Jeep TJ General Drivetrain Specifications

Here’s a mini-spec list of the axles, transfer cases, engines, and transmissions that came stock in all TJ models and years. If you need to identify your axles, all the info you need is right there. The easiest way to see what kind of rear axle you have is the type of fill plug in it. If it’s steel, it’s a D44, if it’s rubber you have a D35c.

TJ Engines TJ Transmissions
  • 1997-2002 – 4 cylinder 2.5L
  • 151 cubic inches
  • 120hp @ 5,400 RPM
  • 140 ft/lbs @ 3,400 RPM
  • OHV
  • 2 valves/cylinder
  • compression ratio: 9.20:1 (97-00) / 9.10:1 (01-02)
  • 1997-2002 – 6 cylinder 4.0L
  • 242 cubic inches
  • 181hp @ 4,600 RPM
  • 222 ft/lbs @ 2,800 RPM
  • OHV
  • 2 valves/cylinder
  • compression ratio: 8.80:1
  • 2003-2006 – 4 cylinder 2.4L
  • 148 cubic inches
  • 147hp @ 5,200 RPM
  • 165 ft/lbs @ 4,000 RPM
  • DOHC
  • 4 valves/cylinder
  • compression ratio: 9.50:1
  • 1997-2002 – 6 cylinder 4.0L
  • 242 cubic inches
  • 190hp @ 4,600 RPM
  • 235 ft/lbs @ 3,200 RPM
  • OHV
  • 2 valves/cylinder
  • compression ratio: 8.80:1
  • distributor free ignition
  • 1997–2002 (2.5L) – 5 speed AX-5 manual
  • 1st: 3.93, 2nd: 2.33, 3rd: 1.45, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.85, R: 4.74
  • 1997–1999 (4.0L) – 5 speed AX-15 manual
  • 1st: 3.83, 2nd: 2.33, 3rd: 1.44, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.79, R: 4.22
  • 2000–2004 (4.0L) – 5 speed NV3550 manual
  • 1st: 4:01, 2nd: 2.33, 3rd: 1.39, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.78, R: 3.57
  • 2003–2004 (2.4L) – 5 speed NVG1500 manual
  • 1st: 3.96, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.49, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, R: 3.54
  • 2005–2006 (4.0L) – 6 speed NSG370 manual
  • 1st: 4.46, 2nd: 2.61, 3rd: 1.72, 4th: 1.25, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.84, R: 4.06


  • 1997-2002 (2.5L) – 3 speed TF999 auto
  • 1st: 2.74, 2nd: 1.55, 3rd:1.00, R:2.20
  • 1997–2004 (4.0L) – 3 speed 32RH auto
  • 1st: 2.74, 2nd: 1.54, 3rd:1.00, R:2.20
  • 2003–2006 (2.4L) – 4 speed 42RLE auto
  • 1st: 2.84, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.69, R: 2.21
  • 2003–2006 (4.0L) – 4 speed 42RLE auto
  • 1st: 2.84, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.69, R: 2.21

  • TJ Axles TJ Transfer Cases
  • 1997-2006 – Dana 30 181mm
  • Front axle on all models but Rubicon
  • Gear ratios: 3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56
  • Open carrier
  • WMS to WMS: 60.5″
  • 5 on 4.5″ bolt pattern
  • Steel fill plug


  • 1997-2006 – Dana 35c 194mm
  • Rear axle on all models but Rubicon (D44 optional)
  • Gear ratios: 3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56
  • Open carrier (Optional Trac-Loc limited slip)
  • WMS to WMS: 60.5″
  • 5 on 4.5″ bolt pattern
  • Rubber fill plug


  • 1997-2006 – Dana 44 216mm
  • Optional rear axle on all models but Rubicon
  • Gear ratios: 3.55 (97 only), 3.73
  • Trac-Lok limited slip differential on early models, optional on later models
  • WMS to WMS: 60.5″
  • 5 on 4.5″ bolt pattern
  • Steel fill plug


  • 2003-2006 – Dana 44 216mm
  • Rubicon Front Axle
  • Gear ratio: 4.10
  • Tru-Lok selectable pneumatic locker, open when unlocked
  • WMS to WMS: 60.5″
  • 5 on 4.5″ bolt pattern
  • Steel fill plug


  • 2003-2006 – Dana 44 216mm
  • Rubicon Rear Axle
  • Gear ratio: 4.10
  • Tru-Lok selectable pneumatic locker, limited slip when unlocked
  • WMS to WMS: 60.5″
  • 5 on 4.5″ bolt pattern
  • Steel fill plug
  • 1997-2006 – NV231 Command-Trac
  • slip yoke
  • 2.71:1 crawl ratio
  • gear driven speedo


  • 2003-2006 – NV241 Rock-Trac
  • rubicon only
  • fixed yoke
  • 4.1 crawl ratio
  • electric speedo
  • Comments

    6 Responses to “Jeep TJ General Drivetrain Specifications”

    1. tammy Says:

      tired of being a dummy when it comes to the mechanics of my jeep – especially since i sink so much money into it – thanks for learnin’ me : )

    2. bill Says:

      Good info thanks

    3. Mike Says:

      Can I change the gear ratio in my 2000 TJ Dana 44 axle without changing the differential?

    4. Raskull Says:

      Yea you can, you would likely want to just take it into a local gear shop, and they can install the gears for you.

    5. Scott Says:

      Tore the rear end out of my 97 jeep TJ. what is recommended as a replacement or to repair it. Its all stock parts on the Jeep. Recently had 275/70/17 put on. Are they too big for the rear end to carry and if so what can i put under it that wont break me or break again without changing anything else/

    6. Bryan Says:

      When turning left at a slow speed, My steering wheel feels like I have the vehicle in four wheel drive. My repair guy doesn’t know what is causing this. I can hear my front tire sliding on the pavement. Any ideas?

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