[skiformance]

i'm gettting rid of my durango and decided to get a jeep. i have been looking at 04-06 wranglers. my question is are there certain things i should be looking for/at. any known problems with these models or thing to look at for signs of abuse. yes this is a newbie post, but with the battle i fought to get permission to get one. i damn sure don't want to hear any i told you so's.
tia

[robncar]

Those are good years. Look for a D44 rear axle. Personally, I'd look for a Rubicon - front and rear D44's, factory air lockers, 4:1 transfer case and 4.10 gearing. The non-Rubi's can have a rear D35c axle (some have the D44 option), a front D30 axle, 2.71:1 transfer case and 3.73 gearing.

You want to do some of the usual inspection things as you would when buying a used vehicle. Take a good look at the underside. It will tell a story as to how hard the vehicle was used off road.

[ElJaynocibuR]

Get an Unlimited, you'll really enjoy the extra cargo space and leg room for back seat passengers

[skiformance]

Originally Posted by ElJaynocibuR

Get an Unlimited, you'll really enjoy the extra cargo space and leg room for back seat passengers

sorry i want a wrangler. if i was to tell the wife i want an unlimited she would tell me to keep the durango. we have no kids. just a 203 lbs gt dane
robncar. i feel a rub will be out of our budget as this will be done with cash. however thankyou for the info

[kittyhawk]

The 04-06 Unlimited's are Wranglers with just a little longer wheel base.
For the lay person they look alike.
I LOVE my Unlimited.........Just wish I had got a Rubicon....

Dave

[tshively]

X2 on the unlimited

[robncar]

It's about an 11" difference. All Unlimited TJ's have the D44 rear axle too.

[undercoverfab]

Originally Posted by robncar

It's about an 11" difference. All Unlimited TJ's have the D44 rear axle too.

15" longer body, 10" longer wheelbase, 2" extra rear seat legroom, 13" extra cargo area... I think..

[robncar]

Originally Posted by undercoverfab

15" longer body, 10" longer wheelbase, 2" extra rear seat legroom, 13" extra cargo area... I think..

The towing capacity of the Unlimited (LJ) is 3500lbs., the TJ is 2000lbs., greater due mainly to the longer wheelbase.

Dimensions


TJ:

Wheelbase = 93.4"
Overall length = 155.4"
Overall width = 66.7"
Overall height (soft top) = 70.8"
Track width = 57.8 - 58.5"
Turning diameter = 33.5'-36'
Curb weight = 3,092-3,832 lbs

Cargo capacity = 55.7 cu ft.
Fuel capacity = 15 - 19 gal (19 gal became standard during the 99 model year)
Towing capacity = 1,000 lbs 4cyl / 2,000 lbs 6 cyl

Ground clearance (at axle) = 8.7"-9.2" front / 8.6"-9.1" rear

Approach angle = 42.2*
Departure angle = 31.5*
Breakover angle = 22.3*


LJ:

Wheelbase = 103.4"
Overall length = 167-171.7"
Overall width = 66.7-68.2"
Overall height = 68.4" soft top / 70.9" hard top
Track width = 58.5"
Turning diameter = 36'
Curb weight = 3,730-3977 lbs

Cargo capacity =
Fuel capacity = 19 gal
Towing capacity = 3,500 lbs

Ground clearance (at axle) = 9.3" front / 8.3" rear

Approach angle = 43.1-44.9*
Departure angle = 27.7-28.4*
Breakover angle = 21.4-22.1*

[Muddybrit]

Just get the lowest mileage, tidiest, most unmolested 6 cylinder you can find within your budget, regardless of trim level or axles.

[skiformance]

Originally Posted by Muddybrit

Just get the lowest mileage, tidiest, most unmolested 6 cylinder you can find within your budget, regardless of trim level or axles.

you made the wife laugh lol cause thats what she said

[JMP]

good deals are out there...just got to put the time in and look !

[NotURMailman]

Pay cash for the Jeep and trade the wife in! If it took that much convincing to buy a Jeep, you're fighting a loosing battle on mods...

[xcwrangler]

My friend has an 06 X with under 15,000 miles on it he's trying to sell, if you are interested pm me

[Dexter01]

I love my unlimited.

x2 on the rubicon though, definitely wish I had gotten that.