Will An Old Jeep Wrangler LJ Outperform A New Jeep Gladiator Rubicon? | Taming Tumbleweed Ep.24

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In this episode of Taming Tumbleweed, two Jeeps take on our toughest off-road course, a Jeep Wrangler LJ, and a Gladiator Rubicon on 37s!
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#jeep #wrangler #offroad

[@PantyDropper69]

The TJ is the pinicle of old school jeep. Not our dated enough to be annoying, but old enough to be fixed with a hammer

[@ericchandler90]

YJ

[@JoeZelensky]

CJ7

[@christhornton8219]

It strikes the perfect balance of creature comforts and off-road functionality. Plus, that front end is second to none!!

[@TheAstraeuss]

I had a CJ7, now that was a real Jeep.

[@blueduster74]

@@TheAstraeussthe TJ was better in every way. I’ve had both. Love a CJ but the TJ was the best jeep ever made.

[@Spanked78]

The TJ/LJ is still the best Wrangler Jeep ever made.

[@dgreen3135]

Agreed

[@johndeere8594]

The white rubicon was 22 thousand in 2008. He could probably just about get that for it now. That 4.0 was the best motor Jeep ever made.

[@GilMikalian]

My neck of the woods (L.A. regions), that LJ will fetch WAY more than 22k. That thing is built perfect and just pristine.

[@salhryncewitz9148]

Agreed with 4.0 they need to do new stock gladiator and 47willys military

[@teotwawki00]

Agreed

[@teotwawki00]

My 3.6 is doing great, but that 4.0 is legendary.

[@whoami-eb7cq]

Well over 40k now in show room condition

[@noah22261]

Gladiator guy is pinnacle of Denver overbuilt jeep dad

[@evanjones6704]

Overbuilt and low skill

[@nismomike3182]

LJ Rubicon is the pinnacle because of that 4.0 Also, didn't know Billy Bob Thornton was a Jeep guy.

[@79thump8]

I thought I caught a glimpse of a sling blade in the glove box.

[@KTMcaptain]

The 3.6 completely outclasses the 4.0. It makes 13% more torque, 50% more power, and have been proven the be extremely reliable. Not to mention being more efficient. . My buddies TJ actually threw a rod through the block in a mud bog at high RPM with his 4.0. Also had the Dana 30 pinion bearing fail on the freeway and lock up a wheel. Was fun watching CHP push him to the shoulder.

[@JRudd]

I have a TJ and I have to admit, the LJ takes the cake.

[@TheMeanmarine13]

Listening to jeep guys say "huh uh, nope, mine's better" 😵‍💫 🔫 . Lol jk Honestly I like hearing people compare them. I don't own one myself so I'm learning from the back and forth. Pretty much all of my friends have had one at 1 point in their life, so I should know more by now.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@TheMeanmarine13 most Jeep people are clueless and ignorant to be honest. They believe anything. For example, go onto the Gladiator forums and you’ll see droves of people bragging about going 50mph in low range. Besides the idiotic idea of that outside very rare circumstance, the Mojave has the same driveline and transfercase as a sport max tow. The manual says not to exceed 25mph and the other models aren’t “capable” in their minds as doing so. This is because Jeep marketing said that was the reason for omitting the stronger 4:1 transfer case. Then they believe the frame is beefed up when it weighs right around what a Rubicon does and primarily stronger suspension mounts with a little reinforcing on the top middle of the frame. They added more weight in the steel hood vs aluminum one than they did to the frame. . Here’s what you need to know. Solid axles shift weight very easily. The suspension arms and springs act like a cantilever where forces pushing the tire up are resisted by the spring as a pivot point forcing the opposite wheel down. This is great at low speed and terrible at high speed and requires a really strong sway bar to control body movements. . There are two ways to accelerate off road, friction/traction and accelerating mass in an opposite direction to propel the vehicle forward. So you’ll have to choose the gearing for the situation. Ultra low gearing is great for rocks but will sink in sand. . Also weight is the enemy off road so mother in laws should be left at home.

[@colorowdy7907]

As an LJ owner i absolutely loved this video ! Being in Colorado, i hope i run in to Troy one day, sweet rig !

[@DUNEATV]

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon always impresses me!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

It’s no Gladiator, that’s a FSJ.

[@MstaEd]

Gayyee

[@roccoracer]

I love my Gladiator.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

One day can TFL Off-road find a stock CJ7 to run this course?…compare to the same vintage Toyota FJ40? Like a crossover video with TFL Classics!

