Jeep Next Jeep: LJ, JKU, or JL

[jems07]

Just seeking some advice from some of you experienced folks:

I’ve been jeeping for 10 years now, and have owned a JKU, JKUR, JLUR, and a more recently a JT Rubicon and recently sold it. JT was my favorite on 37s and 3.5. I did most of the “real” obstacles with that jeep such as hells gate, took it on hole in the rock, etc.

Next year I’d like to run the Rubicon Trail and spend time in Moab doing new obstacles i skipped, like escalator, another hole in the rock run, and even some so cal trails, visiting trails I’ve already done and trying more challenging obstacles like rock chucker on metal masher.

I LOVE the idea of getting a LJ Rubi, as I can trailer it —-but I’m worried I’ve spoiled myself with my JT which always felt super planted and safe on all obstacles. I’d like something I’m not afraid to beat up a little bit but also feels planted in some of the fun obstacles.

What do you guys recommend? I see many of you have had various generations. Which is the best jack of all trades? This won’t be my DD.

I’m leaning towards a JKU with 37s. Or possibly trying a 2 door JL. Or, picking up an LJ and running 35s. I’d just like to be able to keep up with my friends in their gladiators on 37s easily and be able to tackle the steep stuff, too.

What would you do if you were starting over?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Greg]

I love my JT Rubicon on 39's, but I'm not sure I'd run the Rubicon in it, without upgrading armor, skid plates, etc. Even then, the Rubicon can be hard on lesser built rigs.

I've always thought a LJ on 40's, with Tons, longarms, etc would be very capable and roadworthy. I really like @UPNO4 LJ build, good all around build.

I'd add a LS, Atlas & ORI's if I were to build one.

 

[jems07]

A friend of mine ran the Rubicon two summers ago with his JT on 37s. But he really spend a lot of money and time on armor. But I was always hesitant to run mine on it. I’ve been watching a lot of videos of jeep’s running these trails and it seems like they all can do it, but I am hoping to find one with the edge.

Love that you recommended the LJ. It’s a great jeep and I love how agile it feels. Although, I just watched a few JKU builds walk right up rock chucker, and then I saw a JLU on 40s cake walk little sluice. But, if I put tons on a LJ and 40s, I’m sure that would be equally capable.

I love my JT Rubicon on 39's, but I'm not sure I'd run the Rubicon in it, without upgrading armor, skid plates, etc. Even then, the Rubicon can be hard on lesser built rigs.

I've always thought a LJ on 40's, with Tons, longarms, etc would be very capable and roadworthy. I really like @UPNO4 LJ build, good all around build.

I'd add a LS, Atlas & ORI's if I were to build on

 

[anderson750]

A friend of mine ran the Rubicon two summers ago with his JT on 37s. But he really spend a lot of money and time on armor. But I was always hesitant to run mine on it. I’ve been watching a lot of videos of jeep’s running these trails and it seems like they all can do it, but I am hoping to find one with the edge.

Love that you recommended the LJ. It’s a great jeep and I love how agile it feels. Although, I just watched a few JKU builds walk right up rock chucker, and then I saw a JLU on 40s cake walk little sluice. But, if I put tons on a LJ and 40s, I’m sure that would be equally capable.

I’ll let you know how a JKU on 39’s does on the Rubicon in a few weeks. I am really curious how my friends JT on 39’s will do. He just did a hemi swap on it. He is running Dana Spicer 60s so hopefully he doesn’t break any parts.

 

[jems07]

So thinking more about this. The cost of a JKU 3.6 (probably even a rubicon) is about the same price as an LJ Rubicon. I’ve seen LJ non rubicons 15-20k and the rubicons are 20-25k. A JKU Rubicon with less than 100k miles can be had for 21-24.

At the end of the day off road prowess is most important but I’m also not a welder, so doing major modifications wouldn’t be cost effective. I can wrench and install lifts, work on jeeps, but fabrication is out of my comfort zone.

 

[Greg]

Yeah, if you aren't going to do the fab work, that changes things.

JK axle housings aren't the best for big tires and 37's will be pushing it, especially if you’re wheelin it hard. I had some axle issues with my JKU and ended up upgrading to a Tera 44 axle housing, paid a shop to install my gears and I did the rest of the work.

I was on 35's with my JKUR and ran the Rubicon with that setup. My beefy sliders and bumpers got a workout on the trail, 37's would have been much better.

