[BaltimoreJeep]

I'm a Wrangler owner looking to sell my YJ and buy a KJ.

I've been trying to do some research, and here's my question: What are some of the differences between the 2002 and 2003 Liberty? At some point, they lowered the Liberty by an inch, right? Also, wasn't the suspension changed at some point? The ball joint recall effected the 2002's and 2003's, right? Can anyone think of any other significant recalls/problems with either of these years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This site has been so helpful to me and my YJ in the past. Thanks again for any help/suggestions you can give me.

[xfactor]

midway through 2003 they lowered the Liberties approximately an inch. If you ever plan on installing a lift this isnt really a huge issue.

The bigger change is the change of transmissions. 2002 had a heavier 545rfe(might be wrong on the numbers) from the truck line. This is also being used in the new diesel liberties so it is obviously built to handle torque. 03 and beyond have a lighter 42rle tranny.

I have the 42 and have been doing some serious towing regularly in my 04 and so far so good. I still would have preferred the beefier tranny if given a choice.

There have been other minor changes, some good and some bad. I do like having the larger gas tank in the 04's.

Originally Posted by BaltimoreJeep

I'm a Wrangler owner looking to sell my YJ and buy a KJ.

I've been trying to do some research, and here's my question: What are some of the differences between the 2002 and 2003 Liberty? At some point, they lowered the Liberty by an inch, right? Also, wasn't the suspension changed at some point? The ball joint recall effected the 2002's and 2003's, right? Can anyone think of any other significant recalls/problems with either of these years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This site has been so helpful to me and my YJ in the past. Thanks again for any help/suggestions you can give me.

[PA_KJ]

Originally Posted by BaltimoreJeep

I'm a Wrangler owner looking to sell my YJ and buy a KJ.

I've been trying to do some research, and here's my question: What are some of the differences between the 2002 and 2003 Liberty? At some point, they lowered the Liberty by an inch, right? Also, wasn't the suspension changed at some point? The ball joint recall effected the 2002's and 2003's, right? Can anyone think of any other significant recalls/problems with either of these years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This site has been so helpful to me and my YJ in the past. Thanks again for any help/suggestions you can give me.

The KJ's were lowered in April 2, 2002. The consensus is that only the springs were changed. However, there are several different springs that were used and I don't recall the correct numbers for the prelowered KJs.

I have a prelowered KJ and the only recall I had was for the ball joints.

Cosmetic changes:

The 4x4 badges on the sides were relocated to the back in late 2001/early 2002 (prior to lowering the KJ).

The early 2002 models (manufactured in 2001) had a push pad (not sure of the name) on the back glass to close the window. It was removed in mid- and late-2002 model KJs. I think it was brough back with the 2004s. Either way, you can purchase it from the dealership.

I'm sure there were some other changes inside, but I don't recall any right now.

Good luck!

[DrBrian722]

02 to 03 changes;
lowered
no push pad on rear glass
lost the 4x4 badges under the rear windows
ditched the heavier tranny to try and save some LBs and therefore mileage. (I tow a 20' boat reguraly and have no issues)
rear drum brakes were KO'd for 4 wheel discs
shfter lever lost red/green/black type and are all black type
front power port and ashtray ditched in favor of a plastic cup and a non-skid cubby that hold a pair of sunglasses perfectly.
I think that's it.

-Brian

Originally Posted by BaltimoreJeep

I'm a Wrangler owner looking to sell my YJ and buy a KJ.

I've been trying to do some research, and here's my question: What are some of the differences between the 2002 and 2003 Liberty? At some point, they lowered the Liberty by an inch, right? Also, wasn't the suspension changed at some point? The ball joint recall effected the 2002's and 2003's, right? Can anyone think of any other significant recalls/problems with either of these years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This site has been so helpful to me and my YJ in the past. Thanks again for any help/suggestions you can give me.