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#Post#: 29--------------------------------------------------
TJ Info & History
By: David W Date: January 13, 2013, 8:47 pm
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[center]TJ Info/History:[/center]The YJ gave way to the TJ for
the 1997 model year (note that there was no 1996 model year; the
1997 TJ was released in Spring 1996). This updated Wrangler
featured a coil-spring suspension (based on that of the Jeep
Grand Cherokee) for better ride and handling, and a return to
the CJ's iconic round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0 L
AMC 242 Straight-6 used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. A
2.5 L AMC 150 Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models
until 2003 when the 2.4 L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder engine replaced
it.
A right hand drive version of the TJ was available for export
markets, and was also offered for sale to US rural route postal
carriers. The version offered to US postal carriers was only
available with an automatic transmission.
Other changes included the 1999 additions of a larger standard
fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in
2000, and a new console, steering wheel, and a revised dashboard
for 2001. 2002 saw other minor changes including new colors,
along with available wheel styles.
The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains) was introduced in 2003. It featured
front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking
differentials, 4:1 low-range NV241OR transfer case, 4.10:1
differential gears, 16 in alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR
P245/75-R16 tires. 2003 to 2004 featured a standard NV3500
five-speed manual transmission, which changed in 2005 to a
Mercedes-sourced six-speed. The optional 42RLE four-speed
automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006.
A limited run of 1,001 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models
were produced in 2003 to promote the Tomb Raider sequel, Lara
Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Along with the standard
Rubicon fare, it also included exterior features such as 16 inch
Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, Tomb Raider badging, and Mopar
accessories including a light bar, riveted fender flares,
tubular grille guard, diamond-plated bumper guard, etc. Interior
features included Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent
stitching down the center, silver surround instrument panel
bezel, red seatbelts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number.
To match the vehicle in the film, it was offered in Bright
Silver.
TJ Wrangler Unlimited also known as a TJU or LJ
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with a 10 inch
(~25.4 cm) longer wheelbase (LWB), a Dana 44 rear axle with a
3:73 gear ratio and the Command-Trac 231 transfer case; this
model is also known by its unofficial designation of LJ. In
2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited, which has the
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 NVG241OR transfer
case with a 4.0:1 low range, 245/75R16 Goodyear MT/R tires, a
six-speed manual transmission and other comfort and convenience
options not offered on other Wranglers. Available in a Hardtop,
Softtop, or Dual-Top
Trims
* Base - also referred to as "SE"
* X (available after 2002, it was the equivalent to earlier
standard optioned 'Sport' models
* Sport - which came standard with the 4.0-liter (242 CID)
inline-six-cylinder engine
* Sahara - the premium model until 2005, which came standard
with most available options, including the 4.0-liter engine,
alloy wheels, fog lights and the premium interior group
* Rubicon - beginning in 2003, the premium "off-road" model,
which came standard with most of the available off-road options
and included the "Rubicon appearance package", which included
alloys, fog lights, and lower bodyside "diamond" plating.
Rubicon models also received front and rear electric lockers,
Dana 44 center differentials front (Dana 44/Dana30 hybrid or
also known as a Dana 34) and rear, as well as a 4:1 transfer
case with fixed rear output dubbed the NV241OR.
* Unlimited - beginning in 2004, Unlimited offered more interior
room (increased legroom for rear passengers, and improved
storage space behind the rear seat), greater towing capacity,
3,500 pounds (1600 kg), and was available in a standard or
Rubicon trim. A 4.0 L and alloys were standard on all models. On
soft tops, the "Sunrider" flip-back sunroof feature is standard
as well.
In 2003 Jeep made a big change to their wrangler model line. The
sound bar that was an option for 97-02 models turned into sound
pods as a standard feature. Jeep also widened the rear portion
of the sport cage and changed the mirrors to a stronger mounting
structure. Jeep also made some aesthetic changes by adding black
plastic trim around the windshield, they changed the tan to a
more pleasing khaki color, and they changed the seat to one with
a more ergonomic position while lowering it about a inch for
airbag safety reasons. For the saharas they did away with the
passenger airbag switch and replaced it with a coin tray as on
other trims. There was however a change on the 01&02 models, the
HVAC controls was changed from a slider system to a dial system
in 01, and in 02 they changed the radio to a newer style that
was kept till the model change in 07.
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