The Jeep TJ Wrangler was
rolled out mid year of 1996, for model year 1997 and looked
very similar to the Jeep CJ-7. The TJ's retro style appealed
to die hard old CJ fans, but was almost entirely different
mechanically. Starting with the basic Wrangler platform,
Jeep engineers gave the TJ Wrangler the most thorough overhaul
ever. TJ Wranglers retained several classic Jeep features,
such as the fold down windshield, removeable doors and the
much loved round headlights. The TJ engine is the same 4.0L
AMC inline 6 cylinder used in the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.
The biggest change was to the suspension system, replacing
the leaf springs with front and rear coil springs which
provided a greatly improved off-road ride. The TJ's off-road capabilities
were also enhanced by more ground clearance, and improved
approach and departure angles.
In 2003, Jeep launched the best quipped civilian Jeep in
history naming it after the most famous of Jeep trails,
the Rubicon. With the true off-road enthusiast in mind,
the Jeep Wrangler TJ Rubicon was outfitted from the factory
with locking Dana 44 axles front and rear, a super low 4:1
Rock-Trac transfercase, larger more aggressive tires, rear
disc brakes and a flanged output shaft instead of the breakage
prone slip yoke.
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited in a stretched
2- door version, adding 10 inches to the wheelbase of the
the Jeep TJ Wrangler. The additional wheelbase in the Unlimited
increased the Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity to 3,500 pounds
and provided increased off-road stability. In 2005, the
Jeep Wrangler LJ Rubicon Unlimited was introduced, taking
full advantage of the Unlimited's extra wheelbase and the
superb off-road features of the Rubicon package.
Jeep TJ Wrangler Quick Facts:
- 1997-2006
- Total Production - 823,649
- Round Headlights
- Tailgate Opens to Side
- 55" Windshield Width
- Front & Rear Coil Springs
- 5" x 4.5" Wheel Bolt Pattern
- 93.4" Wheelbase (+10" in Unlimited )
- Available in Unlimited and Rubicon Version
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