Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a late 80's to early 90's model YJ. Are there any year model, engine, transmission combinations that I should look out for? This will be my daily driver, so I need something that will be reliable. Do the engines hold up well to a lot of miles? I would prefer a 6 cylinder, but I would also consider a 4 if it is considered more reliable. How about transmissions? I am looking for an automatic, but manual would also be considered. I would appreciate any information you could send me. If there is anything else I should know about, please let me know.
The ones with fuel injection would be better. The 6 cylinders most have 3.08 gears, the 4 cylinders come with 4.11 gears--perfect for a v8 swap and taller tires with lift. If your planning on that anyway-it will save you money for gears and labor on the axles. The axles are not know to be strong but I've run a V8, 4.11 gears, posi rear, locker front in the stock axles for over a year now with 33" tires. Knock on wood--no problem yet.
Hi,
Thanks for the information. I just have a few more questions. Did all 6 cylinders come with 3.08 gears, or just the automatics? Also, how would 3.08 gears do with 31" tires? This is the maximum size I would go for on a daily driver. If I did go for the four cylinder with the intention of doing a V-8 swap later on, what would be the easiest(& cheapest) engine to use? Thanks for your help.
Another point to consider is that if you end up getting a manual transmission, then watch out for the Puegot 5 speed. It is terrible and blew up on me at about 120K miles. The later generation (cant remember the name but I think it was the AX-15) was much better. As for the gearing, I believe the manual transmission Laredo packages came with 3.54s. I was able to run 33" tires with that gearing with only minor power issues. When I geared down to the 4.11s the power band was right back where it should be (65 mph in overdrive at 2000 rmp).
Mine was a 5 speed, 6 cyl, 3.08 gears. 31's will work with 3.08 gears. 3.73's would probably be better gears, but I wouldn't spend the money. The difference wouldn't be worth the expense. If you do the swap, I'd go with the chevy 350. They are everywhere, parts are everywhere, and the prices are usually cheap for both. Also, most all mechanics will work on a chevy 350.
The other engine besides the chevy 350 is the ford 302. There are several reasons why it has it's place:
If it comes out of the 5.0 mustang it has roller cams and is the H/O engine.
It is a little lighter and smaller.
It has a little bit better low rpm torque curve than a stock 350.
It is also plentiful.
The 87-90 YJ's have the Carter carb and can give a lot of headaches. Try and get a 91 and newer as it will have the fuel injection..there is a big difference. From 87 to half way thru the 89 model year the YJ came with the weaker Puegot tranny.
Look for a 92 and later, the 91 had the standard 4.0L motor and in 92 they put the HO 4.0L motor in, and there is quite a big diff. in performance. The auto tranny (TF999) will not care about a 31" tire size as much behind the 6cyl. The standard gearing was 3.08 with optional 3.54, all from 89 up had the NP231 x-case. The standard tranny was the AX15 midyear 89 to 95, this was a medium duty 5 speed. GP'n
GP'n... some (if not most or all) 91's were HO 4Liters... mine was atleast, and several others here locally are.... or so the badges say on theirs... mine i know.. had the head off a few times
BJ
"If you chose not to decide, you still have made a Choice" RUSH
94 or 95 would be the best, 94 & 95 manuals have the external slave cylinder and 95's came with the 297 U-Joints on the front axle shafts. Also there are a few 95's out there with D44's
Although I agree with the external slave cylinder as a definite plus as opposed to the internal hydraulic slave. The larger U joints are not a big advantage unless you are going to change to High Strength axle shafts. The U joints are where you want your breakage,(U joints are $12 and take less than 1/2 hr to change),and the D30s stock axle shafts are not that strong to begin with. I speak from way to much experience on this topic.
Jeff
89 Wrangler
If at first you dont succeed, your replacement will try and try again.
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