Difference between model years?

MassJeepGirl · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:44 am

Hello all. I am just wondering what the difference is between the different model years for the KJ. I am probably going to buy a used one and I'm trying to decide what year to get. Thanks for your input.

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 8:35 am

MassJeepGirl wrote:

Hello all. I am just wondering what the difference is between the different model years for the KJ. I am probably going to buy a used one and I'm trying to decide what year to get. Thanks for your input.

Some 2002 models were an inch higher
2005+ have a different body style (grill fogs, flat hood on some, clear rear taillights)
Some 2002 models have drum brakes, newer models have disc
Minor changes in interior throughout, nothing major. Newer models have more interior lighting.
2006+ have traction control and don't offer the limited slip

Maybe somebody else will have other tidbits to add. In my opinion, the 2005+ version looks much better than the 2002-2004, but that is in the eye of the beholder.

Not to hijack the thread, but I've been wondering this for awhile, how to tell the year of a KJ by appearance + spec. Maybe the differences between model years listed here will help. I can tell a 2006, 2005, pre-low 2002, but anyplace 2002-2004 looks the same to me. It would be neat to see a KJ and be like "Oh, that was a 2003, I could tell because of the ___".

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:41 am

I do it all the time. Here's how

I look at a Liberty. First thing I look for is the placement of the 4x4 badge, rear brakes, handle on the passenger side of the dashboard, and random other things. Let's break this down.

2002: 4x4 badge on the sides of the vehicle, some didn't though. They were placed on the tailgate in April of 2002. I look for drum brakes. If it has drum brakes, no matter where the 4x4 badge is, it's a 2002.

2003: Disc brakes on rear, 4x4 badge on rear, sides say "Liberty sport" or "Liberty Limited Edition" or "Liberty Renegade". Same badge placement applies for 2002. No dashboard handle.

2004: 4x4 badge on rear, disc brakes, dashboard handle on passenger side. Limited or Renegade badge placed on rear of vehicle. Sport badge has been eliminated.

2005: New bumper / hood / flares / grille. New interior color. New seats. New instrument cluster. New badges.

2006: ESP Off switch on top of steering wheel.

2006KJSPORT4x4 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:43 am

I believe only certain colors are offered during some model years...like that salsa color or something like that, then there are the different rim packages, not every model year had some of the same rim packages, but then again someone can trick you by buying them after the fact...also I think there might have been some sort of change in the style of the front bumper during the 02-04 model years, but don't quote me on that...

MattyMac1 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:04 am

Hi, I work in Quincy.. Anyhow, You might want to look at the Liberty's @ S&E auto sales in Weymouth. they always have a few if not many Libertiey's in stock. Heres a link to their website.
http://www.seautosales.com/

tarkus · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:11 am

Quote:

2002: 4x4 badge on the sides of the vehicle,

This can also be used to determine if it is a lowered or pre-lowered. The change took place at the same time.

Also 2002 and some 2003 have the 545RFE transmision that is a light truck transmision used in Dakotas and Durangos.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:24 pm

2005 and newer have a different location for the window switches and the rear seats fold down to a more flat position.

2002 and I think the 2003's also did not have the "Oh Golly" handle above the glove box.

2003 and older models didn't have the rear glass window plastic hand pad to push the window closed.

2005's and newer didn't come with the plastic roof basket on the Renegades. Also the roof rails were made different.

2005 and newer have a different front hood and bumper.

Too many models within each year had different tires and wheels.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:46 pm

There is a definate difference in the floor pan or seat configuration on the '05/'06 that makes more foot room and a lot more comfortable ride for me on the drivers side. Drove an '04 600 miles and had a hard time finding a place to put my feet. Not a problem on my '06

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:09 pm

tarkus wrote:

Quote:

2002: 4x4 badge on the sides of the vehicle,

This can also be used to determine if it is a lowered or pre-lowered. The change took place at the same time.

Not necessarily. Jon on JeepKJ.com has a '02 Prelowered, 4x4 badge on rear.

However, I'm sure the number of these Libertys is EXTREMELY LOW. Very rare.

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:05 pm

For the '02's, along with higher and a better transmission if you wheel, they have a lighter and an outlet.

My 03 has the no fingerprints pad on the rear glass. (shhhh, it was my first "mod") And the good ol' Freedom Edition wasn 03.

04 had the Columbia edition.

05 and newer, yes the rear seats fold down flatter. But it's because they took some of the cushioning away, not because they fold better. If you have kids or rear passengers alot, it's not as comfy back there.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:00 pm

Would've been better if they had created the flip up seats for the seating part, so you could lay the back down flat.

MassJeepGirl · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:08 pm

Thanks everybody for the responses. You all rock!!!

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:50 pm

Cowcatcher wrote:

There is a definate difference in the floor pan or seat configuration on the '05/'06 that makes more foot room and a lot more comfortable ride for me on the drivers side. Drove an '04 600 miles and had a hard time finding a place to put my feet. Not a problem on my '06

Gald I wasn't imagining that...traded in my 02Limited Leather for an 06 CRD Sport...Seat feels better and footroom as mentioned

Plus the ESP and RollOver Mitigation is a plus

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sun Jun 25, 2006 12:55 pm

DarbyWalters wrote:

Cowcatcher wrote:

There is a definate difference in the floor pan or seat configuration on the '05/'06 that makes more foot room and a lot more comfortable ride for me on the drivers side. Drove an '04 600 miles and had a hard time finding a place to put my feet. Not a problem on my '06

Gald I wasn't imagining that...traded in my 02Limited Leather for an 06 CRD Sport...Seat feels better and footroom as mentioned

Plus the ESP and RollOver Mitigation is a plus

I don't know enough about the two bodies but there is a enough of a difference that there are two different slush mat models. My big feet were not happy on the '04!

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:26 pm

My hip cramp is GONE now that I'm in my '06 CRD.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:36 pm

Marlon_JBT wrote:

My hip cramp is GONE now that I'm in my '06 CRD.

Did you just do that? Congrads! :lol:

InCommando · **Posted:** Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:38 am

The '05's and up have "liberty" molded into the molding running along the doors instead of lettering above the molding.

'05's and up have 3 interior lights.

Guest · **Posted:** Thu Jun 29, 2006 1:37 pm

Marlon_JBT wrote:

tarkus wrote:

Quote:

2002: 4x4 badge on the sides of the vehicle,

This can also be used to determine if it is a lowered or pre-lowered. The change took place at the same time.

Not necessarily. Jon on JeepKJ.com has a '02 Prelowered, 4x4 badge on rear.

However, I'm sure the number of these Libertys is EXTREMELY LOW. Very rare.

you mean that if it's got the 4x4 badges on the sides, it's prelowered or what?

545RFE, at that:) rock on!

Marlon_JBT · **Posted:** Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:59 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie wrote:

Marlon_JBT wrote:

tarkus wrote:

Quote:

2002: 4x4 badge on the sides of the vehicle,

This can also be used to determine if it is a lowered or pre-lowered. The change took place at the same time.

Not necessarily. Jon on JeepKJ.com has a '02 Prelowered, 4x4 badge on rear.

However, I'm sure the number of these Libertys is EXTREMELY LOW. Very rare.

you mean that if it's got the 4x4 badges on the sides, it's prelowered or what?

545RFE, at that:) rock on!

Chances are, 4x4 badge on rear, lowered. 4x4 badges on sides, pre-lowered. This method could be used, but is somewhat unreliable.

jaysus · **Posted:** Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:59 pm

When did the "trail rated" badges make their first appearence?

Difference between model years?

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