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Finding a stock cj7 would be very difficult or very very very expensive

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Tumbleweed is my favorite series. It will be even more interesting when the rains start. Can't wait! 🙂

[@ShaunsJeep]

I love watching Jeeps. Thanks guys.

[@aredman22]

I love the TJs and the narrow wheels/tires look great on this one.

[@Outlaw_Media]

Off Road + does the following: Allows you to drive at higher speeds with rear locker engaged. Disables Traction Control Adjusts throttle for off road driving. Adjusts auto trans shift points for off road use. It's particularly well suited to sand.

[@robbyb3184]

Great build on the LJ...the wheels/tires give it a Defender vibe.

[@markeasley6149]

LJ was best jeep they ever made. They took a few short cuts on a couple spots, so it isn't perfect from factory, but with upgrades and taking care of the 4.0 I6 it stands time beyond just a novelty.

[@SynthiaVan]

The LJ needs one more mod - a backwards back seat. I reversed the seat rails and it fits great and looks awesome!

[@metwono]

I’ve never heard of this. What’s the advantage?

[@WilliamCWayne]

@@metwono I guess it looks awesome? I'm not sure how the seatbelts would work, so probably better to just remove the seat altogether.

[@metwono]

@@WilliamCWayne 🤔 Does it just bolt in backwards? That’d be kinda cool at a drive-in.

[@WilliamCWayne]

@metwono The question I have is if the stock location for the seatbelt mounted would allow the belt to rest against the passenger correctly. My gut says that it would need to be re-mounted to the rear of the "B pillar" rollbar, so not as simple as just flipping the seat around. Even if the stock location allowed the belt to sit across the shoulders correctly, I imagine the function of the belt would be impaired by routing the wrong direction. But, as long as there are no passengers, then there's really no issue. My Odyssey is pretty awesome at drive in theaters - we flip the rear seats backwards, but don't allow them to collapse. We then sit on the seat backs and rest against the seat bottoms.

[@metwono]

@@WilliamCWayne Excellent point.

[@normanhaney583]

My 03 Rubicon really shines on the tight wooded trails.

[@NWI_Steel]

Love that it's a 6 speed Awesome rig

[@bryansmith1612]

Just did the SBCSD Search and Rescue fund raiser here in the Mohave Desert this last month in my 04 Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) and it went through everything like it was a breeze. Several participants were bypassing many of the obstacles they deemed impassable here in the desert, but we went up, down and through every single obstacle without a hitch or assistance. No damage, took the tires down to twenty pounds and made everything look so easy it was almost comical. The most involved part of the weekend was bring the Jeep home and having to power wash it. There were physically pounds of desert dust, sand and muck I took off with the power washer! First I pressure washed the Jeep, then the driveway. I love my LJ. It's the most versatile, agile vehicle I've ever owned and it's so simple that I can do virtually any maintenance required. It will be with me forever. I love it! I would go so far as to say that this era Jeep is as versatile, if not more so, than the Humvees. The only advantage the Humvee has is that it's capable of running on diesel. If I had to make a choice between a 04-06 Jeep and our old Humvees, I'd stick with my 04 Jeep..been on both sides of that coin.

[@dalejones4322]

Great video guys. I love when tumble weed bites them lol. Especially when they don't think it will. It seems you just have to have a certain amount of ground clearance for Tommy's demise. The front bumper digging in may be a sign you won't make it out.

[@coreybatorski9626]

Love this episode. Andre just crushes the content. Favorite truck channel by far

[@JonBecker81]

Andre is TFL’s golden goose. He’s the man.

[@rickbalderas7153]

the LJ is my dream offroader

[@Rusty.1776]

Those two rigs complement each other perfectly! I absolutely love my mildly built stinggray Gladiator Rubicon. TY! I love y'all ❤️🤍💙

[@wyrickb]

Im not a jeep guy but the LJ may be the best jeep ever.

[@GilMikalian]

A LOT of Jeep guys would absolutely agree with you. I've seen some nicely built LJs but none that clean.

[@exordis]

I'd say that last obstacle highlights the disadvantage of an All Terrain tire. They fall in the range of "great" to "suitable" in most driving situations, but once caked with mud, they really show their limitations. On the contrary, the rest of the course shows how capable an All Terrain can be when not absolutely caked with mud. Good video as always.

[@1342sq]

Love this content! You guys seriously have the best KZbin channels.

[@thechugdude]

I want to see the Mojave go through this. Hit the mud with some speed and momentum!

[@duncdunc76]

This was good entertainment and those are both Nice Jeeps👍 I am really impressed with the LJ on 33s. I think if I were going to own a Jeep it would be an LJ for the bit of extra room but still be somewhat traditional Jeep with 2 doors and still a pretty short wheelbase for serious wheeling.

