This comes up from time to time, thought it might be useful to have posted.
From: http://www.geocities.com/jeepboy49028/changes.html
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Jeep TJ Model Changes By Year
Jeep Wrangler TJ
2005
• New Exterior Colors:
o Impact Orange
o Deep Beryl Green Pearl
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Solar Yellow
o Shale Green
o Sienna Pearl Coat
• 6-Speed NSG370 manual transmission replaces the 5-speed NV3550 & NV1500 transmissions in all models
o 6 forward 1 reverse
o Max torque input 272 ft/lb
o 1- 5.014:1
o 2- 2.831:1
o 3- 1.789:1
o 4- 1.256:1
o 5- 1.000:1
o 6- 0.828:1
o Reverse 4.569:1
o Weight 40.5 kg
• SE gets 3.73 axle gears in place of 4.11's/4.56's
• Sahara Edition Discontinued
• Second soft top on Unlimited, called "Easy-Folding Soft Top" now an option. (Dual tops still not an option on the Unlimited.)
• New Premium H-Package on the Unlimited model features unique 2-tone cloth seats, silver painted center stack and instrument cluster bezels, bright grille and body color fender flares.
• Optional six-disc in-dash CD changer system that arrives later in the model year.
2004
• New Exterior Colors:
o Solar Yellow
o Lime Green
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Inca Gold
o Intense Blue
• Trail Rated badges
• The Canyon wheels in the 30" package are now "Ravine" wheels.
• Can be purchased in the U.S. with right-hand steering
• The standard AM/FM Tape is now a CD.
• There is a standard spare tire cover that comes with the 30" wheel/tire package now.
• There is a new "cubby bin" in the center "stack".
• Willys Edition:
o Exclusive Moss Green exterior color
o Camo and black seats
o Unique "WILLYS" decal at cowl side
o Diamond-plate sill guards painted Dark Green
o Body-color fender flares
o AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and seven speakers (includes subwoofer in center console) - no extra charge
o 4.0L Power Tech I-6 engine
o Tow hooks
o Fog lamps
o Full-size spare tire with matching wheel
• Columbia Edition:
o 4.0L I-6 Engine
o 15-inch graphite painted aluminum wheels
o Unique graphite fender flares
o Fog lamps
o Columbia badging
o Dark Slate Interior
o Khaki two-tone seats with the Columbia logo
o Silver painted instrument panel accents
o Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
o Complimentary Columbia Bugaboo® parka featuring a zip-in Chehalis or Shoshone fleece vest
• Rocky Mountain Edition: (Nearly Identical as Columbia Edition Except
o 4.0L I-6 Engine
o 30 Goodyear GS/A Tires on 15x8-Inch Alcoa Cast Aluminum wheels w/ full size spare
o Unique graphite fender flares
o Fog lamps
o Rocky Mountain Edition badging
o Dark Slate Interior
o Identical two-tone seats as Columbia Edition, but with Jeep embroidery replacing Columbia logo
o Silver painted instrument panel accents
o Available in Black, Bright Silver, Flame Red, Solar Yellow and Patriot Blue
o Diamond sill plates
o Tow hooks
o Dana 44 rear
• Introduction of Unlimited Model (2004 1/2):
o 10" longer wheelbase
o 5" extra rear overhang
o Additional 13 inches behind the second row of seats (doubling rear cargo capacity to 29.5 cubic ft.)
o Passengers in the rear seats pick up an additional two inches of leg room, and can now access the area with tip and slide seats.
o 3500 lbs. towing capacity (Extra 1500 lbs.)
o New Sun rider soft-top, which lets drivers open a sunroof or take the entire top down
o More sound insulation
o Revised springs/shocks as well as an additional cross member out back to ensure an improved ride and no loss of structural rigidity
2003
• New Exterior Colors:
o Bright Silver Metallic
o Light Khaki Metallic
o Inca Gold Pearl Coat
o Intense Blue Pearl Coat
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Silverstone Metallic
o Solar Yellow
o Steel Blue Pearl Coat
o Amber Fire Pearl Coat
• Exterior Labeling:
o On Sports, the word "Sport" now appears at the top of the fender where the word "Wrangler" used to appear.
o On Sahara’s there's a brand new Sahara logo (much more discrete) that appears about where the "4.0L" used to
o appear on early TJs, roughly where the "Sport" label appears on 2002s
o Rubicon has RUBICON label on hood.
