YJ History and Basics!

MrLawMoose wrote:YJ Info/History:
The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987 and was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada until the plant closed on April 23, 1992. It was a new design with a wider wheelbase, slightly less ground clearance, a galvanized body and more comfort. The YJ also had a leaf spring suspension similar to that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for added handling. YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights, which were a source of controversy when introduced. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar to the CJ7's, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. The YJ also was given a larger windshield over the CJ. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced into mid '96 bringing the total production number to 685,071 units.

Common Design

Virtually every part of the YJ is interchangable between years. All YJ's feature a body on frame design. The YJ is the only Wrangler to have "square" headlights. All YJ's feature a leaf spring suspension and solid axles.
The YJ used a 2.5 L AMC 150 I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC 258 I6 until 1991. That year, a fuel injected 180 hp (134 kW) 4.0 L AMC 242 variant replaced the 112 hp (84 kW) 4.2 L 258 CID straight-6. The NP207 transfer case was used only in 1987 and replaced by the NP231

The roll cage was extended in 1992 to allow for rear shoulder belts, and anti-lock brakes were added as an option the next year. An automatic transmission option for 4-cylinder Wranglers came in 1994 along with a center high-mounted stop light.

In 1994, the slave cylinder on manual transmissions was moved outside of the transmission's bellhousing to allow for easier replacement, and in 1995 larger U-joints were used [front axle U-joints(297x) and rear pinion U-joint(1330)]. For the 1992 model year, the YJ switched over to an electronic speedometer outmoding the cable speedos on older YJs. 1995 was the only year to have a fully galvanized frame and body.

YJs produced in early 1996 were sold as 1995 model years, but featured a few new parts not seen on any earlier YJ. This included: the new TJ bumpstops on the hood (rubber boots vs the traditional U-bars), reinforced tailgate hinges, and it has been said that some even had rear TJ bumpers. Some lucky ones also got the newly tuned I6 that was tuned to run quieter in preparation for the TJ.

From 1991 until 1994, Jeep produced an options package on the YJ Wrangler listed as the "Renegade Decor Group". Initially, all Renegades were White, Black or Red. In 1992, Blue was added, in 1993, Bronze. The Renegade Decor Group was a $4,266.00 option over a base Wrangler in 1991 and included special alloy wheels, exclusive body flares, along with many other features.

Contents of the Renegade Decor Package
* 4.0 Litre (242 CID) I-6 Engine
* 29x9.5R15 LT OWL Wrangler A/T Tires
* 5-Hole Aluminum Wheels, 8 inch wide.
* Full size spare tire.
* Highback seats with Trailcloth Fabric
* Off-Road Gas Shocks
* Power Steering
* Fog Lamps (integrated into the front fenders)
* Leather wrapped steering wheel
* Renegade striping (door letters)
* Floor carpeting (full width, and on insides of body tub)
* Floor mats, front
* Extra capacity fuel tank (20 US gal.)
* Color Keyed Fender Flares with integrated bodyside steps
* Front and rear bumperettes (plastic)
* Center console with cup holders
* Courtesy and engine compartment lights
* Interval Wipers
* Glove box lock

Additionally, hardtops received a mandatory rear window defroster at a $164.00 premium. Hardtops themselves were a $923.00 option.

All Renegades typically had the Tilt Steering wheel ($130.00) and an AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Radio ($264.00).

A column shift automatic was also an available option (this option was rare).

While a base Wrangler with the inline 6 went for $12,356.00, the Renegade package pushed that price up to $18,588.00 in 1991. Dealer mark-up moved the price to $19,273.00.

These vehicles were sent as optioned Wranglers to Auto Style Cars in Detroit, where the Renegade Decor Package was installed, then shipped back to Jeep for delivery to dealers. Renegades all have a small sticker on the driver's side door, right above the latch denoting the visit to ASC.

At the price premium over a standard Wrangler, sales were fairly limited, so finding one today is a semi-rare occurrence. The price, plus what hardcore Jeepers felt were "funny looking plastic fenders" limited the sales. Although having nearly identical off-road capabilities, these Jeep were typically used as "beach cruisers" because of both their price and rarity, as well as the fact that their over sized flares and body cladding were not designed for the abuse that tree branches and over sized tires can deal out.

Body:

The YJ only comes in a 2 door model made up of a one piece tub with a swing out rear tailgate. All models have a flip forward rear bench seat and two individual front folding foward seats.

87-91 models come equiped with the "sport style" roll bar. The rear bars come down from the main hoop at a 45* angle. The rear seatbelts for these models are lap belts mounted to the floor

92-95 models come with the "family style" roll bar. The rear bars form a 90* angle directly above the rear roll bar mount creating a overhead roll bar for the rear passangers. The rear seatbelts are now attached to the roll bar and are full 3 point belts rather than lap belts.

Trims
North American YJ/Wrangler were available in the following standard trims.