[@tonyvelez9869]

I have a nice Lj for sale with a metal cloak long arm locked and loaded suspension kit you could own for 15k a very reasonable price considering how much people are trying to get for them now

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Love my TJ Rubicon. Would trade it right now for an LJ Rubicon.

[@timjchick]

I upgraded to a LJ from a TJ. I’ll never go back. Lol

[@isachar2013]

Good luck...🤣

[@spartanchirho]

I love the rims and skinnies on the white Rubicon, so good looking!!!!!! Great build!

[@---rg1gb]

The LJ owner is very knowledgeable. Great series

[@stephencarbajal5657]

Proud gladiator owner right here💪🍿🍿🍿 super impressed by both butore for the glad because of it's wheel base can be a disadvantage at times and even prouder because how much hate the JT gets. Prove them wrong baby!

[@rossbowman202]

Last week did not a TJ go through all these obstacles with ease? I still believe TJ was the pinnacle of the Wrangler off-road. Good video TFL. I still haven't seen those traction boards work. 😕

[@WW-wf8tu]

Yes, a TJ did go through the WHOLE course w/out being towed. I guess TFL has short term memory loss since they did not award that kid with a sticker for being the 1st to complete the course w/out help.

[@jackrotter9434]

LJ owner has great taste, basically covered everything I’d like to do with my TJ eventually

[@garbinator09]

Brought a smile to my face guys! Enjoyed seeing both jeeps the old versus new. The LJ, the way its been carefully setup reminds me of the old days when tall and skinny tires was the norm. Especially African Movies such as John Waynes DakTari I think its spelled.

[@Isha048]

Great video, great music, you're really professional people. Thanks for sharing.

[@DocGTO]

Andre, when you tighten up the shackle bolt, when it gets finger tight you then back it off 1/2 turn. This way it keeps it from not locking itself up too tight when you snatch recover off it. Just a friendly tip!

[@timjchick]

But the bolt will also rattle out somewhere on the trail. After losing one of mine I put a tie wrap through the bolt hole so it won’t back out and I use a soft shack to attach things to it. No more messing with the shackle bolts.

[@DocGTO]

@@timjchick you do that just for the recovery. You can keep it snug when not in use or do like you mention with a zip tie. We do zip tie ours as well. I haven't lost one but it did loosen up on the GAT.

[@northerntoyota7584]

“Give it hell……..more hell” my thought exactly Andre haha

[@paulosouza3369]

My old TJ makes fun on this level of "obstacles"... And the best of TJ's right now, prices just go up.

[@DrivenHard]

This series keeps getting better!! Awesome video guys!

[@jamescharles8663]

Both are fun fantastic rigs. Tumbleweed videos are always entertaining.

[@ClassicSteelRC]

Absolutely awesome rigs! As for Tumbleweed Ranch, that looks like an an absolute blast!!!

[@blueduster74]

Momentum matters in slop, especially going into a hill.

[@LuaiADV]

Very tasteful mods on the LJ. Love it

[@korrasatsuki8773]

Also, it’s mud, use momentum

[@TheRamGuy]

That looked like alot of fun for those guys

[@kota-dx7iq]

So nice to meet and talk with Andrew and some of the crew today at the Loveland Overland Expo today.

[@scottyellis3442]

The Rubicon needs to get those crappy KO2's off & put a good set of tires on. They are good for sand & dirt roads but definitely not mud.

[@ebx2323]

That looked like so much fun!

[@mojo.adventures]

Beautiful LJ💯clean and mean! Even though he uses it I can see why he didn't want to bog it in the mud 😅

[@wpherigo1]

Too bad the LJ didn’t try the winch! That was another good episode.

[@rickreese5794]

Dah…

[@bobvedder2451]

I liked my first jeep - a 1976 CJ7 with a 258 six cylinder. It had a Clifford Research intake manifold, a Doug Thorly header with a turbo muffler, Mallory dual point distributer, then i bolted on a 550 cfm Holley carb (was too big, but what did i know). It got 10 mpg, top speed about 70 mph. It had 7 leaf springs, and i added 2000 pound overloads on all four corners, so if you ran over a dime and didnt have your seatbelt on, you would get launched. But it had lots of power.

[@fishinguns4975]

I have 255/85R16 Toyo MT’s for my 2000 XJ build! That LJ is awesome!!!!

[@sbirddesmo]

That 4.0 was magic in a Wrangler.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Andrey doesn’t realize the 4.0 is one of the best engines ever put in a vehicle;( and it’s possible the engine family is older than him! 4.6 stroker and you’re doing even more awesome!

