I definitely fall into 2/3category. Dad's a hardcore Jeep enthusiast. He loves Wranglers but also trusts the brand in general. He does have his grips with the 2.5 TJ Engine since it gave him so much pain. He's kind of a purist but he would swap a stock part if there is a better one, so he's still pragmatic. Me, on the other hand, I love Wranglers because they're safe and they'll treat you good, but I would sell the jeep if it's giving too many problems. With my old man, we´re just thinking of throwing the stock engine away and put a Turbo Diesel in it. We both agree that the TJ would've been the perfect car with a nice TD in it. However, we cant see ourselves changing much of the chassis and the overall look of the jeep. Any changes we do are done to increase the quality of life and the longevity of the jeep. Anything else is just cosmetic and we couldn't care less about it.
I’m going to be moving onto our engines soon. Not sure what direction we’re going. Stroker or engine swap? Like the simplicity of the 4.0 but want more pony’s. I have a plan but have been known to stray sometimes😃.
@@3smokeI’ve always called my TJ a buggy, but, what does it mean to turn it into a buggy and the trailered Jeep? Does he mean they don’t drive it unless they off road or camp or does he mean it’s broke down?
I don't know what group I am in. I'm 60 years old and just brought my 2000 TJ with the awesome 2.5L engine. I purchase it as a toy, a project to work on during the weekends. My Jeep did come with a 2" lift and 32" wheel from a JL. I watch tons of videos on frame rust fixing, (Chicago) and how to swap in a 4.0l engine. My jeep has had 20 years of neglect that I am fixing, original spark plugs at 140,000 miles, the electrodes were burned off to the ceramic. I love watching rebuilding differentials videos. I am a subscriber so there is something you made that caught my eye.
I am 25, also bought my Jeep as a toy to rebuild. Mine is a 98, 124k miles with the 2.5L as well, I bought it with a 2in lift and 33.3s. I’ve watched the same videos as you about swapping in a 4.0L. But after a long consideration I determined I would rather wait for my engine to quit before I swap it. Right now I am restoring it, I’ve changed out most of the fluids and diff fluids. Currently about to install a whole A/C system since I jeep didn’t come with one! I live in Texas.
wow, I got married around your age, then I had to sell my toys, dirt bike and snowmobile. Now that I am older, I am buying new toys to play with. My big hesitation with swapping motors are the engine mounts, replace the motor, trans, and transfer case. In 10 years my grandkids will be driving the jeep and maybe 120 HP is just enough where they wont hurt them selves. When It gets really hot in Chicago (90+ degrees) I take the doors off. I hear that in Texas, its a dry heat, or maybe Arizona that has the dry heat. If it get to be 103 like in Dallas today, I would drive my 2000 Astro Van with the good AC.
I’m between 2 and three as well with a 3.5” lift and 31 tire on a 2004 two door 4.0L inline six. And I do all my own wrenching. Learning as I go. My TJ HAS APPROX 130,000 miles on it.
Good video, got a 03 rubicon recently it’s as reliable as my 2nd Gen Tacoma. I’m sort of group 2/3 it’s got a little lift but looks stockish besides a winch on oem bumper and it had a rear bumper w/swingout. They’re just cool rigs to make your own.
I'm group 3 but it has to remain street drivable. I built it to be an extremely capable trail jeep that can handle most anything I come across. I camp out of it every other weekend but have run the Rubicon, Poughkeepsie and John Bull trail like a Sunday drive.
I like that (street drivable) statement. I’ve owned almost every type of off-road toy and the biggest annoyance was trailering it. Your camping with the jeep is awesome. Some of our favorite memories have been with the TJ’s in a desolate area. In earlier vids I had mentioned that I planned to start fabing some exterior gear holders that have decent ground clearance. We will see how that turns out 😀. Appreciate the comment.
I’m exactly group one. My parents bought a red tj for me to drive and it is the coolest car I’ve ever been in. It’s bright red lifted and amazing. My parents had an old black tj they had to sell sue to issues but they loved it and I remember it a bit and loved it too. This Jeep will get treated only with the highest care and the best gas I can afford!
