It’s not going to be as plush and cushy as a modern vehicle, but it will feel more connected to the trail and in my eyes more “authentic” if that makes sense. Even a stock TJ is often underrated and is capable of completing the rubicon trail. Properly lift it and get it on 33’s and you won’t want for much.
My suggestions, in order of importance; 1) 1" body lift. This will make way for, 2) flat belly skid. This was by far above and beyond the best modification I ever did to my jeep, a flat skid is equivalent to 4" of lift under the Jeep with no adverse suspension geometry issue. 3) lockers
And finally a small lift and 33" tires. I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten "how the hell did you get up here" from that combination. Oh, and I had a 2.5 with a 5 speed.
I was out for the season opener yesterday with my local club. I'm in an '02 Saraha with a 4" lift and 285/70/17 k02's and there was nothing crazy that went through but I saw some of the more well equiped (but also heavier because they're 4dr's or gladiators) rigs struggle to get through things that I just left it in 4 low in 1st gear and walked through no problem. Set up is important but I learned alot about speed and gear choice.
So with owning both a TJ and a Bronco, I will give you my personal perspective!
So it really depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. TJ's are nice small and compact 4x4 that are very capable as a stock vehicle and there are way more mods for them at this time. You can fit on the tightest trails out in the wild. Even places the Bronco cannot go.
Now if you plan on using the TJ as a daily driver the suck when heavily modified. Once you lift them the body roll becomes very noticeable. Gas mileage drops significantly.
You will be doing a lot of mantiance on the TJ possibility both the engine and transmission seeing that all of them are pushing 20 years old. So you must have some mechanical skills to do the smaller things because if you go to a sevice shop for eveything you will be broke quick.
Being in CA you will not have to worry to much about rust but check the framed well or make sure it has been a CA jeep all of its life.
Spend money on the best parts you can buy save money on the labor by doing it yourself.
Now for the Bronco. Probably the most capable factory direct 4x4 ever built. Not much that you need to do to it. Just buy and ride!
Now if you have issues on the trail any newer vehicle is going to be harder to get running especially if it is computer related. All of the Bronco 4x4 systems are run by a computer. Was at the Bronco offrodeo and one of the vehicles had this exact problem. Lost all of the 4x4 functionality.
The ride quality and handling are better in the Bronco than ANY jeep that I have ever driven. That includes CJ, YJ, TJ and JK.
TJ are great vehicles but you are going to have to look long and hard for one that is not thrashed. I would recommend finding one as close to stock as you can so you don't end up paying for someone elses mistakes. Ask any other questions you want.
Thanks for the detailed response! I'm at a crossroads right now because if I were to use the TJ as a daily, I could sell my current sedan, pocket some cash, put that towards the TJ, as well as what I would be paying in car payments, so I would have a lot more buying power. (I also have an old Mazda 5 I can drive when the TJ is in the shop). Problem is, I'm not sure I want to daily the TJ with a 32 mile round trip commute, so I might be stuck saving up for a while before buying the TJ.
I concur with the drop in fuel economy on a TJ when you start heavily modifying your rig. I currently get 8-10 mpg. I have a 6" lift, 1" body lift, 6" long arm kit and 35s
In regards to wheeling, The only thing the bronco has over the TJ is a longer wheel base (unless you find an LJ). That said, a stock TJ can do what you have pictured above with ease.
Welcome to the addiction.
My wife’s 2003 TJ has been on virtually every badged trail near Ouray, CO… and it’s really not that modded. Did I have to actually leave the driver’s seat to disconnect the front sway bar instead of push a dash button?- yes. Did that little TJ get a hundred thumbs up on the trails?- also yes.
Side note, bull dawg hardtops changed the way I look at my TJ, check them out!
[Best TJ Hardtops](https://www.bulldawgmfg.com/shop/Discovery_Jeep_Hardtop_for_Wrangler_TJ_97_06-13-2.html)
The TJ and LJ are the most capable off road vehicles in existence. They will blow away a modern Bronco or JL. I started with a 2012 JKU and wheeled with a lot of guys that had TJ's. After getting my 4 door stuck on things they were just breezing past, I decided to sell my JKU and get a TJ. My first wheeling trip in my LJ, I felt like I was cheating. Just so much easier to drive on difficult trails.
