I am looking at a 1987 Jeep YJ Wrangler for my son, it has about 141,000 miles on the 4 cyl. engine wih a new head gasket and milled head. Is there a history with this year Jeep? I seem to remember something about AMC and bad 4 cyl engines, but alas I am a Tacoma driver. Please, any input is welcome. From the description and pics it looks straight body wise.
help, incompetence about jeeps
- Thread starter colotaco
- Start date
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
It probably has that french transmission. Friend of mine in high school had an '87. No issues with the motor but plenty with the peugot (sp?) transmission. Solid vehicle other than that.
Jason T.
Jason T.
6Pins
Adventurer
YJ's are pretty stout. I bought an 88 as a freshman in college and its been through my 2 brothers, my mother, and is currently enjoying retirement in Florida with almost 250k+ on the same engine and trans.
My middle brother bought another YJ, 4cyl and he's never had any problems with his either and he's well into the 100k mile club.
My middle brother bought another YJ, 4cyl and he's never had any problems with his either and he's well into the 100k mile club.
Outdoorsben
Observer
I've been around Jeeps for years and I'd stay away from any YJ pre 1991 and all BA10 transmissions. Just my .02 though.
jeffy
Observer
The 2.5L is an AMC design which dates back to 1984. It will be a TBI version with around 116-118hp when it was new. The transmission will either be an Aisin AX-5 5-Speed or a 30RH 3-speed automatic. If it's an auto then it will have 3.73:1 gears. If it's a manual then it will have 4.10/4.11 gears.
The axles will be a Dana 30 Reverse with a vacuum disconnect and the rear will be a Dana 35c. The early YJ's (87-90) will have 10x1.75" vented drums out back and no C-clips. The +90's will have 9x2.5" smooth drums.
Nothing really inherently wrong with an '87. But then a later model, like a 1991 or newer would be better. The 2.5L got MPFI and was upped to 123hp which makes a difference with such a small power band. The pre-94's will have an internal clutch hydraulic bearing which has been known to leak. Still with 141K, I'm sure it has been replaced at least once.
Typical rust areas are the lower corners of the front windshield as they aren't galvanized. Leaking from the cowl seal under the windshield frame is also fairly common. This usually leads to the instrument panel rusting. You'll also want to check the frame for rust as well. The front opening and the rear near the shackle hanger are the usual areas.
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X 2 Unless it's been heavily modified and allll the oddities swapped out I'd look elsewhere... early 90s would be a better choice.
Curt
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
I had a 89 Sahara that I traded in stupidly with 195,000 miles. Never had any real problems with it and it went anywhere.
98dango
Expedition Leader
Yes the ba10 can suck but if it works now easy to change out later. The pre 91 is only a problem with the 4.0 4,2. Yes your perfect jeep would be a 91-95 yj with a 4.0 ho ax15 5spd wich I have now. But the 87 is fine its no diffrent than a cj 7.
Aney jeep will have a down side but its a good platfor if the preice is right
oh and i have owned
1990 yj 2.5 5spd first rig
1989 yj 4.2 at
1987 yj 4.2 at
1988 yj 2.5 5spd
1993 yj 4.0 5spd current rig
Aney jeep will have a down side but its a good platfor if the preice is right
oh and i have owned
1990 yj 2.5 5spd first rig
1989 yj 4.2 at
1987 yj 4.2 at
1988 yj 2.5 5spd
1993 yj 4.0 5spd current rig
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