* Base: also referred to as "S"&"SE" at different points in the model run; first few years the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional, some years the 6cyl engine was an option, other years only the 4cyl was available in the "Base" model

*Laredo: Chrome grille, bumpers, and trim, hard top and hard full doors, tinted windows, faux leather interior, body color fender flares and alloy wheels

*Islander: which included "Sunset" Islander graphics and distinct body colorsincluding teal and bright yellow with matching wheel flares

*Sport: which featured "sport" graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0L 6 cylinder engine

*Sahara: which came standard with the 4.0l 242cid engine, offered the most available options, including body color fender flares, matching side steps and alloy wheels. More saharas seem to have come with an automatic transmission and air conditioning than any other trim package.
* Renegade: which ran until 1994, and featured a similar option package as Sahara, but added premium wheels, deluxe interior group as well as oversized "Renegade" wheel flares and body cladding
* Rio Grande: available in champagne gold, moss green and white, with a southwest themed interior trim package, only the 4cyl engine was available, model was offered in the last two years of the YJ model run.
Trim levels by year:

'87- Base, Laredo, Sport

'88- Base, Islander, Laredo, S, Sahara, Sport

'89- Base, Islander, Laredo, S, Sahara

'90- Base, Islander, Laredo, S, Sahara

'91- Base, Islander, Renegade, S, Sahara

'92- Base, Islander, Renegade, S, Sahara

'93- Base, Renegade, S, Sahara

'94- Renegade, S, Sahara, SE

'95- Rio Grande, Sahara, SE

'96- Left over '95s sold as '95s.

Engines:
2.5L I4 TBI (fuel injected) - 121 hp @ 5000 rpm, 135 ftlb @ 3500 rpm - used in '87-'90
2.5L I4 MPI (multi-port injection) - 130 hp @ 5250 rpm, 139 ft lb @ 3250 rpm - used in '91-'95

4.2L I6 Carburated AMC 258 - 112 hp @ 3200 rpm, 210 ft lb @ 2000 - used in '87-'90
4.0L I6 MPI AMC 242 "Power Tech HO" (High Output) - 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm - used in '91-'95

Transmissions:
6 Clyiner Manual:
- Peugeot BA-10 1987-March 9, 1989 5 Speed
- Aisin AX-15 1989-1995 5 Speed

6 Cylinder Auto:
- TF999 1987-1995
This transmission had a 2.74:1 first gear, 1.54 second gear, and 1.00 third gear.
The TF999 later became the 32rh used in early model 6cyl. TJ's.

4 Cylinder Manual:
- Aisin AX-5 1987-1995 5 Speed

4 Cylinder Automatic:
- TF904 1994-1995
This transmission had a 2.74:1 first gear, 1.54 second gear, and 1.00 third gear.
The TF904 later became the 30rh used in early model 4cyl. TJ's

Transfer Case:
1988-1995 NP231 "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.72:1 low range
1987 only - NP207 "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.61:1 low range

Towing Capacity:
- Frame is RATED to pull 2,000 pounds.

Axle - Front
- Dana 30 high pinion - reverse cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear - used 87-95. All are vacuum disconnect, Some 95's have 5-297x u-joints due to the start of new model changeover, all others have 5-260x u-joints.

Axle - Rear
- Dana 35 non c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used '87-'89
- Dana 35 c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used '90-'95
- Dana 44 non c-clip - 30 spline, 1.31" diameter shafts, 8.5" ring gear, 2.75" axle tube - used '87-'89 on a VERY limited number of Canadian YJ's.
(Note with the Dana 35C- The "C" does not stand for c-clip. It stands for "custom" meaning it came from Dana unfinished.)

Differential Gear ratios:
I4 Automatic - 3.73:1
I4 Standard - 4.10:1
I6 Automatic - 3.54:1 (normally)
I6 Standard - 3.07:1, 3.54:1 or 3.73:1 - must verify with the tag on the axle or by pulling the differential cover and reading the numbers stamped in the ring gear or by counting revolutions of wheel versus driveshaft.

Dimensions:

wheelbase = 93.4"
overall length = 1987-89: 152.6 in
......................1990-92: 153 in
......................1993-95: 151.9 in
overall width = 66"
height = 1993-95: 71.9 in Hard or Soft Top
............1987-1992 Soft Top: 72 in
............1987-1992 Hardtop: 69.6 in
stock height of Jeep to rocker panels = 18"
ground clearance (from differentials) = 9"
approach angle = 33*
departure angle = 32*
curb weight 4wd = 3,028 lbs. - 3,241 lbs.
towing capacity = 2,000lbs with proper hitch (officially) - 3,000lbs with proper hitch (un-officially)
Wheel bolt pattern = 5 X 4.5
Rim backspacing = 5.5"
Stock Tire Size = 205/75/15 or 215/75/15 depending on model

Stock suspension angles:
Toe: Set to 0 degrees, "ok range" 1/16 in - 1/16 out
Camber: Set to 0 degrees, "ok range" -1/2deg to +1/2 deg
Caster: *Manual trans: Set to 6.5 deg, "ok range" 5/14 deg to 7/14 deg
*Auto Trans: Set to 8.0 deg, "ok range" 6 1/2 deg to 9 deg
Outside wheel turn angle: Set to 33 deg, "ok range" 32 deg to 33 deg

Production Numbers

Total of 685,071 YJ's

632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced into mid '96 bringing the total production number to 685,071 units.