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Revision as of 02:54, 3 October 2005 by 24.250.48.29 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Jeep Wrangler | |
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| Manufacturer: | DaimlerChrysler |
| Class: | compact 4x4 |
| Body Styles: | 2-door convertible |
| Production: | 1987–present |
| Predecessor: | Jeep CJ |
| YJ | |
| 1989 Jeep YJ Wrangler | |
| Production: | 1987–1996 |
| Engines: | 2.5 L AMC I4 4.0/4.2 L AMC I6 |
| TJ | |
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| Production: | 1997–present |
| Engines: | 2.5 L AMC I4 2.4 L PowerTech I4 4.0 L AMC I6 |
| This article is part of the Jeep automobile series. | |
The Wrangler (also YJ and TJ, as explained below) is a small off-road vehicle from Jeep. It is a successor to the famous World War II GP vehicle by way of the Jeep CJ series. The Wrangler debuted in 1986, was updated in 1997, and is still popular today.
YJ
The Jeep YJ (sometimes referred to with the backronym, "Yukon Jeep"), sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987. It was a new design with a longer wheelbase, less ground clearance, and more comfort, and some of its inspiration came from its stable mate, the Jeep Cherokee, rather than from its CJ predecessor alone. (This prompted some Jeep purists to interpret YJ as "yuppie Jeep" upon the model's introduction.) 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995. The YJ was replaced in 1996 by 1997's TJ. YJs are easily identifiable by their square headlights.
The YJ used a 2.5 L AMC I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC I6 until 1991. That year, a fuel injected 180 hp (134 kW) 4.0 L 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.
On August 5, 1987, American Motors was bought by Chrysler, and the Jeep marque became a part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division.
TJ
The YJ gave way to the Jeep TJ (sometimes referred to with the backronym, "Terra Jeep") for the 1997 model year. This updated Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension (based on that in 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 Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models until 2003 when a 2.4 L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder motor replaced it.
Other changes included 1999's addition of a larger standard fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and intermittent wipers, a new console, and an optional locking compartment for 2001.
Wrangler Rubicon
The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail off-road test circuit) was introduced in 2003. It features front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, rear helical gear-driven limited slip differential, 4:1 low-range NV241 transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245×75×R16 tires. 2003 and 2004 featured the NV3550 manual transmission in the Rubicon while 2005 changed to a six speed. The 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available 2003–2005.
A limited run of 1,000 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models was produced in 2003 to promote the Tomb Raider sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Along with the standard Rubicon fare, it also included exterior features such as 16-inch 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 but looked nothing like the one in the film.
LJ Wrangler Unlimited
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with an 15 inch (~25 cm) longer wheelbase. It is known by its official Jeep 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 as well as many other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.
2007
2007 will see the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both two and four-door models. The TJ platform will be replaced by a new TK platform. While engine specs and vehicle dimensions have not yet been announced, several spy shots have been circulating around the internet which show that this next-generation Wrangler is significantly larger than the existing model. Many Wrangler enthusiasts have 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.
See also
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