The Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1995) was the first Wrangler generation and the only one to use rectangular headlights rather than round units. It retained leaf-spring suspension carried over from the CJ but rode on a wider track with a lower center of gravity. Powertrains ranged from a 2.5 liter AMC inline-four to a 4.2 liter inline-six, with the six replaced by the fuel-injected 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six for the 1991 model year.
Other Jeep Wrangler generations
Platform and suspension
The Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1995) replaced the CJ-7 and used a body-on-frame layout with live axles front and rear. Unlike later Wranglers, which moved to coil springs with the TJ in 1997, the YJ used leaf-spring suspension at both axles, a design carried over from the CJ. Compared with the CJ, the YJ ran a wider track and a lower center of gravity, and it is the only Wrangler generation fitted with rectangular (square) headlights.
Engine lineup
- 2.5 liter AMC inline-four: the base engine across the run, rated around 117 to 123 horsepower depending on model year and induction (carbureted early, then throttle-body fuel injection).
- 4.2 liter AMC inline-six: the optional six for 1987-1990, carbureted, rated near 112 horsepower.
- 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six: introduced for the 1991 model year to replace the 4.2 liter, fuel-injected, rated about 180 horsepower.
Drivetrain
The Wrangler YJ (1987-1995) was four-wheel drive with a part-time transfer case (Command-Trac), driving a Dana 30 front axle and a Dana 35 or AMC/Dana rear axle depending on configuration.
Transmissions
The YJ offered both manual and automatic gearboxes. Manual options included the Aisin AX-5 five-speed (typically behind the 2.5 liter four) and the AX-15 five-speed (typically behind the six). A three-speed automatic (Chrysler TorqueFlite, later 30RH/32RH) was available.
Year-by-year notable changes
- 1987: YJ launched with rectangular headlights, the 2.5 liter four and 4.2 liter six.
- 1991: the 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six replaced the 4.2 liter six.
- 1994-1995: late YJ models added updated safety and interior equipment before the coil-sprung TJ arrived for 1997.
Trims and variants
The Wrangler YJ (1987-1995) was sold in a base model plus higher and appearance-focused trims including the S, Sahara, Islander, Renegade, and the Rio Grande edition offered late in the run.
Asked all the time
What engines came in the Jeep Wrangler YJ?
The YJ (1987-1995) offered a 2.5 liter AMC inline-four (about 117 to 123 horsepower, fuel-injected), a 4.2 liter carbureted inline-six (about 112 horsepower) through 1990, and a fuel-injected 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six (about 180 horsepower) from 1991 onward.
When did the 4.0 liter engine arrive in the YJ?
The 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six was introduced for the 1991 model year, replacing the older 4.2 liter carbureted six.
How do you identify a Wrangler YJ?
The YJ is the only Jeep Wrangler generation with rectangular (square) headlights. Later TJ and JK Wranglers returned to round headlights.
Does the Wrangler YJ use leaf springs or coil springs?
The YJ (1987-1995) uses leaf-spring suspension front and rear, carried over from the CJ. Coil springs did not arrive on the Wrangler until the TJ generation in 1997.
Which YJ years should a buyer seeking the strongest engine look for?
Buyers wanting the most powerful factory engine should look at 1991-1995 models, which carry the fuel-injected 4.0 liter High-Output inline-six rated near 180 horsepower, versus the roughly 112 horsepower 4.2 liter six used in 1987-1990.
What transmissions were available in the YJ?
The YJ offered manual and automatic transmissions. Manuals included the AX-5 five-speed behind the four and, behind the six, the early Peugeot BA-10/5 five-speed later replaced by the stronger AX-15 five-speed. A Chrysler three-speed automatic was also available, paired with a part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case.
Technical Reference
Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.
Schematics (1)
- Jeep Wrangler Atlas Transfer Case Crossmember & Anti-Wrap Bar Sketch DiagramThis is a hand-drawn schematic (not a printed factory document) illustrating a custom drivetrain crossmember and anti-wrap bar design for a vehicle equipped with an Atlas transfer case. The sketch is drawn as a…
Blueprints (4)
- Frame Guide Blueprint - AutoCAD 2004 Cast Iron Part Drawing, Brookdale CCThis image is a screenshot of AutoCAD 2004 (Student Version) displaying a mechanical drafting drawing titled "Frame Guide" (file A:\Frame Guide.dwg). The drawing, produced on a standard C-size bordered sheet with a…
- Nauti Shades 46" x 68" (87") Shade Panel Blueprint & Flag Print DesignThis document is a product design/blueprint sheet, apparently from the company Nauti Shades, showing a fabric shade or cover panel in two views. The left side is a dimensioned line drawing: the panel is 46 inches wide…
- A-Pillar to Floor Roll Cage Tube Bend Diagram - 1992 Jeep Wrangler SketchThis is a hand-drawn sketch on orange paper, photographed on a workbench, showing a tube-bending plan labeled 'A-PILLAR TO FLOOR' — a roll cage / tube fabrication blueprint for the down-tube running from the A-pillar…
- Class C Motorhome Floorplan - Queen Bed, Bunk Over Cab, Dinette Layout DiagramThis document is a color floorplan/blueprint of a recreational vehicle (motorhome or travel trailer) interior layout, not an automotive wiring or fuse diagram. The plan shows, from left (rear) to right (front): a rear…
Manual Pages (1)
- Axle Shaft Assembly 660124 Specs - Lengths, U-Joint Kit 5-760X, Part NumbersThis is a scanned page from an axle shaft parts reference catalog, listing components by complete assembly number. It includes a labeled diagram of a front axle shaft assembly showing the outer shaft (spindle end) and…
Data/Spec Plates (3)
- Jeep Dana 30 Axle Identification Diagram - Tags, Date & Bill of Material LocationThis document is a labeled line drawing showing where identification information is located on a beam-type drive axle assembly. The main illustration is a side view of the axle center section (differential housing)…
- Jeep Radiator 43 2335 Specs - Core Size, Hose Fittings & Oil CoolerThis document is a radiator specification catalog entry for Jeep radiator part number 43 2335. It includes a line drawing of the radiator with the part number and "JEEP" printed across the core area. The specifications…
- SPI CU1193 Jeep Radiator Specs - Copper Core 2 Row Crossflow DimensionsThis document is a screenshot of an SPI (Spectra Premium Industries) radiator specification page viewed on RockAuto.com in Microsoft Internet Explorer. The page URL identifies the radiator as part CU1193…
The wall · registered 1987–1995 Wranglers
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