Jeep Wrangler TJ history (1997–2006)

Jeep Wrangler TJ history

Jeep called the TJ its most thoroughly redesigned vehicle since the wartime Quad became the MB. Its retro styling nodded to the CJ-7 with round headlamps, a seven-slot grille and a fold-down windshield, while coil springs at all four corners gave it far more suspension travel and a better ride than the leaf-sprung YJ.

Production in Toledo ran from January 1996 to July 2006. The 2003 Rubicon added air-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles and a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case from the factory, and the 2004 Unlimited (LJ) stretched the wheelbase by about 10 inches for more rear legroom, cargo space and a 3,500-pound tow rating.

The TJ was the last Wrangler with the AMC 4.0-liter inline-six; the JK that replaced it for 2007 switched to V6 power.[1],[2],[3]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• Manual transmissions changed over the run: AX-15 five-speed (1997–1999), NV3550 five-speed (2000–2004) and NSG370 six-speed (2005–2006).
• The four-speed 42RLE became the only automatic for 2003, replacing the three-speed 30RH/32RH.
• The four-cylinder was dropped for 2006, leaving the 4.0-liter six standard on every TJ.

Sources:[2]

What changed over the years

1. 1997Coil springs, round headlamps and a new interior with dual airbags replace the YJ design.
2. 200160th Anniversary Edition (about 4,067 built).
3. 2003Rubicon arrives; 2.4L four replaces the 2.5L; 42RLE four-speed automatic.
4. 2004 (LJ)Long-wheelbase Unlimited adds 10 inches of wheelbase and 3,500-lb towing.
5. 2005NSG370 six-speed manual replaces the NV3550.
6. 2006Four-cylinder dropped; production ends in July and the JK takes over.

Sources:[1],[2]

What to check before you buy one

• Inspect the frame — especially the rear section and the control-arm mounts — and the body tub floors for rust and repair.
• Confirm a Rubicon is genuine: factory Rubicons have locking Dana 44 axles and the 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case. A VIN-based build lookup can confirm the factory equipment.
• Check for water leaks around the doors and soft top, and the condition of the carpet and floor drains.
• Lifted TJs are common; check the steering, control arms and driveline angles, and ask what was changed.
• On high-mileage 4.0-liter sixes, look for oil leaks and ask for cooling-system service records.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Jeep Wrangler known issues page.

How to verify a Jeep Wrangler TJ's factory options

Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and the special editions carry the most value, and badges are easy to add. CarWhere checks a TJ's 17-character VIN for licensed factory build data and, when it exists, lists the equipment it was built with — engine, transmission, axle ratio, top and option packages. Coverage for older VINs is thinner than for recent vehicles.