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Overlanding with "stock" 4X4

PCO6

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

about 87 when the YJ came out is when Wrangler goes back to as far as I know. basically any model past that including LJ JK 2 and 4door and JLs all classify under the designation. The LJ is kind of a redheaded step child that a lot of people who don't really know Jeeps don't even know exists, but that makes aftermarket hard to come by too.
What I've read, although I can't remember where, is that the Chevy/GMC "Wrangler" pickup ran from about '75 to '87 and I believe the name was used in Canada only. I don't know when Jeep started using the Wrangler name in the US but it was before they did here. I understand that it took many years before they wrestled the Wrangler name away from GM for use in Canada.

Sales brochures aren't always the best source but I have one from '90 that lists all of the models by name (Cherokee, Comanche, etc.) except that the YJ is simply listed as "YJ". It's right on the cover and the lack of a Wrangler stands out. It's the brochure I got from the dealership when I bought my first XJ. I have several TJ brochures and none of them show Wrangler in print or in pics. You're right about the LJ. I have never seen it but I think there is only one brochure that included it. Mine is an '04 and I think that brochure didn't come out until '05 and it's mixed in with all of the other models.

EDIT - I just realized I have a pic of the '90 brochure I mentioned above. Again, it's Canadian and see that it starts out with the "YJ" and then lists all of the other models. Weird 'eh. The salesman tried to sell me a XJ Limited like the one on the cover. I told him that with all of the gold trim it looked like a pimpmobile. I ended up with a black Laredo. The options page still shows my highlights from late '89 when I bought it.

DSC_0082.JPG
 
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PCO6

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

My 94 YJ was identical to every XJ I ever saw. Same engine, trans, xfer case, axles.

I could be wrong.
There are a lot of common parts for sure but one thing that is different is the front springs (YJ - leaf & XJ - coil).
 

Lanlubber In Remembrance

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

I suppose I was not that clear, what I meant was that the first year Wrangler YJ borrowed a lot from the XJ (Cherokee) while it was still body on frame like the CJ, with the same wheel base most of the int. drivetrain and suspension was out of the XJ
I am totally confused but dont worry, xyz jk lmn opx, I wont be buying a jeep unless it's an old old Willis.
 

Downs

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

Minor technically (lol) but Trail_pilot's and my LJ are not Wranglers. In Canada, I'm pretty sure the name Wrangler did not appear until the XJ's came to be. Prior to that GM had the name on one of its pickup trucks so Jeep couldn't use it.

I hear you re XJ's without carpet. I tried that too and did NOT like it.
In the states they were Wranglers since the YJ came out. XJs have been around since 84 (YJ started in 86) so long before the LJ existed. Interesting info on that GM truck name.

I suppose I was not that clear, what I meant was that the first year Wrangler YJ borrowed a lot from the XJ (Cherokee) while it was still body on frame like the CJ, with the same wheel base most of the int. drivetrain and suspension was out of the XJ
YJs had more in common with CJs than XJs. As time progressed the YJs and XJs shared most of their drivetrain with exception of the automatics. YJs kept the 4.2L carbed inline 6 until the 91 model year when they got the HO 4.0L I6s along with the rest of the Jeep lineup, except the Grand Wagoner. They also didn't share any suspension components. YJ is leaf sprung on all four corners where the XJ pioneered the "quadralink" front end design still used today by Jeep and Dodge.

My 94 YJ was identical to every XJ I ever saw. Same engine, trans, xfer case, axles.

I could be wrong.
At that point they shared most of the drive train with exception of the automatic transmissions, and you could get something else besides the D35 on the XJs for a rear axle.

The XJ never had the front axle disconnect either did they? I don't remember anymore :P
They had the CAD until 91 model year.
 

Trail_pilot

Rank III

Enthusiast III

unfortunately vehicles don't last long around here so I've never had the chance to grab up an old Willys ... I did almost but a 53 Wyllis wagon back in college but it was nowhere near stock and was somebody else rejected project that I just couldn't afford to take on. I grew up taking the axles , motor, and trans out of a grand wagoneer from the junk yard and swapping it into a CJ7 but that never really got finished and I had 2 yjs after that before grabbing the LJ lol
 

PCO6

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

In the states they were Wranglers since the YJ came out. XJs have been around since 84 (YJ started in 86) so long before the LJ existed. Interesting info on that GM truck name.
Oops. I meant to say that the Wrangler name wasn't used in Canada until the JK (not XJ) came out. I edited my original post on this.

If you see one of these for sale … DON'T buy it! Unless you like Chevy pickups that is.

GMC-Wrangler-Badge.jpg
 
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M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

How about a b29 or b36or p51.. Think BIG
Personally I want a AT6, J-3, or a T28... p51s are nice, but up here they are kind of plentiful... I see three or 4 semi regularly and know where they hangar.

I would love an m715. None around here though.
the 715’s are cool... a friend of mine has one that he runs in parades around here...
 

PCO6

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

LJ = Long Jeep. It's a designation they used for a slightly longer body that was in use for a while before they finally decided to make 4-door Wranglers, I think
Although that's what they've come to be known as, Jeep never designated the longer TJ as an "LJ". Officially they are a TJ Unlimited. The sticker below the "Jeep" on the LJ is the same as the one used on the JK Unlimited (the 4 drs.).

17-06-09 6.JPG
 
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