🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Wrangler

Model Code:

TJ

Year:

1998

Generation Name:

TJ

Generation Start Year:

1997

Generation End Year:

2006

Vin Prefix:

1J4

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Key Competitors 1998:

Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery, Ford Bronco (discontinued late '96 but still relevant in used market)

Vehicle Usp:

Renowned off-road capability, iconic styling, solid axles (front and rear), coil spring suspension (unlike previous YJ leaf springs), robust powertrain options.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides detailed, factory-level information essential for maintaining and repairing the iconic TJ Wrangler, empowering owners and independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Special Tools

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Emission Controls

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (AX-5, NV3550), Automatic Transmission (42RE), Transfer Case (NP231) - Overhaul, Diagnosis, and Repair

Drivetrain:

Front Axle (Dana 30), Rear Axle (Dana 35c), Driveshafts, CV Joints, Wheel Bearings

Suspension:

Front Coil Springs, Rear Leaf Springs, Shock Absorbers, Control Arms, Panhard Bar, Steering Linkage

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS (if equipped), Parking Brake System, Hydraulic Lines and Components

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, Power Windows, Power Locks, Wiper System, Horn

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Fenders, Bumpers, Seats, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System, Hardtop Removal/Installation

Climate Control:

HVAC System, Heater Core, A/C System Components, Blower Motor, Controls

Safety Systems:

Airbag System (SRS)

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete Color Wiring Diagrams for all Systems

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Brake Inspection, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), DTC Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Printability:

Printable

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L I-6 OHV (High Output)

Engine Displacement:

242 cubic inches (3956 cc)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-Cylinder

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.560 in (98.4 mm x 90.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower Hp:

182 hp @ 4,600 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

220 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)

Optional Engine:

2.5L 4-Cylinder (AMC 150) - 118 hp @ 4,700 rpm / 135 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (less common for 1998, but available)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (AX-5)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RE)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV231 Part-Time, Gear-Driven Transfer Case

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV231 Fluid (MS-2562) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

93.4 in

Length Inches:

151.5 in

Width Inches:

66.5 in

Height Inches:

71.9 in (with soft top)

Ground Clearance Inches:

10.2 in (approx.)

Approach Angle:

41 degrees

Departure Angle:

32 degrees

Breakover Angle:

25 degrees

Curb Weight Lbs:

3,520 - 3,780 lbs (approx., depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

4,850 lbs

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 8 inches

Standard Tire Size:

30 x 9.50R15 OWL

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-star (for 1998 model year, though testing standards differ)

ABS Availability:

Optional (Rear Anti-lock Brakes on some models)

Airbag System:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS)

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point, Rear Lap/Shoulder belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Cassette player standard, optional CD player, optional premium sound system.

Speakers:

4 or 6 speaker options

Cruise Control:

Optional

Tow Hitch:

Optional

OBD Ii Port:

Standard (1998 model year compliant)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe service may require more frequent changes)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (4.0L I6)

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for seasonal variations)

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (severe service).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear (manual transmission), U-joints, ball joints, control arm bushings, radiator, water pump, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L I6 common), rear main seal leaks.

Common Electrical Issues:

Instrument cluster problems, intermittent wiper issues, O2 sensor failures.

Common Mechanical Issues:

Dana 35 axle prevalence (can be a weak point for extreme off-roading), transfer case chain stretch (NV231).

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II, renowned for its go-anywhere capability and ruggedness.

Tj Introduction:

The TJ Wrangler was introduced for the 1997 model year, replacing the CJ-series successor, the YJ. It marked a significant return to coil springs for enhanced ride comfort and articulation, and a return to the round headlights from the CJ era.

1998 Model Year Updates:

Minor updates for 1998 included a new optional six-speed manual transmission (NV3550) becoming available later in the model year, though the AX-5 remained the primary manual. Introduction of the new 'Rubicon' package was still a few years away (2003).

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo South Assembly Plant, Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Four Wheeler Magazine Honors:

Often recognized by off-road publications like Four Wheeler Magazine for its off-road prowess.

Overall Reputation:

Consistently lauded for its durability, off-road capability, and modification potential.