Jeep CJ to Wrangler
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The first civilian Jeep vehicle, the CJ-2A, was produced in 1945. Willys advertisements marketed the Jeep as a work vehicle for farmers and construction workers. It came with a tailgate, side-mounted spare tyre, larger headlights, an external fuel cap and many more items that its military predecessors did not include.
Jeep CJ-2A
The CJ-2A was produced for four years, and in 1948 the CJ-3A was introduced. It was very similar to the previous model but featured a one-piece windscreen, and retained the original L-head four-cylinder engine.
The CJ Model was updated in 1953, becoming the CJ-3B. It had a taller front grille and hood than its military predecessor in order to accommodate the new Hurricane F-Head four-cylinder engine.
Jeep CJ-3B
The CJ-3B remained in production until 1968 and a total of 155,494 were manufactured in the U.S.
In 1953, Willys-Overland was sold to Henry J. Kaiser for $60 million. The Kaiser Company began an extensive research and development program that would broaden the Jeep product range.
Two years later in 1955, Kaiser introduced the CJ-5, based on the 1951 Korean War M-38A1, with its rounded front-fender design. It was slightly larger than the CJ-3B, as it featured an increased wheelbase and overall length. Improvements in engines, axles, transmissions and seating comfort made the CJ-5 an ideal vehicle for the public’s growing interest in off-road vehicles.
Jeep M-38a1
Jeep CJ-5
The CJ-5 featured softer styling lines, including rounded body contours. A long-wheelbase model was introduced and was known as CJ-6. Apart from a longer wheelbase, the CJ-6 was almost identical to the CJ-5. Jeep also introduced a forward-control cab-over-engine variation to the CJ line in 1956.
The Jeep CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, from 1954 to 1984. In the 16 years of Kaiser ownership, manufacturing plants were established in 30 foreign countries, and Jeep vehicles were marketed in more than 150 countries.
In 1962, Jeep introduced the first automatic transmission in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, in the Wagoneer line, the predecessor to the Jeep Cherokee. The 1962 Jeep Wagoneer was also the first four-wheel-drive vehicle with an independent front suspension. This vehicle was tested amongst others during Land Rover's development of the Range Rover.
Jeep Wagoneer - Precursor to the Cherokee
In 1965, a new 'Dauntless' V6 engine was introduced as an option on both the 81-inch wheelbase CJ-5 and 101-inch wheelbase CJ-6. The 155-horsepower engine almost doubled the horsepower of the standard four-cylinder engine. It was the first time a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6.
In 1970 Kaiser Jeep was purchased by American Motors Corporation (AMC). Four-wheel-drive vehicles had become more popular than ever, and by 1978, total Jeep vehicle production was up to 600 vehicles a day — more than three times production at the start of the decade.
All Jeep CJs now came equipped with AMC-built 304 or 360 cubic inch V8 engines. AMC also equipped both the CJ-5 and CJ-6 with heavier axles, bigger brakes and a wider track.
Another first introduced by Jeep in 1973 was Quadra-Trac®, the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Quadra-Trac® was available in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons as well as the CJ-7.
1977 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade
In 1976, AMC introduced the CJ-7, the first major change in Jeep design in 20 years. The CJ-7 had a slightly longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 to allow space for an automatic transmission. For the first time, the CJ-7 offered an optional molded plastic top and steel doors. Both the 93.5-inch wheelbase CJ-7 and 83.5-inch wheelbase CJ-5 models were built until 1983 when demand for the CJ-7 left AMC no choice but to discontinue the CJ-5, after a 30 year production run.
In 1979, French car manufacturer Renault acquired a majority stake in AMC.
1982 Jeep Scrambler CJ-8
The Scrambler, introduced in 1981, was a Jeep similar to the CJ-7 but with a longer wheelbase, known internationally as the CJ-8.
Jeep Wrangler (YJ) - In 1983, the growing market for compact four-wheel-drive vehicles still sought the utilitarian virtues of the Jeep CJ series, but consumers also were seeking more of the creature comforts found in passenger cars. AMC responded to this demand by discontinuing the CJ series and introducing the 1987 Jeep Wrangler (YJ).
