AtlanticLiberty
Full Access Member
I figured I'd set the record straight once and for all. Due to a screw up, I got a good chance to compare the two different Trail Rated badges. In the images below I have the 2005 Trail Rated badge on the left, and the 2002-2004, (provided you actually got one on some models) on the right.
You can clearly see the contrast between the two. The difference in quality is night and day.
The '05 badge (left) is made of a decently heavy stamped aluminum with a dark pewter painted background and raised brushed aluminum lettering, mountain and outter ring.
The 02-04 badge is VERY thin plastic that seems to be stamped and cut from a mass production sheet. You can see the difference in thickness in the image below.
The lettering, mountain and outter ring on the 02-04 badge seem to be the natural plastic color. The lighter 4x4 letters, are raised slightly, but seem to be painted on and scratch easily.
Flipping them over you can see that they are both self-adhesive but the 05 badge has a thicker adhesive pad vs. the sprayed on adhesive of the 02-04 badge.
Although they are equal in diameter, that is about the only category. The 05 badge is clearly superior and is usually around the same price. If you don't have a badge and are looking for one, get an 05 no matter what year your Jeep is. And even if I already had a badge from 02-04, I'd be replacing it with an 05.
Hope this helps!
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You can clearly see the contrast between the two. The difference in quality is night and day.
The '05 badge (left) is made of a decently heavy stamped aluminum with a dark pewter painted background and raised brushed aluminum lettering, mountain and outter ring.
The 02-04 badge is VERY thin plastic that seems to be stamped and cut from a mass production sheet. You can see the difference in thickness in the image below.
You must be registered for see images
The lettering, mountain and outter ring on the 02-04 badge seem to be the natural plastic color. The lighter 4x4 letters, are raised slightly, but seem to be painted on and scratch easily.
Flipping them over you can see that they are both self-adhesive but the 05 badge has a thicker adhesive pad vs. the sprayed on adhesive of the 02-04 badge.
You must be registered for see images
Although they are equal in diameter, that is about the only category. The 05 badge is clearly superior and is usually around the same price. If you don't have a badge and are looking for one, get an 05 no matter what year your Jeep is. And even if I already had a badge from 02-04, I'd be replacing it with an 05.
Hope this helps!
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