Jeep Super Fans

Anthony Fontanelle


Jeep has established itself in the field of off-road vehicle performance. But now it is seeking to appeal to a larger market to cover the young enthusiasts. It is determined to capture the needs of both the young and the old using the charisma of all-new Wrangler.

However, in expanding the target market of the automaker, some Jeep purists are expressing their dissent. They think that the brand has gone too soft than expected. “Everybody is worried that Jeep will lose their name,” said Cefali, vice president of the Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association and also a Jeep consumer. “I would hate to see Jeep not being on the foreground of off-roading.”

The Jeep Wrangler, the successor to the World War II Jeep, is a mini sport utility vehicle that debuted in 1987. It was first updated in 1997. The next modification happened in 2007 and the latest is for this model year. All-new Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a number of firsts that include the powered windows and door locks. Through the 65-year history of the automaker, this is the very first time that it offers said features.

“It seems like they’re coming out with some things that are not really off-road capable,” added Cefali. Such a sentiment is the reason why it was crucial to talk to Jeep purists when the new Wrangler was merely a sketch, said Jeff Bell, vice president of Jeep, a division of DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group. He added that with competition from newer brands like Hummer and rugged midsize SUVs like the Nissan Xterra, a modern Wrangler had to be built. But the look and features would not offend four-wheel loyalists.

The Jeep Wrangler now comes with fold-down windshield and removable and convertible tops. The exterior of the new Wrangler was designed with its heritage in mind, said Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler design. Kerry Ann Griffith, a Wrangler fanatic, is happy to know that the powered features do not prevent hardcore Jeep fans from removing doors for summertime ventures. “I don’t care what they do with the Jeep brand so long as they keep the Wrangler traditional,” said Griffith, who goes trail riding at least once a month.

“Once people see the new Wrangler, they’re going to be blown away by what this thing looks like and what it can do,” said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler chief executive officer.

Jeep sales are increased by 11.5 per cent in 2005 and the automaker is eager to further alleviate the sales with its new Compass, the Liberty Diesel and the seven-passenger Commander. “That is a big thumbs up that you can grow Jeep,” Bell said.

The Jeep Compass is a crossover sport utility vehicles unveiled for the 2007 model year at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle uses a 172 horsepower 2.4 liter GEMA I4 gasoline engine for the Australian and European market. Now that the vehicle is modified to cater to a wider market, it comes with loads of promises and surprises. The automaker said the vehicle is engineered to offer more fun, utility, freedom, capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility without compromising affordability. Though, the automaker entertained significant modifications, tested parts like the EBC brake rotors will be retained in the model.

The automaker expects that the 2007 Jeep Compass is designed with an urban flair to appeal to new buyers in the compact SUV segment projected to double to 568,000 units by 2010 and triple to 814,000 by 2016 from 297,000 units in 2004. The Jeep Compass is designed to lure single women and recently married professionals ranging in age from 20s to 40s. The automaker is also targeting an upscale demographic with a median income of $60,000.

The all-new Jeep Compass features the Jeep brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings and a new silhouette that features a steeply raked windshield. Side-curtain air bags are standard and it is equipped with the new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter world engine produced by Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co.

The Jeep Liberty Diesel, on the other hand, is a compact sport utility vehicle that features 2 new PowerTech engines, a 150 hp 2.4 L I4 and a 210 hp 3.7 L V6, a 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel engine became available in the CRD model and four-wheel disc brakes. In 2005, it bagged the title as the best-selling compact sport utility vehicle.

The Jeep Commander, a 7-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle introduced in 2006, features 3 moonroofs, squared-off sides, an upright windshield and very distinct styling. It also offers a base V6 engine with two optional V8s and a new Hemi. In Europe, the vehicle offers a Diesel engine developed by DaimlerChrysler with BlueTec technology.

According to Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with Global Insight Inc., Jeep needs to stay in touch with the changing tastes of buyers, particularly the younger generation. “A lot of the younger consumers in the market are premium-oriented,” Lindland noted. “They look to premium brands so a brand like Hummer is very attractive to them. What Jeep needs to do is become very attractive to that market. They’re trying to expand the appeal of the brand overall without alienating core buyers. They need to get the younger buyers interested in Jeep.”

