Jeep Enthusiast Forums banner

Advantages of JK over TJ??

21K views 184 replies 67 participants last post by  kgginslc 
#1 ·
Hi Guys,

I'm just looking for input on the advantages or disadvantages of getting into a used 2 door JK and getting rid of my 2001 TJ 5sp. It will be my second car.

Jeep TJ 2001 4.0 5MT
 
#2 ·
more power.
generally more creature comforts- seats are awesome.
more flex with stock suspension.
easier to fit bigger tires.
the lower control arms are a bit longer and more tucked up.
you don't have that low hanging trans skid plate.
I like the stock hard and soft tops that come on the newer JKs with the sun rider feature.

mods are more expensive though.
 
#3 ·
I had a JK and got rid of it for a TJ Rubicon.

Thicker metal
Metal grill
Metal fenders
Metal door handles
More REAL, useable power
Much less water leakage from tops, hard or soft
More and cheaper after market parts that have been further developed for more years
More REAL off road capability
Does not burn oil
Straight six, does not have a mini van motor
Is not a mini van disguised as a Jeep Wrangler
Lighter
Smaller footprint
More maneuverable
Much better looking, looks like a Jeep Wrangler
Less invasive electronics like ABS, VSC that cannot be deactivated regardless of what people say
Drives and feels like a Jeep instead of a car/minivan
Does not have the fat butt JK look

No, it is true, I do not much like JKs and I had one for five years and 88,000 miles, hated it every minute. Oh, and that minivan d---n door/seatbelt awful chime, DING, Freaking DING, DING, FnDing, DING, DING. I can still here it dinging in my nightmares. And those plastic Tupa-bumpers. People kept asking me what year my Liberty was, not good.

J
 
#4 ·
I had a JK and got rid of it for a TJ Rubicon.

Thicker metal
Metal grill
Metal fenders
Metal door handles
More REAL, useable power
Much less water leakage from tops, hard or soft
More and cheaper after market parts that have been further developed for more years
More REAL off road capability
Does not burn oil
Straight six, does not have a mini van motor
Is not a mini van disguised as a Jeep Wrangler
Lighter
Smaller footprint
More maneuverable
Much better looking, looks like a Jeep Wrangler
Less invasive electronics like ABS, VSC that cannot be deactivated regardless of what people say
Drives and feels like a Jeep instead of a car/minivan
Does not have the fat butt JK look

No, it is true, I do not much like JKs and I had one for five years and 88,000 miles, hated it every minute. Oh, and that minivan d---n door/seatbelt awful chime, DING, Freaking DING, DING, FnDing, DING, DING. I can still here it dinging in my nightmares. And those plastic Tupa-bumpers. People kept asking me what year my Liberty was, not good.

J
*Activate Flame Protection*
 
#5 ·
3X4X4 said:
I had a JK and got rid of it for a TJ Rubicon.

Thicker metal
Metal grill
Metal fenders
Metal door handles
More REAL, useable power
Much less water leakage from tops, hard or soft
More and cheaper after market parts that have been further developed for more years
More REAL off road capability
Does not burn oil
Straight six, does not have a mini van motor
Is not a mini van disguised as a Jeep Wrangler
Lighter
Smaller footprint
More maneuverable
Much better looking, looks like a Jeep Wrangler
Less invasive electronics like ABS, VSC that cannot be deactivated regardless of what people say
Drives and feels like a Jeep instead of a car/minivan
Does not have the fat butt JK look

No, it is true, I do not much like JKs and I had one for five years and 88,000 miles, hated it every minute. Oh, and that minivan d---n door/seatbelt awful chime, DING, Freaking DING, DING, FnDing, DING, DING. I can still here it dinging in my nightmares. And those plastic Tupa-bumpers. People kept asking me what year my Liberty was, not good.

J
You made me laugh on your analysis. Thanks.

