YJ vs TJ

This is kinda confusing, someone tell me if I got this right:

From 1987 until 1996, the Wrangler is called the YJ. From 1997 on, the Wrangler is called the TJ. The term "Wrangler" refers to either the YJ or the TJ.

Are there any differences between the YJ and the TJ, other than that the TJ has a completely new interior?

the 'YJ' or 'TJ' designation refers to the current incarnation of the wrangler body style... the old CJ was before the YJ. Jeep also uses
the designations KJ, XJ, and so on to refer to the different models
like the cherokee, liberty, etc.

other then the differences u mentioned (the interior) the YJs have a leaf spring suspension while the TJs have a smoother coil spring setup. To comply with dept of Transportation guidelines back in the late 80s, the yjs are designed to sit a little lower and are wider, to deal with rollover probs. Somehow Jeep was able to loosen that up with the TJs so you'll notice that they're sit up alittle higher stock. The YJs have square headlights which many people dont like but then Jeep also went back to the classic round headlights with the TJs i guess after getting enough complaints. Also, with the TJs, the factory options included a Dana44 rear axle, which is sufficiently stronger then the Dana35c usually found there. hope this helps.

you mentioned the YJs being made into '96. this is incorrect because of the transition period being the YJs and Tjs. There is no '96 model Wrangler. If someone did purchase one in 96 it would be one of the early '97 TJs.

Originally posted by YJwolfos
you mentioned the YJs being made into '96. this is incorrect because of the transition period being the YJs and Tjs. There is no '96 model Wrangler. If someone did purchase one in 96 it would be one of the early '97 TJs.

Good call on the 96 thing,;) i was about to jump on that one!

which one is better do you think in all general purposes? Which one is better at climbing/crawling/mudding, etc. Not counting general street driving purposes.

Originally posted by YJwolfos
other then the differences u mentioned (the interior) the YJs have a leaf spring suspension while the TJs have a smoother coil spring setup. To comply with dept of Transportation guidelines back in the late 80s, the yjs are designed to sit a little lower and are wider, to deal with rollover probs. Somehow Jeep was able to loosen that up with the TJs so you'll notice that they're sit up alittle higher stock. The YJs have square headlights which many people dont like but then Jeep also went back to the classic round headlights with the TJs i guess after getting enough complaints. Also, with the TJs, the factory options included a Dana44 rear axle, which is sufficiently stronger then the Dana35c usually found there. hope this helps.

2nd this!:smoka:

First Off I don't know anything of how TJ's r made, I drive a YJ, but if your driving on the highway best to buy bigger tires, those will help lower your rpm's because you will be running high rpm's at 65 because of low gear ratio, If your planning on offroading you deffinitely need bigger tires, keep a stock of gear boxes or atleast buy something to help protect it, and be sure to check your fluids afterwards, them manual Jeeps with AX-5 trainey's have brass syncro's that don't like much water, be sure you get the right fluid too, Hope this helps, Peace

which one is better do you think in all general purposes? Which one is better at climbing/crawling/mudding, etc. Not counting general street driving purposes.

The newer models with coil spring suspension ride quite alot better on the road. For highway acceleration and especially mountain highway driving, the 6 cylinder will be your choice.

Off Road the stock vehicles are comparable. The leaf springs on the YJ are generally easier/cheaper to lift, if that's the way you want to go.

I know you can order a new TJ with larger tires and higher axle ratios, so these factory options would give you an advantage off road. (and would if you added them to an older Jeep too)

Best unmodified off road Wrangler? Rubicon w/o a doubt.

And Justin_smokey, you don't want to go with bigger tires on the highway to lower your rpm's, as that will cost you in gas mileage. UNLESS you add the tires AND change the axle ratio to keep the engine in the right powerband.

It isn't neccesary to re-gear the diffs when you go larger in tire size. Just depends if you need more power, etc...

Yeah, should have claridied; I was referring to a big change in size, as generally a little bigger won't bother anything. But if you go from 225/75r15 to a 33" tire, that makes a big difference. On one vehicle I had, (ok it was a car) I went from 205/70r15 and 25mpg on highway to 225/75r15 and 17mpg highway. Guess it depends on the vehicle.....

If your thinking about putting bigger tires on you might as well forget about your MPG because big meats require big eats. A friend of mine runs a YJ with a 4 inch lift and 33"s with the stock gears. He does just fine for around town driving and mild 4 wheeling. He did Sierra Trek this year and said he almost ate up his clutch though. The YJ's are deffently easier to lift and have a little more room on the interior because the dash isnt so ballooned out with airbags and other junk. I personally sport a CJ7 and love it. Yes the Yj does ride a little rougher than a TJ and yes you can get more flex out of a TJ with a comparable lift. But the option of spring over on a YJ and CJ is what sets apart the real jeeps from the grocery getters. Speaking of course for non lifted TJ's.