Interiors thru the years.

[WindWraith]

Hello

The wife and I have been craving a Jeep for well over a decade. Recently we went for a test drive of a new 2005 model. I was very surprised at how nice the interiors have become. Especially the dash boards.

My question is this:

What years have the current interiors of the 2005 models or similar? I see categories for parts and accessories that go from mid 80s-95 then skip to 97-2005.

Im guessing the interior changed, among other things, in 97? Also whats with the 96 model as I never see it listed in catalogs. Seems to get skipped over.

My last question is:

Is there any year to avoid for mechanical or any other reasons? We are looking forward to purchasing a newer used model this winter.

Thank you in advance,
David

 

[southtj]

I think that 97 and up have the fancy carlike interior.

If you can find a 96, hang on to it. It's probably worth a whole lot!

 

[WindWraith]

Van for Sale; Runs Good

Thank you for your reply.

A few calls to dealerships, amazing how few salesmen and service managers didnt know this, revealed nothing. So the internet answered my question well enough. There simply wasnt a jeep offered for 96. So in 97 they jazzed up the interior and gave back the round headlights.

Nice looking Jeep you have, 442.

Thanks again
David

 

[OutOfStep]

Spark Plugs MSD 86 CJ7

If you want a TJ (1997-present) try and avoid the 1997 model, it has a lot of bugs. If you can, get one with a Dana 44 rear. It's a lot stronger than the alternative. From the back the Dana 44 has an irregular shape while the Dana 35 is nearly round.

 

[TwistedCU]

1986 and older CJ's had the flat steel dash (with the large speedometer)

1987-1995 were the YJ's (square headlights and new box dashboard with plastic trim)

1997 and up TJ's have a dash that looks nearly the same as my 2000 XJ Cherokee.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

There was no '96, Chrysler took the year off from the Jeep Wrangler model to make it more car-like There are some late model year '95s, we affectionately call them the '95.5, that have a lot of crossover parts similar to the TJ's. Mine is one of them.

The '97+ have the 4wheel coilspring suspension, huge difference from '95 and before.

 

[mud4feet]

Strange things in the NEWS

Welcome to the "Z", David!!! You are unique amongst the folks here in that you like the newer interiors. I have an '03 TJ ('97-present = TJ, square headlights = YJ, and any thing prior = CJ, or the military designations ie: M38 or some such). I truly hate my interior.....in '97 they added air bags (a gov't requirement, I'm sure) and that did a great disservice to the Jeep dash.........I love those older CJ's with nothin' but flat steel and a couple of guages!! And carpet and cloth seats!?!?!?! Can't really hose mine out very easily ('course the dash would probably short out, anyway). There is no '96 because they ceased production that year (as Bounty said) to re-tool the factory for the coil-spring suspension (among other changes - hopefully they won't do that again!!!). That I will not compain about, although I think I prefer my wife's stiffer '94 ride (leaf springs). But please don't get me wrong.........I love my Jeep to death and would not trade it for anything. I'd been coveting a Jeep since I started driving (1969) and it only took me 44 years to finally buy one!!!!! I didn't buy it for the interior, or the dash, or the suspension, or the HP (4 banger by choice :shock: )..........I bought it because it'll take me where I want to go..........anywhere!!!!......and it has to be one of the most versatile vehicles ever made.
So go buy a Jeep and get it over with........doesn't really matter what year...........and stick around. They are extremely interesting and capable vehicles and this is an extremely interesting and capable Jeep site!!!!

 

[WindWraith]

RE: Latest hacker

Fantastic responce. Thanks everyone.

In truth I dont see us going hard core off roading in it. Most likely, unless we get a wild hair and go on a organized ride, it will get us to our camp sites. Most of its life will be under her bottom shuffling around town.

And so I dont get thrown off this forum for that confession just let me say I nearly cried the day they took my M151A1 from me, cut in half with a blow torch and tossed it in the back of a hauler with 6 other jeeps to be scraped. I was then forced to drive to the port with the other drivers in my company to pick up our new Humve's. I still have my Tech Manual to this day along with the key and key ring. Number 54 in the batallion motor pool. That was indeed a sweet ride. It shook so bad at 53 miles per hour, wound totally out givvin it all she had. It did go anywhere though. Had to back up with a trailer at night thru the German woods once for near a 1/2 mile and I gotta say if I had been in anything else I couldnt have done it.

Oh the memories....

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: Little Johnny Humor

To answer your questions about avoiding any years... since you mentioned you'll be getting a newer used model I'd say no. The 2.5L with a manual transmission is plenty of power for putting around town or even the highway, but if you look for an automatic, will be dealing with alot of hills, then get the 4.0L inline 6 cyl.

The newer models (2004? or 2005? really not sure ) have 4 speed automatics available. The 3 speed autos are a bit overtaxed on the highway.