What changes have been made to the TJ?

DallmannTodd · 05-12-2006, 12:28 PM

I know that the rear seat was redesigned, and that they changed the roll cage a bit. I also know that the newer TJs have a shut-off switch for the passenger airbag, while the 97's do not. Does anyone know what other changes were made to the TJ over the years, and what years these changes were each enacted? I am looking to buy a new TJ, and just wondering what I would be getting, or not getting if I went with a 2001 vs a 1997, etc. Thanks!

COwheeler · 05-12-2006, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DallmannTodd

I know that the rear seat was redesigned, and that they changed the roll cage a bit. I also know that the newer TJs have a shut-off switch for the passenger airbag, while the 97's do not. Does anyone know what other changes were made to the TJ over the years, and what years these changes were each enacted? I am looking to buy a new TJ, and just wondering what I would be getting, or not getting if I went with a 2001 vs a 1997, etc. Thanks!

Not sure what year it was, but at some point, they did away with the airbag switch. My '99 had it, and the '04 does not.

In '03 the front seats changed, little taller and wider towards the top. They also sit a little lower.

If you are still looking, make sure to get the Dana 44 rear end.

04Willys · 05-12-2006, 12:44 PM

I think they all still have the airbag switch on the ones that don't come with a back seat.

**smunns** · 05-12-2006, 12:51 PM

Check out this page: http://www.geocities.com/jeepboy49028/changes.html

Off topic, but I noticed the ar15.com email address in another one of your threads... I'm also a member over there. Great Site.

mac214 · 05-12-2006, 01:31 PM

The center dash trim and stereo changed a little bit in '03 vs. '02 and newer. There are also two 12v power supplies on the '03 + (not sure if they all have it but the few Sport's I have seen do).

97_4popper · 05-12-2006, 02:07 PM

Sailcloth top in '01.

I have one now on the wife's and what a difference!!!

**Agent 000** · 05-12-2006, 04:53 PM

'03 and up TJ's come with the back seat as standard equipment, hence, no switch to de-activate the passenger side airbag.

fried_gold · 05-12-2006, 04:54 PM

One other thing I like about my 01 is that I just turn the key off and pull it out. A later 01 I drove had the little button you push to get the key out. I don't know if it was an official change or what happened, but I hate those buttons.

Dogman · 05-12-2006, 06:22 PM

They did away with the distributor and went with coil packs.

fourtwenty · 05-12-2006, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmr314

'03 and up TJ's come with the back seat as standard equipment, hence, no switch to de-activate the passenger side airbag.

Yup, my 03 does not have the air bag switch.

turkish6 · 05-12-2006, 07:48 PM

i have that switch in my 03 to remove the key but it doesn't work. i test drive an 01 before i got my 03 and it had as welll but it worked in that one

Columbia TJ · 05-12-2006, 10:04 PM

I know the engine bay looks slightly different in the 99 vs. 00 on the 4.0 inline 6's... Buddy has a 99 and another buddy has a 00 and we noticed that one day workin on them. Weird.

05-12-2006, 12:44 PM	#3
04Willys Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 242 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I think they all still have the airbag switch on the ones that don't come with a back seat. __________________ -=John=- [COLOR=darkgreen]2004 Willys TJ[/COLOR], 4.0L I6 1994 3000GT VR-4, twin turbo 3.0L V6 "[COLOR=white]The no-mind no-thinks no-thoughts about no-things.[/COLOR]" - The Buddha

05-12-2006, 01:31 PM	#5
mac214 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 148 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The center dash trim and stereo changed a little bit in '03 vs. '02 and newer. There are also two 12v power supplies on the '03 + (not sure if they all have it but the few Sport's I have seen do). __________________ Mike [COLOR=Yellow]'02 TJ Sport[/COLOR] OME HD, OME Shocks, JKS Disco's, 1.25" BL, 1" MML, 255/85 16" Trxus MT's, Skids and other fun stuff too

05-12-2006, 04:54 PM	#8
fried_gold Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: US Posts: 628 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	One other thing I like about my 01 is that I just turn the key off and pull it out. A later 01 I drove had the little button you push to get the key out. I don't know if it was an official change or what happened, but I hate those buttons.

05-12-2006, 07:48 PM	#11
turkish6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: new jersey Posts: 472 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	i have that switch in my 03 to remove the key but it doesn't work. i test drive an 01 before i got my 03 and it had as welll but it worked in that one