[Wheelin98TJ]

The information below is courtesy of Jeep Changes By Year


2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997

[Wheelin98TJ]

2006

2006 information is incomplete.

Please PM a moderator if you can help with this.

[Wheelin98TJ]

2005


* New Exterior Colors:

Impact Orange
Deep Beryl Green Pearl

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Solar Yellow
Shale Greeb
Sienna Pearl Coat

* 6-Speed NSG370 manual transmission replaces the 5-speed NV3550 & NV1500 transmissions in all models

6 forward 1 reverse
Max torque input 272 ft/lb
1- 5.014:1
2- 2.831:1
3- 1.789:1
4- 1.256:1
5- 1.000:1
6- 0.828:1
Reverse 4.569:1
Weight 40.5 kg

* SE gets 3.73 axle gears in place of 4.11/4.56
* Sahara Edition Discontinued
* Second soft top on Unlimited, called "Easy-Folding Soft Top" now an option (Dual tops still not an option on the Unlimited)
* New Premium H-Package on the Unlimited model features unique 2-tone cloth seats, silver painted center stack and instrument cluster bezels, bright grille and body color fender flares
* Optional six-disc in-dash CD changer system that arrives later in the model year

[Wheelin98TJ]

2004



* New Exterior Colors:

Solar Yellow
Lime Green

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Inca Gold
Intense Blue

* Trail Rated badges
* The Canyon wheels in the 30" package are now "Ravine" wheels
* Can be purchased in the U.S. with right-hand steering
* The standard AM/FM Tape is now a CD
* There is a standard spare tire cover that comes with the 30" wheel/tire package now
* There is a new "cubby bin" in the center "stack"

* Willys Edition:

Exclusive Moss Green exterior color
Camo and black seats
Unique "WILLYS" decal at cowl side
Diamond-plate sill guards painted Dark Green
Body-color fender flares
AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and seven speakers (includes subwoofer in center console) - no extra charge
4.0L Power Tech I-6 engine
Tow hooks
Fog lamps
Full-size spare tire with matching wheel

* Columbia Edition:

4.0L I-6 Engine
15-inch graphite painted aluminum wheels
Unique graphite fender flares
Fog lamps
Columbia badging
Dark Slate Interior
Khaki two-tone seats with the Columbia logo
Silver painted instrument panel accents
Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
Complimentary Columbia Bugaboo® parka featuring a zip-in Chehalis or Shoshone fleece vest

* Rocky Mountain Edition:

4.0L I-6 Engine
30 Goodyear GS/A Tires on 15x8-Inch Alcoa Cast Aluminum wheels w/ full size spare
Unique graphite fender flares
Fog lamps
Rocky Mountain Edition badging
Dark Slate Interior
Idential two-tone seats as Columbia Edition, but with Jeep embroidery replacing Columbia logo
Silver painted instrument panel accents
Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
Diamond sill plates
Tow hooks
Dana 44 rear

* Introduction of Unlimited Model (2004 1/2):

10" longer wheelbase
5" extra rear overhang
Additional 13 inches behind the second row of seats (doubling rear cargo capacity to 29.5 cubic ft.)
Passengers in the rear seats pick up an additional two inches of leg room, and can now access the area with tip and slide seats
3500 lbs. towing capacity (Extra 1500 lbs.)
New Sunrider soft-top, which lets drivers open a sunroof or take the entire top down
More sound insulation
Revised springs/shocks as well as an additional cross member out back to ensure an improved ride and no loss of structural rigidity

[Wheelin98TJ]

2003

* New Exterior Colors:

Bright Silver Metallic
Light Khaki Metallic
Inca Gold Pearl Coat
Intense Blue Pearl Coat

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Silverstone Metallic
Solar Yellow
Steel Blue Pearl Coat
Amber Fire Pearl Coat

* Exterior Labeling:

On Sports, the word "Sport" now appears at the top of the fender where the word "Wrangler" used to appear
On Saharas there's a brand new Sahara logo (much more discrete) that appears about where the "4.0L" used to appear on early TJs, roughly where the "Sport" label appears on 2002s
Rubicon has RUBICON label on hood

* New Interior Colors:

Dark Slate replaces Agate
Khaki replaces Camel
Khaki color for Saharas instead of green trail cloth

* Soft Top Colors:

Dark Khaki replaces Tan

* Seat Changes:

Additional 20 millimeters of rearward travel
Taller seat backs
Softer seats
Seats are lower sitting (more like a car)
Lever on the side of the front passenger seat for easier access to the rear.
Rear seats are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for CHildren)
New fold-and-tumble rear seat -- release now on the top center of the rear seat and a new spring mechanism helps it fold and tumble easier than ever before

