Jeep Wrangler TJ: coil springs and round lamps

The Jeep Wrangler TJ is the second generation of the Wrangler, introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. It brought back the round headlamps of the classic Jeeps and replaced the leaf springs of the YJ with coil springs at front and rear. In 2004 it also produced the first long-wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited.

Jeep Wrangler TJ at a glance

History of the Jeep Wrangler TJ

Six years of development

Work on a successor to the YJ began in 1990 in Chrysler’s Jeep-Truck Engineering Pre-Program department, with mules based on the YJ built from 1990 to 1993, when the programme was formally approved with a $260 million budget. Designers worked at the new Chrysler Technical Center, and in late 1992 Michael Santoro’s proposal was chosen by Tom Gale, Lee Iacocca and executive management. In May 1993 the final design was frozen, 32 months ahead of the first assembly; verification prototypes were built from early 1994 and tested into late 1995. The TJ was unveiled on 2 January 1996 at the Detroit Auto Show as an early 1997 model, skipping the 1996 model year, and reached showrooms in April 1996 after six years of investment. Production had started in January 1996 as YJ output ended in December 1995.

What changed

The TJ was an evolutionary update of the Wrangler but a big step for the way it drove. Coil springs replaced leaf springs at both ends, and the round headlamps of the CJ returned. The engine was the 4.0 litre AMC 242 straight-six used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, with a 2.5 litre four on entry models until 2002 and a 2.4 litre DOHC four from the PT Cruiser for 2003. A 19-gallon fuel tank became standard for 1999. Between 2002 and 2003 the mirrors changed from black metal-framed to plastic, the three-speed automatic gave way to a four-speed with overdrive, the radio bezel and interior trim were revised, and the skid plate was reshaped to clear the Rubicon’s larger transfer case. The TJ is notable as the last production vehicle to use AMC-related parts: the four was retired after 2002, and the straight-six and the AMC door handles went with the generation in 2006.

Unlimited and the Storm

In April 2004, after an 18-year gap, Jeep brought back a long-wheelbase Wrangler. The Unlimited, or LJ, was 10 inches longer on a 103.5 in wheelbase, almost identical to the CJ-6 and CJ-8 Scrambler, with 15 inches more length overall, two inches more rear legroom, 13 inches more cargo space and nearly double the towing capacity. A Dana 44 rear axle with a 3.73 ratio and the Command-Trac NV231 transfer case were standard, and a Rubicon Unlimited followed for 2005 with front and rear Dana 44 axles, the Rock-Trac NV241 system and 245/75R16 tyres. From 2006 Israeli Automotive Industries built the Storm Mark II military Jeep on the TJ, with dual passenger doors making it the first five-door Wrangler derivative. A right-hand-drive TJ was also sold to rural postal carriers in the United States.

Design and features

• Coil springs: a better ride and handling than the YJ’s leaf springs.
• Round headlamps: a return to the classic Jeep face.
• 4.0 straight-six: the Cherokee’s engine as the main power unit.
• Unlimited: the 2004 long-wheelbase LJ with a Dana 44 rear axle.
• End of AMC parts: the last production vehicle to use them.

Jeep Wrangler TJ versions

• Wrangler TJ (1997–2006): the standard short-wheelbase car.
• Unlimited / LJ (2004–2006): the 10-inch longer version.
• Rubicon Unlimited (2005–2006): Rock-Trac and Dana 44 axles.
• Postal TJ: right-hand drive, automatic, for rural routes.
• AIL Storm Mark II (2006): Israeli five-door military derivative.

The TJ is the second generation of the Wrangler, following the CJ-7 and preceding the four-door Gladiator pickup. More models are in the Jeep collection.

Video: Jeep TJ overview – for new and old owners 2003 TJ Sport

Video by Smith Cinematic Aerials on YouTube.

Sources

• Jeep Wrangler (TJ), English Wikipedia: development, engines, changes, Unlimited, Storm