Jeep TJ 2001 4.0 5MT
 
#6 ·
It is an opinion thread, that is mine. I have a Toyota TRD/OR, newer type as my primary vehicle. I also had a nice Toyota HilUx mini truck I had owned for years and built up. I had to go to North Carolina on business for 3 months and took the HiLux. A lady ran a stop sign talking on the cell phone and totaled both vehicles. I needed a car, the Jeep dealership was right across from the accident scene. I walked over and drove out in a new WSO (Wrangler Shaped Object). Huge mistake, I realized about two miles down the road and vowed as soon as I could, I would dump it for a TJ, thank goodness, I finally found one I liked when I had some money and the mini van was paid for. :highfive:

J
 
#7 ·
The jk is an ugly beast that can scare the trails into submission. If you break a jk fender you can repair it with gorilla glue. A jk's bulky size can keep you out of trouble as you won't attempt anything too tight in the woods. A tj is a jeep while a jk is a baby hummer. If you buy a jk off of ebay your more likely to be out bid my a soccer mom than a hard core jeeper. Now for the good things about a jk......hum.....still thinking........................................still thinking...........O, they can be had in a pretty green he he.
 
#8 ·
You will miss the i6. Wish jeep had a v8 option for the jk. And every thing on the jk is computer controled. Can't just splice into a wire for some new acessory. I miss my tj, the wifes jk has more room than the tj ever had but its also a fat road hog because of it. Can't comment on the yj in comparison cuz i havn't got to play with it yet. Simple is good.
 
#9 ·
Ok. I was all ready to grab a JK that was all lifted and clean for 6k more than what I was about to sell my TJ for (2001 TJ vs a 2010 JK) but after reading all the negative comments about the JK, I think I'm going to miss the TJ, especially since its not my DD. it only has 115 KM (70k Miles) and I don't care about dents or DD cares. Looks like I might just keep it and build it up, especially since the add ons are a fraction of what JK mods would cost.

Tire Wheel Automotive parking light Land vehicle Vehicle


Jeep TJ 2001 4.0 5MT
 
#120 ·
Same way CJ owners (purists) have an elitist attitude to everyone else. haha. But Its not like we run around with this attitude because "I have more money than you and thats why I bought an H2." It's because YJ's and TJ's work. they have a track record for being bulletproof and the owners who drive them revel in that.

Don't get me wrong, The JK is a fine vehicle. but it hasnt been 10 years since the first one rolled off the line. Nobody really knows how these rigs stand up to time, weather, and abuse. And since they only recently came up with the Pentastar V6 (I'm a fan BTW), nobody has a gauge as to how that engine will perform over time.

the elitist attitude comes from owners of vehicles that have been proven to be winners. the JK hasn't even taken the test yet IMO.

Pros of a JK over a TJ:
Swaybar disconnect.
Larger wheel wells.
Beefier stock suspension parts.

Pros of a TJ over a JK:
Everything else you can possibly think of, imagine, dream about, or theorize.

Not only that, but you can buy all of the afore-mentioned JK pros for a TJ from an aftermarket source.

Verdict: TJ wins.

Edit: Facebook brought me here
Wide range and availability of after market parts are definitely a check mark in the TJ column...
 
#13 ·
JK's have some benefits...I wouldn't want one though over a TJ

It's partially a personality thing...go drive one and see what you think. Personally, I think TJ's have a bit more charm and they feel more like you're in a Jeep.

Jk's are pretty quiet on the highway and are more car like...

I have had people ask me if I drive a "real Jeep" or a "new Jeep"...I don't hate on Jk's like some, but I still would take a YJ or TJ or LJ over one...Maybe I will want a 4 door when I'm old and have kids...but in addition to my TJ.

The 3.6L has power...but I love my straight 6 and not having an electronic throttle :cheers2:

I think it comes down to personality...JK's are cool..but I prefer TJ's...my buddy got a JK and loves it...

EDIT: I would rather be able to add an LJ into the mix before a 4 door if I could when I'm older
 
#14 ·
Pros of a JK over a TJ:
Swaybar disconnect.
Larger wheel wells.
Beefier stock suspension parts.

Pros of a TJ over a JK:
Everything else you can possibly think of, imagine, dream about, or theorize.

Not only that, but you can buy all of the afore-mentioned JK pros for a TJ from an aftermarket source.

Verdict: TJ wins.

