Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Jeep Wrangler
| Jeep Wrangler | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | DaimlerChrysler |
| Class: | compact 4x4 |
| Body Styles: | 2-door convertible |
| Production: | 1986–present |
| Predecessor: | Jeep CJ |
| YJ | |
| |
| Production: | 1986–1996 |
| Engines: | 2.5 L AMC I4 4.0/4.2 L AMC I6 |
| TJ | |
| 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.
| Contents |
YJ
The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1986. 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. 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 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-acuated locking differentials, rear helical gear-driven limited slip differential, 4:1 low-range NV241 transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16" alloy wheels, and P245x75xR16 tires. 2003 & 2004 featured the NV3550 manual transmission in the Rubicon while 2005 changed to a 6 speed. The 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available 2003-2005.
Wrangler Unlimited
In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with an 18 inch (46 cm) longer wheelbase. In 2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited, which has the Unlimited wheelbase and the off-road features of the Rubicon as well as many other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.
See also
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