The Jeep TJ gave way to the TJ for the 1997 model year (note that there was no 1996 model year; the 1997 Jeep 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 classic CJ's 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 Jeep 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.
In 1999 the fuel tank became standard at 19 gallon capacity. There were some changes that occurred between 2002 and 2003 years that have caused some parts difficult to directly swap back and forth and also made it easy to identify certain years. From 1997 to 2002 the side door mirrors were black metal framed mirrors and from 2003 to 2006 they were plastic molded mirrors. The fit of hard and soft tops is slightly different, and the fabric and colors available changed from 2002 to 2003. In 2003 the 3-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 4 speed automatic with overdrive. It has the standard option of turning off overdrive by dash switch if desired. The radio bezels went from a retangle in 2002 to a rounded edged retangle in 2003 so swapping these required the console to swap as well or be modified.The sound bar inside changed to sound pods. The interior seats also changed design from 2002 to 2003 going from a rounder model to one with a distinct separation beween back and headrest areas. There are other changes as well, too many to list here.
The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987 and was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada until the plant closed on April 23, 1992 after which production was moved to Toledo, Ohio using the same plant that produced Willy Jeeps back in WWII. It was a new design with a wider wheelbase, slightly less ground clearance, and more comfort. The Jeep YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the Jeep CJ , however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for added handling. Jeep YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights, which were a source of controversy when introduced. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar to the CJ7's, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. The Jeep YJ also was given a larger windshield over the CJ. The Jeep YJs are easily spotted due to the square headlights and the fact that the wiper blades rest on the windshield giving this version a distinctive look. The blades rested on the windshield due to the now wider arc of the blades to clean the now larger windshield. These two changes were later removed were when the Jeep YJ changes came about in 1996. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced into mid '96 bringing the total production number to 685,071 units.
The Jeep YJ used a 2.5 L AMC 150 I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC 258 I6 until 1991. That year, a fuel injected 180 hp (134 kW) 4.0 L AMC 242 variant replaced the 112 hp (84 kW) 4.2 L 258 CID straight-6. The NP207 transfer case was used only in 1987 and replaced by the NP231
The roll cage was extended in 1992 to allow for rear shoulder belts, and anti-lock brakes were added as an option the next year. An automatic transmission option for 4-cylinder Wranglers came in 1994 along with a center high-mounted stop light.
In 1994, the slave cylinder on manual transmissions was moved outside of the transmission's bellhousing to allow for easier replacement, and in 1995 larger U-joints were used [front axle U-joints(297x) and rear pinion U-joint(1330)]. For the 1992 model year, the Jeep YJ switched over to an electronic speedometer outmoding the cable speedos on older YJs. 1995 was the only year to have a fully galvanized frame and body.
Jeep YJs produced in early 1996 were sold as 1995 model years, but featured a few new parts not seen on any earlier Jeep YJ. This included: the new TJ bumpstops on the hood (rubber boots vs the traditional U-bars), reinforced tailgate hinges, and it has been said that some even had rear TJ bumpers. Some lucky ones also got the newly tuned I6 that was tuned to run quieter in preparation for the TJ.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact four-wheel drive in the sport utility vehicle segment produced by American automaker Chrysler under its Jeep marque. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian Jeep in the 1950s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and by American Motors . The Jeep Wrangler debuted in 1987, was revised in 1997 and again in 2007, and is still popular today. A defining feature of all Wranglers is that they continue to use live axles both front and rear like their forefather, the CJ.
From 1987 until 1992 the Jeep Wrangler/YJ was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It was then built in the Toledo South Assembly plant until mid-2006, after which the plant was slowly torn down. The Wrangler is currently produced at Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.Instead, 1987 to 1995 models were sold as YJ, 1997 to 2006 models were TJ's with a subcategory from 2004 to 2006 of "Unlimited" Wranglers known as LJ's, and from 2007 to today as the JK. The model designations are used throughout the world in the Jeep enthusiast community to differentiate which model is being spoken of instead of using the more ambiguous term "Wrangler" and help identify specifics about Jeep Wranglers.