[@bruceklassen8261]

I really loved the Jeep content here

[@RimRig_AZ]

Great job you guys!

[@turbogeoduck]

That LJ is pure BADASSERY!! GODDAM, MAN!!

[@javierlugo259]

Really Cool Video! Many Thanks......

[@morningdrums]

so I love the gladiator! Question if your off roading or going into rural areas often how do you hand gas and gas milegae? in other words, do people have bigger gas tank swapped out from the factory one so they have more gas to work with?

[@kirk0respite]

LJ rubicon is the god of Jeeps

[@anthonywarren3656]

The LJ Rubicon is the single best Jeep ever made. I have a 01 TJ but how I would love to find a LJ.

[@jamesammesmaki7832]

Should have a battlewagon episode through this course. I'd love to see that

[@daviddawson1897]

That TJL is pretty much my dream Jeep. Prefect proportions with 33's.

[@timjchick]

A 4” lift with 35’s is the ideal setup for my LJ. I wouldn’t want anything smaller and don’t need anything bigger.

[@johnkraft5640]

Course is cute.

[@JonBecker81]

Those little hitch sliders are pretty sweet EXCEPT that they are almost $200 which is so stupid.

[@KTMcaptain]

LJ is an amazing platform. Don’t know why Jeep doesn’t make the 2 door more like the LJ.

[@Spanked78]

2-doors just aren't a thing anymore. Even adding that kinda cargo room onto a JL wouldn't improve sales, unfortunately.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@Spanked78 I think it would increase sales, not by much, but would help… mainly for performance and stability gains overall. especially if it had suicide half doors like an FJ. . Would also like Jeep to bring back the CJ as a modern stripped down Jimny type vehicle. Call it the Willys model if they want. Imagine a true modern version of a CJ for $25k starting.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Because most car manufacturers are chasing profits not performance;( most concerning is why there’s no regular cab Gladiator, which has both commercial and civilian potential.

[@Spanked78]

@@KTMcaptain It would appeal to the enthusiast, sure, but we don't drive the Wrangler market anymore. It's soccer moms and dads that largely buy these things which is why many owners don't even know what the 4xe does or what a 392 is.

[@KTMcaptain]

@@Spanked78 very true, and why the FJ died off. Still think there is enough of a market for it. There is also a huge hole in the market for an inexpensive true 4x4 which has propped up old 90s Jeep and Toyota prices.

[@andresrivera2124]

Favorite truck on the channel ..jeep gladiator

[@Longsnowsm]

Would love to see them bring back the inline 6 engine in the Jeep. Love that older school looking LJ.

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

That is actually in the works. Check out the new Wagoneer's they already have the new inline twin turbo in use.

[@outofcontext9053]

My first car was a TJ, and I've always wanted an LJ

[@KNIFE1231]

Troy looks like a budget Billy Bob

[@ford4602]

Great video and great lookin rigs, I think the added weight of all the accessories hurt them and AT's vs MT's

[@Autoguru83]

As a TJ / LJ owner I can tell you the TJ is most situations will out perform the LJ. If you're out in Moab and want to rock crawl, sure go LJ. For the other 80% type of trails most of us see the TJ is the jeep to have. The LJ is great no hate but trust me it's def a hyped up rig. I much prefer the TJ on the trail I cuss an LJ.. The gladiator..why if you actually off road it 🧐

[@timjchick]

Great rigs and they represented the jeep brand well. I think if the LJ had just a little more lift and 35” tires I don’t think it would’ve gotten hung up in that gulley. Jeep on!

[@KTMcaptain]

Off road plus in low range is rock crawling mode. It’s worse for mud. Dulls throttle, holds lower gears for torque not wheel spin, it crazy aggressive with TC if lockers aren’t used.

[@tristansundquist1834]

Just got rid of my LJ rubicon for a 2 door JL rubicon. I miss the LJ and WILL own another one again. At 22 I need something that I could depend on getting me places. A LJ with a 4 inch long arm and 35s just wasn’t it. Especially with 220,000 miles on it.

[@lastspartan]

“I’ll Just need a slight Tug ! 🤣

[@bruceklassen8261]

Andre is sneaky lol

[@arturpolonski6234]

Names of this opportunity is great

[@fuccyahhat1229]

The cool factor hasn’t changed 😎🔥

[@chir0pter]

think if you get the narrower tires you gotta take advantage and air them down, especially with all that roof weight, or else they become a hindrance more than a help

[@romeoroze2357]

Well , now that they have a off road course. Someone needs to bring a LR3 in stock mode to do some challenges. Just missing their LR3 from back in the day.

