Member III
What I've read, although I can't remember where, is that the Chevy/GMC "Wrangler" pickup ran from about '75 to '87 and I believe the name was used in Canada only. I don't know when Jeep started using the Wrangler name in the US but it was before they did here. I understand that it took many years before they wrestled the Wrangler name away from GM for use in Canada.about 87 when the YJ came out is when Wrangler goes back to as far as I know. basically any model past that including LJ JK 2 and 4door and JLs all classify under the designation. The LJ is kind of a redheaded step child that a lot of people who don't really know Jeeps don't even know exists, but that makes aftermarket hard to come by too.
Sales brochures aren't always the best source but I have one from '90 that lists all of the models by name (Cherokee, Comanche, etc.) except that the YJ is simply listed as "YJ". It's right on the cover and the lack of a Wrangler stands out. It's the brochure I got from the dealership when I bought my first XJ. I have several TJ brochures and none of them show Wrangler in print or in pics. You're right about the LJ. I have never seen it but I think there is only one brochure that included it. Mine is an '04 and I think that brochure didn't come out until '05 and it's mixed in with all of the other models.
EDIT - I just realized I have a pic of the '90 brochure I mentioned above. Again, it's Canadian and see that it starts out with the "YJ" and then lists all of the other models. Weird 'eh. The salesman tried to sell me a XJ Limited like the one on the cover. I told him that with all of the gold trim it looked like a pimpmobile. I ended up with a black Laredo. The options page still shows my highlights from late '89 when I bought it.
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