Jeep TJ Differences 97-02 VS. 03-06 Refresh

Video on what the differences were made from the 1997-2002 jeep wrangler tjs and the mid generation refresh that came from 2003-2006. Go over the visual differences and changes they made on the outside of the jeep tj as well as the inside of the jeeps like seats, dash, roll bar padding etc. Also talk about some of the updates that were made from 97-00 and the 01 and 02 model years. Hope you find this comparison head to head video helpful in being able to tell the year of the jeep based off of the things you see in this video.
Full TJ Specs Video: • Jeep TJ Specs | What m...
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[@crabbypadty393]

The rear seat fold update is a huge improvement.

[@rediron44]

The rear seat removal and install on my 97, and 99, is 10 times easier than on my 03.

[@funnymanatwork]

man for their age those are BEAUTIFUL vehicles. My first jeep was a 99TJ forest green, will always have a sweet spot for this generation of jeep.

[@andrewrambeck5322]

As an older tj owner these things are sweet it's the little things

[@shannonhutchinson4084]

It feels like the older TJs have the better of the updates.

[@deegaw11]

In the market for a TJ right now and was looking specifically only 2000-2006 since I didn’t want something too old but after watching this video I think I wouldn’t mind owning a 97-99. Thanks for the video it was very informative.

[@gryphon123456]

I love the seats in the older one. They look more bolstered like they’d hold you in better. And the print is cool.

[@tinsink21]

I love my TJ and the memories made in it. Working on it has always been therapeutic and relaxing to me and always been the best way to clear my head and i deeply cherish the time I got to spend with my son always helping me. In some of my darkest times I am pretty sure it saved my life. If your watching this because you are thinking about buying one, just buy it and go create memories and "Enjoy the ride" Have a great day!

[@TheJMan1K]

Just got my first Jeep. 98’ Sahara 4.0 5 speed. Hardly any rust, nice speaker system, on 33s bullet hole rims, and a 4 inch lift. 120K miles but well taken care of. Got it off a friend and has been a great daily. Just needs some cosmetic work and TLC. I’m absolutely hooked. First thing I’m doing is tackling the very minor rust spots on the body, wrapping it, and upgrading the suspension.

[@thegrantmeister4114]

Best and most informative TJ videos on all of youtube!

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you sir!

[@markiskool]

Proud owner of a "brand new" 2003 tj with 100k miles. I've replaced all the bouncey things and steery things, plus new tires and paint restoration. I love it so much more than the brand new jk Willy's I bought in 2015. Love, love LOVE the i6 and 5 speed.

[@claudeperrault4164]

Very helpful video! Thanks! I liked the fact that you took the time to use still pictures of the two items you compared as you went along as sometimes with the ambient lighting, it was difficult to see. Great job!

[@DerpyWRX]

The vents in the rear tailgate on the 03-06 are to release the pressure inside the cabin when you shut the doors on your hard top equipped jeeps, the 97-02 has them integrated into the hard top. Also the mirrors are different too! Love the set up Kyle. Look forward to more TJ content 😎

[@nathanchiaro5399]

Thanks Kyle, always enjoy your videos. They are very detailed.

[@1lenzter]

Love my 97 TJ and miss my 84 CJ Renegade!!!!

[@chriss3667]

Interesting differences-- some very subtle.

[@xXJayCruXx]

Great video man, I didn’t know I needed this but, I’m glad to have it 👍

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@Firefuzz11]

This is making me really miss my 01 TJ. I’m hoping to get back into one soon. I just need that 4.0L 5 speed set up back in my life lol.

[@DaMoose]

Great comparison video! One thing that catch my eye is the trunk door hinges '04 Rubi(thats what I have) is also all metal like the older model.

[@dansbird]

Very cool video.. I like to be able to see the differences in various years. I have an '01 60thAE.

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

I've got an 03 sport with double washer nozzles, metal hinges, and fake leather OM folder. All stock as it was gifted to me from the original owners who did nothing to it besides a radio in the 25,000 miles they drove it for. Also the trail rated badge didn't show up until 2004. I've actually always lumped the 03 in with the 01 and 02 as "transitional" versions

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks for the corrections!

