The Wrangler (also known as the YJ, TJ, and JK, as explained below) is an off-road vehicle produced by American automaker Chrysler under its Jeep marque. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys Universal Jeep (CJ) in the 1950s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and AMC. The Wrangler debuted in 1987, was updated in 1997 and again in 2007, and is still popular today.

From 1987 until 1992 the Wrangler/YJ was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Today the Wrangler is produced at Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

The Wrangler name was not used in Canada, as it was a trim level of Chevrolet pickup in that market. Instead, 1987 to 1995 models were sold as YJ, and 1997 to 2006 models were sold as TJ. The model designations of YJ and TJ are used throughout the world in the Jeep enthusiast community to differentiate which model is being spoken of instead of using the more ambiguous term "Wrangler".

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YJ (1987-1995)

The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987 and was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada until the plant closed on April 23, 1992. It was a new design with a wider wheelbase, slightly less ground clearance, a galvanized body and more comfort. The YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported track bars and sway bars for added handling. YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights, which were a source of controversy when introduced. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar to the CJ, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. Many CJ owners with a rusted body replace them with a newer YJ body, they are almost cosmetically identical and the lines from the nose match up perfectly. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced into mid '96 bringing the total production number to 685,071 units.

The YJ used a 2.5 L AMC 150 I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC 258 I6 until 1991. That year, a fuel injected 180 hp (134 kW) 4.0 L AMC 242 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.

In 1994, the slave cylinder on manual transmissions was moved outside of the transmission's bell housing to allow for easier replacement, and in 1995 larger U-joints were used.

YJ Wrangler Renegade

From 1991 until 1994, Jeep produced an options package on the YJ Wrangler listed as the "Renegade Decor Group". Initially, all Renegades were White, Black or Red. In 1992, Blue was added, in 1993, Bronze. The Renegade Decor Group was a $4,266.00 option over a base Wrangler in 1991 and included special alloy wheels, exclusive body flares, along with many other features.

Contents of the Renegade Decor Package

4.0 Liter I-6 Engine
29x9.5R15 LT OWL Wrangler A/T Tires
5-Hole Aluminum Wheels, 8 inch wide.
Full size spare tire.
High back seats with Trail cloth Fabric
Off-Road Gas Shocks
Power Steering
Fog Lamps (integrated into the front fenders)
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Renegade striping (door letters)
Floor carpeting (full width, and on insides of body tub)
Floor mats, front
Extra capacity fuel tank (20 gal.)
Color Keyed Fender Flares with integrated body side steps
Front and rear bumperettes (plastic)
Center console with cup holders
Courtesy and engine compartment lights
Interval Wipers
Glove box lock

Additionally, hardtops received a mandatory rear window defroster at a $164.00 premium. Hardtops themselves were a $923.00 option.

All Renegades typically had the Tilt Steering wheel ($130.00) and an AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Radio ($264.00).

A column shift automatic was also an available option (this option was rare).

While a base Wrangler with the in line 6 went for $12,356.00, the Renegade package pushed that price up to $18,588.00 in 1991. Dealer mark-up moved the price to $19,273.00.

These vehicles were sent as optioned Wranglers to Auto Style Cars in Detroit, where the Renegade Decor Package was installed, then shipped back to Jeep for delivery to dealers. Renegades all have a small sticker on the driver's side door, right above the latch denoting the visit to ASC.

At the price premium over a standard Wrangler, sales were fairly limited, so finding one today is a semi-rare occurrence. The price, plus what hardcore Jeepers felt were "funny looking plastic fenders" limited the sales. Although having nearly identical off-road capabilities, these Jeep were typically used as "beach cruisers" because of both their price and rarity, as well as the fact that their over sized flares and body cladding were not designed for the abuse that tree branches and over sized tires can deal out.