I’m about like you guys, I’m 2&3, love my TJ’s been building them and wheeling them since 02. I hate cutting into the body’s just for the fact the TJ to me is probably the best looking jeep design ever made. Current one looks stock-ish body wise, but it’s a 02 Sahara, rubicon D44 axle swapped, has a BDS 4 link long arms, 4 inch RE springs, 14-12 inch travel shocks on all custom mounts and bump stops“major down-travel set up”, no body lift and running 35’s for the time being. I want to do the metalcloak fenders and see if I can get 37’s without any more lift.
yeah, i'll throw myself into either group 2 or 3. Jeeps, no matter which of these groups you are in, are a very personal thing and everyone wants to make it "their own". Obviously, there are an infinite number of options out there to help you along with that endeavor. To me, it is now a vehicle that is to be preserved and cherished. My '00 has a modest lift and 33's. No changes have been made to the original "fabric" of the vehicle and i could return it to stock in a day. As i live in the mid atlantic, my biggest issue is rust. I am chasing it on the frame constantly, and have made repairs to the front passenger side and rear driver side. Having a TJ is a hobby, no matter what you want to do with it. If you want a JKU or JLU you don't really want a Jeep. Jeeps have two doors only. The 4 doors are for people who wanted the shape but needed a more "usable" daily driver. As anyone with a TJ knows, they aren't exactly the kind of vehicle you want to own unless you are single.
You are correct it is a Hobby for the most part. We have a few guys around us that use theirs as daily’s but most of us have second, third and even more LOL.
I believe there is a huge percentage across the board of people who just like watching vehicles, built similarly to their own, so they can feel all warm and fuzzy, knowing what their vehicle ‘could’ do…if it actually saw dirt. That being said, you’d probably love my TJ…aside from the 2.5L (I love 4cyl Jeeps!). Otherwise, it’s an SE with a drop-in locker (d35) and alloy shafts in the rear (with Yukon diff cover), 3/4” coil spacers to make up for the winch and cargo sag, anti-sway bar disconnects, 235/75-15 M/Ts, rock sliders, and currently waiting for my Eaton E-Locker for up front. Oh, and it’s a pain in technical spots but it’s a five speed. A Jeep should be a stick!
I stumbled upon your channel today, You nailed it! There are different types of followers. I discovered Jeeps around my midlife and never left. I made sure my sons got introduced to Jeep Wranglers. Carry On Sir!
Once you see it every Jeep owner you run into you will be trying to figure out which group they fall into. Appreciate the comment and our new content will only be uploaded over to “Campbell Built”
I have a 2015 JKU and I love it. I have built it with a lot of MetalCloak. I do want a TJ though, something about them. I need to learn more though, so I can decide what year would be best for me.
I’m probably IN group 2, but my Sahara was rolled before I got it, I love the look of it as it was, but we couldn’t salvage the passenger side front fender. It’s funny I still got compliments when it looked like a train wreck! I probably SHOULD have filmed putting these iron fenders on, but I didn’t. In all honesty, it DOES look wicked, but I really liked the original fenders. Apart from that, this was somebody’s baby, well cared for, lifted, DANA44s everything beautiful. No doors or top, they were destroyed. So it had nothing, but it has everything as far as I’m concerned. I do have a salvage hood for it, but I’m keeping this one as is for awhile. I like it. It adds character. 😎
I love you content ive just recently brought a tj and your vidoes have exsplained things that other people dont make sence or havent gone into depth. Please dont stop! I need u 😂😂. Id say im group 2.5 i dont mind a little cutting but not so it not a jeep no more.
Just ordered front and rear Dana 489’s from Brandon at ECGS for my stock TJ. Found them through your guys videos . Super pumped. It’s going to be awesome . I have had my TJ for 10 years and haven’t been able to do anything with it until now . Loving your guys videos. PS I’m in the purist group but also want to do badass things hahaha
@@RubiKidd06 489’s 30 spline front and rear both with Eaton E lockers , 5.13 gears , rear disc brakes and RCV shafts in front . I went all out . I have a 2.5L with AX5 transmission that’s why I went 5.13 …. I was going back and fourth between 5.13 and 5.38 and Brandon helped me decide on 5.13’s since I will still be driving it to the trails and back.
@@jeremy8715 I’m probably going to explain this wrong haha but what ECGS explained to me was that they teamed up with Dana to create the 489 and it’s basically a hybrid between a TJ 44 and a JK 44 . I really need to take more notes next time i talk to them . I can’t remember all the details sorry
I’m an xj dude mine has tons 40’s and is almost all custom, still has pretty much all the og body but I’ve cut and stretched it more then a few spots. Personally I don’t think modifying a vehicle is a big deal but sometimes it depends on the vehicle.
