JEEP WRANGLER

The 'Wrangler' (also known as the 'YJ', 'TJ', and 'JK', as explained below) is a mini SUV 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 Universal Jeep (CJ) in the 1950s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and AMC. The Wrangler debuted in 1987, was updated in 1997 and again in 2007, and is still popular today.
From 1987 till 1992 the Wrangler/YJ was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Today the Wrangler is produced at Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.
The Wrangler name was not used in Canada, as it was a trim level of Chevrolet pickup in that market. Instead, 1987 to 1995 models were sold as YJ, and 1997 to 2006 models were sold as TJ. The model designations of YJ and TJ 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".

Contents

YJ (1987-1995)

YJ Wrangler Renegade

Trims

TJ (1996-2006)

TJ Wrangler Rubicon

TJ Wrangler Unlimited

Trims

JK (2007-Present)

JK Wrangler Unlimited

Trivia

References

Notes

External links

YJ (1987-1995)

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. It was a new design with a wider wheelbase, slightly less ground clearance, a galvanized body and more comfort. The YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for added handling. 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 CJ's, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. Many CJ owners with a rusted body replace them with a newer YJ body, they are almost cosmetically identical and the lines from the nose match up perfectly. 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 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 straight-6.
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.

YJ Wrangler Renegade

From 1991 until 1994, Jeep produced an options package on the YJ Wrangler listed as the "Renegade Decor Group". Initially, all Renegades were White, Black or Red. In 1992, Blue was added, in 1993, Bronze. The Renegade Decor Group was a $4,266.00 option over a base Wrangler in 1991 and included special alloy wheels, exclusive body flares, along with many other features.
'Contents of the Renegade Decor Package'

★ 4.0 Litre I-6 Engine

★ 29x9.5R15 LT OWL Wrangler A/T Tires

★ 5-Hole Aluminum Wheels, 8 inch wide.

★ Full size spare tire.

★ Highback seats with Trailcloth Fabric

★ Off-Road Gas Shocks

★ Power Steering

★ Fog Lamps (integrated into the front fenders)

★ Leather wrapped steering wheel

★ Renegade striping (door letters)

★ Floor carpeting (full width, and on insides of body tub)

★ Floor mats, front

★ Extra capacity fuel tank (20 gal.)

★ Color Keyed Fender Flares with integrated bodyside steps

★ Front and rear bumperettes (plastic)

★ Center console with cup holders

★ Courtesy and engine compartment lights

★ Interval Wipers

★ Glove box lock


Additionally, hardtops received a mandatory rear window defroster at a $164.00 premium. Hardtops themselves were a $923.00 option.
All Renegades typically had the Tilt Steering wheel ($130.00) and an AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Radio ($264.00).
A column shift automatic was also an available option (this option was rare).
While a base Wrangler with the inline 6 went for $12,356.00, the Renegade package pushed that price up to $18,588.00 in 1991. Dealer mark-up moved the price to $19,273.00.
These vehicles were sent as optioned Wranglers to Auto Style Cars in Detroit, where the Renegade Decor Package was installed, then shipped back to Jeep for delivery to dealers. Renegades all have a small sticker on the driver's side door, right above the latch denoting the visit to ASC.
At the price premium over a standard Wrangler, sales were fairly limited, so finding one today is a semi-rare occurrence. The price, plus what hardcore Jeepers felt were "funny looking plastic fenders" limited the sales. Although having nearly identical off-road capabilities, these Jeep were typically used as "beach cruisers" because of both their price and rarity, as well as the fact that their over sized flares and body cladding were not designed for the abuse that tree branches and over sized tires can deal out.

Trims

North American YJ/Wrangler were available in the following standard trims.

★ Base (also referred to as "S"&"SE" at different points in the model run; first few years the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional, some years the 6cyl engine was an option, other years only the 4cyl was available in the "Base" model)

★ Laredo (Chrome grille, bumpers, and trim, hard top and hard full doors, tinted windows, faux leather interior, body color fender flares and alloy wheels)

★ Islander (which included "Sunset" Islander graphics and body colored wheel flares)

★ Sport (which featured "sport" graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0L 6 cylinder engine)

★ Sahara (which came standard with most available options, including body color fender flares and alloy wheels)

★ Renegade (which ran until 1994, and featured a similar option package as Sahara, but added premium wheels, deluxe interior group as well as oversized "Renegade" wheel flares and body cladding)

★ Rio Grande (Available in champagne gold, moss green and white, with a southwest themed interior trim package, only the 4cyl engine was available, model was offered in the last two years of the YJ model run)

TJ (1996-2006)

The YJ gave way to the 'TJ' for the 1997 model year (note that there was no 1996 model year; the 1997 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 CJ's iconic round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0 L AMC 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 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.
Other changes included the 1999 additions of a larger standard fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and a new console, steering wheel, and a revised dashboard for 2001. 2002 saw other minor changes including new colors, along with available wheel styles.