Edit: Facebook brought me here
 
#15 ·
I used to have a TJ (which I miss) and drive a YJ now. But, my buddy had an 07' JK and it pretty good off road. However, everything about it was mini-vanish. The engine is more powerful and the D44 is standard in the rear, but I just can't stand them. You have to compete with every bro-dozer out there (4 door) on 35s that will never wheel the damn thing and look down on you. It looks like a barbie Jeep you get for your little girl when she is 3. The interior in very delicate. Now all of these issues wouldn't matter on any other vehicle. Be it a car, suv, truck. But this is a Jeep. I'll be damned to buy something and be stuck with the soccer moms, the bro's, and college girls. I think my YJ is ugly, but not nearly as ugly as a JK. Now that's not to say there aren't any awesome JKs. I've seen some that made my jaw drop. But at the end of the day, I can modify my YJ to tackle some nasty stuff much cheaper that a JK. So I vote TJ.
 
#16 ·
I really do like the JKs, so I am not going to flame.
A paid off TJ that you do not worry about body damage priceless.
True story.
Went to a offroad park with 3 JKs and 1 TJ Rubicon.
We got to the first rock garden, they were all spotting each other. Trying to firgure out the best line ect.
I was last in the group.
I got in my Jeep, heard the guy who had invited me along that had one of the JKs, Um you guys might want to get out of the way. :rofl:
Sometimes it is nice to not worry too much about body damage.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I have come to not really discuss JK issues with Jeep purists. As soon as the 4door came out they had/have a negative attitude towards the name JK just like they did with the YJ and their square headlights. Now having said that, I would take my old 07 JKU, and most certainly my 2013 JKUR, over my previous YJ any day of the week! Much more capable out of the box.

With an unlimited you will have the pro's and con's of having a longer wheel base BUT with the larger fender wells you can accommodate much larger tires to help overcome the cons of that wheelbase with little to no mods! The one thing I will completely agree with is that the aftermarket has us by the balls with mods and charge a small fortune for EVERYTHING!

BUT with a 2.5" budget boost lift, 1.5" wheel spacers if you keep factory wheels, trimmed fenders, slight trimming of pinch seams(easy to do for a novice wrencher), and a procal you can be ready for 37's in a JK($700 total)....not nearly that easy in a TJ. Also you will have D44's front and rear(D30 front in non-rubicons :thumbdown: ) to support the larger tires. If you keep all the extra weight down, youll be fine, but the JK can get pretty fat fast with mods. If you get a 2012+ JK with the 3.6L engine and 3.73 or 4.10 gearing you wont HAVE to regear to accommodate up to 37" tires BUT an 07-11 JK with the 3.8L "minivan" motor WILL need a regear to have any power at speads over 35mph.
 
#19 ·
I’ve had/have two of each; TJs and JKs and loved them all. Pro’s and con’s for each one but in the end they are all equal to me. Even my CJ can be added to my comments.

Too sit back and judge what Jeep is the best above all others is not truly a Jeep enthusiast in my eyes. I respect them all, new and old, modified or not.

Can’t we just all get along?:fistlaugh:
:cheers2:
 
#25 ·
Its the useable power, the motor has 19 more horsepower but it has a narrower torque band so it is not as good for using off road as the inline is.

The next thing you have to note is the JK has an curb weight of 3,760-4,340 lb wheras the TJ has a curb weight of 3,092-3,857 lb. (the 3,857 lb curb weight is the TJ Rubicon Unlimited) So that means the lowest of the low JK is almost as heavy as the TJ that has every bell and whistle stuck on it from the dealer. So that extra 10 hp is just to get the extra couple hundred pounds of jeep moving. Man how heavy would that thing be if it was all metal instead of being contracted out by Rubbermaid.
 
#24 ·
Test drive a JK. You'll love it or hate it. I'd keep the TJ if you decide on a JK. If the JKs end up with IFS it will be more in demand.

I enjoy reading all the JK hate. People stereotype all JK owners as being a bunch of **** sticks on the forums and then cry about not getting waves from JK owners. My fake Jeep and I have a ****ing blast up in the Colorado Rockies. Peace!
 
#26 ·
Test drive a JK. You'll love it or hate it. I'd keep the TJ if you decide on a JK. If the JKs end up with IFS it will be more in demand.