Al Carl


The first Jeep was fostered and conceived in Butler, PA, by the American Bantam Car Company. Willys would shortly thereafter win the Army’s primary contact for building the Willys (the MB) with Ford also receiving a contract to build the vehicle (the GPW) during WW II. From 1941 to 1945 over 700,000 of these vehicles were built by the two companies. The Willys would then go through a transition into a civilian Jeep, thus the beginning of the CJ.

Willys began experimenting with a civilian jeep (CJ) version in 1944, the first one being the CJ-2. They were almost identical to the Willys MB with the major exceptions being larger headlights, a column shifter, and side mounted spare tires. They were oftentimes referred to as Agrijeeps and there were only about 36 actually produced. Willys was targeting the farming community with their first efforts to introduce the Jeep into the civilian population. The first real commercial effort of the Jeep was the CJ-2A, which was manufactured from 1945-49. From looking at advertisements for the CJ-2A you can see that these first civilian Jeeps were being sold primarily as an all- purpose vehicle to the American farmer, and hence the name Agrijeep for the CJ-2.

The initial production of the CJ-2A relied heavily upon MB components. Originally the CJ-2A’s employed the full floating rear axles, windshield adjusting arms, exhaust systems, and parking lamps that were used on the Willys MB. The CJ-2As looked like a Willys MB with a side mounted spare tire, column shifter and full sized headlights.
It was only later on when the Willys MB stockpile of parts was in serious decline that changes were made to the CJ-2A. It was during this phase that the column shifter was discontinued and the Dana / Spicer axles were introduced replacing the full floating rear axle. Dana / Spicer and Jeep would have a long lasting relationship from this point to 2005.

Other changes were primarily cosmetic and resulted in the addition of chrome trimmings and later on the introduction of more exterior colors to select from. Initially there were only two color choices for the CJ-2A and they were Pasture Green and Harvest Tan. The first colors added were Princeton Black, Normandy Blue, Michigan Yellow and Harvard Red. Later on Picket Gray, Luzon Red, Potomac Gray, Olive Drab and Emerald Green were added. Eventually Harvard Red, Picket Gray, Normandy Blue and Michigan Yellow were dropped. The changes initiated with the CJ-2A would see more development with the next CJ version the CJ-3A, which was introduced in 1949.

The CJ-3A was the final run of the lower hood flat fender CJ. Only a few changes were made from the CJ-2A to the 3A and most were visual ones. The windshield became a one-piece design with the vent right below it. The CJ-3A was manufactured for four years (1949-53). During this time approximately 132,000 units were manufactured, with a stripped Farm Jeep available during 1951-53. The “Farm Machine” had a standard drawbar and Power Train Output. In it’s last year of production (1953), the CJ-3A was built along with the new high-hood, F-head engine, CJ-3B.

It was also during 1953 when Willys-Overland was sold to the Kaiser Company, who then became the owner and maker of Jeeps. The first higher hood Jeep, the CJ-3B, was essentially a CJ-3A with the taller F-head engine fitted and a higher hood to give it the needed clearance for the motor. It appears that it was originally intended as an interim model, but it stayed in production from 1953 up through 1968, and was offered as a short wheelbase option. Only a few thousand of these were built a year with a total of over 155,000 assembled in the U.S.

The longest running production Jeep is the CJ-5, which was produced from 1954 through 1983, twenty-nine years. This was the Kaiser Company’s first overseen production model and it proved to be a huge success. Over 603,000 were manufactured, making them the most popular CJ by far. It was during the successful run of the CJ-5 when the American Motors Corporation purchased Kaiser Jeep in 1970. Special editions of the CJ-5 were made of this model including the Super Jeep and the Golden Eagle. Various options were offered for the CJ-5 during its run including a V-8 engine and rear limited slip differentials. When referring to a CJ this is the version most everyone thinks about.