Trim Levels

• Base (also referred to as "S"&"SE" at different points in the model run; first few years the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional, some years the 6cyl engine was an option, other years only the 4cyl was available in the "Base" model)
• Laredo (Chrome grille, bumpers, and trim, hard top and hard full doors, tinted windows, faux leather interior, body color fender flares and alloy wheels) 
• Islander (which included "Sunset" Islander graphics and body colored wheel flares) 
• Sport (which featured "sport" graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0L 6 cylinder engine) 
• Sahara (which came standard with most available options, including body color fender flares and alloy wheels) 
• Renegade (which ran until 1994, and featured a similar option package as Sahara, but added premium wheels, deluxe interior group as well as over sized "Renegade" wheel flares and body cladding) 
• Rio Grande (Available in champagne gold, moss green and white, with a southwest themed interior trim package, only the 4cyl engine was available, model was offered in the last two years of the YJ model run.

Known Issues

• 1986-1994 - Plastic fuel tank sending unit gasket may crack (factory recall).
• 1986-1990 - Front brake hose wear due to contact with front wheel well splash shields (factory recall).
• 1986-1989 - Windshield frame may crack at wiper arm pivot (factory recall).
• 1988 - Cruise control module failure (factory recall).
  
• 1989 - Mis-built fuel tank skid plate allows excessive fuel spill during rear end collision (factory recall).
• 1990-1995 - Parking brake pawl return spring failure on some models equipped with manual transmission (factory recall).
• 1990-1991- Models sold in the "Salt Belt" (Northeastern and Midwestern states) may experience front disc brake rotor failure due to corrosion of stamped steel center hub section from road salt (factory recall).
  
• 1990-1992 - Late model year 1990 thru 1992 front left brake hose wear due to contact with front left wheel well splash shield (factory recall).

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TJ (1996-2006)

The YJ gave way to the TJ for the 1997 model year (note that there was no 1996 model year; the 1997 TJ was released in Spring 1996). This updated Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension (based on that of 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 150 Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models until 2003 when the 2.4 L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder engine replaced it.

A right hand drive version of the TJ was available for export markets, and was also offered for sale to US rural route postal carriers. The version offered to US postal carriers was only available with an automatic transmission.

Other changes included the 1999 additions of a larger standard fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and a new console, steering wheel, and a revised dashboard for 2001. 2002 saw other minor changes including new colors, along with available wheel styles.

TJ Wrangler Rubicon

The Wrangler Rubicon (named for the famed Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains) was introduced in 2003. It featured front and rear Dana 44 axles with built-in air-actuated locking differentials, 4:1 low-range NV241 transfer case, 4.10:1 differential gears, 16 in alloy wheels, and Goodyear MTR P245/75-R16 tires. 2003 to 2004 featured a standard NV3500 five-speed manual transmission, which changed in 2005 to a Mercedes-sourced six-speed. The optional 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission was available from 2003 to 2006.

A limited run of 1,001 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models were 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 in. 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 seat belts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number. To match the vehicle in the film, it was offered in Bright Silver.

TJ Wrangler Unlimited

In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with a 10 in (~25.4 cm) longer wheelbase (LWB), a Dana 44 rear axle with a 3:73 gear ratio and the Command-Trac 231 transfer case; this model is also known by its unofficial 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 such as front and rear Dana 44 axles with locking differentials, diamond plate rocker guards, a NVG241OR transfer case with a 4.0:1 low range, 245/75R16 Goodyear MT/R tires, a six-speed manual transmission and other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.

Trim Levels

• Base - also referred to as "SE"
• X (available after 2002, it was the equivalent to earlier standard optioned 'Sport' models 
• Sport - which came standard with the 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine 
• Sahara - the premium model until 2005, which came standard with most available options, including the 4.0-liter engine, alloy wheels, fog lights and the premium interior group 
• Rubicon - beginning in 2003, the premium "off-road" model, which came standard with most of the available off-road options and included the "Rubicon appearance package", which included alloys, fog lights, and lower body side "diamond" plating 
• Unlimited - beginning in 2004, Unlimited offered more interior room (increased legroom for rear passengers, and improved storage space behind the rear seat), greater towing capacity, 3500 lb (1600 kg), and was available in a standard or Rubicon trim. A 4.0L and alloys were standard on all models. On soft tops, the "Sunrider" flip-back sunroof feature is standard as well.

