Why The Jeep TJ is the Best Wrangler (4 reasons )

The Jeep TJ is often considered the best Wrangler ever built, and in this video, I break down exactly why. From its iconic design to off-road capability, the TJ was the last Wrangler to stay true to Jeep’s rugged roots. I’ll cover its unique features, reliability, and what makes it stand out among all Wrangler models. Whether you’re a longtime Jeep fan or just getting into the off-road scene, you’ll see why the TJ holds a special place in Jeep history. Stay tuned to learn why this model is still a favorite among enthusiasts!

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#jeep #jeeplife #jeepwrangler #jeeptj #bestever #iconic

[TX_Retro]

Bought my 2000 TJ Sport in 2003. Had I known then what I know now, it would still be in my possession. Truly one of the few vehicles I NEVER should have sold. Had the NV3500 5-Speed and a Dana 44 rear which was not too common on these. Living in Colorado it was just the perfect vehicle. Courted my Wife in that Jeep, camped with my Wife in that Jeep, towed a car 300 miles with that Jeep, and loved it every damn day. I also wheeled it nearly every weekend. It has been gone for ten years and I still want another one. I did an XJ shortly after the TJ but that is another story. Wife still drives a Grand Cherokee too. Jeeps "were" great vehicles up until about 2010. Wranglers were great up until the TJ ended.

[cesargranada]

What a great video! I bought a 2001 TJ a month ago. It's always been my dream car, and I finally have it, and I'll never sell it. It has over 190, 000 miles, but it runs like clockwork. I couldn't be happier! 😍

[Spanked]

I absolutely love my 100k mile JL, but I agree. The TJ is still the best Wrangler Jeep ever made.

[hunterphfr]

Bought mine new in ‘98.

It’s still my daily driver.

[nealesmith]

Great video! I had no idea so many companies had closed. I built my YJ about 15 years ago and have been out of touch with the aftermarket industry for a long time.

[JeepTJWheelin]

Excellent video! 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', beach camping, surf fishing, fresh water fishing and camping. 😎🏖🌊🎣🏕🏞🐟

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

[Greivous]

Had an 06 rubicon and a 17 jk. Just got a 98 tj with 90k miles. I had to have another jeep after a few years of not having one and im glad i got one again

[Smokedout]

My dad got me a 2006 rubicon when i was 22, loved that damned thing, now i have a 03 X.

[allanwagner]

Maybe ya gotta own a TJ to understand what I’m sayin-👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 subbed just for that reason 💯

[chucky]

i have a 2002 TJ and i love it, my 4.0 is stroked to a 5.1 so Torquey!

[climberdad]

Agreed, but I like the YJ interior a lot better. Coil overs will be in my future :)

[letsgorangers]

I have an ‘05 TJ X that I bought new in August 2005. The odometer shows over 300, 000 miles on it. In 2010 I went from P225 tires to a 31” tire which may not be a huge difference, but it’s enough to throw the speedometer and odometer off, so there are actually more miles on it than what the odometer reads. It took (and still takes) money to keep it running, but I’ll never get rid of it. I also have a ‘21 Gladiator Willys. Both have manual transmissions. The difference in the way they drive is like apples and oranges so I know exactly what you mean when you say you have to drive a TJ to understand.

[HighCountryRambler]

I just bought a 2004 TJ with 25K miles. I found the other weak point, the throw-out bearing is starting to make noise, and at 25K is disappointing. I have a Ford Escape 5 sp with 210, 000 miles, clutch and TO bearing still like new.
But I love the vehicle. Great video.

[markbutler]

I have an Lj, and wheel it often, I also find that when its time to go to the grocery store I perf the Lj over my four door pick up. With the little Lj you can whip in to any parking spot.

[raycuizon]

I Had a YJ one of the most fun vehicle I got. Now a 2020 Rubicon as a daily driver but currently I'm looking for a TJ Rubicon.

[powderriver]

Back in the day in the early 80's 32" tires were the thing, then later 33's but guys preferred narrow tires because 33'' were 12.5 inches wide and many guys thought that was too wide. 31's and 32's were 10.5 inches wide and that was what very common tire to run back in the day, and way back in 1970 Dick Cepeck had a 31 inch tire that was the thing we had those on our 55 Willy's those were great.

[Jenny]

yeah 2002 Jeep Sahara giving it 15k in upgrades beats buying a new 70k Jeep and love the classic look and feels raw and I like it raw rofl!

[robhartwick]

Your right my 2003 rubicon has no rust anywhere only 212 made in gold color . But the best jeep ever built . Took me 3 years to find . Bought it off collector drove it home 8 hr with no issues. Owned jeeps for over 40 years . This model rubicon straight six
5 speed manual are bullet proof.

[scottpaxton]

Nice video! What brand/size are the wheels on the 4-door please?

[curtisjohnson]

I have a 2016 JKU Rubicon and a 1998 TJ. That’s how I fixed the problem of which Jeep is better. On the highway the JK is way better but off road it’s a toss up. If I had a TJ Rubicon maybe it would be easier for me to pick but I thoroughly enjoy comparing the two all the time. Both are being slowly modified and that evolution is also very satisfying.