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TJ Changes between Production Years
source: Mike Karwath, 2004
2004
* New Exterior Colors:
* Solar Yellow
* Lime Green
* Discontinued Exterior Colors:
* Inca Gold
* Intense Blue
* Trail Rated badges
* The Canyon wheels in the 30" package are now "Ravine" wheels.
* Can be purchased in the U.S. with right-hand steering
* The standard AM/FM Tape is now a CD.
* There is a standard spare tire cover that comes with the 30" wheel/tire package now.
* There is a new "cubby bin" in the center "stack".
* Willys Edition:
* Exclusive Moss Green exterior color
* Camo and black seats
* Unique "WILLYS" decal at cowl side
* Diamond-plate sill guards painted Dark Green
* Body-color fender flares
* AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and seven speakers (includes subwoofer in center console) - no extra charge
* 4.0L Power Tech I-6 engine
* Tow hooks
* Fog lamps
* Full-size spare tire with matching wheel
* Columbia Edition:
* 15-inch graphite painted aluminum wheels
* Unique graphite fender flares
* Fog lamps
* Columbia badging
* Dark Slate Interior
* Khaki two-tone seats with the Columbia logo
* Silver painted instrument panel accents
* Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
* Complimentary Columbia Bugaboo® parka featuring a zip-in Chehalis or Shoshone fleece vest
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2003
* New Exterior Colors:
* Bright Silver Metallic
* Light Khaki Metallic
* Inca Gold Pearl Coat
* Intense Blue Pearl Coat
* Discontinued Exterior Colors:
* Silverstone Metallic
* Solar Yellow
* Steel Blue Pearl Coat
* Amber Fire Pearl Coat
* Exterior Labeling:
* On Sports, the word "Sport" now appears at the top of the fender where the word "Wrangler" used to appear.
* On Saharas there's a brand new Sahara logo (much more discrete) that appears about where the "4.0L" used to
* appear on early TJs, roughly where the "Sport" label appears on 2002s
* Rubicon has RUBICON label on hood.
* New Interior Colors:
* Dark Slate replaces Agate
* Khaki replaces Camel
* Khaki color for Saharas instead of green trail cloth
* Soft Top Colors:
* Dark Khaki replaces Tan
* Seat Changes:
* Additional 20 millimeters of rearward travel
* Taller seat backs
* Softer seats
* Seats are lower sitting (more like a car)
* Lever on the side of the front passenger seat for easier access to the rear.
* Rear seats are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for CHildren)
* New fold-and-tumble rear seat -- release now on the top center of the rear seat and a new spring mechanism helps it fold and tumble easier than ever before
* New 3-ply Soft Top that is as quiet as the previous 4-ply
* NOTE: Change in driver's side window: male zipper is now on window, female zipper on the top, previous years was vice-versa
* Plastic windshield trim (Interior Upper Head Impact Protection to meet 2003 federal standard?)
* Trim on back of hardtop and vents removed (vents added to tailgate)
* New interior electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display
* A new exterior mirror design reduces vibration, while increasing stability and durability. Shorter, fatter, and all plastic Now "ratchet" out from the body rather than swing out in a smooth motion.
* Doors - the key cylinder is now chrome instead of black
* Dashboard redesigned, openings for the radio and HVAC controls are now oval rather than rectangular
* New 4-spoke vinyl steering wheel for SE and X models
* New 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel for Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models
* Smoker’s Package optional on all models
* On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)
* Additional power outlet on the dash
* New flush-mounted AM/FM cassette radio with CD changer control
* New flush-mounted AM/FM compact disc radio with CD changer control
* Replacing the optional sound bar, new standard corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle house interior lamps, providing theater lighting and optional speakers
* Energy-absorbing foam is added to the sport bar
* 4-wheel disc brakes optional on Sport and Sahara
* 42RLE 4-speed automatic option
* New transfer case skid to work with new 4-spd auto (lower ground clearance)
* Jeep Wrangler SE Changes:
* NV1500 five-speed heavy-duty transmission. Also used on Jeep Liberty, this transmission gives Wrangler a synchronized reverse gear and improved shift quality in cold weather. 4.56 gears available with SE and 4-speed auto.
