even though it appeared decent, it has had nearly every possible issue that a 24 year old vehicle could have. Whittling through the repairs has been pricey and I am too far into the process to cut bait. The only silver lining at this point will be having the first hand knowledge of the repair history. Beyond that, this jeep is still a blast to drive and I look forward to years of driving enjoyment after all the issues are sorted out!

[promotionaltoaster]

I got my 06 6spd Rubicon at a dealership. Single senior owner, 97k miles, cruise control, perfect A/C. Not a speck of rust on it, not even discoloration.

I paid 18k for it, which isn’t the best deal, but I plan on passing it down to my children as a streetable rock buggy and it’s a phenomenal starting point, so I bit the bullet.