Jeep has been building rugged off-road vehicles since it answered the call for Uncle Sam in WWII. This led to decades of development to improve what already was a very capable rig. Even today one can find old military Willys Jeeps all over the rocky and hilly terrain of America, and conquering those landscapes. The off-road lifestyle is popular in States like Utah, California, Arizona, and Colorado, with even Alaska and Hawaii in the mix, among others.

The Willys merged into the CJ model, which has been referred to as “Civilian Jeep.” This then yielded to the first Wrangler, 1987’s YJ. From there the models are codenamed TJ, JK, and JL. The TJ is arguably the best, although the newer JK and JL models provide unmatched technology in build and features. The Wrangler is a vehicle that remains true to its roots, at least as much as possible, in an evolving automotive environment. Due to this, and the fact that it has remained in constant production, gives the Wrangler an edge over any would be competitor.

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The First Wrangler: A YJ Designation

Running from 1987-1995, the YJ Wrangler looks a bit weird compared to other Jeeps. The vehicle did away with the classic round headlight look of Jeeps past, while keeping the iconic seven slot grill, a Jeep mainstay. It also has wipers that rest at an angle on the windshield. In some Jeep circles it may be called a “Yuppie Jeep.”

Still, the body looks very much like a CJ, and it is definitely recognizable as a Jeep. People either hate the square headlights, or love them as a unique feature. The YJ also did away with the V-8 engines from AMC that the CJ used, setting a precedent for the Wrangler that would carry through the next generation, and that is the inline-six cylinder engine.

Jeep Wrangler YJ Drivetrain Specs

The YJ came with a four cylinder option, but it’s the inline-six cylinder that should be sought after, specifically the High Output 4.0 Liter that came about in 1991. This engine was fuel injected besides an increase in output, and was the top engine choice throughout even the TJ generation. Note that these are more common output figures, but they vary dependent on model and year, even though most older Wranglers will have the 2.5-liter or 4.0. Transmission types and specs also vary.

Despite it’s unique features, the YJ was very adaptable. With the turn signals integrated into the grill, the front fenders could easily be removed from the tub, to add high clearance flat steel fenders for example. Want more lift? Simply flip the leaf springs that are on all four corners on top of the axles, making what’s called a spring over axle lift, instantly and easily adding inches of ground clearance in the process.

Also of note, 1992 featured the first stock Jeep roll cage that was extended all the way to the back of the tub, providing added protection for the rear bench seat passengers in the event of a roll-over. It was the 1992 Sahara model that was featured in the film Jurassic Park. Today the YJ is its own sought after dinosaur, as an easy and cheap builder.

Besides the four-cylinder engine, another weak point of the YJ was the stock Dana 35 rear axle, which would require at least a build up for larger tires. If one wants to run 35-inch tires or more, an axle swap is definitely worth looking into. Equipped with a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, larger tires often necessitates axle re-gearing as well. The same principles apply to the TJ, the next still relatively simple Wrangler, but one that remains familiar.

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The TJ Signifies “Top Jeep”

The TJ existed from 1997-2006, as there was no 1996 model Wrangler. The vehicle returns the look of the Wrangler to the classic round headlights of the Willys and CJs before it, and the wipers now sit flush with the bottom of the windshield as they normally would. Besides that, it is very similar looking to the YJ, but the turn signals have now moved onto the fenders, which are still just bolted to the tub that is frame mounted. Of course the top and doors are fully removable, and the top can be hard, soft, or of bikini variation.

The TJ is very accepting to mods, from appearance to off-road performance, and the aftermarket availability is grand. Not to mention the junkyard gems! Like the YJ, the TJ employs full- or half-door options. The interior is completely redesigned, however, and the vehicle features the added safety of airbags for the first time. Another Wrangler first, the TJ employs the use of an advanced four-corner coil suspension setup. By 2000, the 4.0-liter featured 190 horsepower with 235 pound-feet of torque, solidifying it’s status as a kick-ass engine.

The advent of the Rubicon in 2003, resets the off-road market, which again experiences a seismic shift with the simultaneous addition of the “LJ” model. The Rubicon featured:

• 31-inch tires
• Dana 44 axles
• 4.10 axle gears
• Front and rear on-demand axle lockers
• Unique Diamond plate rocker guards
• 4:1 low range transfer case

The Rubicon trim was designed to take on the Rubicon trail in California right out of the gate, hence the name. The LJ, or “Long Jeep,” is officially a TJL. It’s the first Wrangler Unlimited, and has a 10-inch longer wheelbase than the regular TJ. Also, it has 15-inch longer tub, giving the vehicle more cargo space especially behind the rear bench seat.

