Looking back to 1995, eBay changed the way we buy and sell goods online, the 55 mph speed limit on U.S. highways was ended, and a gallon of gasoline was a little over a dollar. 1995 is also the model year of Tommy’s Jeep Wrangler YJ, which was estimated to get up to 16 mpg on the highway and a lowly 14 mpg in the city. In DiffLock episode 5, Tommy runs the TFL 100-mile mpg test loop to see what the Jeep’s gas mileage is after 21 years of service.
The Wrangler’s four-wheel drive powertrain is driven by a 4.0-liter straight-six and 3-speed automatic. Fortunately for the owner, who is on a student’s budget, the YJ doesn’t need expensive premium 91 octane gasoline. The test loop used by the TFL team is 98 miles at an elevation approximately 1 mile above sea level. Speed on the highway is held at a constant 70 mph. With the aerodynamics of a brick and rolling on 33-inch off-road tires, expectations are low.
Each episode of the DiffLock video web-series highlights affordable off-road adventures and modifications that will help almost anyone who wants to get into off-roading on a budget.
