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1992 Jeep Wrangler with large tires driving on a snowy trail
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1987-1995 Jeep WranglerWrangler YJ

1987–1995 2 on the wall 9 documents ↓

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

1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler 2019-2026 Jeep Wrangler

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.

By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

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)

Blueprints (4)

Manual Pages (1)

Data/Spec Plates (3)

The wall · registered 1987–1995 Wranglers

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