There were other CJ models offered during the popular run of the CJ-5. The CJ-6 was manufactured from 1955 to 1975. It was made to offer customers an option of a longer vehicle. The CJ-6 was basically a CJ-5 stretched an extra 20 inches. This version offered a lot more room for storage but still delivered the Jeep offroad capabilities. Less than 51,000 of these were made. The CJ-5A and the CJ-6A were also made during the CJ-5 era. These models were produced during 1964 through 1967. They were an attempt to capture an audience interested in a sportier version of the CJ-5. The CJ-5A and CJ-6A had a column shifter, T-90 transmission, wheelhouse cushions, 2-stage variable springs, and chrome-plated hood hinges, outside mirrors, taillights and a center mounted license plate bracket. Later on in 1965 a V6 was standard along with bucket seats. These models never gained popularity, as the American public was not interested in paying a premium for the upgrades.

The CJ-7 was built from 1976 through 1986 and offered somewhat of a compromise between the CJ-5 and the CJ-6 wheelbase. The CJ-7 was just long enough for room and comfort but short enough to get down and dirty on the trail. It was proven to be a popular vehicle on all fronts. Approximately 379,000 units were built in its ten years of production. The 1976-79 models were available with the high-powered AMC 304 V-8. The CJ-7’s extra length of wheelbase also allows for a wider option of drive train modifications over its predecessor the CJ-5.

From 1981 through 1985 the last of the CJ’s were made, the CJ-8 Scrambler! AMC built the Scrambler as a pickup with a 103-inch-wheelbase. It came in soft and hard top versions. Despites it’s popularity today, the Scrambler was a very modest success back in its manufacturing period. Only a little over 27,000 of these models were built. The next civilian Jeep made would be the YJ Wrangler in 1987. The introduction of the YJ would close the book on the illustrious and famous CJ line of Jeeps.

Al Carl


The 1949 Willys Jeep Station Wagon made headlines as the industry’s first sport utility vehicle 4×4. It clearly was the lead vehicle in a long line of Jeep wagons, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee has effectively taken its place at the head of line. The Grand Cherokee now even enjoys a devout following in the off road crowd and aftermarket items are readily available to upgrade the Grand Cherokee’s off-road capabilities like ARB Bumpers for Jeeps, BDS Jeep Lift Kits, and OX Lockers.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has four models: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, Limited, Laredo, and the SRT8.

The many components that make up the Jeep Grand Cherokee all work together in a fluid motion to accomplish the goal of being one of the top and best selling sports utility vehicles. The independent front suspension and live-axle rear suspension system on the Jeep Grand Cherokee operate to deliver a smooth ride and help maintain vehicle control even under the most difficult road conditions. The Quadra-Drive II allows the driver to employ 4WD and locks the center differential while engaged in 4LO allowing excellent control for off-road conditions from the rugged hill terrain to deep snow. The power of the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes from a varied selection of engine choices. There is the new 3.0L V6 Turbo Common-Rail Diesel Engine renowned for it’s fuel economy in a 4×4 vehicle. The powerful 5.7 L HEMI V8 Engine with Multi-Displacement System which offers an economy saving piston displacement system, which kicks in when the Grand Cherokee maintains a cruising speed of 40 – 60 mph (4 of the 8 cylinders will deactivate adding to gas-saving efficiency). The 4.7L Flexible Fuel V8 Engine can run on gasoline or the ecologically friendly E85 without conceding any of it’s power or performance. The 3.7L V6 Engine is efficient, durable and operates smoothly and quietly. The 6.1L SRT HEMI V8 Engine is built for pure performance. It goes from 0 – 60 mph in less than 5 seconds for some overall eye-opening takeoff speed.

Safety and security is of the utmost importance in the design of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It now offers the Electronic Stability Program in operation with the antilock braking system and the traction control system. These systems work in conjunction to limit wheel slippage and refine control of the vehicle during acceleration. The standard side-curtain and multi-stage front air bags along with the UniFrame body and safety cage design provide a noiseless ride with reduced vibration and together provide protection to the driver and passengers. Potential owners of the Jeep Grand Cherokee can choose from the available choices of security features such as the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, which enables you to clear tight spots, the GPS Navigation System equipped with the ParkView, which is an optional rear back-up camera allowing you to detect hidden objects when backing up, the SmartBeam intelligent headlamp system adjusts high-beam brightness automatically, a standard feature on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Limited.

