I'm looking to pick up a Liberty as a daily driver. Originally I thought I wanted a CRD but I think gas will suit me better. I'll occasionally go off road, tow, and haul with it. Are there any notable differences through the years which would lead me to pick one year over another? I know they went to four wheel disc in '03, the front end changed in '05, and traction control became standard in '06. Does the TC work well as a limited slip or am I better off getting one without and adding an aftermarket unit later? For towing, is it worth it to find one with the factory package or would I be ok with just an aftermarket hitch? Any issues I should look out for when test driving? Thanks for any input!

TC works great.

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2007 KJ Sport - Frankenlift

I'm sure you will get many mixed reply's to your questions based on peoples age and their driving experience.

I for one have no need to contend with of all the added electronics, extra sensors and ABS brakes that became standard after 2005. Nor the prices involved to repair them when they go bad.
I prefer to control my driving habits my way, not the way the electronics think I should drive.
Some people have reported near fatal experiences with the new traction control systems that decide to brake the vehicle when you need to go.

I would, and did add an after market traction device.

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Slightly modified Lt. Khaki 3.7 2004 LTD 4X4. Purchased new 8/6/03.
What I don't have....A Mag light mounted to my seat.
Original Old L.O.S.T. #000354

Nick's Pics & Mods click here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/531173
http://www.survivaltopics.com/forums/

If I have TC can I also add a locker or will the two fight each other? BTW I work in Valley City, just down the street from you.

You'll have to search the boards for history on what limited slip and locker units will fit the later years. I am pretty sure that any KJ with a factory trac-loc rear end will not accept a replacement carrier.

The early models have more reliable window regulators.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

A KJ with the OEM TracLoc will not accept some lunchbox style lockers,full carrier replacement LSD/Lockers will fit no problem since you eliminate the Trash-Loc.

2006 KJ, Alex in PA. is running an Aussie locker in his 2006 with traction control.
I'd PM him to find out if he's experiencing any problems.

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Slightly modified Lt. Khaki 3.7 2004 LTD 4X4. Purchased new 8/6/03.
What I don't have....A Mag light mounted to my seat.
Original Old L.O.S.T. #000354

Nick's Pics & Mods click here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/531173
http://www.survivaltopics.com/forums/

Is it worth it to hold out for a Renegade to get the skid plates and sliders? Or is anything aftermarket going to be much better? I'm pretty handy in the shop and could make my own too.

Go aftermarket for your tranny skid and transfer case skids.

The OEM engine skid is very beefy, so I'd look for a KJ that has one already installed.

The Rennagade models have a larger alternator as well [160A verses 132A for the base and limited models]

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

I dont like the ESP (electronic stability program) at all on the 06's. if you lose traction at any wheel it applies the breaks, which causes you to basically stop. its especially bad when your pulling out into traffic. there is a button to turn it off, but it only works partially, no going to the empty parking lots and doing donuts anymore. also i drove my sisters 05 liberty with the LSD, and i felt it was 100x better

ok here comes my book about ESP

Open/open Diff and ESP

traction control is a miracle worker offroad since it in 4 lo or when turned "off" it doesnt limit throttle at all but does apply the brake a small amount to the wheel that is slipping and sends some power to the other wheel (with traction) and it keeps you going.. this in a way mimics a locker both front and rear.. EXTREMELY helpful offroad if one wheel is hanging or floating. In 2wd open/open you cant do donuts very well esp on or off... in 4wd hi you can do donuts and drift like mad with esp "off".. in fact the best and most controlled donuts/drifts i've ever done are that way.

Locker/open and ESP

I have an aussie locker in the rear and open in the front. with the traction control on (in 2wd) when my tires start to spin it limits the throttle but applys no brakes since it doesnt sense either wheel slipping or stopped (since they're both spinning). with the traction control off in 2wd it is actually off... no brakes applied and no limiting throttle.. i could do a burn out for a week if i wanted to.. however when "drifting" or slidding around a corner in the snow it still applies brakes to the front wheels to try and straighten you out.. however it only does that sometimes and when it does it can be bullied. in 4wd with the traction control on it's the same as 2wd with it on. limited throttle. with it off it's the same as with it off in 2wd. However donuts in 4wd are now much harder because the back end pushes the front more.. much better 4wd donuts when open/open. however offroad is greatly improved with the locker because i know what to expect. the rear is always locked and esp is still mimicking a LSD in the front.. so it's kinda the best of both worlds.

over all. i would suggest ESP but it's not life or death.

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2006 Renegade. Completely stock.

If you get a full carrier replacement like an arb locker or DTT it does not matter if you have Trac-lok or not. Also, PowerTrax makes a lunchbox locker for the Trac-lok. My dilemma is do i buy a cheap powertrax and use that to tide me over until i can afford a real locker or do i just put the money towards the $3000 or so that i will need to swap the front and rear gears/lockers.

save it for frant and rear gears and locker! dont be like me and buy lockers and install them and THEN decide to go ahead and regear and pay for it all twice

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/