Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify

by Michael Hanssen

Overview

The Jeep CJ, the icon that started it all, is the most popular off-road vehicle of all time. The look, style, and functionality of the CJ made it instantly popular and recognizable the world over, in no doubt partly due to its military presence in World War II. The Jeep Wrangler platform had the difficult task of replacing the extremely popular CJ platform. Outwardly similar in appearance, the YJ, TJ, and JK that followed all had significant design improvements, as can be expected when a platform has a life span of more than five decades. The YJ was the first Chrysler release after it purchased AMC in the mid-1980s, and it was aimed at taming the original CJ for more comfort and, arguably, a larger audience. The TJ that followed next was an evolutionary update, significant in that it featured a coil spring suspension and the celebrated return of round headlights, for a more traditional look compared to the square lights of the YJ.

In Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build&Modify, everything you need to know about how to modify your TJ for off-road use is covered. Beginning with why you should choose a TJ for modification, Jeep expert Michael Hanssen takes you through all the different systems needing modification, including engine modifications and swaps, transmission swaps, transfer case and driveshafts modifications, axles and traction systems, suspensions and lifts, wheels, tires, brakes, chassis protection, electrical, and winches.

Included in every chapter are step-by-step modification instructions to help walk you through the process. If you want to build a TJ for serious off-road trail use, or you just want a capable and great-looking Jeep for around town, this book has you covered.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613255063
Publisher:	S-A Design
Publication date:	08/15/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	36 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Michael Hanssen has been living the Jeep lifestyle since he was 3 years old riding in his dad’s 1970 Jeep CJ-5. Years of trail riding, building, and modifying Jeeps along with following off-road Jeep racing only served to drive a hobby into obsession. In the late 1990s this obsession combined with a knack for being “good with computers” led to a development of jeepfan.com, a Jeep-based website that blossomed into a full-fledged site all about Jeep life. Hundreds of articles later, the site still serves the Jeep community to provide a wealth of information on all things Jeep.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Wrangler TJ, a Departure from the Past

Brilliant Suspension Redesign

Models and Trim Levels

Why Build and Modify a TJ?

Finding Your Project

Rubicon Versus Non-Rubicon

The Blueprint for Building and Modifying

Chapter 2: Factory Engines and Engine Swaps

Factory Engines

Swapping Engines

Putting It All Together

Chapter 3: Transmissions and Transmission Swaps

Factory Transmission Offerings

Manual Transmissions

Clutch

Automatic Transmissions

Transmission Care and Maintenance

Transmission Swaps

The Devil Is in the Details

Putting It All Together

Chapter 4: Transfer Case and Driveshafts

Speedometer

Modes, Naming, and Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive

Factory Transfer Cases

Transfer Case Swaps

Driveshafts and Upgrades

Putting It All Together

Chapter 5: Axles and Traction Systems

Axle Gear Ratio

Traction Systems

Factory Axles

Factory Axle Modifications and Upgrades

Axle Swaps

Putting It All Together

Chapter 6: Suspension and Steering Systems

Lift Kits

Components, Upgrades, and Modifications

Body Lift

Steering Systems

Steering System Upgrades and Modifications

Alignment

Putting It All Together

Chapter 7: Chassis and Body Protection

Protecting the Underside

Protecting the Ends

Protecting the Body

Protecting the Occupants

Putting It All Together

Chapter 8: Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

Tire Types

Tire Size

Air Pressure

Rotation

Spare Tire

Wheels

Brakes

Brake Upgrades

Putting It All Together

Chapter 9: Electrical and Lighting

Electrical System Upgrades and Modifications

Headlight Upgrades

Extra Lighting

Clutch Starter Switch

Putting It All Together

Chapter 10: Recovery and Air Systems

Recovery

Winch

Tow Straps

Onboard Air

Putting It All Together

Chapter 11: Interior, Tops, Gear, Tools, and Other Good Stuff

Interior

Tops and Doors

Communications

Navigation

Fuel and Water Storage

Tools

Fire Protection

Clothing

First Aid

Food and Water

Storage

A Jeep Owner’s Garage

Towing

Before and After the Trail

Putting It All Together, What Else?

Source Guide