Thinking about a YJ, have a question.

[ArmchairRacer]

So I'm thinking I want to get a YJ to replace my current Xterra, I want something with SFA and the 2 Jeeps I had in high school were both fanastic ('81 CJ5 and '78 Wagoneer). I'm just wondering if anyone can tell me what the distance is between the back of the front seats with them all the way back and the inside of the tailgate. Really appreciate the help.

 

[tarditi]

I had to go by the tuffy security drawer dimensions: 30"L x 35 3/8"W

It's been a long time since I had my YJ, but I've owned a YJ, 2 TJs, an Xterra, and now a JKUR.

Hands down, the Xterra was the best riding of all of them. I would also take a TJ over a YJ unless you have your heart set on some complicated SOA setup or really crave the simplicity. Just my $.02

 

[Mitch17]

Seat all the way back (but tilted to "normal driving backrest angle") ... The distance from the inside of the tail gate to the back of the drivers seat is 41.5 inches ... Give or take

 

[Lucky j]

I'm a YJ kid that got old with if first jeep for 20 years. Last december, I got a 2005 TJ unlimited. The YJ was getting to a point where only a frame off would have work for frame and body, and still had space issues.

The long YJ that I would have got if they would have been available at the time, I found in the the TJU. i don't care much about the coil spring, but the space I found in the TJU is the best thing since slice thick holeweat bread to me. And lift is cheaper that on a YJ.

With a garage, I could probably built the YJ on my dream!

 

[Lee_N]

1989 YJ owner here. I measure 37" at the top of the wheel wells and 35" at the top of the tub. This is with a hard top and takes in to account any bumps in the tailgate/window. It's 35" between the wheel wells.

The YJ is an acquired taste. I have a base model which my dad bought new. Only options are a hard top and back seat. I love the simplicity of the YJ. The 4 gets me down the road and let's me enjoy the drive rather than a race to my next destination in my isolated cocoon. Kind of reminds me of a Series Land Rover without the expense and worry.

 

[ArmchairRacer]

Thanks guys. The reason for switching to a YJ is that I had a CJ5 in high school and I miss the simplicity of the open top jeep on leaf springs, but I want efi. Also, I'm a broke college student and I can get a YJ for significantly cheaper than a TJ, and for the type of build I have in mind they YJ would be about the same money in mods.

 

[1stDeuce]

Look for a '91 up YJ for the best 4.0L. And keep your eyes open for a 2.5L TJ for a similar price...

I understand the college budget, for the money, I'd go TJ over YJ any day, and twice on a wheeling day! I wouldn't rate the TJ suspension as any more "complex" than YJ, and the ride and trail capability are 10x better. And the soft tops work a little better in the cold thanks to real door surrounds. Oh, and GET ONE WITH HARD DOORS!!

On the flip side, since you're asking about length, with a YJ, you have the option of buying a scrambler tub and stretching the frame to make a YJ-8. That would be pretty cool!!