• New Interior Colors:
o Dark Slate replaces Agate
o Khaki replaces Camel
o Khaki color for Sahara’s instead of green trail cloth
• Soft Top Colors:
o Dark Khaki replaces Tan
• Seat Changes:
o Additional 20 millimeters of rearward travel
o Taller seat backs
o Softer seats
o Seats are lower sitting (more like a car)
o Lever on the side of the front passenger seat for easier access to the rear.
o Rear seats are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and upper Tethers for Children)
o New fold-and-tumble rear seat -- release now on the top center of the rear seat and a new spring mechanism helps it fold and tumble easier than ever before
• New 3-ply Soft Top that is as quiet as the previous 4-ply
o NOTE: Change in driver's side window: male zipper is now on window, female zipper on the top, previous years was vice-versa
• Plastic wind shield trim (Interior Upper Head Impact Protection to meet 2003 federal standard?)
• Trim on back of hardtop and vents removed (vents added to tailgate)
• New interior electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display
• A new exterior mirror design reduces vibration, while increasing stability and durability. Shorter, fatter, and all plastic Now "ratchet" out from the body rather than swing out in a smooth motion.
• Doors - the key cylinder is now chrome instead of black
• Dashboard redesigned, openings for the radio and HVAC controls are now oval rather than rectangular
• New 4-spoke vinyl steering wheel for SE and X models
• New 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel for Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models
• Smoker’s Package optional on all models
• On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)
• Additional power outlet on the dash
• New flush-mounted AM/FM cassette radio with CD changer control
• New flush-mounted AM/FM compact disc radio with CD changer control
• Replacing the optional sound bar, new standard corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle house interior lamps, providing theater lighting and optional speakers
• Energy-absorbing foam is added to the sport bar
• 4-wheel disc brakes optional on Sport and Sahara
• 42RLE 4-speed automatic option
• New transfer case skid to work with new 4-spd auto (lower ground clearance)
• Jeep Wrangler SE Changes:
o NV1500 five-speed heavy-duty transmission. Also used on Jeep Liberty, this transmission gives Wrangler a synchronized reverse gear and improved shift quality in cold weather. 4.56 gears available with SE and 4-speed auto.
o Jeep Liberty’s 2.4-liter Power Tech I-4 replaces the 2.5-liter I-4 as the standard engine on 2003 Jeep Wrangler SE models. This 2.4-liter engine provides an estimated 150 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, representing a 25-percent increase in horsepower and an 18-percent increase in torque. This increased power and torque is achieved through the use of aluminum cross-flow cylinder heads, dual overhead cams and a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The new 2.4-liter engine is quieter, more fuel-efficient and engineered for longer life and ease of maintenance.
• Introduction of Rubicon Model:
o Tru-lok selectable pneumatic lockers, activate in 4-lo and under 10mph, engaged until out of 4-lo or deselected
o Limited slip in rear when not locked
o NV241 Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case -- fixed yoke
o Heavy-duty drive shafts with 1330 universal joints
o Dana 44 Front (Dana 30 outers)
o 4.10 gears
o Goodyear Wrangler MT/R LT245/75R16 (31") Tires
o 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels
o Diamond plate rock rails
o Rubicon Lettering on Hood
o 4-wheel Disc Brakes
• Apex Edition:
o Special hood emblem
o Special seats
• Freedom Edition:
o Body colored fender flares
o Special side badges
o Outlined white letter P225/75R15 Goodyear all-terrain tires mount on 15-inch chrome wheels.
o Standard soft-top with full metal doors, fog lamps and tow hooks.
o Standard air conditioning, Sentry Key® theft-deterrent system, easy access Fold-and-Tumble(TM) rear seat and a choice of Dark Slate Gray vinyl or cloth seating.
o Available in red, silver, blue and black exterior colors.