* Jeep Liberty’s 2.4-liter Power Tech I-4 replaces the 2.5-liter I-4 as the standard engine on 2003 Jeep Wrangler SE models. This 2.4-liter engine provides an estimated 150 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, representing a 25-percent increase in horsepower and an 18-percent increase in torque. This increased power and torque is achieved through the use of aluminum cross-flow cylinder heads, dual overhead cams and a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The new 2.4-liter engine is quieter, more fuel-efficient and engineered for longer life and ease of maintenance.
* Introduction of Rubicon Model:
* Tru-lok selectable pneumatic lockers, activate in 4-lo and under 10mph, engaged until out of 4-lo or deselected
* Limited slip in rear when not locked
* NV241 Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case -- fixed yoke
* Heavy-duty driveshafts with 1330 universal joints
* Dana 44 Front (Dana 30 outers)
* 4.10 gears
* Goodyear Wrangler MT/R LT245/75R16 (31") Tires
* 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels
* Diamond plate rock rails
* Rubicon Lettering on Hood
* 4-wheel Disc Brakes
* Apex Edition:
* Special hood emblem
* Special seats
* Freedom Edition:
* Body colored fender flares
* Special side badges
* Outlined white letter P225/75R15 Goodyear all-terrain tires mount on 15-inch chrome wheels.
* Standard soft-top with full metal doors, fog lamps and tow hooks.
* Standard air conditioning, Sentry Key® theft-deterrent system, easy access Fold-and-Tumble(TM) rear seat and a choice of Dark Slate Gray vinyl or cloth seating.
* Available in red, silver, blue and black exterior colors.
* Tomb Raider Edition Rubicon:
* 16-inch Alcoa forged aluminum wheels
* Tomb Raider badging with serial number
* Light bar
* Riveted fender flares in graphite
* Black Tubular grille guard
* Diamond plate bumper guard
* Rock rails
* Fog & Taillamp brush guards
* Aluminum diamond plate bumper guard in black
* Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center
* Silver surround instrument panel bezel
* Red seat belts
* Available in Bright Silver.
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2002
* New Exterior Colors:
* Shale Green Metallic
* New Ecco Wheel and Tire Group with P225/75R15 OWL Tire replaces the Grizzly Wheel and Tire Group
* New appearance for the Full Face Wheel
* 30" Tire and Wheel Group, speed control, full doors with roll-up windows and sentry key are now standard on the Wrangler Sahara
* Full doors with roll-up windows, fog lamps and tow hooks are now standard on the Wrangler Sport
* Fog lamps and tow hooks become separate options
* New HVAC System with overall improvements in performance and quietness
* New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement
* Premium sound system that includes 2 new tweeters in addition to the existing subwoofer
* 7 year/70,000 Mile Warranty Offered
* Introduction of X Model:
* 4.0L engine and cloth seats, standard, less options than Sport (no Dana 44)
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2001
* New Exterior Colors:
* Sienna Pearl Coat
* Steel Blue Pearl Coat
* Amber Fire Pearl Coat
* Discontinued Exterior Colors:
* Medium Fern Green
* Desert Sand
* New 4-ply Soft Top that is more durable and quieter
* Quarter-Turn Fuel Filler Cap
* New Anti-Lock Brake System
* Long Life 100,000-Mile Engine Coolant that is more Environmentally-friendly
* Quick-Removal Side Steps
* Moulded Key Heads with "Jeep" Name
* All-New steering wheel tilt mechanism provides reduced effort and an increased range of adjustment
* Optional molded plastic Add-a-Trunk for reduced weight
* Optional Amplified Sub-woofer
* Re-designed Stereos
* Mini Console with dual cup holders
* Re-designed Full Console with rear seat cup holders
* Sutton Vinyl Seat Material - Standard on SE and Sport Nomad Cloth Seat Material - Optional on SE and Sport
* New wider inside rear-view mirror
* New Multi-function Steering Column switch combines headlamp, fog lamp, turn signal and windshield wiper functions
* Intermittent windshield wipers made standard
* New Instrument cluster includes a fog lamp tell-tale light and provides Parade-Mode lighting, battery saver control of interior lighting and odometer display with door open
* User-Ready Child Seat Anchorage System
* Late Model:
* New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement
* 60th Anniversary Edition
* Available only in Black or Silverstone Metallic
* Body-color wheel flares and rocker sills
* Specially embroidered floor mats
* Full Metal Doors
* Canyon 30-inch Tire and Wheel Group
* Fog Lamp and Tow Hook Group
* Air Conditioning
* AM/FM stereo readio with CD player, five speakers and subwoofer
* Options: Speed control & Dual-Top
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2000
* New Exterior Colors:
* Solar Yellow
* Patriot Blue Pearlcoat
* Silver Stone
* Discontinued Exterior Colors:
* Chilli Pepper Red,
* Gunmetal Blue
* Intense Blue
* Deep Amethyst.
