Jeep TJ Model Changes By Year - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

cj5350 · #1 27-03-2006

Direct paste from US site but a good read

Jeep TJ Model Changes By Year Jeep Wrangler TJ

2005

New Exterior Colors:
- Impact Orange
- Deep Beryl Green Pearl
Discontinued Exterior Colors:
- Solar Yellow
- Shale Greeb
- Sienna Pearl Coat
6-Speed NSG370 manual transmission replaces the 5-speed NV3550 & NV1500 transmissions in all models
- 6 forward 1 reverse
- Max torque input 272 ft/lb
- 1- 5.014:1
- 2- 2.831:1
- 3- 1.789:1
- 4- 1.256:1
- 5- 1.000:1
- 6- 0.828:1
- Reverse 4.569:1
- Weight 40.5 kg
SE gets 3.73 axle gears in place of 4.11's/4.56's
Sahara Edition Discontinued
Second soft top on Unlimited, called "Easy-Folding Soft Top" now an option. (Dual tops still not an option on the Unlimited.)
New Premium H-Package on the Unlimited model features unique 2-tone cloth seats, silver painted center stack and instrument cluster bezels, bright grille and body color fender flares.
Optional six-disc in-dash CD changer system that arrives later in the model year.

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:
- 4.0L I-6 Engine
- 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
Rocky Mountain Edition: (Nearly Identical as Columbia Edition Except
- 4.0L I-6 Engine
- 30 Goodyear GS/A Tires on 15x8-Inch Alcoa Cast Aluminum wheels w/ full size spare
- Unique graphite fender flares
- Fog lamps
- Rocky Mountain Edition badging
- Dark Slate Interior
- Idential two-tone seats as Columbia Edition, but with Jeep embroidery replacing Columbia logo
- Silver painted instrument panel accents
- Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
- Diamond sill plates
- Tow hooks
- Dana 44 rear
Introduction of Unlimited Model (2004 1/2):
- 10" longer wheelbase
- 5" extra rear overhang
- Additional 13 inches behind the second row of seats (doubling rear cargo capacity to 29.5 cubic ft.)
- Passengers in the rear seats pick up an additional two inches of leg room, and can now access the area with tip and slide seats.
- 3500 lbs. towing capacity (Extra 1500 lbs.)
- New Sunrider soft-top, which lets drivers open a sunroof or take the entire top down
- More sound insulation
- Revised springs/shocks as well as an additional cross member out back to ensure an improved ride and no loss of structural rigidity

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.

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 (Not on early 2002's however)
Introduction of X Model:
- 4.0L engine and cloth seats, standard, less options than Sport (no Dana 44)

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
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
The pull switch for the headlights moved from the dash to the blinker
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

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,

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.
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.
30" tire package came with the "Canyon" style wheels (15x.

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 -- front license plate moved to the center of the bumper
30" tire package came with the "Gambler" style wheels (15x.
Late Model:
- Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag

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
Front License plate on the passenger side of the bumper.
Late Models:
- 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear ?
- Hood latch changes
- Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available

1996

NO WRANGLERS PRODUCED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR....yeah right

Wooders · #2 27-03-2006

So in summary
98+ = less powerful steering box
98+ = Loss of Onboard USER diagnistics
99+ = Weaker frame
00+ = Less colour options
01+ = More akward interior lighst switch
02+ = Sentry key ie no more simple copies of the key by your locksmith
03+ = LOADS of useless plastics trim crap
03+ = tail grading belly pan
04+ = DC too silly to think Unlimited would be popular in RHD
05+ = Weaker 6spd box.

Gezz glad I;ve got a mythically 96 then

MattW · #3 28-03-2006

The whole thing is pretty wrong

cj5350 · #4 28-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wooders

04+ = DC too silly to think Unlimited would be popular in RHD

Gezz glad I;ve got a mythically 96 then

me to...but you can get a unlimited in RHD...who wants to import one??