What do you think the TJ should have come with from the factory (that you added on later) ?

[RangerRick]

If we're being practical or in dreaming mode here......

Factory SYE on all Wrangler models with a real rear driveshaft. No slip yolk style POS.
V8 as an optional factory available powertrain and with this you would get Dana 44 front minimum and an upgraded axle to Dana 60 out back.
The Diesel engine they promised but never delivered on.....
A pickup or 2-door version of the Unlimited package again for the LJ like was available on Scrambler bulkhead and cab arrangement like the past.
A Dana 60 Full Float axle in the rear as optional equipment if you ordered any of the "Diesel" or "V8" options.
V8 & Diesel options would also come with 25 to 30 gallon high capacity tank standard. Imagine 900 miles Diesel cruising range on the open road.

 

[JMT]

Flatter center skid
Oil pan skid
Transmission cross member, so the skid plate is easily removable.
Switch to disable dome light while driving doorless
Auxiliary stereo input

My '05 has a switch to disable the dome light.

 

[Nightshade]

Drain holes for the frame.

 

[Nimbley]

I actually wish they would have made a more stripped model. Straight 6 with a manual gearbox and Dana 40/44 axles. No plastic, no A/C, no ABS or SRS, no carpet and a flat metal dash like a CJ. Why pay for all the stuff your going to change anyway? Just a solid foundation for the guys that upgrade everything anyway. Kinda like the X but with heavier axle housings and less creature comforts.

 

[jjvw]

I actually wish they would have made a more stripped model. Straight 6 with a manual gearbox and Dana 40/44 axles. No plastic, no A/C, no ABS or SRS, no carpet and a flat metal dash like a CJ. Why pay for all the stuff your going to change anyway? Just a solid foundation for the guys that upgrade everything anyway. Kinda like the X but with heavier axle housings and less creature comforts.

That fantasy TJ you describe was likely already illegal to manufacture back in 1997.

 

[Nimbley]

That fantasy TJ you describe was likely already illegal to manufacture back in 1997.

I know. It would have never been able to be registered for on highway use due to model year requirements for the air bag but since we’re dreaming.

 

[carssuckjeepsrule]

Diesel. Liberty got one. Seriously?!?!?! 4.56 or 4.88 as an option across the board. No slip yokes...ever.

 

[Fouledplugs]

If we're being practical or in dreaming mode here......
The Diesel engine they promised but never delivered on.....

Weird how they produced the diesel engine but it didnt meet the US emission standards. So it could only be sold outside the US. I often wonder what happened. It made 177 HP and 302 ft lbs in the JK.

The Euro Spec JL has a diesel option as well.

 

[MikeyO]

Better stereo and speaker option. Diesel option.

 

[Woodstock67]

Weird, never seen something like that related to heated seats.

 

[TJ2]

Weird how they produced the diesel engine but it didnt meet the US emission standards. So it could only be sold outside the US. I often wonder what happened. It made 177 HP and 302 ft lbs in the JK.

The Euro Spec JL has a diesel option as well.

Too much government meddling here in the USA... and they are trying to bring in Mahindra Motors. Makes you wonder sometimes!

 

[Equilibrium31]

Hmm, the two major things I could think of off-hand are related to riding without the doors:

1) There needs to be a better way to turn off the cabin lights when the doors are open. A switch would work, but I've also seen someone install replacements for the spring-loaded buttons on the door sill that can be pushed in and twisted to lock into place in the off position.

2) There should also be a better option for handling rear view mirrors when the doors are off. Either these should have been mounted to the side of the body instead of the door or there should be an easy way to remove them from the door and attach them to the body when the doors are off.

 

[JMT]

Funny the Cheif Engineer for the Wrangler explained why they have these issues and it makes complete sense.

The plastic clips are $5 and cheaper than a whole fender. The designed them to break at the cost of a cheaper part versus an expensive part.

The “tinfoil crossmemebers” are designed to hold the trans up yet be light and provide some drainage. They dont build Jeeps for the 2% that are hardcore off road enthusiasts. They build them for back and fourth commuters who make up a majority of Jeep Wrangler owners. Same for the TJ.

Thought you might like to see/hear a engineers perspective on common Wrangler complaints.

What's funny about the video is that the chic he's referring to who criticized the JLU bought a JLU in the first place for off-roading. Should've gone with an JL if they really wanted an off-road rig. Then the guy who's voicing her concerns in this video refers to the very nice looking JL as a JLU. Do these people know what they are talking about? And the whole interview is a skewed anyway, because the real concern of the chic was why not have things like a flat skid, alternate license plate mount, etc... as options on the RUBICON. IOW, don't compromise the RUBICON.

 

[Mike_H]

My '05 has a switch to disable the dome light.

Really? I added one to do the fuse box of my 04.

 

[Vcook]

Really? I added one to do the fuse box of my 04.

Same for my '06. If his '05 has one its because he added it or a previous owner did. It's a cheap mod and worthwhile but was never factory.

TJ should have come with a more rustproof frame, drain holes and well coated.