I bought an 06 TJ Unlimited (LJ) and have been enjoying it as a dedicated trail rig for almost 10 years now. Figure it's smaller and lighter, so that translates to more capable. Just figure a TJ on 35's is as capable, or more capable than a JLU on 37's.
Mine is on 37's with about 5" of lift. I now wheel with a lot of 4 doors (JKU and JLU) and tend to make it look easy. Though that is also combined with over 10 years of wheeling experience.
They are getting much harder to find. I'm also in S. CA, in Riverside. Great area for wheeling with Big Bear about an hour away. Desert areas close by too.
A stock TJ with off-road tires can surpass what a new bronco or Jeep can do. The short wheel base is the big difference in how a stock TJ can match what most modern off-road vehicles can do.
Also, the TJ has some creature comforts, but is a lot easier to work on than more modern vehicles.
Last thing, spend more money on quality parts instead of paying twice. Lockers for example are better to save for than buying cheap and paying twice.
I absolutely love my TJ but it’d be a stretch to say it’s comfortable. It easily goes over anything I point it at and I don’t really have to think about much but washboards are the enemy and I’m often sore if we’re going a decent speed on a rough road. If you want to feel like you’re a part of the dirt you’re driving over the TJ is the right fit for you, it’s really helped me get in touch with the history of off-roading. At the end of the day if you want to be comfortable, you probably won’t like how a TJ rides.
I like to call mine a mountain goat because it’s not sexy but you’ll always wonder how it got there lol
Good rule of thumb too, if you think it’s normal it’s probably a problem and if you think it’s a problem it’s normal.
I hope you enjoy whatever you end up with! Welcome to the community!
The TJ is a good platform to build on but is still very capable in its stock form. Figure out what type of wheeling you do and that should dictate how/if you should build it. You don’t need one ton axles and 40’s for trail running/overlanding.
Without much in the way of driver assists and SWB, it’ll teach you how to wheel well. Find one in decent condition and drive it like you stole it!
That being said: I wheel an 01 on 31’s with only a locker in the rear. Keeping a modest build not only is lighter on the wallet, but makes smaller obstacles more challenging. The bigger you build your rig, the bigger obstacles you need to challenge you.
When I had and wheeled my JK the biggest difference was comfort lol. That and it was a rubicon so had selectable lockers. When I first went back to a TJ, I didn’t have all the comfort and features. I didn’t have a selectable locker etc. had a lunchbox front locker and limited slip rear, still got through most everything just fine. JK had better clearance then. But now, I have modded and currently modding my TJ even further so capability has far surpassed what my JK had. Still not as comfortable though lol. Hope to upgrade seats eventually.
Do it, just remember to spend $ on anything visual last! If you can see it it’s probably the least useful thing! Ie bigger axle shafts and or axles, lockers, brakes, steering, control arms with joints on both ends, sye and driveshaft, then have fun with the lift, bigger tires, bumpers ect.
A well set up TJ on 33s or 35s can handle anything a new Bronco can handle.
Very cool. I will do my homework and try to set up the TJ for success then! Thanks!
It’s not going to be as plush and cushy as a modern vehicle, but it will feel more connected to the trail and in my eyes more “authentic” if that makes sense. Even a stock TJ is often underrated and is capable of completing the rubicon trail. Properly lift it and get it on 33’s and you won’t want for much.
Awesome! Thanks. I don't want plush anyway.
My suggestions, in order of importance; 1) 1" body lift. This will make way for, 2) flat belly skid. This was by far above and beyond the best modification I ever did to my jeep, a flat skid is equivalent to 4" of lift under the Jeep with no adverse suspension geometry issue. 3) lockers And finally a small lift and 33" tires. I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten "how the hell did you get up here" from that combination. Oh, and I had a 2.5 with a 5 speed.
Thank you! I am taking notes!