Well, you have earned my Subscription! I love the slower pace of your videos and not full of the fake energy so many viewers want. My channel has grown very slow over the years. I am just now approaching 6K subscribers. I have built 2 TJ's on my channel and that started roughly 4 years ago. Real slow growth. My format is real similar to yours. Being from MS, we don't do anything fast, including talking lol. I for sure fit between group 2 and 3. I don't care to change things but do not want to remove the ability to go back to stock, if that makes sense. The whole purpose of my channel was just videoing what I was doing at the time in hopes it would help someone out. Then I found myself trying to hit a new vid each week whether I had content or not. That isn't a good place to be in for me or the viewer. Now I just let the videos happen when they happen. Love your channel and keep up the great work!
Appreciate your comment and yes forcing yourself to put out content can be harmful to you and your family. I’m a Builder/Remodeler now but in my early working days I mainly painted, welded and wrenched. After working and modifying on a couple of Jeep’s I told myself you should be putting these on YT. Then I went to the Forums and I was like Yes you absolutely should. I’m not saying I know everything cause I don’t. I glanced at your channels Thumbnails before sending this comment and I was like “Cool” someone doing their own work. That’s what I want people to know they can do some of this stuff. I’ll check your channel out when I’m off my Job. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with being a little slower. I was born as a Yankee but I live in the south now. Been here 16 years and have no intention of going north😀.
No hacking here as had a TJ since Oct. 09, 2003 that was bought at Fairbanks Alaska Gene's Chrysler off the showroom floor: just bolt-ons only (including a supercharger). Don't know how to weld and won't learn on the TJ that's here. Good video!
Im a jeep guy and love all jeeps. i think you can make any jeep very good off raod machine. That said Tjs i think were the best right out of the factory and are the best looking no matter what you have or have not done to them. Me , I have a 01 tj with 3.5 lift ,35s , lockers front and back and it will out crawl most jeeps. Tjs rock.
Like the content! I’d say I’m a 2.6… I plan on tons and 40s, also the GenRight, TJ to LJ kit… But it will still be very TJLJ-ish… not a buggy and still very highway capable.
Ive got a 2002 TJ with a built automatic 3 spd. So I’m in group 5. I drive my roll caged TJ everywhere. I still sport short arms with 35s but I run lockers and 5:13 gears on factory Dana 35 axles which limits my speed to 60 mph at 3000 rpm’s. So if it ain’t local it’s on the trailer he goes.
I am new to being a Jeep owner. I have a 2017 JKU Rubicon and love the lifestyle. If or when I get another Akeem I want a TJ I really love that Jeep. I really love your sons Jeep. I am a MetalCloak guy. I have their lift on my Jeep.
I'm in a group that wants a capable Jeep but I'm not interested in "rock crawling". I'm more of a trail ride, fire roads in the national forrests, some fairly challenging trails, mostly hunting/camping... I have a 2003 TJ, Rubicon, 3.5 lift, 35s, flat fender flares, 4.88s. Big-7 wire upgrade, LOD offroad tire carrier with Blitz and Rotopax. Warn winch. Jeep trailer..... I live in AZ but I can't stand the desert rock crawling. I do love snow camping with a tent though!! Originally from northern Wyoming so that may be a factor! Lol!
Snow camping sounds like a blast and you mentioned fire roads, I could get lost on them on purpose. Please don’t come looking for me 😀. Looks like you have a pretty decent set up rig. Glad to have you here.
I'm here representing group 3 with a caveat. I'm not into hackery. I'm into heavily modified TJs but the modifications must be clean and professional in function and appearance. The only things that haven't been touched on my TJ are the internals of the engine, transmission and t-case. Street legal (for the most part) and great street manners are a must as well. IMO, stock sucks. 😆
If done right I like them. I’ve built hot rods in the past that had tons of custom work. Everything was modified and they were never done. That could be one of the reasons why I lean towards group 2 to help control myself. The last large project I had was a 66 Ford style side pickup. I built it before pro street really started to takeoff. Fat man independent front suspension, 9” rear ladders bars, coil overs all around, built big block Ford 472. Chopped body and the paint was mint. I had it together all of two days when I pulled it back into the garage and started tearing it apart again. Aluminum 540 big block Ford, Doug Nash Manuel trans we’re arriving and countless other changes were on the board. When my friends came over and saw that I had tore the truck part again they just shook their heads. I’m a recovering Rodder and if keeping my TJ body closer to stock keeps it on the road then be it. 😀
I'm also between 2 and 3. I had a '99 TJ with a 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires. To me, that was the best looking Jeep ever. I now have a JKU Rubicon with a 4 inch lift and 35 inch tires. I love my current Jeep, but my prior TJ was something special.
