TJ Wrangler
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Jeep short wheel-base vehicle produced from 1997-2006.
Contents |
History
The YJ Wrangler gave way to the TJ for the 1997 model year. Some updated features include: Coil-spring suspension (based on that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee) providing better ride and handling, and a return to the CJ's iconic round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0L I-6 AMC Straight-6 used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. A 2.5L I-4 AMC 150 Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models until 2003 when the 2.4L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder engine replaced it. This model of the Jeep was the first Wrangler to have airbags. The TJ's coil-springs were questioned upon it's introduction.
Other changes included the 1999 model had the addition of a larger 19 gallon fuel tank (which became standard), child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and a new console in 2001. Also, for the 2000 model year the AX-15 transmission was replaced with the NV3550. Despite the 1997 model year debut, it was actually available starting in the spring of 1996.
Rear end gear ratio varied depending on motor size and trans type:
4.0L I-6/Auto = 3.07:1 gear ratio also optional 3:73:1 gear ratio
4.0L I-6/Manual = 3.07:1, 3.55:1, or 3.73:1 gear ratio
2.5L I-4 or 2.4L I-4/Auto = 3.73:1 gear ratio
2.5L I-4 or 2.4L I-4/Manual = 4.11:1 gear ratio
Trim
SE - base model, Dana 30 front differential, Dana 35 rear differential, 4 cylinder engine
X - based off of SE but with 4.0L I-6 engine, optional Dana 44 rear axle.
Sport* - 4.0L I-6 engine, optional Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Loc
Sahara - 4.0L I-6 engine, optional Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Loc, and wider fender flares that were painted to match
Rubicon - Dana 44 locking differentials with 4.11 gear ratio front and rear, disk brakes in rear. 4.0L I-6 engine, 4:1 lo range transfercase, a fixed output on the transfer case.and wider fender flares, no abs
Unlimited - Extended Wheel base, offered also as Rubicon Unlimited
- There were other models like the Golden Eagle, Willys (2004 & 2005), Columbia Edition and few others with features added to the 'X' model.
The Willys Edition was limited to 1000 produced in 2004 and Approximately 2000 in 2005. Added features were: Seats - Camouflage Premium Cloth Badge - Willys Edition Fog Lamps Sill Guards - Diamond Plate, Green Wheels-15 X 7.0 Styled Steel,Painted Speakers - 7, Inc Subwoofer/Tweeters Wheel - Matching Spare Spare Tire - Full Size Windows - Deep Tint Sunscreen Tow Hooks - (2) Front, (1) Rear
TJ Wrangler Rubicon
The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California) was introduced in 2003 and has been considered the best out of the box off road vehicle ever built. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, 4:1 low-range NP241OR transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16 inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245/75R16 tires. All Rubicon models were equipped with the 4.0L I-6 engine. 2003 and 2004 featured the NV3550 manual transmission in the Rubicon while 2005 and 2006 models used the NSG370 six speed. The 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006. Rubicon models also featured rear disc brakes, diamond plate rocker guards and wider fender flares. The Rubicon was available in Unlimited and short wheelbase versions.limited run of 1,000 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 in. 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 Sahara
The Sahara option package included the 4.0L I-6 engine, optional Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Loc, wider fender flares that were painted to match the body, unique interior color, full doors, 16 inch wheels (beginning with 2000 model year), 30 inch tires, and Sahara decals. The TJ Wrangler Sahara was available from 1997 to 2004. It was not offered in 2005 or 2006.
TJ Wrangler Unlimited (Long Wheel Base)
In 2004 Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited. This model included a 10 in (~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, a 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.
TJ Wrangler X Rocky Mountain Edition
The Jeep Wrangler Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the X package.
Features include:
- Color-keyed fender flares
- 15" Ravine aluminum wheels
- 30" x 9.5" Goodyear Wrangler OWL tires
- Dana 44 axle
- Fog lamps
- Unique center console accents
- Unique premium two-tone seat with embroidered Jeep logo
- AM/FM/CD with seven speakers
- Unique Rocky Mountain Edition decal
TJ Wrangler Rubicon Sahara Unlimited (Limited Edition)
In 2005, Paramount released the movie Sahara which featured a Jeep Wrangler. As a way to build off the success of the movie, Jeep released a limited production Sahara Edition Rubicon. Only 1000 were produced and each one is numbered.[1]
Features include:
- Rubicon offroad package
- Khaki fender flares
- 16" Graphite Moab aluminum wheels
- 245/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler OWL tires
- Fog lamps
- Khaki interior accents
- Khaki soft top or hard top - also available in dual top package
- Unique premium two-tone seat with rear cargo pocket
- AM/FM/CD with seven speaker premium sound
- Unique numbered Limited Edition Sahara decal 1-1000
- Unique Sahara Fender Decals with star and wreath
- Chrome grille aplique
- Chrome Jeep logo gas hatch cover
- Mopar tail light gaurds
- Limited edition Sahara spare tire cover with star and wreath
Engines
| Engine Applications | |
| Years | Engines |
| 1997 - 2002 | 4 cylinder: 2.5L I-4 Inline |
| 2003 - 2006 | 4 cylinder: 2.4L I-4 Inline |
| 1997 - 2006 | 6 cylinder: 4.0L I-6 Inline |
Transmissions
AX-5 5 Spd Manual 4cyl Motor 1989-2001
AX-15 5 Spd Manual 1990-1999
32RH 3 Spd Auto 1992-2002
42RLE 4 Spd Auto 2003-2006
NV3550 5 Spd Manual 2000-2004
NVG1500 5 Spd Manual 2003-2004 "SE" Wrangler Only
NSG370 6 Spd Manual 2005-2006
| Transmission Applications | |||
| Year | Engine | Auto/Manual | Transmission |
| 1997 - 2002 | 2.5L I-4 | Auto | 3-speed TF999 |
| 1997 - 2002 | 4.0L I-6 | Auto | 3-speed 32RH |
| 2003 - 2006 | 2.5L I-4 | Auto | 4-speed 42RLE |
| 2003 - 2006 | 4.0L I-6 | Auto | 4-speed 42RLE |
| 1997 - 2002 | 2.5L I-4 | Manual | AX-5 |
| 1997 - 1999 | 4.0L I-6 | Manual | AX-15 |
| 2000 - 2004 | 4.0L I-6 | Manual | NV3550 |
| 2003 - 2004 | 2.4L I-4 | Manual | NVG1500 |
| 2005 - 2006 | 2.4L I-4 & 4.0L I-6 | Manual | NSG370 |
Transfer Cases
| Transfer Case Applications | ||
| Year | Trim | Transfer Case |
| 1997 + | SE | NP231, 2.72:1 Low Range |
| 2002 + | X | NP231, 2.72:1 Low Range |
| 1997 + | Sport | NP231, 2.72:1 Low Range |
| 1997 + | Sahara | NP231, 2.72:1 Low Range |
| All | Rubicon | NP241OR, 4.0:1 Low Range |


