fly5465

Hi, this is my first post here. I don't have a JK yet but thinking about buying one soon. Last jeep I had was a 92 YJ but haven't had one for years. Time to get another.

Anyway, I'm not sure if I will by new or used at this time. Probably used. Has anyone seen a list of model year changes from 07 to 08 to 09? If so where can I find it?

For example I like the fact that you can get an 08 with a locker in the rear and a electric stabbar disconnect from the factory without getting a Rubicon. But it looks like for 09, that is no longer an option.

So, if I do decide to buy used I would like to know what changes were made over the 3 years so far.

Thanks,
Dale - Arizona

fly5465

I guess I should have mentioned in my first post that I'm looking at 2 door JK's if that matters.

Candlemuse

This thread has most of that info.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-talk-26/2009-wrangler-unlimited-features-options-41040/#post507659

knotaddicted

Some of the largest differences are as follows:

2007-2008 are very close.

X models have optional 4.10 and e-locker wih swaybar disconnect. "New" Dana 44 with tow package, 4.10 gears. I believe the sahara can get 4.10 with the tow package, but not sure if the locker is available.
early 2007 had hood insulation and a under hood light. It seems that was droped mid year 2007, with the insulation continuing a little longer.

I think mid 2008 introduced steel half doors, but I am not sure when.

2009 Changes

X models only available with 3.73 or higher (numerically lower) gears. No Locker available, only limited slip. Swaybar disconnect no longer available.

Color changes (also from another thread in the rumors section) 2007 and 2008 had rescue green and steel blue. 2009 droped these colors for sunburst orange and deep water blue.

Of course this is not a complete list but should help.

saltman

The half doors were always available from the first production day.

The early 07s came with footwell lights which were discontinued very quickly.
07s have the goofy seatbelt placement on the passenger side that was redone in the 08 model year.
07s do not have the TPMS.
The interior door panels were changed in the 08 model year on the half and full doors.
ESP turn off is done differently in 07 versus 08 and on.
At some point in late 08 the wrangler stickers on the side became all one piece and hideous as opposed to die cut.
The windshield header and various seals have been changed about 15 times. The 09 FreeDumb panels have an extra latch at the front.
Text on the fan control switch changed on the interior controls in 09. More info. on the defrost setting.

PogMoThoin

I noticed that the '09s now have a small (net/mesh/web) crap pocket attached to the center dash panel directly in front of the shifter, below the radio.

jfreeddo

I see you said 2 door, so this probably won't matter to you,


but the 07's had a light in the middle console showing when the airbag was turned off by a weight sensor in the front seat, and in the 08 that light is gone and there seems to be "controversy" that maybe the front airbag doesn't even get turned off at all.

fly5465

Hey Thanks to all that replied!!

That's a lot of great info and much appriciated.

I'll let ya-all know when I get something.

Dale - Arizona

Gypsy

Plastic tray added in the console.

spartan99

My only advice to you is to somehow avoid the lemons, as it seems with the JK you either get a bulletproof model or a lemon and it appears as though there are more 07 lemons just based on what I've picked up on on this board.

The other thing is $. You could probably get a great deal on a used JK right now and practically steal it, but the new ones come with the lifetime warranty. Hmmm...it might be better to go used actually. And remember that whatever version you buy, it's damn capable offroad if it's 4x4 (apparently they make a 2x4 model). You picked a good time to buy!