2.5 there is a v8 in my shop floor in front of the tj. 1 tons also waiting to be built. Jeep is already on 35's. I plan to keep it stock looking. Well as stock looking as a dana 60 and 10.50 8 lug axles will. Eventually ill stetch it to lj body dimensions. But i dont want a hacked up buggy looking vehicle. Its never going to be a daily but it would be nice to have a spring or fall cruiser and be able to hit a few trails thru the year
So I sold my TJ a few years ago due to getting high sided on trails due to JKs and JLs and hard core 4x4 ripping trails up with 35-40"tires. Loved it but putting 35s on a TJ is hard core
@@RubiKidd06 Don't get me wrong, i put 35s on my JL but shops keep pushing the limits with rigs which make it more difficult for the average off roader to go out and have a great time, get stuck an be able to get yourself out. If i had the extra money I would get a old flat fender. Anyone can get large tires and go wheeling, doing it with one of those is a real challenge.
I Guess I'm a purist? Getting a new(used, southern) tub. New fenders, but original style with original flares. Not a fan of the flat ones. Biggest change will be the paint. Keeping the original color, but going Raptor liner color matched.
Ok , I drive a jeep for one simple reason. I can fix most of anything on it myself. There’s a ton of videos on fixing anything, parts are very easy to get. So to me it’s all about saving money. Everyone says they are expensive. I think the opposite. Maybe they are expressive with mods and stuff but to just keep running as transportation very inexpensive.
You are correct that Jeeps previous to 2007 are very simple vehicles. That’s one of the most appealing reasons to have one. I personally don’t care to have a large touch screen or heated seats but most people do. They assume every one wants that so they think you can only afford a budget Jeep if you haven’t gone with group think. It’s very amusing to me how people will try to vehicle class shame each other and for that matter it goes both ways. Here’s something to think about, when’s the last time you heard a person say budget Tacoma. They don’t because its the truck most of them want. Appreciate the comment and how you view it.
I have a 2.5 purple (magenta) 96 tj purchased new chrome grill 16 inch jk rims. When ever I park with a group of built jeeps everyone give my little Jeep all the attention And question who would of thought.
What kind of wheels did you purchase they look like the vision Manx 398 Beadlock wheels I'm probably group 3 I just installed the Rustys high clearance kit long arms also I went with gen right fenders and front bumper with aluminum inner fenders they look awesome .
I'm solidly in 2.. I do stuff but it still has to look like a Jeep - not some Frankenstein monster - Might as well just buy a buggy and do what I want with it in that case. A Jeep shell with nothing jeep is not a Jeep anymore than a Corvette Dragster is a Corvette. 4 litre Straight 6, 5 speed manual, 2004 TJ owner here.
I think I'm a purist and I think the line between 2 and three is anything you can do after after 4 in lift your talking changing alot of stuff you can run stock pitman and not a lot of changes that's 2 number one is like you said 4 doors etc......by the way why 4 doors in a wrangler that's why you go Cherokee never understood why they went 4 door but if the not lifted with the big tires there ugly as sin .....!!!
