History of the Jeep Wrangler TJ LJ 1997-2006

The headlights on the second-generation Wrangler were reverted to the vintage circular design found on the CJ. This Wrangler TJ was regarded as a contemporary Wrangler CJ. This model differed from the CJ model in minor ways related to its body design. Aside from the apparent headlight modification, the turn signals mounted on the front fenders indicate the difference. The suspension on this Wrangler was coil-spring. The Wrangler TJ features a slightly modified grille that bends toward the middle, along with four marker lights at the fenders. Between 1997 and 2006, the Wrangler LJ and TJ were produced in several trim levels and editions. This type was only made in two doors. The wheelbase length of the LJ model, which debuted in 2004, was extended by 10 inches. Compared to the standard TJ model, this model's backside is noticeably larger.

The year

  • Wrangler TJ 1997-2006: this model has fair handling on rough terrain, making it an excellent choice for both off-road and on-road use. The TJ's coil spring suspension is comparable to that of the more recent JK, but it retains the YJ's smaller and easier setup. This model is similarly reasonably priced, albeit the value varies depending on the edition and modification.
  • The TJ Unlimited Edition is the official name of the Wrangler LJ 2004–2006. This version has more interior space and a wheelbase roughly 10 inches longer than the TJ model. This simplifies both off-road and on-road performance and handling. The 2005–2006 Rubicon trim is a more capable choice for this vehicle.

The difference

Other variations over the years were in the engines, aside from the apparent wheelbase change between the Wrangler TJ and LJ.

  • 1996-1999:A 4.0-liter AMC straight-6 engine mated to a 5-speed AX-15 manual gearbox.
  • 1996-2002: 4.0L AMC straight-6 engine with 3-speed 32RH automatic transmission, 2.5L AMC straight-4 engine with 3-speed 30RH automatic, and 5-speed AX-5 manual transmission.
  • 2000-2004: 4.0-liter AMC straight-6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual NV3550 gearbox.
  • 2003-2006:2.4L power tech engines and 4.0L AMC straight-6 engines mated to a 4-speed 42RLE automatic transmission.
  • 2003-2004: NV1500 manual gearbox with 5-speed and 2.4L power tech engine.
  • 2005-2006:2.4L power tech engines and 4.0L AMC straight-6 engines mated to a 6-speed NSG370 manual gearbox.

What happened

The development of the Wrangler TJ started with Chrysler's pre-program for Jeep truck engineering. Mules were constructed based on the Wrangler YJ between 1990 and 1993. Between 1999 and 1992, designers worked on the project, creating various design suggestions before one was chosen. When the previous YJ went out of production, the manufacture of the TJ started in 1996 after prototypes were tested. Early in 1996, the 1997 Wrangler TJ model was introduced as a revolution in modernization. For improved handling and riding, this redesigned Wrangler included a core suspension. The TJ model had the same 4.0L straight 6 AMC 242 engine as the Grand Cherokee and Cherokee, and it reintroduced the CJ type's iconic round headlamps. In 2002 and 2003, there were two different engine options: a 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC and a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder AMC 150. For international export, there was a right-hand drive variant. In this version, an automatic transmission was created for postal carriers.

The Wrangler LJ model, also known as the 1/2 Wrangler Unlimited, was released in 2004. This Jeep has a Danna-44 rear axle, NV231 Command-Trac transfer case, and a 10-inch larger wheelbase. The Rubicon trim, which debuted that same year, shared the Wrangler LJ's wheelbase and off-road capabilities. Due to its longer wheelbase, the LJ's hauling capability doubled compared to the TJ model.

What changed

  • The 19-gallon gasoline tank was made the standard size in 1998.
  • From 1997 to 2002, the black side mirrors with metal frames were replaced with plastic models between 2003 and 2006.
  • The colors, fabric, and hard/soft top fits were altered between 2001 and 2003.
  • In 2002, a four-speed automatic with overdrive replaced the three-speed automatic transmission.
  • In 2002, radio bezels were rectangular; in 2003, they were round-edged and rectangular.
  • The rounder-shaped seats were replaced with ones precisely separated from the headrest. Sound pods replaced soundbars, and the skid plate was reexamined.
  • The final Jeep to use American Motors components was the Wrangler TJ. After the 2006 model, the door handles, AMC straight-4, and AMC straight-six engines were eliminated.
  • Over time, the trims changed.
  • SE: available in right-hand drive with all standard fittings from 1997 to 2006. 2.5L between 1996 and 2002, 2.4L between 2002 and 2006, and 4.0L between 2005 and 2006.
  • 2002–2006; X: This trim included a 4.0L engine, all the basic amenities, and the option of air conditioning.
  • 1997–2006; Sport: 4.0L engine, cloth upholstery, cassette, AM/FM radio, and six speakers.
  • 1997–2004: Sahara had standard features, special seats, trim, and decals; seats from 1996–2002 had a camel/forest color scheme.
  • 2001; 60th Anniversary Edition: all Sahara features without decals, trim, and seats. Available in black and metallic Silverstone colors.
  • Features of Sahara sans decals, seats, trimmings, or rockers, 2006; 65th Anniversary Edition. The available hues include jeep green, bright silver, dark khaki, light khaki, and black.
  • 2002–2003; Apex Edition: seven speakers, CD player, hooded decals, seats, and blue, black, and silver options.
  • Bright silver, solar yellow, flaming red, patriot blue, and black were the colors available for the Colombia Edition in 2004. Colombian bugaboo parka was in each of them.
  • Freedom Edition, released in 2003, was available in blue, silver, red, and black. Its seats were made of vinyl or gray cloth, and the doors were made of solid metal.
  • The 2006 Golden Eagle had unique interior trim, spare tire decals, a fender, a hood, and seats.
  • From 2003 to 2005, Rocky Mountain was available in yellow, black, red, silver, and blue. It included seven speakers, a subwoofer, and unique fabric seats.
  • Only 1000 Sahara Edition Unlimited Rubicon models with manual and automatic transmissions were produced in 2005. The rest was the same.
  • One of the most collectible Jeeps is the 2003 Tomb Raider Edition, which was produced to promote the film. Only 1,100 were produced. They have Rubicon characteristics.
  • 2004–2005 Willys Edition: just 1000 were produced, featuring standard features with unique trims.
  • From 2002 until 2006, Rubicon had various iterations.