Complete Breakdown Of The Jeep Wrangler YJ

The Jeep Wrangler YJ is highly regarded as one of the most up-to-date and modern Wrangler designs that Jeep has manufactured. With more attention paid to the little adjustments that needed to be made in order to make the vehicle better than ever, there are now more options than ever before allowing for the consumer to modify the Wrangler YJ in a variety of different ways. With this new modifications and adjustments, you can be rest assured that this automobile can be customized in a way that best fits your lifestyle, whether it be simply commuting to and from work, or embarking on an exciting off-road adventure with friends and family, this vehicle can do it all. This said it is important not to just mention that Jeep has provided many new features, but rather to explain in detail what they have made available. Thus, we have compiled a list of new features and modifications available for the Wrangler YJ.

Controversial design

The YJ is known for having a more stocky appearance with boxy headlines that some consumers may not be a fan of. Despite this, many individuals still love this vehicle, making restoration work an easy job. Initially manufactured roughly three decades ago the model is still going strong, as are various other Jeep makes and models.

How was the Wrangler YJ altered?

Compared to older models of the vehicle, the changes made to the YJ are not radical, as there are some small changes made that some enjoy while others are less fond of. One of the largest modifications was the headlights, which have been changed to a more boxy and square design in contrast to the traditional round headlights. Moreover, for the sake of comfort, some of its off-road features have been minimized.

However, in terms of the exterior, multiple parts are still able to be changed put for parts from older models, and kept popular features such as its two-door design and leaf spring suspension system. Notably, there were some alterations to various components of the automobile such as:

  • Decreased ground clearance with a wider track
  • Wider springs with added sway bars for better handling
  • Wider windshield and boxy headlights 
  • Less noisy transfer case 
  • Automatic transmission in 4-cylinder models
  • Throttle body fuel injection system in Jeep YJ models made from 88’ onwards 
  • Bigger axle u-joints
  • Sheet metal frame that is corrosion-resistant and galvanized to avoid rust issues
  • Standard ABS from 1993-present
  • New frame capable of towing 2,200 lbs

Misconceptions about the Wrangler YJ

Although the current iteration of the YJ is often said to be the most controversial vehicle that the company has made thus far, there is no denying that it is a marked improvement compared to its predecessor. Automobiles that were made quite some time ago still arguably had better heating, handling and space in the interior than previous models (although much of these issues were addressed in later years in order to remedy many of these issues). In fact, one may argue that the poorly received NP207T- case was still better in the aforementioned areas in comparison to previous YJ models.

In addition, there are many examples of customers complaining endlessly about the length of the vacuum that was found in computer systems of earlier Wranglers, which thankfully were swapped out for a 4.0 Litre CID engine by 91’ among all of its models.

When it comes to the YJ, while it is not made for as intense off-roading in favour of a more leisurely drive on the main roads, this does not mean it does not still possess some off-roading capabilities. For example, it comes equipped with a suspension lift allowing the driver to increase driving angles and experience the power generated in order to roll through difficult terrain courtesy of its 4.0-litre engine.

By the time the YJ generation was reaching its end, there were options for both six and four-cylinder engines with a new and improved NP231 T- case that had a much better design than older renditions. Further, the winches and ability to tow larger loads were also vastly improved when compared to the CJ model.

As such, despite how you may feel about its outward appearance, the YJ is undoubtedly a step up when it comes to functionality and performance.

Issues with the Wrangler YJ

Like any new vehicle model from any company, the YJ was not perfect and did have a few issues that held it back to a certain degree. However, with the addition of some improvements and accessories available on the market, you can transform an older YJ into one with a performance that can rival even the newer JK. This said, with the issues that the earlier YJ models had, the reputation the YJ is not always highly regarded.

For example, with less ground clearance it is more difficult to go off-roading where a larger clearance is often the ideal. Moreover, the Carter carburetor featured in earlier models was known for running into quite a few issues, along with the Peugeot BA 10/5 manual transmission in 87’-89’ which was considered to be extremely untrustworthy. Further, the transmission was difficult to replace due to the NP207 T-case and hydraulic slave.

Also, in the past, power had to be sacrificed in favour of meeting emission standards which meant having to endure some of the largest hydraulic vacuums to date, which was not well received by owners. These were replaced in 1989 however with a better AX-15 transmission, resulting in the 1994 Wrangler coming equipped with new hydraulic master and/or slave setup for an enhanced drivetrain.

Motor and Transmission

The Wrangler came with a 2.5 litre AMC I4 engine that was the ideal choice for many four-cylinder engine owners, with the six-cylinder engine also available that was capable of producing more power. In 1991, the powerful 180 horsepower 4.0-litre engine was introduced that became more popular than the previous model that offered approximately 58 less horsepower. Moreover, the newer engines also provided a more stable carburetor system than beforehand.

In terms of options, owners had the ability to choose between three or five-speed automatic transmissions. When it comes to the YJ, there are a plethora of transmission options available to fit your personal preferences including various six and four-cylinder manual and automatic options.

Information on computer-controlled carburetor systems

Prior to 1991, the previous YJ models dealt with a hydraulic computer-controlled carburetor system that was largely unreliable. You could decide between the 2.5 litres AMC 150 TBI fuel injection engine or a 4. litre engine that was computer carbureted. Either way, both of these options were fastened by the Peugeot BA 10/5 which had many problems.

In general, a carburetor that is computer-controlled is meant to deal with fuel like a normal carburetor, but this one had difficulty regulating the air to fuel ratio during instances of leakage.

A fuel injection system often has less of these issues, with less chance of holes and leaks which could cause issues when it came to engine power. For these reasons, computer-controlled carburetors ultimately fell out of favour over time.

Special Edition Overviews

The majority of special edition Wrangler consisted of various trim options which resulted in a more expensive product. For example, the Islander got rid of the sporty decor in favour of a more tropical look and feel, as well as a center console and the choice between a half or full door automobile that can in both engine types. With this design, the Islander looked like precisely what is way manufactured to do, be a vehicle capable of lighter off-road adventures while at the beach.

Later on, the Renegade from 1990-1994 came along as an upgraded version of a classic vehicle. However, this time it came with a 4.0-litre I6 engine, a bumper made from fibreglass, and the choice of a rear defroster as well as a hard roof.

Although, the Renegade did not provide much of an upgrade when it came to towing or off-roading, consisting of a standard YJ engine and body with only a few slight alterations. As a result, it has become one of the contentious automobiles this generation has seen.

Off-Road Upgrades

To vamp up the YJ’s off-road capabilities, ExtremeTerrain offers several aftermarket accessories to make it look and feel more like a modern Rubicon with items such as a lift kit, sway bar disconnects, roll cages to better protection, Dana D44 axle replacements, plastic fender flares and more!