The Rubicon with Old friends

OK, so this trip was a big deal... I feel like I won't be able to do the actual trip justice with my report! Running the Rubicon trail has been a bucket-list item for me, for a long time... although parts of the trail have been made easier, it was still very challenging for my JKU on 35's...

www.rme4x4.com

If a JKU is a good option, a JLU is a much better option... IMO. I think the axle housings are bigger, but don't quote me on that.

 

[jems07]

Yeah, if you aren't going to do the fab work, that changes things.

JK axle housings aren't the best for big tires and 37's will be pushing it, especially if you’re wheelin it hard. I had some axle issues with my JKU and ended up upgrading to a Tera 44 axle housing, paid a shop to install my gears and I did the rest of the work.

I was on 35's with my JKUR and ran the Rubicon with that setup. My beefy sliders and bumpers got a workout on the trail, 37's would have been much better.

The Rubicon with Old friends

OK, so this trip was a big deal... I feel like I won't be able to do the actual trip justice with my report! Running the Rubicon trail has been a bucket-list item for me, for a long time... although parts of the trail have been made easier, it was still very challenging for my JKU on 35's...

www.rme4x4.com

If a JKU is a good option, a JLU is a much better option... IMO. I think the axle housings are bigger, but don't quote me on that.

Thanks for sharing the trailer report with me. Very cool. It just made me want to get the dates scheduled on this end to speed up my buying process….

2 questions for you: you say a JL would be a better option. If I wanted to run say 40s, I’d need to swap out the axles regardless, right? So what’s the advantage of the JL vs the JK? I can pick up a JKU for 12-16k and the JLU would be 20-25k range. Is the extra $$ worth it even if I’m swapping axles?

2nd question: what kind of fan work would I need for 37s on a TJ? and, I guess I could learn to fab. Not sure how easy it is but I’m a self starter.

 

[Hickey]

Thanks for sharing the trailer report with me. Very cool. It just made me want to get the dates scheduled on this end to speed up my buying process….

2 questions for you: you say a JL would be a better option. If I wanted to run say 40s, I’d need to swap out the axles regardless, right? So what’s the advantage of the JL vs the JK? I can pick up a JKU for 12-16k and the JLU would be 20-25k range. Is the extra $$ worth it even if I’m swapping axles?

2nd question: what kind of fan work would I need for 37s on a TJ? and, I guess I could learn to fab. Not sure how easy it is but I’m a self starter.

I think a TJ could be possible with minimal fab skills. You would have to plan on replacing the entire suspension and stretching the wheelbase at least a little. Several vendors now offer completely redesigned suspensions for the TJ that offer much better performance and the ability to stretch the wheelbase. Motobilt, Barnes 4wd, and Ruffstuff are a few vendors I would look at. If you’re going through that many changes though, might as well plan on 40’s. Both 40’s and 37’s would be a significant build out.

If a complete axle upgrade is needed, then a JK versus a JL isn’t a lot different. The JK will only come with the 3.6 pentastar V6 and the 5 speed auto. The JL has an 8 speed auto (I’m assuming you want the auto)with either the 3.6 V6 or the 2.0 turbo. I wouldn’t go with the 2.0. The 8 speed can crawl pretty well with a non-rubicon transfer case. The 5 speed will make you want the Rubicon or other 4:1 ratio t-case.

Out of the 3 choices, the JL is the easiest/simplest to fit 37’s under. The JK is right behind that, but the Rubicon flares in the JL sit higher and allow larger tires without suspension changes. 40’s will require some rear fender well trimming at the pinch weld on either JK or JL.

The JL would be the easiest to maintain good street driving manners, as they start with the best street driving manners.

 

[mesha]

Of all the rigs on your list I would have the hardest time beating up an LJ 🤔

A JKUR will be the cheapest by far especially if you buy it already built.

 

[Hickey]

Of all the rigs on your list I would have the hardest time beating up an LJ 🤔

A JKUR will be the cheapest by far especially if you buy it already built.

That’s also a good option. I would not bother with a 2011 or earlier, unless it’s already been V8 swapped.

 

[UPNO4]

I debated this aside from the JL for bit before I went all in on my LJ. It would really depend on what the ll around purpose for the Jeep would be.
The LJ certainly is lacking creature comforts and is small inside. However I can make pretty easy work out of a lot of trails and obstacles. Rockchucker is like driving over a curb btw. It lacks on the freeway but I don't need it to be a freeway rig.
There are times few and far between that I kinda want a more plush Jeep to do easier trails and be able to drive to the trail and back instead of trailering everywhere. Not that I don't do easy trails and smile the entire time.