1987-1995 Jeep YJ Wrangler Info
In 1987, the Jeep YJ, sold as the Jeep Wrangler, the venerable CJ7. The YJ Wrangler was built in Toledo, Ohio using the same plant that produced the Willys Jeeps back in WWII. It was a new design with a wider track, offering slightly less ground clearance and more comfort. The Jeep YJ Wrangler also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for improved handling. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar to the CJ7's, with some of the body parts being interchangeable. The Jeep YJ Wrangler also was given a larger windshield. YJs are easily identifiable due to the rectangular headlights, which were disliked by some Jeep fans. There was no 1996 model year Jeep YJ Wranglers ever sold. Jeep Wrangler YJs produced in early 1996 were sold as 1995 model years, but featured a few new parts not seen on any earlier YJ Wrangler. This included the new TJ bumpstops on the hood, reinforced tailgate hinges, some had TJ rear bumpers, and a few received the newly tuned straight 6 cylinder engine that was designed to run quieter in preparation for the new 1997 Jeep TJ Wrangler.
1997-2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler Info
The YJ gave way to the Jeep TJ Wrangler for the 1997 model year. There was no 1996 Wrangler model year, and the 1997 TJ Wrangler was released in early 1996. The updated Jeep TJ Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension for better ride and handling, and the classic CJ's round headlamps. The TJ Wrangler was also the last production vehicle to use AMC related parts, as the AMC straight 4 cylinder engines were used thru the 2002 model year, while the AMC 6 cylinder engines were used thru 2006. Like the YJ Wrangler, the Jeep TJ Wrangler used both the AMC passenger car door handles as well as the larger door handles off the Jeep CJ.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which was named for the famed Rubicon Trail in Northern California, and was introduced in 2003. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles with locking differentials (lockers), a low-range transfer case, 4.10:1 axle gears, diamond plate rocker panels, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR tires.
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited, that everyone called an ‘LJ”, for long jeep. It The LJ Jeep Wrangler had a 10-inch longer wheelbase than a regular TJ. The LJ Wrangler came standard with a Dana 44 rear axle and a NP-231 transfer case. In 2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited LJ, which has the extra wheelbase of the Unlimited and the off-road features of the Rubicon such as front and rear Dana 44 axles with locking differentials, diamond plate rocker guards, an NVG-241transfer case with a 4:1 low range, 245/75R16 Goodyear MT/R tires, a six-speed manual transmission and other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers. The Jeep LJ Unlimited Wrangler Rubicon has nearly double the towing capacity than the shorter wheelbase Jeep TJ Wrangler due to the increased wheelbase size.
2007-11 Jeep JK Wrangler Info
In 2007, Jeep completely redesigned the Jeep Wrangler with both two and four-door models. The TJ was replaced by the new Jeep JK Wrangler. The JK Wrangler is larger than the TJ and has a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and 3.4-inch (86 mm) wider track. However, the two door JK Wrangler is actually 2.5 inches shorter in the overall length than the TJ, which allows for much better approach and departure angles than the TJ.
The 4 door model is known as the Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, and comes in several different trim packages such as the X, Sahara and Rubicon. The JK Unlimited was stretched even more than the TJ Unlimited was! In order to accommodate 4 doors, the JK Wrangler Unlimited wheelbase was increased to 116 inches, which also provided more stability when offroad.
The Jeep JK Wrangler is also available in the much desired Rubicon package which is loved by the offroad crowd. The Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon comes with front and read Dana 44 axles that are loaded with 4:10 gears and locking differentials. An ultra low range 4:1 transfer case, coupled with bigger axles and ring gears, provide the platform or many offroad adventures. Besides, the increased offroad capabilities of the JK Rubicon, it comes with a long list of improved creature comforts such as a 7 speaker surround sound stereo system, GPS navigation, cruise control, removable top and doors. |
