It is currently Fri Apr 24, 2026 12:13 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Wich KJ are better 04's (and before) or 05's (and after)?
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:41 am 
Offline
LOST Newbie

Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:30 am
Posts: 52
Location: Mexico City
Hello all,

I've got a 2004 KJ sport 4x2 black and recently
got it off-road for the first time and let me say that I loved it.
What an experience!!.

Now I wish to upgrade to a more off-road capable KJ and have 3 options:

1) Take the one I have and replace tires with all-terrains, install a
rear diff. locker, skid plates, winch, etc. etc. etc.

2) Replace it with a 04 Renegade 4x4

3) Replace it with a new 06 or even 07 model (4x4 for sure).

Question is:

I love how it looks the 04 (and pre) model. I think they're better in general,
but I've read in another thread that 05 and 06 models are more "rough" than their predecesors
and more capable (I supose) off the road.

Wich one is better? The only drawback I see in 04 models are
the fog lamps so exposed, but still I feel they're in the right position (low)
and looks great also.

But, beside the look of both, which one is more functional? Does the 05 and 06's
have significat improvements?

The first option result very expensive, with the money needed to upgrade it,
I'd easily afford a 4x4 as described in option 2 and still have money left.

Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.

_________________
___________________
2006 Limited 4x4 Silver


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:55 am 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 19, 2006 4:27 pm
Posts: 2130
Location: Dayton, OH
I think you will get a few differing opinions but as far as stock offroading capability I think the 06 models with the ESP are probably the best, then any with the trac-lok rear diff. If you are planning on upgrading with lockers it wont make much of a difference anyhow.

Regardless of offroad ability I think it is generally best to go with the latest model, unless they have really done something to it that you dont like. Of course I am going to suggest for you to find an 06 CRD, at least look into it, you may still be able to find one if you arent to picky on options.

_________________
It may be that your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.

06 CRD Sport
Built 5/11/06
Jeep Green
Rocklizard diff cover
V6 Airbox


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:07 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:41 pm
Posts: 412
Location: Cottage Grove, OR
I love my '04 limited....I haven't wheeled as aggressively as some of these guys, but Bullet has gone everywhere I have wanted to go...did some great wheeling last weekend!! I am partial to the early body style as well. Plus, they are cheaper so you can spend more money on fun stuff! my .02

_________________
L.O.S.T. in Oregon
'04 Silver Limited, named Bullet
FRANKENLIFTED!
17" Akuza rims, 245 Revos
Altezza tail lamps, clear marker lights
Husky slush mats all around
Visit Bullet


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:13 pm 
Offline
LOST Junkie
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:59 am
Posts: 707
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Gotta be that guy....my 2006 Renegade is awesome. It has been wheeled fairly aggressively....and often....there is a fairly robust trail about 10 minutes from where I live and that Renegade has been on it at least once a week.

No problems....tough truck....get an 06 or an 07 before they change it for 2008.

My 0.0000000000000002 of a cent :wink:

_________________
"Earth first, we'll Jeep the other planets later"

-2007 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

Overland Expeditions


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:31 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:03 pm
Posts: 8052
Location: Kentuckeeee
There is no reason that an 06 libby is better offroad than a a 04 libby. I do like the esp for onroad driving, but it can get in the way as many have said(Moose being one). I have a locker along with skids and tires. I can take my libby any where I would want to go. :wink:

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:40 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:48 am
Posts: 1348
Location: Arlington, MA
The main things you should consider when comparing a 2004 to a 2006 are the things that are really different between them:

The body style is different. Bumpers, foglights, hood, taillights, etc.

The age of the vehicle: 2006 is a lot newer than 2003, newer means newer. Mileage is important, too, of course.

Option packages change. Pre-2005 manual transmission was a 5-speed, 2005+2006 it is a 6 speed, little changes like that.

I would take a good long look at a 2004 and a 2005 and decide which body style you like better (make sure to look at both 2005+ models, the renegade/rocky mtn look drastically different than the sport/limited, thanks to the flat hood, bumper-mount fogs, etc).

_________________
Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:57 pm 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:58 pm
Posts: 480
Location: New Orleans
Just replace it with This one

_________________
'03 Sport 4x4 140k miles. Yeah, she's had some work done


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:41 pm 
Offline
LOST Newbie

Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:30 am
Posts: 52
Location: Mexico City
Well, thanks everybody for your input.

In Mexico, Jeep only offers 3.7L V6 w/automatic transmission, sport and
limited edition. No renegade for 05 and beyond, no manual transmission,
no CRD.

As far as I can see from your comments, main differences are in style and
exterior design. In this case, I think 04's are far better looking.

I find that the rear seat is more comfortable than the 05,
but that might be just my imagination.

On the other hand, 05's and after do have ESP and the fact that
newer is better, yes, I agree with that.

