High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide 1997-2006 (Cartech) [Paperback]

Christian Lee (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cartech | Publication Date: March 31, 2007

From Willys and Overland Jeeps of World War II, to the CJ models of the 70s and early 80s, to the slightly more civilized Wrangler, the Jeep has become an American icon. Jeep has maintained its popularity by updating and modernizing the traditional two-door, removable-top Jeep without watering down its off-road capability. Jeep owners love to personalize their vehicles and modify them for better performance on and off road.
In High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder s Guide 1997-2006, author Christian Lee explains how to upgrade your Wrangler s suspension, axles, differentials, engine, transfer case, wheels and tires, skid plates, and more, using aftermarket and salvage-yard upgrades.
This book includes over 350 full-color images and drawings to show beginners and experienced Jeepers how to do things right. Lee even has special sections for basic driving and recovery techniques, and photos of built-up Jeeps to give you ideas for your own Wrangler.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the end, the High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide is a good library addition for all you TJ gurus out there." -4-Wheel & Off-Road, March 2008 --4-Wheel & Off-Road, March 2008

About the Author

Christian Lee is the Technical Editor of 4-Wheel Drive and Sport Utility Magazine.  He has worked as Feature Editor of 4 x 4 Power magazine, 4 Wheel & Off-Road magazine, and Sport Truck magazine.  His articles have also appeared in 4 Wheel Parts Off-Road Adventures and Dirt Rider magazines.  He holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and Creative Writing from California State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Car Tech (March 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193249426X
• ISBN-13: 978-1932494266
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #821,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How to build up a TJ - by yzergod, June 27, 2007

By 

Keith Cramer "yzergod" (Durango, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide 1997-2006 (Cartech) (Paperback)

This book is quite informative, especially for somebody new to Jeeps and the TJ in particular. There is a lot of good info for building up a TJ into a capable and reliable trail rig. The author is a bit vague on some of the specifics and the repercussions of some of the different "upgrades" he suggests. I do not share his thought on a Dana 60 being the end all-do all axle for a TJ. He often refers to the D60 and suggests buying one from a reputable builder. With built D60's specifically made to fit a TJ running in upwards of $10,000, this might not be exactly what the budget minded TJ owner (read most TJ owners) can afford or would want to use for a replacement axle. Also, the author speaks negatively about the factory D35 and sometimes of the D44's. These axles can be built to withstand all but the hardcore wheeler.

There is a good amount of info about the special editions and what came on each Jeep, as is there about most of the popular upgrades. I would have liked to see more info about installing some of these upgrades. For example, he mentions LED taillights but does not mention that in the TJ's you'll need to modify or replace the relay or the LED turn signals will blink rapidly. This was the factory's way of letting you know a turn signal bulb was burnt out. Another example would be in the mention of using an Onboard Air system. He shows examples of each type, but does not explore that the average TJ owner can build one using junkyard parts for a fraction of the cost.

There is a lot of different ways Christian Lee could have gone with this book and I am a bit disappointed that he basically compiled information from his magazines that I already knew. I guess with his background, I was expecting a TJ do-it-yourself model kit type instruction manual that walked me through making my TJ a reliable offroad machine worthy of an article in his magazine. All in all though, it is a useful and informative book that I have enjoyed going through a couple of times. I can't help but think that with the author's background and access to information, he could have written a true "builders" guide instead of this "information guide".

BTW, I believe in putting my money where my mouth is. So, to back up my criticisms of this book (which I bought, enjoyed, and recommend) I invite fellow TJ owners to check out my rig and the upgrades I've done to it on my club's site at; [...].Hopefully, I can pay forward some of my knowledge in the same way Christian Lee has.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All levels are covered, May 12, 2010

By 

Jorge L. Marmolejo "JC" (Ruidoso, NM.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide 1997-2006 (Cartech) (Paperback)

Very well explained from basic to expert levels, includes more than 300 pictures of different modifications cases, also to show some Jeep aftermarket parts and technical issues, if you want's to know your Jeep in depth and all kind of modifications and capabilities this is the best way to do in an easy-to-read environment.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another hit from SA Design, May 12, 2007

By 

Irina (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: High-Performance Jeep Wrangler TJ Builder's Guide 1997-2006 (Cartech) (Paperback)

If you are interested in modifying your Jeep TJ for better performance off-road, then this book is for you. This guide takes you step-by-step through the process and gives plenty of options and advice, so that you can customise your own build up. It also explains the principles involved in the modifications from a technical standpoint, but in a very down-to-earth manner. It is well-illustrated with color photos, and there are lots of sidebars with really great information. At the end is a helpful appendix containing sources for parts and services of all types for off-roaders and jeep owners. This is the second SA Design manual I have purchased and they are really great. Even if you don't own a Jeep, I think there is a lot to be gained from these well-written and organised manuals.