History of the Jeep Wrangler YJ 1987-1995

The Wrangler YJ was manufactured between 1987 and 1985. This model's U-joints became more expansive, and its engine became more productive. The most notable distinction between this Jeep and other models—which we shall talk about later—is the design of the headlights. The Wrangler YJ is easily recognizable everywhere thanks to its square headlamps. Owners of this model want to defend themselves from being distinct individuals even though many people questioned this daring design decision. Choosing this evident Jeep model makes sense if you dare to be unique. The grille of the Wrangler YJ was marginally changed from that of earlier generations. The middle of the grille was a little rounded. Later, iterations of TJ continued to use this design. Although this model resembled the CJ model in appearance, it was more similar to the XJ model in terms of design.

The year

  • The 1988–1993 YJ Wrangler Islander options package was offered throughout that time. There were a variety of hues to choose from, including white, pacific blue, teal, blazing red, and sunset yellow. Included in the islander package were:
  • The lower body and hood had graphics of sunsets.
  • It included Wrangler embossments and carpeting on the floor.
  • islander logo on the front fenders and spare tire cover
  • side steps
  • body-colored wheel flares
  • Option of a half or complete door
  • Option of a 20-gallon fuel tank
  • An alloy wheel with five spokes is an option.
  • gray interior and high back seats
  • Cup-holders on the center console.
  • The "Renegade Décor Group" option was offered for the YJ Wrangler Renegade (1990–1994). After purchase, the car had to be placed in American Specialty Cars to qualify for this package. A small sticker directly above the driver's side door latch signaled this visit to the ASC. Every Wrangler YJ Renegade was initially red, white, or black. 1992 the color blue was introduced, followed by bronze in 1993. This kit, which included amazing alloy wheels, stylish body flares, and numerous other extras, cost well over $4,000. Included in the décor bundle were:
  • A full-size spare tire
  • unique metal wheels with five holes and an 8-inch width.
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • lights in the courtesy compartment and engine
  • In the front fenders, fog lamps blended in.
  • power steering
  • interval wipers
  • High-back seats made of trail cloth fabric
  • floor mats in front
  • floor carpets
  • 4.0L I-6 engine
  • Off-road gas shock absorbers
  • Lock on the glove box.
  • Renegade stripping
  • 20-gallon gasoline tank with additional capacity
  • Tires for 15 LT 30x9.5R A/T OWL Wranglers
  • integrated bodyside steps and fender flares, depending on the color
  • cup holders in the central console
  • bumperettes made of plastic on the front and rear

The difference

The YJ would be the alternative Jeep model if there were ever one. Many Jeep consumers seemed to loathe this model, the only one with square headlights. In addition to making the Wrangler YJ much easier to identify, these distinct headlamps caused more offenses to this model than any other Jeep ever produced. The YJ and the CJ models are similar except for the headlights. The former was a descendant of the civilian-use Bot Jeep. The YJ's suspension leaf springs were more expansive than the CJ's, and its front grille was unique because it had a curve about halfway through. However, the two models' bodies were nearly identical.

The windshield of the Wrangler YJ was more significant, and the wipers were angled on the windshield to clean the wider frame. The Wrangler TJ version of this was altered.

Even though the Wrangler YJ and the Wrangler CJ shared many similarities, the Cherokee XJ was more like the Wrangler YJ in this regard.

The Wrangler YJ and Wrangler CJ had different steering knuckles.

What happened

In 1982, the Wrangler YJ was developed to replace the Wrangler C7. Design work began in 1983, and by 1984, the first test models were completed. The evolution was complete when the initial stages moved into production at the end of 1985. The 1987 Wrangler YJ was unveiled at the beginning of 1986. Soon after, production began, and the car was on the market before the middle of the year.

American Motors created this new Jeep with increased comfort to appeal to regular drivers. The Wrangler YJ had a lower ground clearance, a wider track, and more comfort. In addition to having sway bars and track bars for improved handling, they had wider leaf suspensions than the CJ model. This model also had a redesigned grille that looked much like the Wrangler CJ but was slightly rounded and curved in the middle. They are easily recognizable everywhere, thanks to their rectangular headlights. In addition to having a more expansive windshield than the Wrangler C7, the Wrangler YJ's wipers were mounted on a windshield, which gave it an even more pronounced look.

What changed

  • The Wrangler YJ was powered by 2.5L AMC150 or 4.2L AMC258 engines until 1991. The 180hp 4.0L AMC242 variant took the place of the 112hp 4.2L 258 CID straight 6.
  • 1992, the roll cage was expanded to accommodate the rear shoulder belts. Electronic speedometers also took the place of cable speedometers.
  • The anti-lock brake option was introduced in 1993.
  • Centrally placed brake lights and an automatic transmission were added to the 4cylinder Wrangler YJ in 1994. In the same year, the slave cylinder for manual transmissions was moved outside the transmission's bell housing to facilitate more straightforward replacements.
  • The Wrangler YJ's structure and body were fully galvanized in 1995, and the larger Dana 30 U-joints were installed.
  • Over the years, several packages were available for the Wrangler YJ Renegade and Islander. Base, Laredo, Sport (1991), Sahara, and Rio Grande (1995) are among them.