What is a TJ, YJ, or CJ?
A quick rundown: A TJ is a Wrangler with a model year of 1997+ and has round headlights and a coil suspension. A YJ is a Wrangler from 1987 to 1995 (there was no 1996 model, just a early ’97 TJ) with square headlights and a leaf spring suspension. A CJ is any Short wheel base (SWB) Jeep with removable doors and top prior to 1987. They had round headlights and a leaf spring suspension. CJ’s came in several models, the most common are CJ5, CJ7, and CJ8, but there are others. TJ’s and YJ’s are referred to as “Wranglers” (in the U.S.A., not Canada). TJ and YJ do not stand for anything, just a Jeep model designation. CJ does stand for Civilian Jeep. All these vehicles share common design aspects, most notably their short wheelbase, removable top and doors, solid front and rear axles, and capable off-road ability. There are other differences and similarities, but this is the very short version.