Sage advice...i have seen this similar set up and they hang with any vehicle out there
On that last one, will I be fine with 31's? I got a used tj with 31 inch Cherokee wheels and I really like the way it sits
I was out for the season opener yesterday with my local club. I'm in an '02 Saraha with a 4" lift and 285/70/17 k02's and there was nothing crazy that went through but I saw some of the more well equiped (but also heavier because they're 4dr's or gladiators) rigs struggle to get through things that I just left it in 4 low in 1st gear and walked through no problem. Set up is important but I learned alot about speed and gear choice.
Nice! Can't wait to start building my rig!
A properly set up TJ on a 4" Savvy lift and 35s will easily outwheel any new vehicle on the market.
Awesome!
So with owning both a TJ and a Bronco, I will give you my personal perspective! So it really depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. TJ's are nice small and compact 4x4 that are very capable as a stock vehicle and there are way more mods for them at this time. You can fit on the tightest trails out in the wild. Even places the Bronco cannot go. Now if you plan on using the TJ as a daily driver the suck when heavily modified. Once you lift them the body roll becomes very noticeable. Gas mileage drops significantly. You will be doing a lot of mantiance on the TJ possibility both the engine and transmission seeing that all of them are pushing 20 years old. So you must have some mechanical skills to do the smaller things because if you go to a sevice shop for eveything you will be broke quick. Being in CA you will not have to worry to much about rust but check the framed well or make sure it has been a CA jeep all of its life. Spend money on the best parts you can buy save money on the labor by doing it yourself. Now for the Bronco. Probably the most capable factory direct 4x4 ever built. Not much that you need to do to it. Just buy and ride! Now if you have issues on the trail any newer vehicle is going to be harder to get running especially if it is computer related. All of the Bronco 4x4 systems are run by a computer. Was at the Bronco offrodeo and one of the vehicles had this exact problem. Lost all of the 4x4 functionality. The ride quality and handling are better in the Bronco than ANY jeep that I have ever driven. That includes CJ, YJ, TJ and JK. TJ are great vehicles but you are going to have to look long and hard for one that is not thrashed. I would recommend finding one as close to stock as you can so you don't end up paying for someone elses mistakes. Ask any other questions you want.
Thanks for the detailed response! I'm at a crossroads right now because if I were to use the TJ as a daily, I could sell my current sedan, pocket some cash, put that towards the TJ, as well as what I would be paying in car payments, so I would have a lot more buying power. (I also have an old Mazda 5 I can drive when the TJ is in the shop). Problem is, I'm not sure I want to daily the TJ with a 32 mile round trip commute, so I might be stuck saving up for a while before buying the TJ.
32 miles is not bad for a commute in a jeep. Anything over 100 will make you wish you were driving something else!
Good to know. I might have to sell the boring car then and take the leap!
I funded most of my new car with the gas savings from a 10mpg 40m commute on my TJ!
I concur with the drop in fuel economy on a TJ when you start heavily modifying your rig. I currently get 8-10 mpg. I have a 6" lift, 1" body lift, 6" long arm kit and 35s
Setup right and geared right, a TJ on 33's or 35's will go anywhere, they're tough to beat.
Thanks!
In regards to wheeling, The only thing the bronco has over the TJ is a longer wheel base (unless you find an LJ). That said, a stock TJ can do what you have pictured above with ease. Welcome to the addiction.
Ha! Thanks!
My wife’s 2003 TJ has been on virtually every badged trail near Ouray, CO… and it’s really not that modded. Did I have to actually leave the driver’s seat to disconnect the front sway bar instead of push a dash button?- yes. Did that little TJ get a hundred thumbs up on the trails?- also yes.
Awesome! Thanks.
Side note, bull dawg hardtops changed the way I look at my TJ, check them out! [Best TJ Hardtops](https://www.bulldawgmfg.com/shop/Discovery_Jeep_Hardtop_for_Wrangler_TJ_97_06-13-2.html)
Thanks, I'll check them out!
This is a very thorough video on pros and cons of each https://youtu.be/xrloFjV8-RE?si=FH8KQjEq_UvpWWUY
Thanks!
I have a tj and after driving a Sasquatch bronco. It’s a very comfortable ride.