[@ezrafox4219]

Will be taking inspiration for my LJ from this build that’s for sure

[@dacrazycard7086]

IMO the LJ needed a touch more lift. The Old Man Emu 2" HD he has is the same as the one on my shorter TJ. (Mine netted 2.5") Works great for me but I don't think it is enough for the LJ. I think about a 4" suspension lift is about ideal on those running 33" tires. Approach and departure angles mean a lot. (His tail got hung up) My TJ would have not. And yes. I know he had a 1" body lift also. Obviously still not enough.

[@mattpayne7405]

Agreed. Just picked up a stock LJ. I’ll be stealing a bunch of ideas.

[@metwono]

Mostly the fuel tank.

[@markrigney4372]

The maxtrax works great if you dig them in a bit. The tyres need to pull them under the tyres in order to work.

[@christianb3053]

That's what i was thinking. He just set them down in front of the tires.

[@ryanmassey1245]

that's a fair test if they both have the same wheelbase length for the front to grip the dry dirt on the other side as the rear leaves. Same size wheels would also help.

[@SgtGrave]

From my experiences as well, traction boards are so rarely useful. I only really carry them in my built tacoma to use a leveling blocks when I pop up my tent. Maybe one day I'll find the one situation where they help.

[@dadventuretv2538]

I’ve used em on sand to good affect. When parking on the beach if it’s really soft I’ll put em down and park right on em.

[@perpelle]

Ask the Australians. They use them a lot, everywhere.

[@DrivenHard]

@32:05 its insane that with those 37s (not sure if that's correct) he got stuck in the same spot I got the Range Rover with bald snow tires stuck. Legendary course!

[@Outlaw_Media]

I would love to take my lifted WK on your course. It looks like a lot of fun.

[@FluffyHawk13]

Quick question. Looking to lift my 08 WK with a max of 2in lift. Would you recommend rough country spacers or adjustable shocks with 2in springs? May go with spacers and keep suspension stock height.

[@terrykerger8670]

Oh yes,,,, a fine “reduced departure angle” very important

[@jameskendrick573]

Awesome Andre

[@pier-alexandreaube9562]

I adored that video !

[@rafalst]

I would love to see a 6x6 go trough the course if possible. Would be cool to see if the extra axle helps much or not

[@kennethcurtis1856]

I hear the M1A1 Abrams is next up.

[@WilliamCWayne]

I can see how this obstacle course would be a challenge for full sized trucks, and maybe for Jeeps without lockers. I would probably have an issue with that stinking mudhole in my partially modified non-Rubicon LJ.

[@abouttime7316]

Love these type of comparisons. I can’t believe the JT doesn’t have a winch considering all the other mods he has bought.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

He's waiting for you to buy it for him.

[@danielwolfe5374]

it literally has a warn winch mounted on the front of it?

[@josephina24]

It looks like these rigs are really capable, needs more of the New England technique! When in doubt...

[@Baddad53]

The receiver slide is not "super expensive" IMO. I have one on my JT and it is really useful. I believe it's made from a solid piece of aluminum.

[@SynthiaVan]

Can't the receiver just slide though? Like on it's own without a slider? I have a receiver I use a lot on my LJ and I've wondered about it, but I'm not a big trail head.

[@zezar032]

I get all excited when you guys drop Jeeps videos! Thank you !

[@holden8239]

Off-road + mode makes it start in gear 1 when in low range instead of gear 2 and I think it makes it hold gears into higher rpm’s. It probably does other things too but they are not as obvious whatever they are.

[@KTMcaptain]

Dulls throttle and heightened traction control with emphasis on wheel spin control in low range. Aggressive throttle with emphasis on wheel spin in TC in high range. . Both hold gear longer, but one does it for more control and the other for more power. . Using it in mud prevents the tires from clearing out (Low Range). A tazer allows high range lockers, and that plus off road plus would have been my choice to get a ton of clear out those treads desperately needed.

[@toma1460]

@@KTMcaptain copy and paste much lol

[@SamCarleton]

Where does one get those orange tail dragging recovery point?

[@MSchumacherfan]

Mud tires on that gladiator and it will be unstoppable 👍🏻

[@dadventuretv2538]

Man snatching with a metal D-ring from a hitch?!? 😬 If that hitch breaks off, it’s potential death. Use recovery points. Please. If the Mule doesn’t have recovery hooks bring a rig that does. You got lucky today, and maybe most times will, but there is just no need for that kind of risk.