They didn’t ignore the interior when up-grading today’s Grand Cherokee. The interior a sophistication and unlimited elegance from the standard heated Preferred Suedeâ Microfiber and leather-trimmed front seats to the standard 6-speaker Boston Acousticâ Premium Sound System. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a spacious interior with the standard Dual Zone Climate Control and the standard sunroof that adds to the ambience of the unlimited elegance already present in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The exterior displays an elegant style all it’s own with the chrome details and the Jeep signature seven-slot grille.

The 2007 Grand Cherokee allows you the opportunity to experience a sophisticated, quiet, comfortable and safe ride while traversing unpredictable terrain of on and off-road conditions making the Jeep Grand Cherokee a vehicle worth checking out.

Joe Thompson


Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was launched last December hitherto the purpose of its creation can already be acknowledged. So far, it has served as a mighty competitor to Range Rover Sport, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. In fact, its inspiring performance makes car fanatics gaze in awe.

SRT8 Grand Cherokee was built by Chrysler Group’s Street and Race Technology group and tuned by SRT. Said vehicle was given a full time all wheel drive and uses an exceptional transfer case combining a lightweight Jeep front half and a heavy-duty rear half that wraps its electronic AWD control system. Jeep parts incorporated in SRT8 Grand Cherokee include AWD system, 6.1-liter 420 horsepower Hemi V-8 that spins tires with 420 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates up to 60 under 5 seconds whether wet or dry.

Enhancements were also designed to augment power and precision. These enhancements include upgraded 5-speed automatic transmission, distinctive exhaust manifolds, Danna 44 rear differential, ducted brakes, modified steering, and better cooling system.

On its exterior, SRT8 Grand Cherokee was given a chiseled look, black mesh inserts in the grille, twin center-mounted chrome rear exhausts, huge vented Brembo anti-lock brakes with glossy black caliper bodies, 9-inch wide wheels and huge front air dam.

To secure safety and protection, said car features life-saving devices like air bags and ESP or Electronic Stability system. Through this system, it will not be hard to drive on frequently rain-slick two-lane roads, which is covered with trash, oil and dirt.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 made more powerful, aggressive and rugged acceleration and performance. To achieve such power, the thirst which is tantamount to 14 in-town miles-per-gallon must be quenched first.

This powerful new addition to Jeep lineup is worth $39,300. Nonetheless, it is never short on amenities and luxuries necessary for a powerful and comfortable ride. Amenities and accessories include performance seats, DVD navigation system, dual trip meters, access to most engine functions and pressure, exceptional instrument panel with aluminum accents and more.

Al Carl


According to Bloomberg, at least two out of the Big 3 USA automakers are having serious problems this year. GM is estimated to show a sales increase in August over last year, but the primary cause is thought to be a significant shortage in inventory during 2005 rather than robust sales results this year. According to independent analysts, Ford’s sales will be down from 10% to 15% for the month of August compared to 2005, while Chrysler’s sales are estimated to be down anywhere from 8 to 15%. Both are experiencing significant declines for the entire year. Chrysler’s Jeep line of vehicles is experiencing a sizable downturn this year, which has to be troubling to Chrysler upper management!

The Jeep line historically has been somewhat of a pillar of sales strength for Chrysler, but 2006 is seeing an exception to this. According to Chrysler, sales of the Wrangler, Liberty, and Grand Cherokee are all down substantially from 2005. Chrysler reported that through July 31, 2006 year-to-date Wrangler sales were down 17%, Liberty sales were down 23% and Grand Cherokee sales were down 37% when compared to 2005 sales! Sales for July 2006 were down 32% for the Wrangler, 52% for the Liberty, and 58% for the Grand Cherokee. These are huge declines and one must wonder just what is fueling the drop. It has gotten bad enough that Chrysler has recently announced a big sale for their new Wrangler on September 1, 2006. See more details at www.automotive.com/features/90/auto-news/22878/index.html
Can the huge decline in year-to-date sales for 2006 be due to Chrysler not significantly addressing fuel economy in its Jeep offerings? Are the latest Jeep additions, the Commander and Compass, eating into Grand Cherokee and Liberty sales? Are these drops to blame on last year’s huge incentive programs? Did Chrysler miss the mark with its new version of the Wrangler? Or is the Jeep name losing some of its trading power?