Said that wrong 3 rd level is 4 inches and above 35 - inch tire and above will hack anything to get it right I will never say nothing isn't write not my business your jeep your business level 2 purest and 33 and below / level 1 starting out just like you said ...I also have stock flares regular grill 33 3 inch lift stock pitman I do run adjustable top rear control arms and front and back adjustable track bar and that pretty much all and the zj steering upgrade cause it's just bolt in I'm in the 2 level won't cut or weld much but I can't understand the rear shocks and the damn angle they are from factory that will be the only big change I make
Hello friends, we’ve moved our channel to Campbell Built. Please use the link here for our new Jeep content. Thank You ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-W8ocPgZGFhM.html
Everyone is different build your Jeep for you not others me it’s mine I’ll cut mine up don’t care for powder coat or pretty shiney paint but functions perfect offroad my challenger I keep that perfect lol
Same, 50/50 but a little more towards group 2. See my video on my 4K mile TJ rubicon. I'm really torn but it needs a little lift. I'll do a video on that soon, maybe.. Subscriber and enjoy the content 👍🏻
I'm subscribed to your page but I don't think your content actually get to your subscribers the new content I like the TJ I have a 2000 Sahara but me I have a 2 inch lift 31 I think simple is better its a great machine other than me wanting steel bumpers and a winch
@@RubiKidd06 being simple always the best I like modified jeeps there good to look at too but if I need something to get a job done that my jeep can't do then I got a 78 bronco that has a dana 44 front and ford 9 inch in the rear it will go about anywhere you want to drive that old wagon to
Lol. Good stuff. I just came across your channel. I did a feature on my dad's 98tj build called "everyday TJ" avoiding high cost of JL on my channel jeepNdirt. Lot's of views and the stats show our age folks because I think there's so much love and appreciation for the TJ probably between 1 and 2 as per your description. I'm an old school guy at heart (love my built 95 YJ that I've owned for 26 years, soon to get a feature video) but also love my build JLUR on 38's. I appreciate what EVERY jeep has to bring to the table and a firm believer that EVERY jeep has it's specific strengths and opportunities. Agree with many who think that 4 door jeeps are "limos" but here's the thing. When YJ's came out, they were yuppie jeeps until they started being built. Then TJ's became the next yuppie jeep because of coil over smooth ride, the nicer car like dash board with incredible AC as compared to under dash units of the previous models, then the JK, then the JL..... You see the pattern. Also when I think about my YJ build over the years one thing I've always wanted was more space, longer wheelbase (for smoother ride and crawling), an easy to remove soft and or hard top, etc.... Fast forward to my JLUR. No zippers on the soft top, plenty of space to carry stuff, people, or simply sleep in. As for the suspension, lift, tires, 8 speed trans, modern technology, etc.... crazy to think how nice it is to run down the road as a daily driver in kinda sports car like handling (assuming properly set up), only to turn the corner, get off road, throw it in 4lo and go with the flow, then get back on the road and run 75 or 80mph keeping up with traffic and travel on a multi hour trip in comfort, then stop for gas and if the temp is right, slide off the panels (since there are no zippers) in litterally 2 minutes or less, fold the top back then get back on the road or next trail, or ??? and just go. Don't get me wrong, old school jeeps are truly incredible. The 4.0liter is bomb proof as I know first hand from my YJ with 146k miles, and my dads nice build with 226k miles. They don't make them like they used to and they're never going back so we have to save our TJ's, YJ's, and CJ's but there's also nothing wrong with a properly built and maintained JL (as featured on my channel jeepNdirt). As stated above, each jeep has it's strengths and opportunities and at the end of the day each jeeper should choose what's best for their circumstance, budget, intended use, etc.... The most important thing for us all, is to work together to keep trails open so that we can enjoy one of God's great gifts.
First I want to say that I appreciate your comment. Most people assume that the reason a individual has a YJ,TJ,LJ or Cherokee is for budget reasons. That’s not the case for us. Virtually nothing on our TJ’s was cheap. In my minds eye when I look at a TJ or older Jeep I see steel and axles. I don’t see that with the newer Jk, JL especially newer Bronco’s. There’s also a sense of pride have something that not everyone can have. One trip to the dealership brought the JL home. Countless trips looking at different TJ’s made for great memories as to which one to buy. That being said I can attest to liking the newer amenity’s with my wife’s new JL but its still a LIMO 😀. For the people that say (2006 was the last Jeep) I’m like maybe we could let a few of these limo’s in the club if they behave. Totally agree with God’s Great Gifts!!!
I mean... bro. I see 35 year old Dana 3o 35 setups that have never been maintained getting ripped every weekend tho... You know that... I feel like your content is pointed at the upper middle class TJ guys that existed during the TJ years that hated on the Cherokee guys. I'm between 3 and 4. Cut shit off but with I had a XJ.
If you didn’t like this video, you’re gonna hate my budget TJ video coming out. We don’t fit in any group per se and I know that but the Cherokee comment is funny. I can tell you don’t frequent our channel because we love the XJ.
I like to keep the appearance of stock with the 4.0 and the 5 speed I won't change that I just rebuilt my 4.0 for$ 700 easy engine to rebuild but I like the look of the 35" or 33" -4" life with very well capable suspension and old school bumper s I daily mine to enjoy it even tho it a rolling project the purest just know that the United States is never going to make that rig again more ppl cut them up less we have" I won't cut the jeep up for after market parts no need to.. tell you the truth if you're a real Jeep person you'll appreciate all just the simple fact of knowledge and learning and the rig itself💯🤙 any Jeep contents good. I guess I'm the one stuck between two and three