* New 3-ply Soft Top that is as quiet as the previous 4-ply (NOTE: Change in driver's side window: male zipper is now on window, female zipper on the top, previous years was vice-versa)
* Plastic windshield trim (Interior Upper Head Impact Protection to meet 2003 federal standard?)
* Trim on back of hardtop and vents removed (vents added to tailgate)
* New interior electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display
* A new exterior mirror design reduces vibration, while increasing stability and durability. Shorter, fatter, and all plastic Now "ratchet" out from the body rather than swing out in a smooth motion.
* Doors - the key cylinder is now chrome instead of black
* Dashboard redesigned, openings for the radio and HVAC controls are now oval rather than rectangular
* New 4-spoke vinyl steering wheel for SE and X models
* New 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel for Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models
* Smoker’s Package optional on all models
* On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)
* Additional power outlet on the dash
* New flush-mounted AM/FM cassette radio with CD changer control
* New flush-mounted AM/FM compact disc radio with CD changer control
* Replacing the optional sound bar, new standard corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle house interior lamps, providing theater lighting and optional speakers
* Energy-absorbing foam is added to the sport bar
* 4-wheel disc brakes optional on Sport and Sahara
* 42RLE 4-speed automatic option
* New transfer case skid to work with new 4-spd auto (lower ground clearance)
* Jeep Wrangler SE Changes:

NV1500 five-speed heavy-duty transmission. Also used on Jeep Liberty, this transmission gives Wrangler a synchronized reverse gear and improved shift quality in cold weather.
4.56 gears available with SE and 4-speed auto
Jeep Liberty’s 2.4-liter Power Tech I-4 replaces the 2.5-liter I-4 as the standard engine on 2003 Jeep Wrangler SE models. This 2.4-liter engine provides an estimated 150 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, representing a 25-percent increase in horsepower and an 18-percent increase in torque. This increased power and torque is achieved through the use of aluminum cross-flow cylinder heads, dual overhead cams and a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The new 2.4-liter engine is quieter, more fuel-efficient and engineered for longer life and ease of maintenance.

* Introduction of Rubicon Model:

Tru-lok selectable pneumatic lockers, activate in 4-lo and under 10mph, engaged until out of 4-lo or deselected
Limited slip in rear when not locked
NV241 Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case -- fixed yoke
Heavy-duty driveshafts with 1330 universal joints
Dana 44 Front (Dana 30 outers)
4.10 gears
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R LT245/75R16
16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels
Diamond plate rock rails
Rubicon Lettering on Hood
4-wheel Disc Brakes

* Apex Edition:

Special hood emblem
Special seats

* Freedom Edition:

Body colored fender flares
Special side badges
Outlined white letter P225/75R15 Goodyear all-terrain tires mount on 15-inch chrome wheels.
Standard soft-top with full metal doors, fog lamps and tow hooks.
Standard air conditioning, Sentry Key® theft-deterrent system, easy access Fold-and-Tumble(TM) rear seat and a choice of Dark Slate Gray vinyl or cloth seating.
Available in red, silver, blue and black exterior colors.

* Tomb Raider Edition Rubicon:

16-inch Alcoa forged aluminum wheels
Tomb Raider badging with serial number
Light bar
Riveted fender flares in graphite
Black Tubular grille guard
Diamond plate bumper guard
Rock rails
Fog & Taillamp brush guards
Aluminum diamond plate bumper guard in black
Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center
Silver surround instrument panel bezel
Red seat belts
Available in Bright Silver

[Wheelin98TJ]

2002



* New Exterior Colors:

Shale Green Metallic

* New Ecco Wheel and Tire Group with P225/75R15 OWL Tire replaces the Grizzly Wheel and Tire Group
* New appearance for the Full Face Wheel
* 30" Tire and Wheel Group, speed control, full doors with roll-up windows and sentry key are now standard on the Wrangler Sahara
* Full doors with roll-up windows, fog lamps and tow hooks are now standard on the Wrangler Sport
* Fog lamps and tow hooks become separate options
* New HVAC System with overall improvements in performance and quietness
* New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement
* Premium sound system that includes 2 new tweeters in addition to the existing subwoofer
* 7 year/70,000 Mile Warranty Offered (Not on early 2002's however)

* Introduction of X Model:

4.0L engine and cloth seats, standard, less options than Sport (no Dana 44)

[Wheelin98TJ]

2001



* New Exterior Colors:

Sienna Pearl Coat
Steel Blue Pearl Coat
Amber Fire Pearl Coat

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Medium Fern Green
Desert Sand

