Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
AMC launched the Wrangler in 1986 to replace the CJ-7, giving it square headlamps, a wider track, and a more car-like cabin to widen its appeal. It still used leaf springs and a separate frame, and engines were a fuel-injected 2.5 L four and a carburetted 4.2 L six, replaced by the 180 hp fuel-injected 4.0 L for 1991. Purists were slow to accept it, but it sold well and built a huge aftermarket. There was no 1996 model year; the TJ arrived early as a 1997 model.
Engines
| Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L AMC I4 (throttle-body injection) Consumer Guide lists 138 to 139 lb-ft for the four across the run. |
117 hp (87 kW) | — | Gasoline | 1987 to 1990 |
| 2.5 L AMC I4 (multipoint injection) Consumer Guide says the four gained 6 hp for 1991. |
123 hp (92 kW) | — | Gasoline | 1991 to 1995 |
| 4.2 L AMC I6 (carburetted) | 112 hp (84 kW) | 210 lb-ft (285 N·m) | Gasoline | 1987 to 1990 |
| 4.0 L AMC I6 (multipoint injection) Torque differs by source: Consumer Guide lists 200 lb-ft and Wikipedia 224 lb-ft. |
180 hp (134 kW) | — | Gasoline | 1991 to 1995 |
Transmissions
- 5-speed manual (AX-5, with 2.5 L) (1987 to 1995)
- 5-speed manual (Peugeot BA-10/5, with 4.2 L) (1987 to 1989)
- 5-speed manual (AX-15, with six-cylinder) (1989 to 1995)
- 3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 999 / 32RH, with six-cylinder) (1987 to 1995)
- 3-speed automatic (30RH, with 2.5 L) (1994 to 1995)
Sizes and weights
| Measure | Size |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 93.4 in2,372 mm |
| Length | 151.9–153 in3,858–3,886 mm |
| Width | 66 in1,676 mm |
| Height | 69.6–72 in1,768–1,829 mm |
| Curb weight | 2,855–3,241 lb1,295–1,470 kg |
| Fuel tank | 15–20 US gal57–76 L |
A range covers the body styles and trims of this generation.
Trims and editions
- Base (also S and SE)
- Laredo
- Sport
- Sahara
- Islander
- Renegade
- Rio Grande
Worth knowing
- The only Wrangler with rectangular headlamps.
- 632,231 were built through the 1995 model year.
- In 1993 it became the first small 4x4 to offer anti-lock brakes, available with the six-cylinder.
- Chrysler bought American Motors in 1987, so the YJ began as an AMC product and finished as a Chrysler one.
Year by year, newest first
- Final YJ year; the Rio Grande package was added and the S and SE returned for one last year.
- Stronger Dana 30 front-axle U-joints, and some late trucks used TJ parts.
- A three-speed automatic became available with the four-cylinder late in the year.
- A centre high-mounted stop lamp was added.
- Anti-lock brakes became optional on six-cylinder models.
- The roll bar was extended to carry rear shoulder belts.
- The Brampton, Ontario plant closed in April 1992 and production moved to Toledo.
- A fuel-injected 4.0 L six (180 hp) replaced the carburetted 4.2 L (112 hp).
- The four-cylinder gained multipoint injection and 6 hp.
- The Renegade appearance package was introduced.
- Last year for the carburetted 4.2 L six.
- The AX-15 five-speed replaced the Peugeot BA-10/5 behind the six-cylinder during the year.
- The Sahara trim and Islander package debuted.
- The NP231 Command-Trac transfer case replaced the NP207.
- The Wrangler replaced the CJ-7, going on sale in May 1986 as a 1987 model.
- Engines were a 2.5 L four and a carburetted 4.2 L six; the NP207 transfer case was used this year only.
Notes
Sources differ on 4.0 L torque (200 to 224 lb-ft) and give no clear torque for the 2.5 L, so those are null. Fuel tank: Consumer Guide lists 15 to 20 gal and Wikipedia mentions an optional 20 gal tank on Islander and Renegade; base capacity not otherwise confirmed. Wikipedia lists a Dana 44 rear axle as optional in some years; offroaders.com says the Dana 35 was the only factory rear axle. Offroaders.com places the 4.0 L in 1990, but EPA listings show the 4.2 L through 1990 and the 4.0 L from 1991. No 1996 model year was built.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Jeep_Wrangler_(YJ)
- consumerguide.com /used/1990-95-jeep-wrangler
- offroaders.com /tech/jeep/Jeep-Wrangler-YJ.htm
- cj3b.info /Poster/YJ.html
- fueleconomy.gov /ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options