Model/Dates: |
Picture: |
Description: |
CJ-2 1944-1945 |
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Based on the Willys MB, the CJ-2 was the prototype for the first civilian
version Jeep. And yes, CJ really does stand for Civilian Jeep. Only a few
dozen CJ-2s were built. Originally known as "Agrijeeps", they were used at
various agricultural test stations around the country. |
CJ-2A 1945-1949 |
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The CJ-2A was the first of the production CJs. Over 200,000 units
were manufactured. They featured flat fenders, split windshield (25" tall)
framed in round tubing, top-mounted windshield wipers, tailgate, and side-mounted spare
tire. Unlike the MB models, the CJs had "Willys" embossed on the hood
sides and the windshield frame. |
CJ-3A 1949-1953 |
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Very similar to the CJ-2A, with only a few ( mostly cosmetic) changes.
The CJ-3A featured flat fenders, a one-piece windshield (27" tall) mounted in
square tubing, bottom-mounted wipers, air vent at bottom center of windshield frame,
tailgate, side-mounted spare tire, and an 80" wheelbase. Over 130,000 were
produced over 5 years. |
CJ-4 1950 |
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This is the "missing link" between the CJ-3A/3B and the CJ-5.
Only one CJ-4 was built and it was one of the first prototypes to carry the new
Willys "Hurricane" F-head engine. It combined the rear of a CJ-3A, the
hood that would later appear on the M38A1, and a unique cowl and front fenders on an
81-inch wheelbase. |
CJ-3B 1953-1968 |
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This "high-hood" Jeep was essentially a CJ-3A, fitted with the
taller "Hurricane" F-head engine. It featured flat fenders, one-piece
windshield (22.5" tall), and of course, the tall hood to fit the new engine.
Over 150,000 were built. Although produced through 1968, sales diminished after the
introduction of the CJ-5 in 1955. |
CJ-5 1955-1983 |
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The most successful of all the civilian Jeeps, the CJ-5 was in production
for nearly 30 years, with over 600,000 units built. Inspired by the M38A1, it
featured rounded fenders, one-piece windshield, factory door hinges, an 81" wheelbase
(early models), fold-down tailgate, and side-mounted spare tire. Later models had an
83" wheelbase, no tailgate, rear-mounted spare tire, and a factory roll bar. |
CJ-6 1956-1975 |
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A common complaint among most short-wheelbase Jeep owners was the lack of
room. Introducing the CJ-6, an extended version of the CJ-5. With its
101" wheelbase (early models), it afforded the storage room of a small pickup and the
mobility of a Jeep. Later models were further stretched to 104 inches. Only
50,000 or so were produced. |
DJ-3A 1956-1965 |
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The DJ-3A "Dispatcher" was the first two-wheel drive universal
Jeep. Basically it was a CJ-3A, but with 2WD. It was offered in soft top, hard
top, and "surry gala" versions, with or without a tailgate. Most were used
as recreational or delivery vehicles, although a special model was also manufactured for
use as a postal truck. |
DJ-5 1965-1975 |
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The DJ-5 "Dispatcher 100" replaced the DJ-3A in 1965. It
was very similar to the CJ-5, except it was 2WD. The postal version, with a
different grille (pictured here), also had an automatic transmission, extra large doorway,
sliding door, and right-hand steering. AM General Corporation continued to produce
variations into the 1980s. |
DJ-6 1965-1968 |
Not available
at this time |
Extended version of the DJ-5, similar to the CJ-6, but with 2WD like the
DJ-5. If you know where I can find a picture of a DJ-6, PLEASE let me
know! |
CJ-7 1976-1986 |
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The CJ-7 offered a compromise between the CJ-5 and CJ-6, with it's
93.5" wheelbase. In addition, the CJ-7's U-shaped door openings immediately
distinguish it from it's predecessors. This was the first CJ model to offer an
automatic transmission, hardtop, and doors (all as factory options). Over 375,000
units were produced over 10 years. |
CJ-8 1981-1986 |
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The CJ-8 "Scrambler" was an extended version of the CJ-7,
featuring a 103.5" wheelbase. The Scrambler came in either soft-top or
fiberglass hard-top models, which covered the cab only. With a roll bar in the
"bed", the Scrambler looked like a CJ pickup truck. Less than 28,000 units
were built during its short 5-year production period. |
Wrangler/YJ 1987-1995 |
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To address lagging sales of the CJ, AMC introduced the lower and wider
Wrangler. It featured square headlights and turn signal lights, side-opening
tailgate, extended sport bar (starting in 1992) for better rear passenger protection, and
was available with either soft or hard top, and either full or half doors. Leaf
springs all around. |
Wrangler/TJ 1997-pres |
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The TJ is a complete redesign over the Wrangler YJ, top to bottom, inside
and out. The quad coil-spring suspension makes the TJ the best-performing and
best-riding out-of-the-box short Jeep ever built. Other distinguishing features include a
completely redesigned dash layout, dual airbags, and a return to the traditional round
headlights. |