Rust-free 2005 Jeep LJ- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited — a genuinely unusual Jeep, and increasingly the most desirable modern-classic Wrangler. The easiest way to describe what makes it special is: it’s essentially a stretched TJ, but Jeep only built the LJ for three model years. What exactly is an LJ? The regular Jeep Wrangler TJ ran from 1997–2006. For 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited, stretching the TJ platform while keeping it a two-door. Enthusiasts call it the LJ (Long Jeep), although Jeep marketed it as the Wrangler Unlimited. Your 2005 sits right in the middle of the short 2004–2006 production run. And this isn’t the same concept as the later four-door Unlimited. The LJ is basically: TJ simplicity + longer wheelbase + more cargo room + two doors. The proportions are what make it so good A normal TJ has roughly a 93.4-inch wheelbase. The LJ stretches that to about 103.4 inches — 10 inches longer — and gains considerably more space behind the rear seat. That 103-inch wheelbase happens to be a fantastic size for a trail Jeep. It retains the compact TJ body but is noticeably more stable, especially climbing steep grades or running larger tires. And unlike the later JK Unlimited, you don’t pay for that wheelbase with two extra doors and a much larger body. The LJ still looks and feels like an old-school Wrangler. Then there’s the 4.0L If yours has the original six-cylinder drivetrain, that’s another major part of the appeal: the 4.0L AMC-derived inline-six. It’s the old long-stroke Jeep six — simple, torquey, understressed and famous for accumulating ridiculous mileage when maintained. And 2006 was the end of the 4.0L Wrangler. So an LJ represents a very narrow window where Jeep combined the TJ chassis, 4.0L inline-six and long-wheelbase two-door body. The LJ also got some useful hardware The Unlimited wasn’t merely a TJ with sheet metal added behind the doors. Jeep engineered the longer platform around the extra wheelbase and capacity. Among the advantages were more cargo room, improved highway stability and a Dana 44 rear axle as standard equipment on the Unlimited. That last one matters. A regular TJ could have the lighter Dana 35 rear axle depending on configuration. The LJ started with the stronger Dana 44. Why people want them now The LJ occupies a sweet spot in Wrangler history. It has the compact dimensions and mechanical character of the TJ era, but fixes one of the TJ’s biggest shortcomings: there’s actually room to carry stuff. And for building one, the 103.4-inch wheelbase is excellent. You can make a very capable Jeep on 33s or 35s without needing the huge lift and driveline gymnastics that a short-wheelbase TJ can require. There are newer Jeeps that are faster, quieter, safer and more comfortable. But there really isn’t a modern equivalent of a long-wheelbase, two-door, solid-axle Wrangler powered by the 4.0L six.
Price: $21,000
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Seller's other items: mattlittlegym (Affiliate link)
Location: Daphne, Alabama, United States
