Common items across the series were the standard or optional 4.0L I-6, an upgraded design of the tried and true AMC I-6 that was introduced in Jeep vehicles in 1986. The 4.0L saw a few changes within the nine-year run of the TJ that resulted in a few extra horsepower and increased torque. The TJ was the last Jeep vehicle to use the 4.0L and when the model ended in 2006, the last of the AMC-era engines ended with it. The continued appearance of the Dana 44 rear axle with disc brakes as an option or standard equipment makes you wonder why it wasn’t offered all the way through.
The 4.0L 6-cylinder engine was available in the TJ through its entire run, either as an option or as standard equipment. The engine was well matched to the TJ, providing excellent low-end torque that was very useful off-road and sufficient horsepower to keep the Jeep moving in traffic. The refinements in the 4.0L fuel-injection system increased the reliability and efficiency of this engine.
The Wrangler TJ shared the same 94-inch wheelbase as the CJ-7 and Wrangler YJ. This size proved to be almost perfect for the Jeep off-road. It’s short enough to stay nimble on a tight trail but allows just enough room to seat passengers comfortably along with some gear. The new styling of the TJ retained enough of the iconic Jeep look to make the vehicle instantly recognizable.
The Wrangler Unlimited debuted in 2004 and received kudos from the Jeep community. Similar to the old CJ-8 (also known as the Scrambler), the new Jeep was 15 inches longer; it added 10 inches behind the door opening and 5 inches in the rear. This stretched Jeep featured increased interior room: valuable space for gear and people. (Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC)
In 2002, Jeep began offering the dual-top group; it allowed a new Jeep owner to purchase both tops right from the factory. This popular and cost-effective option continued through the JK series.
Wrangler: The Wrangler TJ model was available for the full run of the TJ series. The replacement for the Wrangler YJ featured two doors and the same wheelbase and relative size as the YJ. This size proved itself since the CJ-7 was introduced in 1976 and continued to prove itself through this model.
Wrangler Unlimited: In 2004, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler Unlimited, sometimes unofficially referred to as an LJ, which offered an additional 10 inches of wheelbase and an extra 5 inches of rear cargo space. It was a welcome addition to the line that added much needed room to a small vehicle. With the added length came improved handling both on- and off-road. The Unlimited shared many similarities to the Jeep Scrambler without the excess rear overhang. The limited-run numbers and three-year availability keeps the used prices high for this model TJ. If history repeats itself, the Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be in demand, keeping prices up well into the future.
Brief Wrangler Specs
Wheelbase: 93.4 inches
Length: 155 inches
Engines: 4.0L I-6 (1997–2006), 2.5L I-4 (1997–2002), 2.4L I-4 (2002–2006)
Transmissions: 5- and 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Transfer Case: NP231 (standard), NV241 (Rubicon)
Axles: Dana 30 front (standard), Dana 44 front (Rubicon), Dana 35 rear (standard), Dana 44 rear (Rubicon)
Hard and Soft Top
Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Compatibility and Interchangeability: The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited share almost all of the same parts with the exception of items directly impacted by the increased length. These items include: body tub, frame, tops, roll bar, rear driveshaft, and fuel/brake lines. Almost all other items are fully interchangeable. Nearly all aftermarket parts such as lift kits, bumpers, and so on, will work across models; double-check with the manufacturer or reseller especially when looking at long-arm lift kits, body protection, tops, and rear driveline.
The Wrangler Unlimited’s extra 10 inches of wheelbase (compared the Wrangler) improved street driving considerably. It also adds the advantage of being longer than the standard 94-inch length, which on the trail can be the difference between stuck or not stuck.
Brief Wrangler Unlimited Specs
Wheelbase: 103.4 inches
Length: 171 inches
Engines: 4.0L I-6 (2004–2006)
Transmissions: 5- and 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Transfer Case: NP231 (standard), NV241 (Rubicon)
Axles: Dana 30 front (standard), Dana 44 front (Rubicon), Dana 44 rear (standard and Rubicon)
Hard and Soft Top
Trim Lines
The TJ featured many trim levels in its nine-year run; at least 15 different trims were available. Some were standard; others were special limited model-year editions.
The Wrangler Sport is the most popular model in the TJ line and was available throughout the model’s run. It features many of the most popular options such as the reliable 4.0L 6-cylinder engine and attractive exterior. An array of options including a hard top and an air conditioner made this model extremely popular. (Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC)
For the Jeep owners who were looking for a little more class and refinement, the Sahara featured many appearance and interior upgrades. From an off-road perspective, the Sahara was equipped with wider fender flares that could cover larger tires. (Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC)
Standard Editions
SE: The bottom trim level that came standard with the I-4 engine and limited creature comforts. The 4.0L I-6 and automatic transmission were optional additions.
X: This model, introduced in 2002, sits between the SE and the Sport. The 4.0L I-6 and manual transmission were standard; automatic, four-wheel disc brakes, and Trac-Lok differential were optional.
Sport: This is the most common version of the TJ; it included the 4.0L I-6 as standard. Popular options included air-conditioning, speed control, 30-inch tires, and upgraded sound system. A Dana 44 with the Trac-Lok differential and disc brakes was an option through the run.
Sahara: The Sahara included many features found in the Sport but added appearance and interior enhancements such as special decals, wider flares, and premium sound. A Dana 44 with the Trac-Lok differential and disc brakes was an option through the run.
Rubicon: Jeep introduced the Rubicon in 2003 and started a model that became extremely popular with the off-road crowd. The Rubicon, named after the famous trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, was equipped with features designed for off-road use. Larger off-road tires, body and underbody protection, Dana 44 axles equipped with air lockers, and a 4:1 low-range transfer case set this Jeep apart from all of the other special trim models. The Wrangler Unlimited was available as a Rubicon in the 2005 and 2006 models. It is estimated that only 10 percent of Wranglers in the available years (2003–2006) are Rubicon models; this low percentage has dramatically increased the used market value of the Rubicon. I will discuss the advantage and/or disadvantage of buying a Rubicon in the following chapters.