* New 4-ply Soft Top that is more durable and quieter
* Quarter-Turn Fuel Filler Cap
* New Anti-Lock Brake System
* Long Life 100,000-Mile Engine Coolant that is more Environmentally-friendly
* Quick-Removal Side Steps
* All-New steering wheel tilt mechanism provides reduced effort and an increased range of adjustment
* Optional molded plastic Add-a-Trunk for reduced weight
* Optional Amplified Sub-woofer
* Re-designed Stereos
* Mini Console with dual cup holders
* Re-designed Full Console with rear seat cup holders
* Sutton Vinyl Seat Material - Standard on SE and Sport Nomad Cloth Seat Material - Optional on SE and Sport
* New wider inside rear-view mirror
* New Multi-function Steering Column switch combines headlamp, fog lamp, turn signal and windshield wiper functions
* Intermittent windshield wipers made standard
* New Instrument cluster includes a fog lamp tell-tale light and provides Parade-Mode lighting, battery saver control of interior lighting and odometer display with door open
* User-Ready Child Seat Anchorage System
* The pull switch for the headlights moved from the dash to the blinker

* Late Model:

New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement

* 60th Anniversary Edition

Available only in Black or Silverstone Metallic
Body-color wheel flares and rocker sills
Specially embroidered floor mats
Full Metal Doors
Canyon 30-inch Tire and Wheel Group
Fog Lamp and Tow Hook Group
Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo readio with CD player, five speakers and subwoofer
Options: Speed control & Dual-Top

[Wheelin98TJ]

2000


* New Exterior Colors:

Solar Yellow
Patriot Blue Pearlcoat
Silver Stone

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Chilli Pepper Red
Gunmetal Blue
Intense Blue
Deep Amethyst

* Alternator moved higher up
* Ultra Star 16" alloy wheel now standard on Sahara models
* 4.0L engine now gets distributorless direct-ignition system, re-designed cylinder head, new exhaust manifold and dual-catalyst system (2.25" exhaust)
* New NVG-3550 manual transmission replaces the Aisin transmission on the models with the 4.0L engine (includes synchromesh on reverse gear)
* Sound Bar now standard on Sport models
* Tow hook option now includes one rear tow hook
* Sport's standard AM/FM radio adds a cassette player, Sahara exchanges a cassette player for CD player
* Optional tilt steering wheel in SE and Sport is now the same leather-covered unit that was standard in Sahara
* Child-seat tethers added to the rear seat

[Wheelin98TJ]

1999

* New Exterior Colors:

Medium Fern Green Pearlcoat
Forest Green Pearlcoat
Desert Sand Pearlcoat
Intense Blue Pearlcoat

* Discontinued Exterior Colors:

Jade
Lapis Blue
Emerald
Moss Green
Gunmetal Pearlcoat

* New Interior Colors:

Agate
Camel

* New Top Colors:

Dark Tan replaces Spice

* Hood cowl changed from a "3 section" wide cowl with alot of plastic around it to a smaller cowl
* Removed annoying useless vent that leaks water
* Cruise control controls on steering wheel
* Rotary climate controls with bi-level air
* Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag
* Improved ECM
* Re-designed catalytic converter
* New "JTEC+" engine controller with new engine-function sensors
* Lighter frame - 16 lbs (8kg) lighter
* Nineteen gallon fuel tank now standard
* 30" tire package came with the "Canyon" style wheels (15x8)

[Wheelin98TJ]

1998

Chrylser becomes Daimler/Chrylser

* New Exterior Colors:

Chili Pepper Red Pearlcoat
Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat

* Smart Key Immobilizer replaces previous Lock/Unlock keyfob system.
* Cruise control Available
* Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available
* Revised torsion bar for improved steering response
* Revised steering gear ratio that varies from 15:1 on centre to 13:1 at the extremes of travel for more responsive steering
* New steering wheel
* Next generation airbags
* Revised stereo range
* Hood latch changes
* 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear
* New engine managment system wiring
* Dual Tops Option
* Added pads to front bumper -- front license plate moved to the center of the bumper
* 30" tire package came with the "Gambler" style wheels (15x8)

* Late Model:

Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag

[Wheelin98TJ]

1997

* Introduction of TJ Model:

All-new, refined exterior body panels and hardware
Quadra-Coil Suspension
Contemporary interior appearance and dash
New frame with outstanding torsional and bending stiffness
Driver and passenger air bags
Optional ABS
Improved soft top (quieter and easier to put up/down)
Round headlights return
Lockable glovebox

* Available exterior colors:

Black
Bright Jade Satin Glow
Citron Pearlcoat
Dark Blue Pearlcoat
Emerald Green Pearlcoat
Flame Red
Gunmetal Pearlcoat
Lapis Blue
Moss Green Pearlcoat
Stone White

* AX-15 5-spd Transmission
* Annoying useless extra vent behind the hood that leaks water
* No screen to in cowl vent
* Cambolts for the front control arms
* Knock-outs for the rear control arm cam bolts
* Ability to display the diagnostic codes on odometer with key on,off,on,off,on
* You have to switch a plug to disable the clutch/starter interlock
* AX15 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 999 for the auto if it is a 6 cylinder
* AX5 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 904 for the auto if it is a 4 cylinder
* Optional dana 44 with 3.55's gears
* Front License plate on the passenger side of the bumper.

* Late Models:

3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear ?
Hood latch changes
Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available