Known Issues

• 1997 - Air bag control module delay and/or unexpected deployment (factory recall).
• 1998 - Brake booster failure (factory recall) and front seat belt shoulder harness failure (factory recall).
• 1997-1998 - Water leaks in passenger side floor board due to faulty vent (dealer service bulletin).
• 1999 - Instrument panel and defroster failure due to faulty instrument panel ground screws (factory recall)
• 1999-2006 - Late model year 1999 thru 2006 with rotary style air conditioning controls may experience melted wiring connectors at a/c control module.  Early model year 1999 and prior with slider style a/c controls are not affected.
• 2000-2002 - 4.0L engine intake and exhaust manifolds allow debris to collect in number three cylinder (factory recall).
• 2001-2002 - Ignition switch design allows water / debris to enter and short out the switch (factory recall).
• 2005-2006 - 42RLE automatic transmission may not achieve 'park' position (factory recall).
• 2006 - Hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod failure (factory recall).
  

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JK (2007-Present)

The 2007 model year brought the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both two and four-door models. The TJ platform was replaced by a new JK platform. This next-generation Wrangler was significantly larger than the existing model, with a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase and 3.4 in (86.4 mm) wider track, though the two door model is actually 2.5 in shorter in the overall length than the TJ, allowing for better approach and departure angles. With a larger available standard tire size of 32 in, break over angle is unchanged.

Some Wrangler enthusiasts 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. However, it should be noted that similar complaints were heard during previous redesigns. Jeep reportedly sought to cement the Wrangler's position as the marque's most-rugged vehicle as new car-based crossover SUVs took some of Jeep's on-road market share.

JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in 1992 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year.

 

The JK Wrangler is offered in two versions:

A short-wheelbase 2-door, in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
A long-wheelbase Unlimited 4-door, also in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
A 3.8 L EGH V6 producing 205 hp (153 kW) and 240 ft·lbs (325 N·m) is the base engine, replacing the venerable AMC Straight-6 engine. The 2.8 L VM Motori turbo diesel straight-4 used in the Liberty is offered as options outside of U.S, as it does not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. The lower two levels have the Jeep Command-Trac NV241 part-time two-speed transfer case with an optional Trac-Loc limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses a Rock-Trac version of the NV241 with electronic front- and rear-axle locking differentials.

Stability control is a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned anti-lock brake system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.

The JK runs almost all vehicle functions other than steering under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. The new software has had the typical problems common with any new vehicle launch. As of mid-2007, there have been two safety recalls for software fixes.

A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Also available on the JK model is an optional 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time in a Wrangler. Another first is an available navigation system. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler to have a change in the tail lamps.

JK Wrangler Unlimited

The JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is stretched even more than the TJ model, with four doors and 20.6 in (523 mm) added to the JK Wrangler's 95.4 in (2423 mm) wheelbase. It was designed to compete with larger late model off-road vehicles like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Hummer H3, and will be priced near $21,000.

Unlimited has the same engine and transmission choices as a short-wheelbase JK. X and Sahara trims offer an option of 2x4 rear wheel drive. It is the only four door convertible available in the U.S.

The Unlimited offers more options and equipment than any previous Wrangler model, including standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, remote keyless entry, navigation system, and Sirius satellite radio.

Known Issues

• 2007 - Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) software failure allowing vehicle to stall (factory recall).
• 2007 - ABS control module software failure causing momentary brake delay while coasting and/or cause rear breaks to lock up (factory recall).
• 2007-2008 - Steering intermediate shaft contact with rear brake line tube causing brake failure (factory recall for Right Hand Drive (RHD) models only).

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