[@YaknTackle]

Love love the TJs...I have an 04 Rubi w/a 4" lift and 35s and much more...so much fun

[@CrawlinTJ50]

Good comprehensive video. There were some frame, tub, and skidplate changes too, beginning in 03 iirc. Most of it was due to the larger 241OR t case that came with the Rubicons. Somewhere in there they went from a Saginaw steering box to a Mercedes box as well. 05-06 saw the introduction of the 2.4 dohc 4 cyl which replaced the legendary 2.5.

[@alecnull]

Fun fact, you can make the SRT4 turbo parts work with the 2.4L engine.

[@Tailz94]

Thanks for the video bro awesome 😎 always gets me seeing that IN-GEN sticker, remember it’s Jurassic June aka JP’s 30th Anniversary this month (I feel old lmao 🤣) the 01-02 were definitely unique. My JP Jeep is a Aus-spec 01’ so can see the uniqueness of those 2 years compared to all others 😁

[@MatthewHashim]

Earlier models had the AX15 manual, 2000 had the NV3550, 2005 had NSG370 6 speed. Rubber shift boots on earlier models, faux leather on 2005. Rubicon trim started in 2003. 👍

[@jenv4074]

These are the cleanest most prestine tjs I have ever seen!! I am driving a 2003 RHD for mail delivery and I wish mine looked like this!! Oh yeah the 4.0 inline 6 engine blew at an astounding 382,000 miles!! My dad put in an engine 5 years ago with only 130k. But the rest of my Jeep has 478k on it!! We have done some body work, but it runs like a champ! And as far as I know, it still has the original tranny!!!

[@Chardister70]

Cool video. Nice to know the differences.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks!

[@theawesomejeep3599]

@@KyleSVT how much did you pay for your jeep TJ

[@KyleSVT]

@@theawesomejeep3599 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2WYf4V7pJWrr7c

[@Lethal_Venom]

Great info Kyle!

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Lethal!

[@rayss3323]

The picture of the dashes is impressive - the oldest dash is showing 399,000 miles and STILL great oil pressure!

[@KyleSVT]

The 4.0L is just great

[@Kyautumnlovr]

I love the look of the X. Seems like it's sportier to me

[@paulsscooter]

Very nice, thank you, I enjoyed your video.

[@Wrangzilla]

My current JLUR cost me south of 60k and I’ve got about 20k added to her. I remember when I purchased my first TJ in June of 1996 when they were first released when I was stationed in San Diego. (There wasn’t a 1996 Wrangler). I paid about 17k for it from what I remember and have had 5 Wranglers since. She had AC, but literally nothing else.

[@Cannillo1585]

Awesome video

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@abeldaryan7739]

Such a great video

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@1993MAZDAMIATA]

I have an 03 freedom edition so I assume most of these changes are because of the trim. It has been in my family since it was new and they have not modified it. Some differences are I don’t have the plastic cover on the rear hinges, My steering wheel does not have a colored Jeep logo, And I have the older fake leather owners manual. Side note mine came with a cool VHS tape about how to operate the soft top and other stuff.

[@mckanich3159]

I’ve got a 99 Sahara with the 4.0 and one other thing I noticed was that I’ve got a distributor vs coils like yours

[@lundysgarage]

enjoyable video

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks!

[@mikeb8542]

Great info

[@freddykagin]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@Haze1552]

Best update of all was the TJ to LJ 04-06

[@kennethlove2884]

Hmm. I have an ‘04 TJ & some of the features you mentioned from the older generation are on my ‘04.

[@_everydayoffroad_]

Good video man

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks!

[@brooktrout1477]

I really miss my 1980 cj 7 golden eagle

[@satans_minion_6668]

I’m Hoping to get my 03 rubicon fixed by the summer time.

[@jacoblynch6977]

Good stuff. My 2000 Sahara has the slats/vents in the rear tailgate though. It is the original with matching paint. I don't think my paint code was used after 2000.

[@freddykagin]

I love these Jeeps I wish I could have one. I know a lot about them, I could have had one years ago. But you never know ❤

[@hugogomez2962]

Loved the vido man i have an 04 but your 02 tj looks awsome white size tires and rims are you running on it ?