* Alternator moved higher up
* Ultra Star 16" alloy wheel now standard on Sahara models.
* 4.0L engine now gets distributorless direct-ignition system, re-designed cylinder head, new exhaust manifold and dual-catalyst system (2.25" exhaust)
* New NVG-3550 manual transmission replaces the Aisin transmission on the models with the 4.0L engine (includes synchromesh on reverse gear).
* Sound Bar now standard on Sport models.
* Tow hook option now includes one rear tow hook.
* Sport's standard AM/FM radio adds a cassette player, Sahara exchanges a cassette player for CD player.
* Optional tilt steering wheel in SE and Sport is now the same leather-covered unit that was standard in Sahara.
* Child-seat tethers added to the rear seat,
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1999
* New Exterior Colors:
* Medium Fern Green Pearlcoat
* Forest Green Pearlcoat
* Desert Sand Pearlcoat
* Intense Blue Pearlcoat
* Discontinued Exterior Colors:
* Jade
* Lapis Blue
* Emerald
* Moss Green
* Gunmetal Pearlcoat
* New Interior Colors:
* Agate
* Camel
* New Top Colors:
* Dark Tan replaces Spice.
* The pull switch for the headlights moved from the dash to the blinker
* Hood cowl changed from a "3 section" wide cowl with alot of plastic around it to a smaller cowl...
* Removed annoying useless vent that leaks water
* Cruise control controls on steering wheel
* Rotary climate controls with bi-level air
* Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag
* Improved ECM
* Re-designed catalytic converter
* New "JTEC+" engine controller with new engine-function sensors
* Lighter frame - 16 lbs (8kg) lighter
* Nineteen gallon fuel tank now standard.
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1998
* Chrylser becomes Daimler/Chrylser
* New Exterior Colors:
* Chili Pepper Red Pearlcoat
* Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat
* Smart Key Immobilizer replaces previous Lock/Unlock keyfob system.
* Cruise control Available
* Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available
* Revised torsion bar for improved steering response
* Revised steering gear ratio that varies from 15:1 on centre to 13:1 at the extremes of travel for more responsive steering
* New steering wheel
* Next generation airbags
* Revised stereo range
* Hood latch changes
* 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear
* New engine managment system wiring
* Dual Tops Option
* Added pads to front bumper
* Late Model:
* Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag
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1997
* Introduction of TJ Model:
* All-new, refined exterior body panels and hardware
* Quadra-Coil Suspension
* Contemporary interior appearance and dash
* New frame with outstanding torsional and bending stiffness
* Driver and passenger air bags
* Optional ABS
* Improved soft top (quieter and easier to put up/down)
* Round headlights return
* Lockable glovebox
* Available exterior colors:
* Black
* Bright Jade Satin Glow
* Citron Pearlcoat
* Dark Blue Pearlcoat
* Emerald Green Pearlcoat
* Flame Red
* Gunmetal Pearlcoat
* Lapis Blue
* Moss Green Pearlcoat
* Stone White
* AX-15 5-spd Transmission
* Annoying useless extra vent behind the hood that leaks water
* No screen to in cowl vent
* Cambolts for the front control arms
* Knock-outs for the rear control arm cam bolts
* Ability to display the diagnostic codes on odometer with key on,off,on,off,on
* You have to switch a plug to disable the clutch/starter interlock
* AX15 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 999 for the auto if it is a 6 cylinder
* AX5 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 904 for the auto if it is a 4 cylinder
* Optional dana 44 with 3.55's gears
* The 97 TJ the A/C is on the spark plug on left closest to you which you have to take off the belt and compressor to get to the plug.
* Late Models:
* 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear ?
* Hood latch changes
* Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available
