[IN2DEEP]

My brother has a line on an 87 Wrangler. Since I'm only familiar with the CJs, I thought I'd post on here and see what your suggestions are.

It's carbuerated six cylinder (carb is supposed to have issues) and a standard transmission. The transmission makes some "noise". It comes with a hard top and doors, $1000

He's supposed to get his first look at it on Saturday.

What are your suggestions? What should he look for outside of the obvious rust/wear?

 

[1794]

The 87 wrangler was the first year that Chrysler started screwing up Jeep. I had an 1987 once and hated it.

The 4.2 is similar to the CJ engine but runs a computer controlled carb and is bogged down with emission equipment that robs the engine of power.

The transmision is most likely the BA 10/5. It's a light duty 5 speed made by Peugeot (pronounced "peice of crap"). Prone to failure.

The Transfer case is a chain drive NP207. Not very strong either.

Front axle would be a reverse cut Dana 30. Good ground clearance but they used a vacuum actuated axle disconnect on most which is also very prone to failure.

Rear axle is a Dana 35, again not very strong but at least it's a Dana.

Wheels are different from the CJ line. They switched to a 5 on 4.5 pattern like on the ford rangers.

In good stock shape they're okay for running around town but I wouldn't get it if he plans to do any real off roading. That is unless he plans to scrap almost everything and start from scratch.

Just the opinion of a CJ owner. I'm sure some of the square headlight guys might disagree.

 

[jamgood96]

I'll agree with you on what you said. My two cents would be to find a '91 or newer YJ, since it has MPI.

 

[barfnick]

If the tub and frame are in good shape, $1000.00 doesn't sound too bad. The carter is easily removed and replaced if emission laws will allow it. Even though most of the running gear is weak, a good frame and tub are the hardest parts to come by. If he is mechanically inclined and wants to upgrade alot of the running gear, it sounds like a decent deal. If he is looking for something to jump in and beat on immediately, buy something else.

 

[Guest]

I have an 87 and I'm pretty happy with it. I will admit thought that I have had some problems with it, but I think that it was just a matter of the previous owner not doing general maintence on it. The one thing that you can do to fix the carb. thing supposedly you can go to the jeep dealerships and buy a FI conversion for the 4.2 lt. six that will pass smog, and it will give you FI. But for $1000 I would take it if you have the time and know how to fix up a rig to turn it into a nice trail rig or whatever you want.

 

[lomodyj]

The MPI you're gonna get at the dealer is going to be $2300. You can find it cheaper on line. It is the same manufacture. It is 50 state leagal and passes smog everywere. I got mine 2 years ago for about $1800. Took a long weekend to install. Good directions, easy to follow. If you have any wrenching exp. you can do this.

The common thoughts on the '87 is; it's a great place to start. If he's gonna wheel it, he should start saving for a new tranny, up grade when the puke-go explodes, save for a NP231 with a SYE so when the 207 breaks he's ready, find a junkyard 8.8 to swap out the D35. The D30 in the front is a pretty good axle, won't take serious abuse but it's holding up to lot's of wheeling for many of us...just make or buy a Posi-Loc to remove the vacuum disconnect. The 4.2 is an excellent motor, the Carter carb is it's biggest draw back...and there are many options for it, ranging from $100 for a MC2100 to $2000 MPI with several options in between.

Lifts are easy to install and cheaper than lifts for coil sprung TJ's.

 

[445]

It's a great start up for a build up though most of the factory stuff is junk. The 258 is full of emissions garbage and the plastic vavle covers leak like a siv though a mc2100, tfi and an aluminum valve cover solve those issues. The trans is the infamous puke and go. Mine has 118k on it and is surviving but it's just a matter of when it will blow. An ax15 is an easy swap in. The 207 that most yj's had is garbage though a 231 can be bolted in. The axles are the same axles that any yj has. If the body and frame are in good shape it's definetly worth it. If you compare this $1000 yj to the typical $1000 cj i'd say the yj is a much better starting point.

BarrelRoll

 

[2584]

I'll aree with NHCJ7, everything he said. My cousin had an 87', had problems with the Carter carb., and the transmission. Also with the front axle disconnect. Other than that, hey, it rode good, and ran pretty decent. But for $1000.00, it might not be to bad. Just my .02 cents, for what it's worth.

 

[445]

Another way to put it is if i had a grand i'd pick it up. It's definetly worth more than a grand in parts. My 87 is fun to drive it just needs a lot of upgrades and i'm learning to live with the carb.

BarrelRoll

 

[WILL]

In reply to:

The 87 wrangler was the first year that Chrysler started screwing up Jeep.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wrong. AMC designed the YJ. Chrysler bought Jeep in September 1987 which was the 1988 model year.

 

[130]

I think it would be worth $1000 to someone planning on building a trail rig if the entire drivetrain and axles were already removed

It would be worth less, to me, with the drivetrain still in it. Time = $$$ and someone will be spending a lot of time fixing or 'yanking parts from that Jeep.

 

[IN2DEEP]

Thanks for all the replies. Brother is a

zuki boyee. But he's always looking for "deals". He has no need for the wrangler, other than drive it, tinker with it, and then probably sell it. We were just curious what value to place on it before seriously considering buying. Didn't want to buy without knowing what the return might be.

Thanks again.
Drew

 

[gigolo]

And Will hits 5000!

At the rate I'm going I'll see that in another 16 years!