Jeep Wranglers and CJ Models
The Jeep CJ series was first produced by Willys, then Kaiser, followed by American Motors, and then Chrysler (now Stellantis North America), where it became the Wrangler. Changes from the 1940's military vehicle to today's modern ride mostly came in small, yearly increments.
After 85 years of production, the basic formula remained the same, a ladder frame with solid front and rear axles, tourqey motor and four-wheel-drive. They're ready to go anywhere, any time, any weather.
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CJ Jeeps
Early CJ's are super small, but that 80" wheelbase makes them very nimble. They were, and still are, exceptionally capable for off-road use.
Best Old Jeep To Restore (1944-1986)
Addressing consumer complaints with the CJ5, the CJ7 was longer and had a larger interior. It was also more stable at higher speeds, and unlike all it's predecessors, was available with an automatic transmission.
With full-time four-wheel-drive, more interior space, optional molded plastic top, steel doors and air conditioning, the CJ7 was a big leap forward in comfort and day-to-day practicality.
Jeep CJ History (1970-1986)
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First Generation Wrangler (YJ Series)
The square headlight Wranglers were produced from 1987 through 1995. They were more comfortable than any previous model, and today they are still plenty capable of being a daily-driver. Like the CJ, the YJ Wrangler had solid front and rear axles with leaf-spring suspension.
Wranglers offer amazing versatility; removable hard or soft tops, fold-down windshields, half-doors, no doors, or full steel doors, etc.
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Second Generation (1997-2006)
Beginning with 2nd Gen 'TJ' series, front and rear leaf springs were replaced with the "Quadra-Coil" suspension system. Aside from giving a better ride, it eliminated axle wrap and made suspension tuning easier.
Appearance wise, the TJ brought back the round headlights of the CJ models.
Note: The 2nd Gen TJ was released in early 1996 as a 1997 model, technically there was no 1996 model.
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Third Generation JK (2007-2017)
Starting in 2007, two body styles were now available, the classic two-door and four-door Unlimited.
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DIY Jeep Wrangler Oil Change 2012-2018
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Fourth Generation (JL)
Production from 2018 to present.
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Jeep Death Wobble
I was working at a tire shop when I first heard about Jeep death wobble. A customer said their Wrangler had a terrible vibration at highway speed and asked me to road test it.
The first few miles were uneventful, until I turned onto an open highway. As soon as I got up to about 60 mph, the entire vehicle started shaking uncontrollably, nearly ripping the steering wheel out of my hands.
I instinctively took my foot off the gas, and once the vehicle slowed down a bit, it regained stability. It was like nothing I had experienced before!
Track bar bushings, idler arm, tie rods, and ball joints that are damaged or worn are all common culprits of Jeep death wobble, and the cause is often more than just one component. Worn and/or unbalanced tires can also contribute.
Repairing and replacing one part at a time allows you find out what the main cause was, but most owners will replace suspect parts together.
If you don't have all the old service records to your Wrangler, you don't know when any of the wearable suspension parts were (if ever) replaced.
On the customer's Jeep, the track bar bushings, idler arm, and outer tie rods were replaced, along with tire rebalancing. And the second road test was much less eventful.
Inspect Front End Components
After safely lifting the front axle onto jack stands, check all front end parts for damage or wear.
TIP: A crowbar is helpful to wiggle everything while looking for play.
NOTE: Death Wobble affects all solid-axle vehicles, not just Jeep Wranglers.
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