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Thoughts on an 06 LJ

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by MarkK, Jan 26, 2013.

  1. Jan 26, 2013
    MarkK

    MarkK Rita the Jeep

    S.E. Idaho
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2008
    Messages:
    175
    There is a local dealer that has a 06 unlimited for sale at a pretty good price. I am really tempted, although I would really like a rubicon, they are priced way beyond my range. This one has 83k on it.

    Any thoughts?
     
    MarkK, Jan 26, 2013
    #1
  2. Jan 26, 2013
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2005
    Messages:
    1,939
    I am a little biased but I absolutley love my 06 LJ. It is my daily driver and off-road vehicle. Lots of room for gear and they ride a lot better than the TJ. 83K miles on a 6 year old vehicle is not bad at all and that is nothing for the 4.0L engine. Have it checked over by a mechanic who knows Jeep and you should be good.

    The only problem they have is the OPDA - Oil Pickup Distributer Assembly in 05 and 06. It is a bad design and the brass bushings do not get oiled sufficently. I recently replaced mine as it started making noise and wanted to fix it before it caused issues. It is easy enough to swap out.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jan 26, 2013
    #2
  3. Jan 27, 2013
    MarkK

    MarkK Rita the Jeep

    S.E. Idaho
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2008
    Messages:
    175
    We went and looked at it. It ran like a top. But the interior showed some neglect. The had glued something to the steering wheel, that really made it ugly.
     
    MarkK, Jan 27, 2013
    #3
  4. Jan 27, 2013
    kamel

    kamel Senior Curmudgeon

    Erlanger, Kentucky
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2003
    Messages:
    891
    I"ve wanted an LJ for a while now and test drove one yesterday for the first time. It was a 2006. Now, it seemed to be in good shape, but there were three things I did not like at all...

    First it smelled bad. I think it was the soft top -- at least I put my nose to the top and that seemed to be where the smell was coming from. Maybe it was in the interior elsewhere, but that smell was enough for me to take a pass.

    Second, the jeep did not want to get out of it's own way. It was an automatic, so perhaps that was part of it, but I have to say I was disappointed.

    Third, it sounded and handled like my mother-in-law's '94 Corolla.

    It had 42 K miles on it and two prior owners.

    Perhaps I just got 'hold of a bad one, or perhaps it was the automatic, but I think I'll try driving a standard shift next.

    I really do like the looks of them and I think that they'd be less bouncy than the straight wrangler. It was NOT a Rubicon jeep.
     
    kamel, Jan 27, 2013
    #4
  5. Jan 28, 2013
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    8,360
    FWIW, Dorman makes an upgraded OPDA (Oil Pump Drive Assembly) now. Uses Oil-Lite bushings, and the seal below the top bushing is eliminated.
     
    Patrick, Jan 28, 2013
    #5
  6. Jan 29, 2013
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I have an '05 LJ 6-speed and love it. Bought it slightly used in May of '07 with 10K on it.
    I have 48K on it now.
    I think LJs look disproportionate with stock wheels/tires/suspension. For my eye, they don't look right until you slap on 33s and a ~3" lift, even better with 35s and a 4" lift.
    I added a 3" lift, adjustable shocks, 33x10.50 MTs on 15x7 wheels, Rubicon flares, and bumpers/sliders/skids.
    Mine is still geared at 3.73. It has plenty of power for street, highway and offroad. Acceleration off the line could be better, but is acceptable for my use.
    (I ran 33s/3.73 in my CJ for many years, so I'm quite used to that combo)
    As already mentioned, the ride is better than a TJ. I really like the extra cargo room, especially since I almost never have the back seat installed.
    I would like better gas mileage (13.5 local), but I'm not willing to go to a JK to get only slightly better mileage.

    Kamel, the odd smell may have come from the carpet or the seats, both easily replaceable. For the top, removing it and laying it inside out in the sun for a day or so, then a shot of Fabreeze would likely take care of any odd smells retained in the fabric.

    I can't think of a vehicle that suits my current purposes better. :)
     
    lynn, Jan 29, 2013
    #6
  7. Jan 29, 2013
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    8,360
    I sometimes wonder if I should have bought an LJ..:)
     
    Patrick, Jan 29, 2013
    #7
  8. Jan 29, 2013
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2005
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    1,939
    I thought the automatic was kind of a dog with the 3.73 gears as well. Replace them with 4.10s and it is a whole different experience.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jan 29, 2013
    #8
  9. Jan 29, 2013
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2005
    Messages:
    1,939
    Good to know. I will have to look at them next time I need a replacement.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jan 29, 2013
    #9
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