Fuel economy has become a major component of car buying decisions and this could be hurting Grand Cherokee numbers, but, Toyota did not see declines in the sale of it’s competitors to the Liberty and Grand Cherokee. The RAV4 saw its sales doubled compared to 2005, and 4Runner sales increased 4.4% over July 2005. Honda also reported sales gains in July of 6.8% in it’s trucks category, which includes SUVs. So the argument for fuel economy being a major contributor to the decline would appear to be a weak one.

Cannibalization could explain some of the decline, at least for the Grand Cherokee, but that still wouldn’t explain the huge drop for all three vehicles. The Compass has only been out a short while and during July it was reported that only 707 were sold. The Commander numbers do appear to be good and they could explain some of the drop in the Grand Cherokee numbers.

The incentive program hangover may also explain some of the decline but certainly not all of it. Once again sales numbers were up for Toyota and Honda. Wouldn’t they be experiencing some affects from the major incentive programs of 2005? If they are not feeling the pain, why is Chrysler?

The critics all praised the new Wrangler and the general populace seems to have embraced it as well, at least in the discussion forums and such, if not at dealerships by buying the new model. Fuel economy, sales cannibalization and incentive program hangover may be contributing factors to declining sales, but it seems that there has to be more to explain the size of the decline, especially in the face of Toyota and Honda’s performances.

Could these declines be explained by a diluted and declining image? The Jeep image has certainly been tarnished this year with the huge recall of the Liberty, and, the front brake problems and resulting litigation with the Grand Cherokee. It’s hard to sell based on quality when you’re recalling 800,000 vehicles. Critics bombing the new Compass, Chrysler’s latest Jeep addition, hasn’t helped the brand’s image either. In the recent past some experts speculated that Chrysler would weaken the Jeep name with the addition of the more family oriented vehicles, the Liberty, Commander and Compass, and right now it would be hard to argue with this position. Chrysler seems to have gotten pretty far away from its very successful “Trail Rated” campaign with the Compass. To add insult to injury, the Dr. Z. advertising campaign has reportedly been a bust.

We may not understand all of the specifics, but the Jeep image and brand identity have seen some damage with the quality issues (see Grand Cherokee brake issue and Liberty recall) and the less than excited reception to its latest addition. It would seem that this may actually be what has lead to Jeep’s declining sales. Current Chrysler management had better get to the bottom of their quality issues and learn how to manage the brand more effectively, or risk losing Jeep’s wonderful marketing power!

Larry H. Morton

What does being Jeep Crazy mean anyway?

Well, from what I can tell it has a lot to do with pride of ownership in having a long running American icon for starters. The little Jeep brand has a long history and was born out of necessity during WWII.

Proven rugged and dependable…at times literally “under fire”…these practical and utilitarian vehicles found homes on battlefields, on farms and ranches, in deserts, up mountains, in snow, ice, rain, sand and mud. And today they are even civilized enough to be commuters to work and around town.

So why are so many of us…young, old and every age in between…so infatuated with a vehicle that was not really supposed to survive after WWII? After all…the “universal” style Jeeps are small…have little cargo space…get poor gas mileage…and can feel like you’ve been on a bucking horse after a few hours of rough country.

Well, to me the answer is simple in that the Wranglers…all the way back to the military Willys MB’s…have allowed us to explore regions and areas previously only accessible on foot…or possibly on horseback. In a Jeep one can also get to more backcountry destinations quicker, allowing more time to explore and take in nature’s beauty.

Sure many of us only take our Jeeps off road occasionally…but it’s that sense of knowing that if you want or need to tackle some rough road conditions…you have the right rig to do it with confidence.

To many Jeep enthusiasts their rigs are always “a work in progress” meaning that there is always some new “gotta have” accessory or performance enhancer like:
better/bigger tires, suspension lift, stronger axles, better shocks, engine power add-ons, winches, heavy duty bumpers, body armor, driving lights, and off road tools

to mention a few. Even those who may drive the more moderate Jeeps like the Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot or Compass realize that although these SUV style rigs are not Wranglers…they’re still Jeeps.

And that’s something special!

So now I leave you with a little poem I composed just for those who may still not grasp why some of us are Jeep Crazy.

