1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) Frequently Asked Questions

Copyright © 1996-2006 Todd Murray (Click here to contact me).  That's my Jeep shown below after a weekend of accumulating mud.

Purpose: The purpose of this frequently asked questions (FAQ) list is to provide a reference to people who have bought, or are thinking about buying, the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler. Many of these questions have previously been asked in the newsgroups rec.autos.makers.jeep+willys and rec.autos.4x4 .

Disclaimer: Much of this information is my personal opinion or the opinion of any authors cited. Don't take it as absolute gospel, but instead as helpful advice. Also, Chrysler's attorneys will come after me if I forget to mention that Jeep is their trademark.

You are reader number to this page since 2/16/98 (plus about 33,000 between 10/16/96 and 2/16/98.)
This page is being rewritten and was last updated Sun May 14 22:11:40 2006.

Contents:

• 1.1. What's the difference between the 1997-2005 Wrangler and older model years?
• 1.2. What's a TJ? What's a YJ? What's a CJ?
• 1.3. Does the new Wrangler really handle and ride a lot better than older Wranglers or CJ's?
• 1.4. Is it safe? Or will I roll it over right away?
• 1.5. Is it a good buy?
• 1.6. What are some common problems with the Wrangler? What do I need to be aware of before I buy one?
• 1.7. What kind of mileage does it get?
• 1.8. Does it handle well in winter conditions and lots of snow?
• 1.9. What's this I hear about the Jeep Wave?

• 2.1. How much can I expect to pay for a Jeep Wrangler?
• 2.2. Should I buy a new or a used Wrangler?
• 2.3. What should I look out for if I'm buying a used Wrangler?
• 2.4. What are the basic decisions I need to make when buying a Wrangler?
• 2.5. What's the difference between the different models such as the Wrangler SE, Wrangler X, Wrangler Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, and Unlimited?
• 2.6. What are the differences between different model years?
• 2.7. Should I get a four cylinder (2.4 liter) engine, or a six cylinder (4.0 liter) engine?
• 2.8. Should I get a manual or an automatic transmission?
• 2.9. Should I get a hard top or a soft top?
• 2.10. 30 inch tire and wheel package
• 2.11. Dana 44 rear axle
• 2.12. Trac-Lok Differential
• 2.12. What options or option packages should I look for?

• 3.1. Where can I buy accessories?
• 3.2. Where can I mount a radio or CD player?
• 3.3. What about getting big speakers, a big amp, and a subwoofer?
• 3.4. Center consoles
• 3.5. Do I need an alarm? Can you tell me something about security?
• 3.6. Can I switch from a soft top to a hard top, or a hard top to a soft top? Can I replace the soft top?
• 3.7. How do I get the hard top off if I don't have four friends to help out?
• 3.8. How do I wire up a tail light for towing?

• 4.1. Help! I have a problem with my Jeep and you're the only one who can fix it!
• 4.2. I have a problem with my Jeep, and I need to know if this is a common problem.
• 4.3. Finding more informed sources on where to get your Jeep repaired
• 4.4. "Check Engine" light
• 4.5. Diagnosing and fixing water leaks
• 4.6. The infamous problem with the gas gauge
• 4.7. Soft top and window care
• 4.8. Towing capacity
• 4.9. Removing the doors

• 5.1. Is my Wrangler ready for off-road use right out of the box?
• 5.2. Tow hooks, tow straps, and safety items
• 5.3. Assorted tips on off-road driving
• 5.4. So, is off-roading all that great?

• 6.1. What are the different types of lift kits?
• 6.2. How big of a lift should I get?
• 6.3. What's the difference between different manufacturers?
• 6.4. How do I choose bigger tires?
• 6.5. Limited slip and locking differentials
• 6.6. Winches and other accessories