Although the Wrangler shared the familiar open-body profile of the CJ-7, it contained few common parts with its famous predecessor. Mechanically, the Wrangler had more in common with the Cherokee than the CJ-7. The Wrangler YJ had square headlights, which was a first (and last) for this type of Jeep. YJ model production exceeded 630,000 units.
1987 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
On August 5, 1987, about a year after the introduction of the Wrangler, Renault sold its stake in American Motors Corporation to Chrysler Corporation.
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Jeep Wrangler (TJ) - The 1997 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) looked very similar to the CJ-7. Its retro look was quite deliberate, but the vehicle was very different from a mechanical standpoint. Nearly 80 percent of the vehicle parts were newly designed. The TJ used a four-link coil suspension, similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and featured a new interior, including driver and passenger air bags.
The Jeep Wrangler (TJ) retained several classic Jeep features such as round headlights, a fold-down windshield (first seen in 1940) and removable doors, as well as a choice of a soft top or removable hard top. A factory-fitted sport bar was also standard.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - Enter the then best-equipped Jeep ever – the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This vehicle earned the right to be called by the legendary trail name, as it was equipped with push-button-actuated locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, 32-inch tyres and many more options not available on any production Jeep before it.
2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ)- In 2004, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was introduced — a longer-wheelbase Wrangler, featuring 13 inches more cargo room and 2 inches of additional second-row leg room. While maintaining the unmatched open-air fun and 4x4 capability of the original Jeep Wrangler, the Unlimited model offered more refined on-road comfort, as well as even more versatility.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon - With the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Jeep married its top off-road rig — the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — to the new, roomier, versatile Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon featured locking front and rear differentials, front and rear Dana model 44 axles, four-wheel disc brakes and a 4:1 low-range transfer case.
Since Chrysler Corporation merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998 to form DaimlerChrysler, the Jeep trademark belongs to the German-American group.
The 2007 model year brought the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both two and four-door models. The TJ / LJ platform was replaced by a new JK platform. This next-generation Wrangler was significantly larger than the existing model, with a 2-inch (51 mm) longer wheelbase and 3.4-inch (86 mm) wider track, though the two door model is actually 2.5 inches (64 mm) shorter in the overall length than the TJ, allowing for better approach and departure angles. With a larger available standard tyre size of 32 in, breakover angle is unchanged.
Jeep Wrangler JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with past Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in 1992 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year.
The JK Wrangler is offered in two versions - a short wheelbase 2 door, in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels, and a long wheelbase Unlimited 4 door, also in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
Jeep Wrangler JK
Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
A 3.8 litre EGT V6 with a displacement of 230.5 cubic inches (3778 cc)[9] producing (205 hp (153 kW) and 240 foot-pounds (330 N·m) of torque is the base engine, replacing the venerable AMC 242 straight-6. The 2.8 litre VM Motori turbodiesel 4 cylinder producing (174 hp (130 kW) and 302 foot-pounds (409 N·m) of torque is offered as an option outside of the U.S., as it does not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. The lower two levels have the Jeep Command-Trac NV241 part-time two-speed transfer case with an optional Trac-Loc limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses a Rock-Trac version of the NV241 with a 4:1 low range. Electronic locking front and rear axles called Tru-loc are also standard on Rubicon models.
Stability control is a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.
The JK runs almost all vehicle functions other than steering under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler.
A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Also available on the JK model is an optional 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time in a Wrangler. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler to have a change in the tail lamps.
On September 13, 2007, at the Defence Systems & Equipment International trade show, Chrysler unveiled a Wrangler Unlimited version designed for military use dubbed the J8. The unarmoured Jeep J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles and suspension components than the civilian version and has a payload capacity of 1,339 kg (2,952 lb). The J8 also differs from the civilian model by utilizing heavy-duty rear leaf springs for carrying heavier payloads. The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 N·m (295 lbf·ft) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm (30 in) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours. Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right hand or left hand drive. Targeted for use by the militaries in overseas markets, the J8 is not available in the United States because it will not meet U.S. emissions requirements.
Jeep J8 - Built in Israel as the AIL Storm 3 (sufa 3)
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