I enjoy reading all the JK hate. People stereotype all JK owners as being a bunch of **** sticks on the forums and then cry about not getting waves from JK owners. My fake Jeep and I have a ****ing blast up in the Colorado Rockies. Peace!
This. ..you have to drive one to know.

...jks don't have the same charm to me but they're still fun & are good with the doors/top off :)...just see if a jk fits you OP & you should know

Sent by a messenger bird
 
#28 ·
Personally I would have to say go TJ. I have had two JK's a 4 door and most recently a 2 dr. I no longer have either and I purchased a 05 tj 4 banger that I will build my way. It is louder and has a more rough ride but in every sense to me the perfect Jeep I always wanted. I know that there are people out there that say it must have leaf springs to be a real Jeep, and there are people that say if it has the Jeep badge it is a real Jeep. What I say is find your taste, how you want to wheel, and make it your own. My opinion is where I landed with a TJ that I don't care to beat up and I wanted. 4 cyl so I could justify a v8 swap. But since opinions are like a** holes mine is farting out GO TJ.
 
#29 ·
I do not completely hate the JK. I am sorry for being mean. I just wish they would have introduced it as a new model and carried on with a TJ Wrangler sized and TJ/YJ/CJ lineage vehicle, freeing the JK to go hard top, IFS etc. as an upscale product blazing new ground.

J
 
#30 ·
I have a 2000 TJ and have test drove many JKs. I think for the daily driver aspect, a JK wins hands down in terms of practicality. That said, if you've already paid off the TJ, and don't DD your TJ then you've really nothing to fret over.

On that note, I daily drove my TJ on 35s for year(s) and loved it. Still, a JK provides more creature comforts. As 1222 said, they both have various pros and cons but in the end are more or less equals. There's nothing that you can do to one and not the other, given the right tools and skills. Find out what your needs are and decide whether the monthly payment is worth your actual needs as opposed to your monetary desires. The worst thing you can ever do is impulse buy, especially when you already have something you love. You'll realize it later on down the road and kick yourself in the *** the entire time you have the new vehicle, until you get something comparable to the former.

I traded my first vehicle, a 92' XJ, for a sports coupe I thought I "had to have."

Kicked myself in the *** until I stumbled upon this little gem.



5 years, 50,000 miles, and 12 states later, she's yet to do anything but leave me with a giant **** eating grin on my face at all times. Make damn sure you're not making the same mistake, and make certain of that BEFORE you trade her in.

 
#78 ·
I say tj! when i drove the jk i didn't feel like i was driving a Jeep, it didn't have much power, and it wasn't all that smooth.

Tj vs jk vs YJ..... I say YJ!!!!!! :)
Isn't that what "real" Jeeps ARE?!! :laugh:

This is for the earlier pages of idiocy
I cannot take anyone serious that says a CJ, YJ and TJ are the only real Jeeps.

If a real Jeep has a crappy driveline and/or suspension, then you can keep your "real" Jeeps. By the time you fix all the weak parts, its not a Jeep anymore, its a custom rig.

Metal this and metal that, pah, have fun with 10mpg too. My fenders won't turn brown with rust while getting a reasonable 17-20mpg.

I had a Cj7 and a YJ, and got sick of how often they broke. My JK? 2" spacers and 33s, taken everything I've thrown at it and never been in a shop, unlike the fragile CJ and YJ I had which practically lived in the shop.

And the TJs are no better with their stock drivelines and suspension, short of a Rubicon. At least you can take a JK offroad and not worry about cheap control arms or weak rear axles or breaking frame rails or tearing off steering boxes etc... On top of that, its easier to take apart and maintain.

I drive my JK to colorado, utah etc... every year and its the first Jeep I wasn't worried about weak parts leaving me stranded.

"real" Jeeps, what a joke.

*disclaimer* I love all Jeeps and my CJ and YJ, but the people who hate on the JK really are dillusional
 
#32 ·
eh , I have a YJ on 35's and its a beast.

Also just got a 13' sport with 3.73's I like it alot.

Lots of power ( this is with stock wheels) quiet and smooth, it's nice when my kidney's are bruised from the YJ.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top