• Tomb Raider Edition Rubicon:
o 16-inch Alcoa forged aluminum wheels
o Tomb Raider badging with serial number
o Light bar
o Riveted fender flares in graphite
o Black Tubular grille guard
o Diamond plate bumper guard
o Rock rails
o Fog & Tail lamp brush guards
o Aluminum diamond plate bumper guard in black
o Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center
o Silver surround instrument panel bezel
o Red seat belts
o Available in Bright Silver.
2002
• New Exterior Colors:
o Shale Green Metallic
• New Ecco Wheel and Tire Group with P225/75R15 OWL Tire replaces the Grizzly Wheel and Tire Group
• New appearance for the Full Face Wheel
• 30" Tire and Wheel Group, speed control, full doors with roll-up windows and sentry key are now standard on the Wrangler Sahara
• Full doors with roll-up windows, fog lamps and tow hooks are now standard on the Wrangler Sport
• Fog lamps and tow hooks become separate options
• New HVAC System with overall improvements in performance and quietness
• New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement
• Premium sound system that includes 2 new tweeters in addition to the existing subwoofer
• 7 year/70,000 Mile Warranty Offered (Not on early 2002's however)
• Introduction of X Model:
o 4.0L engine and cloth seats, standard, less options than Sport (no Dana 44)
2001
• New Exterior Colors:
o Sienna Pearl Coat
o Steel Blue Pearl Coat
o Amber Fire Pearl Coat
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Medium Fern Green
o Desert Sand
• New 4-ply Soft Top that is more durable and quieter
• Quarter-Turn Fuel Filler Cap
• New Anti-Lock Brake System
• Long Life 100,000-Mile Engine Coolant that is more Environmentally-friendly
• Quick-Removal Side Steps
• All-New steering wheel tilt mechanism provides reduced effort and an increased range of adjustment
• Optional molded plastic Add-a-Trunk for reduced weight
• Optional Amplified Sub-woofer
• Re-designed Stereos
• Mini Console with dual cup holders
• Re-designed Full Console with rear seat cup holders
• Sutton Vinyl Seat Material - Standard on SE and Sport Nomad Cloth Seat Material - Optional on SE and Sport
• New wider inside rear-view mirror
• New Multi-function Steering Column switch combines headlamp, fog lamp, turn signal and windshield wiper functions
• Intermittent windshield wipers made standard
• New Instrument cluster includes a fog lamp tell-tale light and provides Parade-Mode lighting, battery saver control of interior lighting and odometer display with door open
• User-Ready Child Seat Anchorage System
• The pull switch for the headlights moved from the dash to the blinker
• Late Model:
o New Fuel Tank Skid Plate with Added Reinforcement
• 60th Anniversary Edition
o Available only in Black or Silverstone Metallic
o Body-color wheel flares and rocker sills
o Specially embroidered floor mats
o Full Metal Doors
o Canyon 30-inch Tire and Wheel Group
o Fog Lamp and Tow Hook Group
o Air Conditioning
o AM/FM stereo radio with CD player, five speakers and subwoofer
o Options: Speed control & Dual-Top
2000
• New Exterior Colors:
o Solar Yellow
o Patriot Blue Pearl coat
o Silver Stone
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Chili Pepper Red,
o Gunmetal Blue
o Intense Blue
o Deep Amethyst.
• Alternator moved higher up
• Ultra Star 16" alloy wheel now standard on Sahara models.
• 4.0L engine now gets distributor less direct-ignition system, re-designed cylinder head, new exhaust manifold and dual-catalyst system (2.25" exhaust)
• New NVG-3550 manual transmission replaces the Aisin transmission on the models with the 4.0L engine (includes synchromesh on reverse gear).