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks! They are 35x12.5x15 tires

[@Jim_woods]

Missing a steering wheel, you didn't show the one I have in my 98.

[@KyleSVT]

Ah, yes, foegot the older airbag center design!

[@reddog1ish]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Having trouble finding the seat video you talked about. Could you please tell which one it is. Thanks again.

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8ksi=HUfhHRlf7JhZgid1

[@Rylo24]

I like the newer models just for the fact that’s the only time they made Ljs

[@donswaney3043]

Great vudeo thanks. I just got an 2005 "X" and im trying to decide about wheels and tires. I was thinking about the rubicon 5 spokes like your dad's. What size tires does he have. They look about like what I want. I have a 1.5 inch lift btw. Thanks

[@KyleSVT]

Here is the wheel setup video on the jeep kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ-VYXeBmMx1j6M

[@davegay4410]

My 02 sahara seats fold latch release total different than what showed in this video on each of the jeeps in video.

[@KyleSVT]

You must have a non factory seat then

[@omgbbqcia911]

liked the video but it was a bit difficult to follow since you didnt say what year your wrangler is (i think you mentioned what year your dads was). also i believe 97-98 TJ's shared the Jeep Liberty steering wheel since my 98 has that Liberty steering wheel in it

[@joestory7068]

Hi Kyle can you tell us,or tell me where you purchased your front fenders or Fender flares,love the tube style,waiting for your reply,Thanks Kyle

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Joe! Here is a video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKqqpppqgpmtfbM

[@DaSNoble]

Quick question about the rear hatch with the vents...I just picked up a hardtop (from a 2003 TJ) for my rig (1998 TJ). To my knowledge, they got rid of the vents on the actual hardtop because they added them to the hatch, but I now that I have a late-model hardtop on my early-model vehicle, I am left with zero vents.... When I shut my doors, the air pressure forces the glass to pop open. Have you heard of this problem and know of any solutions?

[@KPahn]

Mine is an 04 and has the round radio hole but with the ash tray

[@r.mshadow9713]

You get the death wobbles yet on them 35s, i got a similar setup but now i gotta beef up the suspension components

[@KyleSVT]

nope, jeep only had 9k miles when I put them on and at 25k now so all the components are still pretty fresh

[@stevenrogers8939]

I over did it. I have a 1991 yJ red. 2002 wrangler yellow TJ in line 6 automatic. 2003 TJ in line 6 5 speed manual. 2000 TJ in line 6 5 speed manual green. 2000 Jeep wrangler sahara in line 6 auto brown. 2015 Jeep wrangler red sport . I spent too much money on lifts , wheels and accessories. I regret spending that much money and wish I never did but at least I have all and it’s all paid off.

[@balasionarmyvideos8281]

what kind of seats do you have?

[@chuckshort1952]

Just a note my 98 TJ Sport did not come with a switch

[@stairman3151]

Did you re-gear differentials for the 35" tires?

[@KyleSVT]

no my jeep has 3.73 gears

[@BerniesBastelBude]

thx for this overview! on my '97 I can only flip the passenger's seat, not the driver's - is that normal?

[@KyleSVT]

Does it have a pull tab on the drivers side?

[@docharley4535]

@@KyleSVT no - for some reason not

[@gisellew8565]

which fender flares did you install in the 97-02?

[@KyleSVT]

Metalcloak Overline fenders with the Rub rail flares in front and 4inch flares in rear

[@SergioHernandez-tb5uj]

What can you tell me about that decal across your windshield

[@KyleSVT]

It is my buddy's racing company. Makes performance parts for mustangs and I have a bunch of his parts on my cobra

[@SergioHernandez-tb5uj]

@@KyleSVT my windshield frame is bent and I’m getting wind noise into the jeep, I’m thinking a decal like that would fix my issue lol

[@chuckshort1952]

Also… I’ve only owned it a year and never pulled on the seat loop to move the seat forward… eureka!

[@WaylinKeith]

I have a stock 97 Sahara, can I put 35s on it with no aftermarket suspension

[@KyleSVT]

depends on what you want to do with the jeep. I changed the fenders out on my tj with metalcloaks and the 35s fit for street driving and light trail riding but won't work for serious offroading

[@WaylinKeith]

@@KyleSVT yeah that’s all I do for now, could I just trim my fenders to make them fit?

