TJ-LJ or 2dr Base Bronco...?

[Gabby]

Maybe not a real vs thread but as deliveries keep getting pushed out I find myself eyeing a 04-06 LJ. The towing capacity is 3500 on both, but the LJ is narrower and you don't need a CompSci degree to work on the 4.0L I6.

So what does the Bronco bring to the table that the LJ can't?

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[DwnSth]

On Road comfort!

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Safety, stability, comfort, technology...

 

[Stlrfan152]

I was in a similar situation, there is a mint rubicon tj for sale near me. My issue is even though it doesn't have rust now, that body style can rust pretty fast.

 

[kahunabob]

Maybe not a real vs thread but as deliveries keep getting pushed out I find myself eyeing a 04-06 LJ. The towing capacity is 3500 on both, but the LJ is narrower and you don't need a CompSci degree to work on the 4.0L I6.

So what does the Bronco bring to the table that the LJ can't?

The LJ is a great rig! I had one for years...the engine is bullet-proof! I pulled the back seats and had lots of room for storage and the dogs. Mine was built up for serious 4 wheelin!

If you are searching for a LJ the right now, I think the 2005 LJ had a known issue with the ECM/PCM going bad. Being a 15+ years old, it is hard to find replacement ECM/PCM. I think there was an outfit in Florida that said they could fix the bad ECM/PCM...but the reviews were so-so.

Check out the various Jeep forums for more info. You cannot go wring with a LJ...the unicorn of Jeeps!

 

[DesertMike680]

Bronco. Its worth the wait

 

[dgorsett]

It's apples and oranges. I sold my 05 LJ Rubicon to get my Bronco. Do I regret it, no, but there's still time. At 16 years old the LJ was starting to show it's age. As stated that 4.0 is bullet proof, but you never know what might pop up in a vehicle that old. Of course you never know what might pop up in a brand new computer on wheels either.

I am and always have been a Bronco fanatic and the new Bronco is living up to the reputation.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Buy the LJ now and place your Bronco order. Test drive it when it comes in 2 years from now. Make your decision then.

TJ vs Bronco, there is no comparison for on road worthiness. Never been in a LJ so I can't comment there.

 

[Rayder]

I have a TJ unlimited. If you are looking to build up an off road only rig either a TJ or LJ is a great option and will be very capable. However about an hour at a time on road is about my tolerable limit, and my wife won't even go in it. Nor would I want her to, it's a deathtrap in any accident above 35mph. It's more off-road go cart than vehicle.

 

[Fonz54]

The LJ is a great rig! I had one for years...the engine is bullet-proof! I pulled the back seats and had lots of room for storage and the dogs. Mine was built up for serious 4 wheelin!

If you are searching for a LJ the right now, I think the 2005 LJ had a known issue with the ECM/PCM going bad. Being a 15+ years old, it is hard to find replacement ECM/PCM. I think there was an outfit in Florida that said they could fix the bad ECM/PCM...but the reviews were so-so.

Check out the various Jeep forums for more info. You cannot go wring with a LJ...the unicorn of Jeeps!

There is a gent on the Wrangler TJ Forum. His name is Mark and his company is wranglerfix.com. He knows his beans regarding TJ PCMs and many forum members have used his service to their satisfaction. However they are not cheap. I have a 2004 TJ X and it is way easier to work on than what I am anticipating from the Bronco. Jeep LJ (Unlimited) go for a pretty penny around here north of $20K. An LJ Rubicon even more and the ultimate Unicorn the LJ Rubihara even more $$$ if you can find one (only 1000 were manufactured). I saw one recently listed for $27k. I have been seriously considering just keeping my TJ and bidding Ford a fond adieu! I am sure I will change my tune when I finally get a VIN and a build date.

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