Jeep: The First 70 Years Part 3

129 1105 Jeep The First 70 Years 1971 Renegade Ii

1971 Renegade II
Among Kaiser's last projects was the Renegade package. It appeared in 1970 and was based on the "462" package of the year before that included a bunch of "go" goodies. In 1970, Jeep added some snazzy looks and created a bit of a hit. AMC glommed on and increased the scope of the line for 1971 by increasing the number of colors, and three of the four known colors are shown here. The '71s were known as the Renegade II. The '71 model year was the last in which the Kaiser-era engines were available in the CJs. Gone were the 225 V-6 and the venerable F-134 that had roots back to the World War II Go-Devil.

1971 Renegade II Among Kaiser's last projects was the Renegade package. It appeared in 1

The New CJs: 1970-1986
While the CJ line had benefitted from many improvements since its 1955 makeover, it was still very much the same unit by the time American Motors took over in 1970. Job One for AMC was to incorporate its line of six- and eight-cylinder engines into the line-a most necessary step by then, especially in the case of the venerable F-head Four. That necessitated some fairly major chassis upgrades including stretching the wheelbase. That allowed for a most welcome increase in interior room, and along the way, they took the time to upgrade the suspensions for better ride and drive.

"More room" was the perennial cry of loyal but frustrated Jeep owners. To answer that, the '76 CJ-7 was developed. It was the "three bears" Jeep. It was stretched just enough to vastly increase interior room but not so much as to hamper trail performance for those who wheeled them. On top of that, they were offered with hardtops, full doors and-gasp-roll-up windows. Gadzooks, you could even get air conditioning!

Even the CJ-7 wasn't enough, and with the CJ-6 being retired from domestic sales, an even-longer CJ was contemplated. For 1981, the CJ-8 Scrambler debuted. Its role in the market was a bit vague. Was it a small pickup or a long Jeep SUV? Inept marketing, combined with AMC's financial troubles, made it a modest seller at best but long after its demise, the CJ-8 had a renaissance and became one of the hottest models for Jeep builders and collectors.

One of the most interesting parts of the AMC era was the staggering number of special editions. Take the same basic Jeep and adorn it with an ever-changing series of decals and options packages, and you see marketing at work. Sounds cheesy, but it worked! They were generally popular back then, and original versions of these special editions are now hotter than fission.

129 1105 Jeep The First 70 Years 1975 Cj5 Renegade

1975 CJ-5 Renegade
The Renegade line stayed on for 1972 and improved. Standard was the 304V-8/T-15 three-speed/Dana 20 transfer case combo, 3.73:1 gears with limited-slip, skidplates, alloy wheels and "big" 10.00-15 tires, plus a number of other small goodies. By the time Dennis Collin's low-miles '75 rolled around, you could also get the popular Levi's interior for the first time. This year was also the last where the V-8 was standard for the Renegade package.

1975 CJ-5 Renegade The Renegade line stayed on for 1972 and improved. Standard was the 3

The CJ era and the AMC era ended at about the same time. Bad publicity over rollovers left the CJ tarnished in the public eye. The CJ name, and the round headlights, faded away after 1986. In 1987, the comeback kid, Chrysler, made the still-ailing AMC an offer they couldn't refuse and took over the company. Jeep was the raisin in the bland AMC pudding. AMC cars went the Studebaker route, but Jeep flourished.

1973 CJ-5
For 1972, the line of AMC engines was available in the CJs, including the 304ci V-8. The 232ci Six was the base engine, the longer-stroke 258ci the middle-level option. To fit the bigger engines, the wheelbase was stretched from 81 to 84 inches, and the Jeeps of this era are called "long nose" CJs. Refinements were made to the chassis and suspension along the way, and to the options list. The AMC influence was decidedly good for the CJ. In 1973 Pete Dunkel bought a V-8 powered CJ-5 while in the Air Force in Colorado Springs. He still has it! It was well optioned, including a Meyers hardtop and a factory-approved accessory winch. It was long a daily driver, but since a restoration in 1998, it's been a show rig.
1973 CJ-5 For 1972, the line of AMC engines was available in the CJs, including the 304c
1976 CJ-5 Super Jeep
AMC indulged in a lot of "packaging" for the CJs. A Super Jeep package had been offered in 1973 and reappeared for 1976 in these two colors. Few were made and fewer remain. Since the packages were purely cosmetic, you could order it on a basic Jeep or a decked-out one. At this point, the CJ-5 had only a few years to exist. It was discontinued after 1983.
1976 CJ-5 Super Jeep AMC indulged in a lot of "packaging" for the CJs. A Super Jeep pack
1976 CJ-7 Renegade
Jeepdom leaped ahead for 1976 with the introduction of the CJ-7. With a wheelbase extended from 84 to 93.4 inches, full doors with roll-up windows, and an optional factory-installed fiberglass hardtop, the CJ-7 easily became an everyday Jeep, but one that didn't lose much trail prowess in the process. A full-time four-wheel drive system, Quadra-Trac (which used the Borg-Warner 13-39 transfer case), debuted as well the CJ's first automatic transmission option, the GM-sourced TH400.
1976 CJ-7 Renegade Jeepdom leaped ahead for 1976 with the introduction of the CJ-7. With