Looking more like the CJ-8 Scrambler, the extended wheelbase adds some buildup potential. The longer wheelbase makes it easier to remain steady on steep grade climbs, even though it makes for a more shallow break-over angle. Want to add a doubler, or splitter, for more gearing options? It’s a lot simpler with the added wheelbase of the Unlimited over the base TJ body and frame.

The TJL Rubicon was only available for two years from 2005-2006, making this Wrangler the unicorn among all Jeeps. The LJ set up is so desired that aftermarket companies actually make kits to covert TJs to TJL dimensions. However, keep in mind that a regular TJ or LJ can be built to a higher standard more cheaply than a Rubicon. Just be sure to have a good base builder, one with a Dana 44 rear axle and 4.0 Liter engine, with the transmission of choice. All Unlimited Wranglers, Rubicons or not, came with such a configuration.

RELATED: Why The TJ Is Still The Best Wrangler To Date

A JK: The First Four-Door Wrangler

The next-gen Wrangler, the JK, became the first one to feature a four-door option. This was a popular choice, as bigger SUVs and trucks were becoming the norm, but it’s a change that leads many Jeepers to call the TJ the “last of the real Jeeps.” Of course, a two-door option still exists, but the four-door is the new Unlimited.

There are other reasons too, for one the 4.0-liter is gone, replaced eventually by the balanced 3.6-liter Pentastar (a 3.8-liter was used until 2011). This being a V-6 motor with 285 horsepower, and 260 pound-feet of torque, the new top engine. A six-speed manual was available, a type which was first installed in a Wrangler in 2005, during the prior TJ gen. The other option was a five-speed auto. Also, the fenders are now a part of the body structure, and not easily removable.

Given that off-road Jeepers want bare-bones vehicles, a Wrangler with power windows may be frowned upon. You can thank the JK for bringing standard touchscreens to the Wrangler. These are the types of changes that came about with the JK, or is it “Just Kidding” generation?

All jokes aside, the JK Wrangler remained red-hot, and one won’t find any lacking number alongside any other Jeep on the trails or streets. Indeed, the JK sold from 2007-2018, oddly enough alongside the next-gen JL introductory year. Still with solid front and rear axles, removable top and doors, fold down windshield, and all the main Rubicon goodies of the original Rubicon TJ, the JK remained a 4×4 with capabilities that perhaps only another Wrangler could match out of the box. This Wrangler must mean “Just Killer.”

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The JL Further Takes The Wrangler Into The Modern Tech Realm

The JL Wrangler, the latest and current generation, definitely modernized the vehicle as a whole. Not only did the consumer receive a factory 392 HEMI monster, something that Jeepers have clamored about for years, but also the first hybrid Wrangler arrived. Known as the 4xe, pronounced “four-by-E,” this hybrid Wrangler is the most powerful one to date besides the 392. Equipped with an industry first (for a plug-in hybrid), front and rear locking differentials, it also is the top-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in America.

It’s safe to say that the JL is “Just Leading” all the competition. The only other new vehicle today like it is the Ford Bronco, one that has been recently revived after years at rest. The latter simply does not provide the pedigree of the former, nor has it gained as much trust among off-road enthusiasts, for the Wrangler remains the top choice for an off-road SUV.

Wrangler 4xe Vs. 392 Engine Specs

All this technology and resulting capability is impressive, but it further complicates a historically simple machine, especially in the 4xe trim. Furthermore, it may be over-kill for what most need from a Wrangler. Even so, the options exist to reflect a changing market. This means some will hold on to their older variants, but that also new buyers will be attracted to Jeep like never before. As if a 392 and hybrid aren’t enough choices, a 2.0-liter turbo, and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel were also available alongside the 3.6L carryover.

Overall the options and capabilities presented are higher than ever, making it possible to meet any obstacle, and overtake it. People have been paying a premium for these rugged vehicles for years, because they know what Jeep’s “trail rated” badge signifies, always being the ones to say “only in a Jeep.” Today it really is true that someone can have their Jeep how they want it, regardless of budget, within the complete historical lineup of the venerable Wrangler.