Jeep Wrangler - TJ (1997–2006)

TJ (1997–2006)

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 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 4-cylinder engine previously used on the Chrysler PT Cruiser 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.

In 1999, the fuel tank became standard at 19 U.S. gallons (72 L; 16 imp gal) capacity. There were some changes that occurred between the 2002 and 2003 years that made some parts difficult to directly swap back and forth, but 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 with a dash switch if desired. The radio bezels went from a rectangle in 2002 to a rounded edged rectangle in 2003, so swapping these also required the console to either be swapped out or modified. The sound bar inside was 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 between back and headrest areas.

The standard skid plate was also revised for 2003 to make room for the Rubicon's bigger NV241OR transfer case. The change from the 30/32RH to the 42RLE also gained an additional skid plate.

This version of the Wrangler is also notable for being the last production vehicle to use AMC-related parts. The AMC Straight-4 engine was retired after the 2002 model year, and both the AMC Straight-6 engine and the door handles (the latter of which first appeared on AMC vehicles in the late 1960s) were retired along with this generation in 2006. Like the YJ Wrangler, the TJ Wrangler used both the AMC passenger car door handles as well as the larger door handles off the AMC-built Jeep CJ for higher-end models.