1982 CJ-7 Jamboree Edition
On the 30th anniversary of the Jeepers Jamboree in 1982, Jeep built 2,500 Jamboree Editions. It had a decent array of goodies and some very unique package additions. Unfortunately, very much "go" stuff wasn't available by then, besides the 31x10.50-15 tires and an optional rear limited-slip. Low gear options had gone due to emissions controls. Starting in 1980, the CJ base engine was a 2.5L Four, but at least the Jambo had the more desirable 258ci Six and five-speed combo standard. This Jambo is part of the Jim Marski collection.
1982 CJ-7 Jamboree Edition On the 30th anniversary of the Jeepers Jamboree in 1982, Jeep
1984 CJ-8 Scrambler SR
The Scrambler appeared as a mid-year '81 offering and delivered a boodle more room on a 103.5-inch wheelbase. It came with a pickup cab (hard or soft) and a full-length top was rumored but never appeared except much later as an aftermarket product. It came as a base model with a standard four-cylinder, or in SR or SL trim with the 258ci as an option. Almost 28,000 were sold through 1985, but they didn't get hot until about 10 years later when they were discovered by trail runners who liked the extra wheelbase. Now, original CJ-8s are a hot collectible, like Dennis Collin's nearly perfect original '84 SR.
1984 CJ-8 Scrambler SR The Scrambler appeared as a mid-year '81 offering and delivered a
1986 CJ-7
The end of the CJ line came in 1986. Consumer advocates had put a huge target on the old CJ. After the success of the XJ Cherokee, a revitalized AMC invested some time and money to develop a replacement. The announcement that 1986 would bring the last CJ brought some teary eyes. Later, when the replacement emerged, some hard-edged jibes about "real" Jeeps having round headlights were heard. The last of the CJ wore a dash plaque that said, "Last of the Breed." Time would prove that was an overly pessimistic comment.
1986 CJ-7 The end of the CJ line came in 1986. Consumer advocates had put a huge target

Jeep Saviors: 1984-1998
You could reasonably state that the World War II MB saved Willys-Overland. You could also say the Cherokee XJ saved AMC Jeep. The move towards smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs was inevitable as gas prices increased in the late '70s. Development started on a new vehicle then but was stymied by AMC's impending bankruptcy. Renault came to the rescue in 1979 with a badly need loan. When 1980 rolled around, AMC was closer to the edge and Renault stepped up again, this time taking a 47.5 percent share of AMC for its trouble. The alliance wasn't always a happy one, but the XJ benefitted from some of Renault's small car engineering. New engines also debuted, the 2.5L Four and the GM-sourced 2.8L V6. The 2.8L is not remembered fondly in the Jeep world, but it was a last-minute stopgap until the engineers finished developing the now legendary 4.0L EFI engine, itself a refined 258ci AMC six.

Faced with an army of foreign and domestic competition in the SUV market, with the help of the Chrysler infusion, Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee ZJ in 1992 as a '93 model. Once again, a stylish and practical new vehicle cranked up the sales numbers, and there have been three more generations since that year. Ironically, the Grand Cherokee was planned to replace the Cherokee, but the popularity of both models, plus nice separation in their respective market segments, kept them side by side in the Jeep lineup. To double the irony, the XJ outlasted the first-gen ZJ. Both the XJ and the ZJ revitalized Jeep by providing popular, high sales-volume products at the times they were needed most.

1984 Cherokee Chief XJ
It's no exaggeration that the XJ saved Jeep. We take the little XJ for granted now, but it was an innovation when it appeared due to its lightweight unitbody construction and coil-spring front suspension. It was offered in both two- and four-door models in Custom (base-model), Pioneer, and Cherokee Chief kitting.
1984 Cherokee Chief XJ It's no exaggeration that the XJ saved Jeep. We take the little X
1986 Wagoneer Limited XJ
The Wagoneer name was purloined for a luxo-rig on the XJ chassis. For the most part, it lived up to that hype. It was considered a totally separate model, with two divisions: the plain Wagoneer and the Wagoneer Limited. The Limited mimicked the SJ Wagoneer (which was now "Grand") by having woodgrain side panels. It had all the power accessories you would expect, leather interior trim, a reasonably high-end stereo, and even such high-tech goodies as an automatic load-leveling device.
1986 Wagoneer Limited XJ The Wagoneer name was purloined for a luxo-rig on the XJ chassi
1988 Comanche Chief MJ
Midsize pickups were all the rage in the '80s, and Jeep responded by building an XJ-based version. Beginning in 1986, the Comanche was a perfect fit. Initially, it came on a 119.7-inch wheelbase in three trim levels. A year later, it expanded to include a short 113-inch-wheelbase model and the 4.0L found its way into the line. Surprisingly, after the '87 Chrysler takeover, the Comanche (later called the MJ) continued in production-competing with Dodge's Dakota. The MJ died after the '92 model year, but it was known as a brilliant adaptation of an existing line and a particularly attractive truck. The "Chief" theme was resurrected for this '88 shortbed package in "arrest-me" red.
1988 Comanche Chief MJ Midsize pickups were all the rage in the '80s, and Jeep responded