TJ Wrangler Rubicon

The 'Wrangler Rubicon' (named for the famed Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains) was introduced in 2003. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, 4:1 low-range NV241 transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16 in alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245/75-R16 tires. 2003 to 2004 featured a standard NV3500 five-speed manual transmission, which changed in 2005 to a Mercedes-sourced six-speed. The optional 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006.
A limited run of 1,001 Wrangler Rubicon "''Tomb Raider''" models were produced in 2003 to promote the ''Tomb Raider'' sequel, ''. 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 Unlimited

In 2004, Jeep introduced the 'Wrangler Unlimited' with 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.

Trims

★ Base - also referred to as "SE"

★ X (available after 2002, it was the equivalent to earlier standard optioned 'Sport' models

★ Sport - which came standard with the 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine

★ Sahara - the premium model until 2005, which came standard with most available options, including the 4.0-litre engine, alloy wheels, fog lights and the premium interior group

★ Rubicon - beginning in 2003, the premium "off-road" model, which came standard with most of the available off-road options and included the "Rubicon appearance package", which included alloys, fog lights, and lower bodyside "diamond" plating

★ Unlimited - beginning in 2004, Unlimited offered more interior room (increased legroom for rear passengers, and improved storage space behind the rear seat), greater towing capacity, 3500 lb (1600 kg), and was available in a standard or Rubicon trim. A 4.0L and alloys were standard on all models. On soft tops, the "Sunrider" flip-back sunroof feature is standard as well.

JK (2007-Present)

The 2007 model year brought the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both two and four-door models. The TJ platform was replaced by a new 'JK' platform. This next-generation Wrangler was significantly larger than the existing model, with a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase and 3.4 in (86.4 mm) wider track, though the two door model is actually 2.5 in shorter in the overall length than the TJ, allowing for better approach and departure angles. With a larger available standard tire size of 32 in, breakover angle is unchanged.
Some Wrangler enthusiasts decried this new vehicle's larger size, claiming that it runs counter to the character of the Wrangler, and is too big to be an effective off-road vehicle.[1] However, it should be noted that similar complaints were heard during previous redesigns. Jeep reportedly intends to cement the Wrangler's position as the marque's most-rugged vehicle as new car-based crossover SUVs take some of its on-road market share.
JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving it up the steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in 1992 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year.
The JK Wrangler is offered in two versions:

★ A short-wheelbase 2-door, in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.

★ A long-wheelbase ''Unlimited'' 4-door, also in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
A 3.8 L ''EGH'' V6 producing 205 hp (153 kW) and 240 ft·lbf (325 N·m) will be the base engine, replacing the venerable AMC Straight-6 engine. The 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 used in the Liberty is offered as options outside of U.S, as it does not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. The lower two levels have the Command-Trac NV241 part-time two-speed transfer case with an optional ''Trak-Lok'' limited-slip differential, while the ''Rubicon'' uses a ''Rock-Trak'' version of the NV241 with electronic front- and rear-axle locking differentials.
Stability control is a new safety feature for the Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned anti-lock brake system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.
The JK runs almost all vehicle functions other than steering under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. The new software has had the typical problems common with any new vehicle launch. As of mid-2007, there have been two safety recalls for software fixes.[2]
A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. There is an option of new 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time in a Wrangler. Another first is an available navigation system. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler to have a change in the tail lamps.

JK Wrangler Unlimited

The JK series 2007 'Wrangler Unlimited' was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is stretched even more than the TJ model, with four doors and 20.6 in (523 mm) added to the JK Wrangler's 95.4 in (2423 mm) wheelbase. It is likely to compete with larger late model off-road vehicles like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Hummer H3, and will be priced near $21,000.
Unlimited has the same engine and transmission choices as a short-wheelbase JK. X and Sahara trims offer an option of 2x4 rear wheel drive. It is the only four door convertible available in the U.S.
The Unlimited offers more options and equipment than any Wrangler, including standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, remote keyless entry, navigation system, and Sirius satellite radio.^[1]

Trivia

★ The Israeli AIL Storm is based on several generations of the Wrangler family.

★ The Jeep Wrangler has been used as the vehicle mode for a number of toys in the Transformers Alternators (US) and Binaltech (Japan) range of officially licensed 1:24 scale figures: Hound and Swindle appear in both the Alternators and Binaltech toylines, while Rollbar is an Alternators-only version.

★ The Jeep Wrangler is featured in the video game ''Zoo Tycoon 2''.

★ The Wrangler is reportedly one of the most energy efficient cars, far more than many hybrid cars due to the manufacturing process. ^[2]

★ The Wrangler was featured in the 1993 film, "Jurassic Park". 1993 YJ Saharas were used.

★ the Wrangler landing in center of Hill Valey in Back To The Future 2 of 1989.

References

★ How to make TJ Cargo/Pet nets

★ Jeep touting ruggedness of redesigned Wrangler

★ Jeep's target: Everybody

★ 2007 Jeep Wrangler

★ 2007 Jeep Wrangler

★ CNW's 'Dust to Dust' Automotive Energy Report

Notes

1. Jeep Unveils Stretched 2007 Wrangler Unlimited with ,000 Price Tag
2. CNW's 'Dust to Dust' Automotive Energy Report

External links