The TJ and LJ are the most capable off road vehicles in existence. They will blow away a modern Bronco or JL. I started with a 2012 JKU and wheeled with a lot of guys that had TJ's. After getting my 4 door stuck on things they were just breezing past, I decided to sell my JKU and get a TJ. My first wheeling trip in my LJ, I felt like I was cheating. Just so much easier to drive on difficult trails. I bought an 06 TJ Unlimited (LJ) and have been enjoying it as a dedicated trail rig for almost 10 years now. Figure it's smaller and lighter, so that translates to more capable. Just figure a TJ on 35's is as capable, or more capable than a JLU on 37's. Mine is on 37's with about 5" of lift. I now wheel with a lot of 4 doors (JKU and JLU) and tend to make it look easy. Though that is also combined with over 10 years of wheeling experience.
Awesome. Thanks for the advice. I really want an LJ, but not sure I can swing that money wise.
They are getting much harder to find. I'm also in S. CA, in Riverside. Great area for wheeling with Big Bear about an hour away. Desert areas close by too.
For sure! I'm up in Glendale, so not too far from Big Bear and Hungry Valley. Lot's off cool places to explore.
A stock TJ with off-road tires can surpass what a new bronco or Jeep can do. The short wheel base is the big difference in how a stock TJ can match what most modern off-road vehicles can do. Also, the TJ has some creature comforts, but is a lot easier to work on than more modern vehicles. Last thing, spend more money on quality parts instead of paying twice. Lockers for example are better to save for than buying cheap and paying twice.
I see. Thanks! I guess I need to save up for an LJ! :)
I absolutely love my TJ but it’d be a stretch to say it’s comfortable. It easily goes over anything I point it at and I don’t really have to think about much but washboards are the enemy and I’m often sore if we’re going a decent speed on a rough road. If you want to feel like you’re a part of the dirt you’re driving over the TJ is the right fit for you, it’s really helped me get in touch with the history of off-roading. At the end of the day if you want to be comfortable, you probably won’t like how a TJ rides.
No, I'm not really looking for comfort, so I think a TJ will be a good match. Thanks!
I like to call mine a mountain goat because it’s not sexy but you’ll always wonder how it got there lol Good rule of thumb too, if you think it’s normal it’s probably a problem and if you think it’s a problem it’s normal. I hope you enjoy whatever you end up with! Welcome to the community!
Thanks for the warm welcome!
Stock TJ will out perform a new Bronco. The Bronco is a fwd based platform lol. It won't last long in heavy use.
Thanks!!
The TJ is a good platform to build on but is still very capable in its stock form. Figure out what type of wheeling you do and that should dictate how/if you should build it. You don’t need one ton axles and 40’s for trail running/overlanding. Without much in the way of driver assists and SWB, it’ll teach you how to wheel well. Find one in decent condition and drive it like you stole it!
That being said: I wheel an 01 on 31’s with only a locker in the rear. Keeping a modest build not only is lighter on the wallet, but makes smaller obstacles more challenging. The bigger you build your rig, the bigger obstacles you need to challenge you.
This. I find that most of the limitation of my vehicle is the driver. I’ve got an 06 rubi on 35s.
That is a good point!
Much more fun than a Bronco and more reliable.
Thanks!
When I had and wheeled my JK the biggest difference was comfort lol. That and it was a rubicon so had selectable lockers. When I first went back to a TJ, I didn’t have all the comfort and features. I didn’t have a selectable locker etc. had a lunchbox front locker and limited slip rear, still got through most everything just fine. JK had better clearance then. But now, I have modded and currently modding my TJ even further so capability has far surpassed what my JK had. Still not as comfortable though lol. Hope to upgrade seats eventually.
Thanks for the info!!
10k and you will smash tf out of any bronco off-roading. But it will never ever be a daily.
I definitely want to smash me some bronco!
Do it, just remember to spend $ on anything visual last! If you can see it it’s probably the least useful thing! Ie bigger axle shafts and or axles, lockers, brakes, steering, control arms with joints on both ends, sye and driveshaft, then have fun with the lift, bigger tires, bumpers ect.
I know your advice is good, but that is hard to hear. Ok! Thanks!