1993 Grand Cherokee Laredo ZJ
The Grand Cherokee began development in the '80s as an eventual replacement for the XJ, but the lack of development money within AMC slowed its progress. The Chrysler infusion speeded things up in some ways and slowed it down in others. It might have made the market in 1990 or 1991, but the addition of the 5.2L V-8 to the options list took some extra time. Rolled out in early 1992 as a '93 model, the ZJ was an instant hit on all levels. The base engine was the 4.0L I-6 and the 5.2L was the top dog. A high-luxury Grand Wagoneer version, complete with woodgrain side panels, was also trotted out as a special model to replace the recently retired SJ, but it didn't fly for long and lasted only through the '93 model year. Its place in the line was taken by the Limited model, which was sans woodgrain.
1993 Grand Cherokee Laredo ZJ The Grand Cherokee began development in the '80s as an eve
1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
When the Grand Cherokee line faced a big upgrade for 1999, Jeep decided to send the ZJ out with a bang. Enter the 5.9L Limited. They replaced the 5.2L with a 245hp 5.9L EFI V8, tuned the drivetrain and suspension for handling and speed, then gave it a fine suit of expensive clothes to cover the muscles. In the press, the 5.9 Limited certainly overshadowed the rest of the '98 ZJ line, and maybe even stole a little thunder from the upcoming WJ.
1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited When the Grand Cherokee line faced a big upgrade for 199
2001 Cherokee Limited XJ
You know the end is near when they start calling you "Classic." So it was in the later years of the XJ, after a bit of freshening up in 1997 and the Classic model was introduced. The XJ was phased out after the '01 model year and its place in the Jeep product line taken by the Liberty (called "Cherokee" in export markets). The XJ had a great 17-year run. It was planned to be replaced shortly after the Grand Cherokee ZJ appeared for 1993. The XJ was also slated to end production in 2000, but continued into 2001 to "meet demand in the marketplace," according to the press info. You can probably read that to mean the Liberty was late.
2001 Cherokee Limited XJ You know the end is near when they start calling you "Classic."

Keeping the Roots Alive: 1987-Now
Before it was even known as such, the sport-utility market was moving away from the rough-and-tumble short wheelbase rigs that had so long defined four-wheeling. People demanded dual-purpose machines that could be used daily as a family vehicle. Then came malevolent safety mavens who labeled the CJ a rollover risk. Nobody knows how close the CJ came to being the last short-wheelbase Jeep, but in 1987, the YJ Wrangler was introduced.

It was widely panned by the wheeling world at the time for not being a "real" Jeep (not to mention that "real" Jeeps had round headlights). The truth many didn't want to admit is that, in many ways it was a better rig than the CJ. And it was safer, the suspension mods addressing the handling quirks that had so annoyed the exposé-obsessed consumer press. Beyond all that, it was still a great platform for modifications and the YJ, the last of the leaf-spring Jeeps, has gone on to be fondly remembered.

The short-wheelbase Jeep time-travelled both forwards and back for the '97 model year with the Wrangler TJ. It was the most radical redesign of the Jeep utility line ever, featuring a coil-spring suspension and massive upgrades in every area. In 2003, Jeep one-upped themselves when they delivered a wheeling enthusiasts Jeep: The Rubicon-probably the most capable outta-the-box 4x4 ever offered by anyone. A year later, the long-wheelbase Unlimited TJs were announced, soon followed by a Rubicon version.

For 2007, the Wrangler line got another massive upgrade in the form of the JK. Along with the short-wheelbase version came an Unlimited long-wheelbase version with four doors. Rumors abounded about a pickup truck based off the JK platform, which appeared in military livery but not for the general public. And, yeah, the JK comes in a Rubicon version.

Continuance
You're living Jeep history right now. Some lament the loss of "the good old days," and many of them are aging Jeep historians. But the only thing that doesn't change is change itself. Jeep adapts to the current markets with a variety of products, and some of us die hard, grit-in-our-teeth gear grinders just don't understand. We can all hold onto this: The current Jeep Wrangler is a direct descendant of that plucky little 4x4 that changed the face of the globe 70 years ago. It's one of the last holdouts back to the days when a compact, short-wheelbase trail rig defined four-wheel drive. As long as that link remains, all remains right with the world.