Ode To A Jeep

Oh little Jeep
How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
You take me here
And you take me there
All without complaint.
Except for a few rattles and shakes
And too many stops at the pump
You are ever faithful.
When asked “why”
I’ll simply reply
“It’s a Jeep Thing”
So if this seems a bit strange
I will echo this refrain
“You wouldn’t understand”
So what else is there to say
If you will please flip me over,
I’ll be merrily on my way.

Original post here : http://www.4-the-love-of-jeeps.com

Stephanie Lackner


The Jeep Wrangler navigation feature is among the features that would attract you to this high end, multi purpose car. It is one aspect of the car that remains consistent in the face of the wide reaching modifications that have transformed this car into one of the leading SUV models both on and off the road. This is not to dispute the fact that changing times have also called for adaptations and new features in the Jeep Wrangler navigation to ensure that the car is easy to maneuver on different types of terrain.

If you are thinking of how effective the Jeep Wrangler navigation system is, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the extent to which the manufacturer has gone to make this car user friendly. It is a car where you sit behind the wheel and are fully aware of your positioning, not just on the road but also in relation to the environment around you. One of the features that enhances the ease of navigation in this vehicle is the ‘electronic stability program’ that helps you to maintain the vehicle’s direction. Although it is a navigation facility, it goes further to improve the vehicle’s ability to conform to different road surfaces thus making it a multifunctional application. In a way, this also increases your safety outlook and that of any other occupants in the car.

Furthermore, the navigation structure is ever active always guiding you in your handling of the car. It assists you to not only keep the car on the road but also stay on course. Any unplanned or unintended deviation will most definitely register on the navigation set enabling you to retrace your route but also reclaim the right course and keep moving in the right direction. This feature will come in handy for you if you are driving your Jeep Wrangler in unfamiliar territory or are facing a route or terrain that is yet to be defined.

As a potential customer you will no doubt be impressed with the position of the Jeep Wrangler navigation system directly above the center stack. This strategic placement, which also features the electronic stability program, makes the system not only easy to access but also simple in its usage. Furthermore, its direct location above the steering wheel next to the other features such as the stereo makes it self-imposing and able to remind you when the situation is getting out of hand and the need for immediate modification. It is also serves to enhance the internal decor in the Jeep Wrangler thus enhancing its physical appeal to you.

The effectiveness of the Jeep Wrangler navigation feature has a boost from the vehicle’s flexibility features and physique. The Jeep has several retractable features such as the sunroof, the side doors and half doors. This reinforces the vehicle’s clear outlook thus helping you to maintain full awareness of your surroundings. The vehicle is also fitted with multiple sensors that will alert you on the upcoming features on the road such as sharp bends, bridges, and road intersections well in advance. They also monitor all the movement of traffic on the road thus helping you to respond appropriately by slowing down, accelerating, applying emergency breaks or making any other necessary adjustments to maintain you’re own and other occupants’ safety and comfort.

Alexander Sutton


When searching for your next car purchase, you might start to consider a Jeep Wrangler. Which is good! There are many reasons to purchase a Jeep Wrangler, and even though you might not be an off-roading enthusiast or an outdoors person, there are plenty of pros of owning a Jeep Wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler handles well on all sorts of terrain, including pavement, icy pavement, and snow covered pavement. If live in an area that sees all sorts of weather systems, from blizzards to hail to thunder storms, then a Jeep Wrangler can be a very good choice. The other pros of owning a Jeep Wrangler include the size and weight of the vehicle. Jeep Wranglers are small enough that they can get into tight areas, including parking spots. Because there are so many Jeeps on the road, and Jeeps have been a part of American life for the past sixty years, the spare parts are plentiful and cheap. This makes repairs very simple, and you don’t have to hunt around your area for any sort of specialty mechanic that’ll charge an arm and a leg for hard-to-find parts. Along those lines, Jeeps are extremely durable, and they have a reputation for not breaking down. They also have a very high resale value, which means you’re getting a very good value for your dollar, even if you buy a Jeep used.

Jeep Wranglers also have a very large range of options and aftermarket items for modification and customization. This means that one of the pros of owning a Jeep Wrangler is that you can customize it to reflect your personality, needs, and interests.