[@KyleSVT]

@@WaylinKeith probably going to have to cut the stock fenders up on the front. But you can always try it out for yourself and see

[@smitthone]

there is another difference on the oil pressure gauge, the 97-02 is a proper pressure gauge, the needle moving along as oil pressure increase/decrease, , on the 03-06 is a sorty of dummy, just signal the pressure is good/bad (like red lights for pressure on car dashbords)

[@scottwoods4221]

The only difference in the cluster was the 40 on the oil pressure indicator

[@johnniesohn-zm7bv]

Is the newer 6spd and the older 5?

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSViXiKZdtsh8k this video has all the transmissions and years they were in

[@JEEP-N-DIRT]

Great stuff. I just did an overview build video on my channel jeepNdirt titled (EVERYDAY TJ "Alternative to high cost JL daily driver) for my dads 98 TJ Saraha on 33's. I was wondering if anyone had done a video like this and now that I have found it, I'll definitely send them your way if they ask. Awesome job!!

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks man!

[@weld3z]

I prefer the old chairs and the 5 speed transmission but the dash console is better on the new not a big deal older for me.

[@l.a.m7645]

How many miles do u have on your Jeep?

[@KyleSVT]

25k

[@HenryThe2ndAnimator]

6:38 hey, I have an 02 TJ but I have this little button with a red dot on it. What does that do?

[@KyleSVT]

sounds like something aftermarket

[@HenryThe2ndAnimator]

@KyleSVT it's in the same spot where the old "pull tab" design was and it seems to be in an "off" position. I am scared to touch it :c

[@KyleSVT]

@@HenryThe2ndAnimator is it a switch? could have been plow controller or switch for lights

[@HenryThe2ndAnimator]

@KyleSVT yeah it's a little switch, circular tiny little switch. It wasn't used for plowing but there is a led bar on the bumper that the fog light switch doesn't turn on.

[@KyleSVT]

i bet it's the switch for that led light bar

[@bmwman1029]

I wouldn’t have a pre 2003 wrangler unless it was a Sahara. Those interiors are so good looking. 😮‍💨 I will say tho the trim level stickers on the pre 2003 ones were way cooler tho.

[@rheannahicks6363]

I have these exact same 2 Jeeps that I put together to make one lol someone would be very confused

[@adventuresmadeeasyllc6032]

03-06 had rear cup holders. :)

[@KyleSVT]

my 01 has them too. Think they all did if they had center console

[@berniefarringtonjr453]

1997 only , cowl vent after hood

[@georgesantiago6005]

The 03 and up.

[@user-lz5xo8gd5z]

So my 2004 has some characteristics of both. Must have been the hybrid year lol

[@rileytavares4087]

Elaborate a bit 😂I have an 04, help me understand what you mean

[@SeriouslyAwesome]

Not a fan of all the extra plastic. Early 2000s the auto industry really fell in love with it

[@Ihateironyanddumbusernames]

Yeah the Yj interiors were so much better. Still plasticy but done well

[@nolifegamer7526]

You actually have the same cars as me. Except I’m sure that new edge has a v8

[@Kyautumnlovr]

I thought the X had an easier top to put on and take off

[@KyleSVT]

nope all the same tops

[@gamrkidd]

the legendary Jeep Wrangler TJ. The last True Jeep I now own a 2003 TJ X! I wanted one since I was about 11 years old in 2002 when my ex bro in law took me offloading in his TJ

[@FreeRangeLemon]

Love it. Did miss the 97-early 98 wheel though. Ugly looking thing, lol.

[@KyleSVT]

Yes the airbag I forgot. Thanks

[@leecaldwell1029]

I stand by my 2000 as being the better TJ model...

[@TaysomHugh]

No “sup guys” on the intro?? Whats up with this bro?

[@KyleSVT]

LOL

[@ncairguner]

For me best jeep was Cj7. The rest are more like a car than a jeep .

[@oldmanthez6146]

Really?

[@josephbaker4319]

Only good jeeps were made by AMC.

[@wyo_garage20]

Factually incorrect

[@josephbaker4319]

@@wyo_garage20 mopar =poop