1987 Wrangler YJ
The Wrangler was much maligned by Jeep purists when it debuted in 1986 as an '87, but it really was a great enhancement of the CJ. (If only it had come with round headlights!) The suspension was improved enough to get the consumer advocates off Jeep's back for the most part but, most importantly, left the YJ with approximately the same stock trail performance and buildup potential. Shown is the first production Wrangler held by the Chrysler Museum.
1987 Wrangler YJ The Wrangler was much maligned by Jeep purists when it debuted in 1986
1988 Wrangler Laredo YJ
The YJ model line had its upmarket versions, as the CJ had. One of the more popular was the Laredo. An oddity of early YJ production was the retention of the carbureted 258ci Six through 1990. The YJ moved into its "Golden Era" in 1991 when the 4.0L H.O. engine was introduced along with the AX-15 manual transmission. Towards the end of its final production year, 1995, the front Dana 30 was upgraded with larger U-joints and, in that, the YJ attained the pinnacle of its development. Though YJs were sold in 1996, they were all built in 1995, after which the line was shut down to retool for the TJ.
1988 Wrangler Laredo YJ The YJ model line had its upmarket versions, as the CJ had. One
1997 Wrangler Sahara TJ
Probably the most significant technical upgrades in the history of Jeep debuted in 1996 for the '97 Wrangler TJ model. Those upgrades resulted in the best-performing Jeep since the first one was built, and they only got better from there. Even those with only a basic familiarity with Jeeps know the upgrades included a supple coil-spring suspension that improved both on- and off-road performance. Jeep was listening to the wheeling crowd when they offered a Dana 44 rear axle option. The TJ had a significantly improved interior and top. Best of all, it had round headlights.
1997 Wrangler Sahara TJ Probably the most significant technical upgrades in the history

2003 Wrangler Rubicon TJ
The Rubicon is a four-wheeling prodigy. It's as close as any auto manufacturer has ever come to offering a "built" 4x4, again showing Jeep was listening to customers. Front and rear Dana 44s with 4.10:1 gears and selectable lockers. A 4.00:1 transfer case with a fixed rear output and beefed up driveshafts. Thirty-one-inch Goodyear MT/R tires. Body armor-you all know the drill. It was a big and bold departure from the Detroit norm of pasting on poseur decals, adding white-letter tires and calling it a trail rig. It was the most significant development of the original Jeep.
2003 Wrangler Rubicon TJ The Rubicon is a four-wheeling prodigy. It's as close as any au
2004 1/2 Wrangler Unlimited TJ
Customer demands for more room in their utility Jeeps has never really ended since the first CJ rolled off the line, and given some of the World War II long-wheelbase conversions, the GIs were whining too. Jeep answered at different times in their history with rigs like the CJ-6 and the Scrambler CJ-8, but none have been better accepted than the Unlimited. With a familiar 103.4-inch wheelbase it was just enough but not too much.
2004 1/2 Wrangler Unlimited TJ Customer demands for more room in their utility Jeeps has
2007 Wrangler Rubicon JK
The Wrangler JK is another embodiment of the original 1941 concept, a serious upgrade of the TJ. The JK is almost the last of a breed. Short-wheelbase vehicles have largely become a thing of the past but in many cases, they are still the right "gun" for the fight.
2007 Wrangler Rubicon JK The Wrangler JK is another embodiment of the original 1941 conc

2007 Wrangler Unlimited JK
The four-door JK is the embodiment of decades of wishes. For many, it's the four-wheeling equivalent of getting the cake and being allowed to eat it. It furthers the possibility of family four-wheeling for many on the higher side of the adrenaline meter because so few of the newer SUVs are modification-friendly. The JK in stock form is more capable than most SUVs but, unlike most of those, it can be built-to-the-hilt.
2007 Wrangler Unlimited JK The four-door JK is the embodiment of decades of wishes. For
2011 Grand Cherokee WK2
Jeep continues to redefine the SUV market in its 70th year, combining comfort features and utility with top-o'-the-class trail performance. It isn't as modification-friendly as the older rigs, but it will likely kick the tails of most of the older Jeeps in stock form. And likely out-comfort and out-tech them, too. Oh, and it's also our 2011 Four Wheeler of the Year.
2011 Grand Cherokee WK2 Jeep continues to redefine the SUV market in its 70th year, comb
2008 Renegade Concept
Is this extended-range electric vehicle the future of Jeep? Who knows? It's heartening to see that Jeep's cornerstone position in trail performance is still on the minds of designers.
2008 Renegade Concept Is this extended-range electric vehicle the future of Jeep? Who kn