But above all, they appear to perform equally at the trails. I guess
both have the same off-road specs (angle of attack, departure angle,
ground clearance, etc.). By the way, does anybody know where to find
this information?.

Well, I´ll wait for an opportunity. Maybe a not so frequently used,
never gone off-road, few mileage used one... or an attractive offer
with a dealer for a brand new. Got to be patient and meanwhile, keep
learning.

I just found the limits of my 4x2 so quickly.

_________________
___________________
2006 Limited 4x4 Silver


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:04 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:03 pm
Posts: 8052
Location: Kentuckeeee
05's do not have esp, only 06's... :wink:

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:16 pm 
Offline
I live here
I live here
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2005 6:59 pm
Posts: 5839
Location: Aurora, CO
Think of this....your older models are going to cost less and you won't feel as bad when you ding it up. Right now, more mod parts for the older models. No long term (years) testing for those new electronics added to the newer models. Could be extremely costly if those break down the road.

_________________
===
New KJ Gear - Desert Armor Flak

2004 Renegade Light Khaki - 4" JBA Lift - Rock Lizard Products: Komodo Dragon Rear Bumper, Prototype Winch-mount Front Bumper, Super Skink Sliders - All J's Super Tranny Skid II - 31" Firestone Destination AT's on Moab wheels - Cobra 75W CB w/ stock Antenna mod

[b]Retired, US Military


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:18 pm 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 8:27 pm
Posts: 127
Location: Northwest
I have an 06 CRD and love it. It has 5000 miles on it and 3500 + are on gravel roads and worse. The full time 4 wheel drive is awesome on loose gravel and washboard.

My only complaints are that I have shaken the right drivers window loose and it won't go up very well and the CD skips too much when driving.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:20 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:06 pm
Posts: 403
Location: Lakewood, CO
I vote for the 04' Renny. It is by far the best looking Liberty I've seen on and off the road!

_________________
TRADED 04' Renegade
Franken lift front/ Skyjacker rear
JBA uca's
245 Firestone Destinations

2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (stock)


2014 Yamaha FZ-09
1999 Yamaha VMax
LOSTKJs #124


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:31 pm 
Offline
This member has been Banned

Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:18 pm
Posts: 2301
Location: Harahan LA (the burbs)
as far as mechanics of them they are mostly the same
when you compare apples to apples
but as far as off roading goes I would say 100% never look back go 4X4 a 2wd is always going to be 2wd and will never be as good as a 4X4
I have proved time and time a gain that my "little stock KJ 4X4" can go places that those "big for nothing" "can't get out there own way" full size trucks on 33's and 35's with only 2wd and a big loud engine can't its even more fun when they get stuck following me and my wife is driving and has to pull them out
after they get out they usualy tuck tail and go home


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:24 pm 
Offline
SFA doesn't snap at the ball joint
SFA doesn't snap at the ball joint
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 7:12 pm
Posts: 2213
Location: Spokane, WA
You know everyone has an opinion....

Find an early '02... 45 RFE all I got to say, and the Rockies guys will agree...not tranny temp problems here...

_________________
I'm baaaaccckkk...
LOST Member 10
If you can read this you don't need glasses, go Wheel your Jeep!


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:18 am 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 8:23 am
Posts: 3544
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
nolakj wrote:
Just replace it with This one


That is my old 2002 KJ...lol

Now in a 2006 CRD... :D :D :D ...the mileage is too good to pass up

_________________
Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport

Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:38 am 
Offline
Forum Admin
Forum Admin
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:18 am
Posts: 932
Location: Lancaster, CA.
USAFCOP wrote:
You know everyone has an opinion....

Find an early '02... 45 RFE all I got to say, and the Rockies guys will agree...not tranny temp problems here...


I agree, but then I'm partial to '02's

_________________
Take the road less traveled.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:57 am 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:03 pm
Posts: 8052
Location: Kentuckeeee
Edvalencia wrote:
USAFCOP wrote:
You know everyone has an opinion....

Find an early '02... 45 RFE all I got to say, and the Rockies guys will agree...not tranny temp problems here...


I agree, but then I'm partial to '02's


No one cares about the 2002 libbys with the 45rfe trannys that do not overheat. :twisted: Its all about the 04's baby!! :D

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:18 pm 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:58 pm
Posts: 480
Location: New Orleans
DarbyWalters wrote:
nolakj wrote:
Just replace it with This one


That is my old 2002 KJ...lol

Now in a 2006 CRD... :D :D :D ...the mileage is too good to pass up


Yep :D Sweet machine. Buuuut not as sweet as the 03 Sport. The color is the key. Always bet on black. 8)

_________________
'03 Sport 4x4 140k miles. Yeah, she's had some work done


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 53 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group. Color scheme by ColorizeIt!
Logo by pixeldecals.com