• Sound Bar now standard on Sport models.
• Tow hook option now includes one rear tow hook.
• Sport's standard AM/FM radio adds a cassette player, Sahara exchanges a cassette player for CD player.
• Optional tilt steering wheel in SE and Sport is now the same leather-covered unit that was standard in Sahara.
• Child-seat tethers added to the rear seat,
1999
• New Exterior Colors:
o Medium Fern Green Pearl coat
o Forest Green Pearl coat
o Desert Sand Pearl coat
o Intense Blue Pearl coat
• Discontinued Exterior Colors:
o Jade
o Lapis Blue
o Emerald
o Moss Green
o Gunmetal Pearl coat
• New Interior Colors:
o Agate
o Camel
• New Top Colors:
o Dark Tan replaces Spice.
• Hood cowl changed from a "3 section" wide cowl with alot of plastic around it to a smaller cowl...
• Removed annoying useless vent that leaks water
• Cruise control controls on steering wheel
• Rotary climate controls with bi-level air
• Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag
• Improved ECM
• Re-designed catalytic converter
• New "JTEC+" engine controller with new engine-function sensors
• Lighter frame - 16 lbs (8kg) lighter
• Nineteen gallon fuel tank now standard.
• 30" tire package came with the "Canyon" style wheels (15x8).
1998
• Chrylser becomes Daimler/Chrylser
• New Exterior Colors:
o Chili Pepper Red Pear lcoat
o Deep Amethyst Pearl coat
• Smart Key Immobilizer replaces previous Lock/Unlock key fob system.
• Cruise control Available
• Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available
• Revised torsion bar for improved steering response
• Revised steering gear ratio that varies from 15:1 on centre to 13:1 at the extremes of travel for more responsive steering
• New steering wheel
• Next generation airbags
• Revised stereo range
• Hood latch changes
• 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear
• New engine management system wiring
• Dual Tops Option
• Added pads to front bumper -- front license plate moved to the center of the bumper
• 30" tire package came with the "Gambler" style wheels (15x8).
• Late Model:
o Defeat switch for passenger-side air bag
1997
• Introduction of TJ Model:
o All-new, refined exterior body panels and hardware
o Quadra-Coil Suspension
o Contemporary interior appearance and dash
o New frame with outstanding torsional and bending stiffness
o Driver and passenger air bags
o Optional ABS
o Improved soft top (quieter and easier to put up/down)
o Round headlights return
o Lockable glove box
• Available exterior colors:
o Black
o Bright Jade Satin Glow
o Citron Pearl coat
o Dark Blue Pearl coat
o Emerald Green Pearl coat
o Flame Red
o Gunmetal Pearl coat
o Lapis Blue
o Moss Green Pearl coat
o Stone White
• AX-15 5-spd Transmission
• Annoying useless extra vent behind the hood that leaks water
• No screen to in cowl vent
• Cam bolts for the front control arms
• Knock-outs for the rear control arm cam bolts
• Ability to display the diagnostic codes on odometer with key on,off,on,off,on
• You have to switch a plug to disable the clutch/starter interlock
• AX15 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 999 for the auto if it is a 6 cylinder
• AX5 for the Manual Tranny or a Chrysler 904 for the auto if it is a 4 cylinder
• Optional dana 44 with 3.55's gears
• Front License plate on the passenger side of the bumper.
• Late Models:
o 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear ?
o Hood latch changes
o Ez-Entry Driver's seat now available
1996
NO WRANGLERS PRODUCED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR
Jeep Wrangler YJ
1995
• Last year of YJ Production
1994
• Three-speed automatic transmission available with 2.5-liter engine
1993
• Four-wheel anti-lock brakes available
1991
• 4.0-liter Power Tech, OHV, 12-valve, SMPI I-6 Power-Tech Six engine replaces 4.2-liter engine
1988
• Sahara model introduced
1987
• Initial YJ introduction, square headlights, leaf springs