Wich KJ are better 04's (and before) or 05's (and after)?

rlanda · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:41 am

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.

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:55 am

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.

Bullet · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:07 pm

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

zeero · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:13 pm

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:

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:31 pm

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:

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:40 pm

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).

nolakj · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:57 pm

Just replace it with This one

rlanda · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:41 pm

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.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:04 pm

05's do not have esp, only 06's... :wink:

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:16 pm

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.

gatorator · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:18 pm

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.

broncsrule · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:20 pm

I vote for the 04' Renny. It is by far the best looking Liberty I've seen on and off the road!

jason thompson · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:31 pm

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

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:24 pm

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...

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:18 am

nolakj wrote:

Just replace it with This one

That is my old 2002 KJ...lol

Now in a 2006 CRD...

...the mileage is too good to pass up

Edvalencia · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:38 am

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

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:57 am

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!!

nolakj · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:18 pm

DarbyWalters wrote:

nolakj wrote:

Just replace it with This one

That is my old 2002 KJ...lol

Now in a 2006 CRD...

...the mileage is too good to pass up

Yep

Sweet machine. Buuuut not as sweet as the 03 Sport. The color is the key. Always bet on black.

Wich KJ are better 04's (and before) or 05's (and after)?

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