Samuel Crasnick


It was 1976 when the first Jeep CJ7 graced the roads. Redesigned from the frame up, the new CJ was much more practical for “civilian” use than any of its predecessors. The now fully boxed frame not only provided superior strength, but was also widened to increase stability. The leaf springs were altered and moved further outward, and anti-sway bars and a steering stabilizer were added for even more improvements in drivability. Although the CJ5 received these improvements as well, the CJ7 boasted an additional 10 inches in its wheelbase. This not only provided an even more stable ride but also added rear leg room and interior cargo space. The Jeep CJ7 was improved further in 1982 with upgrades to the axles, providing better cornering abilitys and overall handling, thanks to the wider stance.

The 1976 CJ7 came standard with a 232ci inline 6 cyclinder engine, though Jeep offered upgrades in the form of a 304ci 5.0 liter and a 258ci 4.2L inline 6 cylinder. Jeep also offered the choice of a standard heavy duty Borg Warner T-150 3 speed transmission or an optional Borg Warner T18 4 speed transmission with a “granny” first gear as an upgrade. The Dana Model 20 was the only transfer case available upon its release.

By 1980, things began to change for the Jeep CJ7. The GM 151ci 4 cylinder engine became the stock powerplant, and the optional 5.0L V8 engine was discontinued later in 1981. In 1984 the AMC 150ci 4 cylinder replaced the GM 151.

Along the way, the transmission saw come changes as well. The Tremec T-176 and SR4 were both introduced in 1980, whose 4 speeds were built more for street use, rather than off-roading. Automatic transmissions, the TF999 and TF904, also debuted in 1980, for the more casual Jeep consumer. In ‘81, the 4 speed Borg Warner T4 and 5 speed T5 transmissions both saw their first use.

1980 was the year that the Dana Model 20 transfer case was replaced by the Dana Model 300. The Model 300 had a much deeper low range, 2.62:1 compared to the 2.03:1 Dana 20. The change was necessary due to Jeep no longer offering anything like the granny gear found in the T18 transmission.

As for the CJ7’s standard axles, Jeep offered the Dana Model 30 for the front and the AMC 20 for the rear. The Dana 44 rear axle was being offered as an upgrade on select models, and later became standard in 1986. Jeep offered no optional factory front axles.

In 1987, CJ7 was gone, the AMC badges were lost and the Wrangler was born. Many Jeep purists believe this was the end of the real Jeep. Although the engines and geometry remained the same, the transfer case, rear axle, and transmission all went even “lighter” duty. The interior took a shift for a more car-like appearance, and safety changes were made. For instance, the roll bar morphed to a full roll cage, which kept the windshield from folding down.

Since 1987, no vehicle produced can compare with the Wrangler. However, the Jeep CJ7 remains a vehicle in its own class. Today, it remains one of the most sought after Jeeps for off-roading, restoration, or just a weekend trip. It’s simple design and popularity has kept the aftermarket flooded with parts and accessories. Additionally, a Jeep CJ7 can be literally built from nothing as frames are offerred at many jeep parts sites. For these and countless other reasons, the CJ7 may just be the “perfect” Jeep.

Alexander Sutton


If you are customizing your Jeep for off-road recreational driving, safety should be a high priority. Off road jeeping can be very dangerous, and safety cannot be overlooked. There are several jeep safety parts available that can help enhance the safety in your jeep and protect you and your passengers while driving.

Some obvious safety parts are seat belts and harnesses. If you are building your own Jeep or you want to improve the safety in your Jeep, there are several seat belts and harnesses available at auto part stores and on a variety of Jeep part websites. Harnesses are good options for anybody who takes their jeeps off road in extremely rough terrain, or for any jeep owner that goes off road and is concerned for their safety and the safety of their passengers. Harnesses are especially good for people who rock climb in their jeep, because if you rock climb you can near vertical, and a harness can help hold you in the jeep and protect you. When you are looking at safety belts and harnesses you should make sure that they are durable and dependable. By looking at reviews for different safety belts and harnesses online, you find the best ones that are available. There are other jeep safety parts available like stronger doors, and interior padding.

When you are shopping for jeep parts you should make sure that whether they are for the body of your jeep or for something like the exhaust system, engine, or tires that they are dependable parts that will work properly and ensure your safety.