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 pinion angle of the rear axle becomes very important.
An optional engine for the YJ is the 4.2L inline-6 overhead valve version producing 112 hp.
The axle ratios were 4.11:1 for the 4-cylinder engine with manual transmissions, while the 6-cylinder had 3.07:1 ratios with the manual and 3.55:1 on the automatic-equipped vehicles. The 4-cylinder coupled to the automatic used 3.73:1 axle ratios. When the 4.0L inline 6-cylinder became available, it featured 3.07:1 axle ratios. A Trac-Lok rear differential was optional for the YJ except on the S model.
Many YJ options available in later years of production were the same as those available later on the Wrangler TJ. A soft top with half doors featuring soft plastic zipper windows came standard. Side windows could be removed from the doors. Full-frame doors with glass windows were an option on soft-top models. YJs ordered with hardtops came with a rear wiper and defroster. Hardtops included full-framed doors.
Half-door YJs used large mirrors with adjustable arms. Full-size doors received smaller adjustable mirrors with fixed arms. Depending on year and interior color, the YJ hardtops were available in black, white, tan, and gray.
Trim Levels
Wrangler YJs were available in the following standard trim levels:
• The base model was also referred to as S and SE at different times during production. During the early years of production, the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional. The 6-cylinder engine was an option during some model years, but during other models years only the 4-cylinder was available in the base model. An AM radio (later AM/FM stereo) with two speakers was standard. High-back vinyl bucket seats and a heater were standard. An AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and air-conditioning were optional. In 1986, a basic Wrangler cost $8,995.
• The Laredo package featured a chrome grille, bumpers, and trim; hardtop and hard full doors; tinted windows; faux leather interior; body-color fender flares; and alloy wheels. An AM/FM stereo with cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, air-conditioning, rear removable bench seat, and high-back cloth bucket seats all came standard. “Laredo” decals adorned the hood on both sides or on the lower front fenders as part of the side stripes.
• From 1988 to 1993, the YJ was offered with an options package called the Islander. Several colors were offered, including Bright Red, Pacific Blue, Sunset Yellow, Teal, and White. Both engines were offered. Features of the package included body-color wheel flares and side steps, sunset graphics on the lower body and the hood, an Islander logo on the front fenders and the spare tire cover, Wrangler decals, optional 20-gallon fuel tank, a gray interior with high-back seats, optional five-spoke alloy wheels, floor carpeting, a center console with cup holders, and full or half doors.
• The Sport model featured “Sport” graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0L 242-ci inline 6-cylinder engine. An AM/FM stereo with two speakers and a rear removable bench seat came standard. A cassette player, a rear speaker sound bar, cloth high-back bucket seats, and air-conditioning were optional.
• The Sahara option group featured most available options as standard equipment, including body-color fender flares and steel wheels. Also included with the Sahara edition are special green trail-cloth seats with storage pockets, interior door panels with
