Jeep Wrangler YJ 1987-1995. Don Alexander

Jeep Wrangler YJ History

      Of all the Jeeps prior to the JK in 2007, the YJ stands out and is the most recognizable model. The most notable difference from the CJ7 visually is the grille and the rectangular headlights. When the YJ hit the showrooms in 1987, it was much criticized by the Jeep purists. Of course, the same thing has happened with the introduction of every new Jeep Wrangler model. The negative sentiment fades quickly as newcomers join the ranks of Jeep owners and the old timers soften because the new model actually offers many improvements. That happened with the YJ; except for the square headlights, many aficionados still malign the YJ because of the headlights.

      The new Wrangler YJ was designed to improve comfort and highway handling to attract a broader daily driver market. The YJ went on sale on May 13, 1986, and production ceased at the end of 1995 with the 1995 production year. YJs were sold into the middle of 1996. Total YJ production topped 685,000 units.

      In the last couple of years, the Wrangler YJ popularity has skyrocketed. And the resale prices are reflecting this trend. Prices have nearly doubled in a short time span. The popularity of the Wrangler JK offers the most likely explanation for this. In the last model year of the Wrangler JK, a Rubicon is more than $45,000 and the new JL Rubicon will top $50,000. High-mileage stock 2007 JK Sahara and X models fetch $10,000 and more. Modified, high-mileage JKs start in the $15,000 price range. Wrangler TJ Rubicon models with some modifications start at $10,000 and up. Similar YJs with some modifications start around $5,000. Because Jeepin’ has grown so fast in popularity, consumers have looked at other Jeep Wranglers as a starting point. The YJ offers many bargains even as the prices climb.

      The Wrangler YJ, while similar in appearance to the CJ, was a totally new design. The YJ used leaf spring suspension, though the springs are wider. The YJ also featured track bars and sway bars for improved on-road handling. Overall, the Wrangler YJ is larger than the CJ7 and shares several components with the Cherokee XJ.

      The Wrangler YJ used a 2.5-liter AMC inline 4-cylinder engine or the optional 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder AMC 258 until 1990. In 1991, a fuel-injected 180-hp 4.0L inline-6 (the AMC 242) replaced the 112-hp 4.2L 6-cylinder engine. The NP207 transfer case was used in 1987 but was replaced by the NP231 the following year. This was a significant improvement for function and durability.

      Shortly after the launch of the YJ, AMC was sold to Chrysler and the Jeep line became part of the Jeep/Eagle Division. This had little effect on production, as it continued at the Ontario, Canada, plant until it closed in 1992. Production was then moved to Toledo, Ohio, in the original plant were the Willys World War II vehicles were made.

       The Standard S model of the Wrangler YJ was available with full doors and roll-up windows with the standard soft top. (Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC)

      The Sahara option package included features such as body-color fender flares, steel wheels, interior door panels with pockets, front bumper–mounted fog lamps, and plastic ends on the front bumper. An AM/FM stereo with cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, unique cloth-and-vinyl high-back bucket seats, rear removable bench seat, and air-conditioning were all standard.

Suspension and Axles

      The YJ uses Dana axles at both ends. The front axle is the semi-floating Dana 30 with a shaft disconnect system. It also has Hotchkis leaf springs, a stabilizer bar, and a track bar.

      An interesting side note: the shaft disconnect system has made a comeback with the new Wrangler JL. The YJ used the disconnect system to eliminate the need for locking hubs, which are no longer needed with U-joint and CV joint axles. The new JL uses a similar system to reduce parasitic drag within the transfer case. This improves fuel economy by up to 1 mile per gallon and also reduces transfer case wear.

       The Wrangler YJ uses leaf springs front and rear. The front axle assembly is a Dana 30. Most of the components are the original parts that are nearly 30 years old. (Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC)

      The rear axle assembly on the YJ is a Dana 35. The original shocks were replaced by Rancho gas shocks some time ago. Only the wheels and tires are new on this Wrangler.

      The front suspension on the YJ features a track bar and a sway bar. The sway bar disconnect was added to this YJ.

       The 1987 Jeep Wrangler

      Wheelbase: 93.4 inches

      Overall length (with P225 spare): 153 inches

      Overall width: 66 inches

      Overall height (soft top): 72 inches

      Curb weight (with 4.2L): 3,028 pounds

      Transmission: 5-speed (standard)

      Transfer case: 2-speed NP207

       Engine (Standard):

      2.5L inline-4 OHV

      Displacement: 150 ci

      Bore x stroke: 3.875 x 3.188 inches

      Compression ratio: 8.6:1

      Horsepower: 117 hp at 5,250 rpm

      Torque: 138 ft-lbs at 3,500 rpm

      Induction: 1-barrel carburetor

       Engine (Optional):

      4.2L inline-6 OHV

      Displacement: 258 ci

      Bore x stroke: 3.75 x 3.90 inches

      Compression ratio: 8.6:1

      Horsepower: 112 hp at 3,000 rpm

      Torque: 210 ft-lbs at 2,000 rpm

      Induction: 2-barrel carburetor ■

      The rear axle assembly featured the earlier Dana 35 without C-clips. In 1989, the Dana 35c assembly replaced the earlier version. A track bar and leaf springs located the rear axle. Cherokee XJ axles, recirculating-ball steering, and other components allowed a wider track. A lower ride height and sway bars improved the on-road handling and performance of the YJ.

      A spring-over axle lift was fabricated by the owner of this YJ. The tie-rod and drag link were also upgraded. The sway bar uses a quick-disconnect link to improve axle articulation. This lift along with aftermarket fenders allows the fitment of 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires.

      To make a trail-capable YJ takes a few parts and some hard work. This YJ was modified by the owner with some aftermarket parts, such as a spring-over axle lift with extended spring shackles. Good shocks and beefier steering links allowed the use of 35-inch mud-terrain tires.

      The Dana 35 rear axle assembly has worked well on this YJ since new. The owner uses it for moderate trails. The stock rear driveshaft uses a slip yoke with an old style U-joint.

      The rear driveshaft used on the stock YJ is very short. While there is no issue with the stock ride height, when the suspension is lifted, the