Seeking Wrangler Advice
#61
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
On Mon, 6 Oct 2003 21:32:43 -0400, "Candice Fisher"
<cpfisher@comcast.net> wrote:
>nice use of html tags! that was cute! :)
>
>Good question, though. who would worry about a parking lot ding? it could
>look like the ding from a rock, a tree, flying stone or stick...when you are
>OFF ROADING WITH IT! If you have to worry about parking lot dings, then get
>a Volvo.
>A ding...LOL
>
geeze, i'm sorry i don't measure up to your standards. guess i'm in
for a few sleepless nights. the original poster indicated that the TJ
would be a second vehicle with some casual off-roading (my exact
situation). i guess he doesn't measure up either, eh?
rich
(who loves his TJ both on and off the road, keeps it clean and ding
free)
<cpfisher@comcast.net> wrote:
>nice use of html tags! that was cute! :)
>
>Good question, though. who would worry about a parking lot ding? it could
>look like the ding from a rock, a tree, flying stone or stick...when you are
>OFF ROADING WITH IT! If you have to worry about parking lot dings, then get
>a Volvo.
>A ding...LOL
>
geeze, i'm sorry i don't measure up to your standards. guess i'm in
for a few sleepless nights. the original poster indicated that the TJ
would be a second vehicle with some casual off-roading (my exact
situation). i guess he doesn't measure up either, eh?
rich
(who loves his TJ both on and off the road, keeps it clean and ding
free)
#62
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
You said 'what price range are you shopping in?'
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
#63
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
You said 'what price range are you shopping in?'
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
#64
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
You said 'what price range are you shopping in?'
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
My goal on price is to get a quality TJ at a reasonable price. So it kind
of depends on the year, miles and condition. I just want to get a lot of
Wrangler for my money (talk about a wishy-washy answer to a simple
question).
"Nathan W. Collier" <JeepChat@7SlotGrille.com> wrote in message
news:m7kgb.31011$xB4.10889@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> "Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
> news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> > I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ.
>
> each model year brings many improvements, or at least things i consider to
> be "improvements". '98 brought rotary environmental controls. '99 lost
the
> cam bolts on the axles. '00 replaced the ax15 with the nv3550 tranny. it
> also upgraded the ignition to operate without a distributor. '01 added a
> much improved soft top, as well as tinted windows and the trac-loc became
> standard on the d44 option. afaik there were no changes from '01 to '02
> (other than replacing forest green with shale green) and '03 added a 4
speed
> automatic, "inca gold" paint, "high back seats" (that totally suck if
youre
> under 6'2"), and of course the rubicon option.
> what price range are you shopping in? when i start shopping for used tj's
> for my kids that will start driving in a few years, ill probably start
> around the '00-'01 year models as i believe their ignition systems to be
> superior and even more water proof than previous years.
>
>
> --
> Nathan W. Collier
> http://7SlotGrille.com
>
>
>
#65
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
I bought a 97 TJ this past spring. It had a 5 speed and 6 cylinder. If I
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
#66
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
I bought a 97 TJ this past spring. It had a 5 speed and 6 cylinder. If I
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
#67
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
I bought a 97 TJ this past spring. It had a 5 speed and 6 cylinder. If I
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
had it to do over, I would have checked the following things and passed on
the jeep that I bought.
1. gear ratio
2. rear differential
The gear ratio was 3.07. WTF? What is that good for?
The rear diff was a Dana 35. POS! It since grenaded and was replaced with
a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. The front Dana 30 will be regeared soon with
3.73 as soon as I find $400 on the sidewalk or someone takes pity on me. :)
So what am I saying, oh yeah, 5 speed, 6 cylinder, Dana 44, at least 3.73
gears, the top depends on where you live. In Texas, the soft top is great.
I would say get a 98 or later because of the passenger airbag cutoff switch.
I can't turn mine off so my daughter has to ride in the back.
I found mine on autotrader online at a local new car dealershit.
Good luck.
"Smegma Breath" <tchilson@penn.com> wrote in message
news:O9ggb.199$mQ2.159@newsread1.news.atl.earthlin k.net...
> I am interested in purchasing a 'pre-owned' Jeep Wrangler TJ. Currently,
my
> only significant requirement is that I believe I want a six cylinder
versus
> a four cylinder. I am looking to use the vehicle as a second vehicle and
do
> to some casual off-roading with it. A few questions:
>
>
>
> 1.. Are there any particular model years I should look for or avoid?
>
>
> 2.. Are there any particular options or Wrangler models I should look
for
> or avoid?
>
>
> 3.. I was going to shop for the Wrangler through conventional outlets
such
> as Jeep dealerships, non-Jeep dealerships and via local newspapers. What
> other options do I have to obtain that 'particular' Wrangler?
> Many Thanks!
>
>
#68
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
Tim Hayes <thayes@remove-me.rutgers.edu> wrote:
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John
#69
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
Tim Hayes <thayes@remove-me.rutgers.edu> wrote:
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John
#70
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Seeking Wrangler Advice
Tim Hayes <thayes@remove-me.rutgers.edu> wrote:
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John
> '03 also added:
> - moved vents from hard-top sides to rear door
> - sound 'pods' vs sound 'bar' (or was that '02?)
> - new rear seat folding mechanism
> (perhaps others, these is just what I figured out so far)
In addition to the things already mentioned, here are lots of other "little"
things that I've noticed since the introduction of the TJ in '97:
- '03 has a single windshield washer "squirter" (with dual streams).
It doesn't work as well at higher speeds because of this.
- Don't know when they changed it, but the '03 has the headlight switch
mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash. I thought that
this was introduced in '03...
- The Sahara model (and other models with factory fog lamps) also have the
fog lamp switch mounted on the turn-signal stalk rather than on the dash
starting in '03. This made room for the Rubicon's locker switches.
- The cowl vent was shrunk down in either '02 or '03 (I think). This was
presumably done to help minimize interior water leaks during extremely
heavy rain storms.
- '03 Sahara models have rear seat cupholders. Not sure when they added this
feature...
- The outside mirror arms were changed from painted metal to plastic in either
'02 or '03. The mirrors on my '03 seem to vibrate more than those on my
brother's '97 because of this.
- According to the owner's video, the '03 has two locator pins in the hardtop
which make it easier to line up to the tub when reinstalling. I could've
sworn that these were always there so they may have been added prior to '03...
- The front license plate "mount" was moved to the center at some point. My
brother's '03 has the plate mounted towards the driver's side of the front
bumper.
- Someone else can probably confirm this, but the skid plate on the '03
seems to look different from earlier models. This may have been done to
accomodate the 4 speed automatic introduced in '03.
Anything else?
-John