97 verses 03

wranglerrambler

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Location
oxford,nc
whats the mounting differences between bolt on kits for a 97 verses a 2003 TJ? Is it just mounting holes different or are widths different? If holes, can you just redrill holes in the bracketry?
 
interesting question, I see 4wd Hardware does in fact have different kits...call 'em Monday and ask someone in technical help.
 
I believe that 4wd and ect do that due to the fact that the TJ changed in 02 - 03, So by default they list them as different kits.

I am certain there is no difference between a 97 and 03 Suspension on a TJ. If you look RE or a large company, They do not specify a difference in the kits, They list them as 97-06 TJ
 
The skid plate mounting holes are different for 2003+. IIRC the holes were moved forward on the frame to accommodate the newly designed skid-plate for the 4-speed auto. It's not an issue for any purpose other than a tummy-tuck or long arm-ed suspension where the arms are mounted to the skid (i.e. Rubicon Express, Nth Degree, ...).
 
jpdudejr said:
The skid plate mounting holes are different for 2003+. IIRC the holes were moved forward on the frame to accommodate the newly designed skid-plate for the 4-speed auto. It's not an issue for any purpose other than a tummy-tuck or long arm-ed suspension where the arms are mounted to the skid (i.e. Rubicon Express, Nth Degree, ...).
Click to expand...

Good to know, Was that the case for the 5 speed also?
 
burrellsjeep said:
Good to know, Was that the case for the 5 speed also?
Click to expand...

Yes. Same skid regardless of transmission type.

I'm sure it was much cheaper for Jeep to build a bracket for the 5-speeds to accept the new skid than to drill separate holes in each Jeep's frame AND produce two different kinds of skid plates based on the transmission option.
 
for the lift in question... I called pro comp themselves. according to the "tech" guy I talked to he said there were frame differences, bolt hole differences, t-case linkage differences, etc... FWIW.
 
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