ROAD TEST: 1997 JEEP WRANGLER

Returning to its roots while springing ahead

"The Big Book of Automotive Quotations" (yet to be written) would undoubtedly include Enzo Ferrari's line about the Jeep being the only real sportscar built in America, based largely on its simple, vertical grille and round headlights. Now, 55 years after its inception, Jeep's 1/4-ton 4x4 has returned to the styling that helped the vehicle outlive three of its parent companies (Willys, Kaiser, and AMC).
Yes, the round headlights are back. However, the '97 Wrangler (designated the "TJ") retains several of the styling cues first introduced on the "YJ" ("Yuppie Jeep" in sarcastic circles) Wrangler line in 1987, including the creased grille. The fold-down windshield also remains, although the actual glass is larger and raked for improved aerodynamics. The doors and tailgate are carried over, but other immediately noticeable changes are the removable sidesteps (replacing the plastic runners), fender-mounted front blinkers, side-mounted gas filler, and flusher hood hinges and hold-downs.

Jeep Jeep

Aesthetics aside, the TJ's biggest change is underneath - it borrows the Grand Cherokee's "Quadra Coil" suspension concept. Obviously, the spring rates and links are tuned to the Wrangler's weight, width, and wheelbase, but Jeep engineers prioritized a system that they hoped would improve both the road ride and off-road capability. The coils provide a more supple pavement ride than the former four-leafpack system, which made the 93.4-inch-wheelbase Wrangler somewhat of a buckboard at speed. Knowing that most late-model 4x4s never see the backcountry, much less extreme off-roading, the design priority is obviously on-road manners, another reason why the Grand Cherokee suspension was used.
The challenge here was keeping the Wrangler true to Jeep's off-road roots, which elevated the bobtail to cult status but had hardcore Jeepers laughing at the Wrangler's limited wheel travel and light-duty geartrain when it was introduced in 1987. Knowing that most Wrangler owners disconnect their anti-swaybars for greater wheel travel in slow-speed terrain, Jeep engineers mounted the TJ's front swaybar above the frame for easier access. With disconnected swaybars, the TJ has about seven inches more diagonal axle articulation than the YJ. The Quadra-Coil system also provides better ground clearance and approach and departure angles, and the TJ's wheelwells are larger to accommodate oversized tires more easily.

Jeep Jeep

The overseas and American versions of the new Wrangler offer air conditioning, stereo and dual airbags.

The other major-overhaul area is the interior. Necessity is the mother of invention here - dual airbags are mandatory in the U.S. for '97 models, and Chrysler wanted a modular dash that was easily adaptable to right-hand drive to cover its more than 100 overseas markets. (Incidentally, Chrysler reports extensive airbag testing off-road to prevent airbag deployment caused by uneven terrain.) On top of this, the engineers had to figure out how to shoehorn in air conditioning and a stereo system with optional cassette and CD players (their solution is a center "stack"). So, the design is a compromise, sacrificing the "Jeepness" of individual gauges for a dash that could be found in almost any American-market late-model SUV. Styling aside, the TJ features 1.6 more inches of seat travel for increased leg room, more foot room thanks to a smaller center tunnel, and a 6-inch-wider rear seat due to redesigned rear wheelwells.
One last significant redesign was to the respective tops. The soft top is now more aerodynamic and raises and lowers in about two-thirds the time of the YJs'. Likewise, the hardtop has new quick-release latches and has been lightened by 15 pounds.
Much of the YJ's powertrain carries over to the TJ, only with refinements. The TJ will initially be offered only with the 2.5L four-banger (120 HP, 140 lb-ft), and the venerable 4.0L six (181 HP, 222 lb-ft) will appear mid-model-year. Both engines will have OBD II engine-monitoring systems for the American market, which could severely limit aftermarket performance potential. Further, both have a re-profiled cam for better low-end torque and a variety of noise- and vibration-limiting refinements - aluminum pistons, for example. The 4.0 also gets reinforced main-bearing areas and a higher intake for increased water fording. Fuel economy improvements range from one to three mph depending on drivetrain configuration and usage, mostly because of better aerodynamics. Further, exhaust systems now use all stainless-steel materials.
Gear reduction will also carry over from the YJ: either the five-speed manual or the three-speed auto. Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive with the NP 231 transfer case will remain, and a Dana 44 rear axle (with 3.55 gears and Trac-Lok limited-slip) will be a mid-year option for Sport and Sahara trim-level Wranglers equipped with the optional 30x9.50-15 Goodyear tires (rim sizes range from 15x6 to 15x8 with four styles: two aluminum and two steel). The standard Dana 35C rear axle remains mechanically unchanged, but the Dana 30 front axle has been modified to accommodate the Quadra-Coil suspension and now has its pinion below the pumpkin's centerline for better clearance and less noise.

Jeep

To boil it all down, Chrysler has apparently done their homework once again. The success of the Ram pickup, cab-forward cars, Grand Cherokee, and mini-vans prove that the company is consistently capable of giving people what they want. After all, hardcore Jeepers laughed at the Wrangler in 1987, but were soon surrounded by the YJ both on the highway and in the backcountry. It's only a matter of time before the TJ profile is easily recognized worldwide. TWO!

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Last update: March 19, 1996

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