Jeep by Chrysler

 

As we all know, the Jeep Wrangler is a superior off-road vehicle and is a successor to the Willys MB from World War II. However, in this series, we would like to inform you about Jeep Wrangler Series from the first generation to the current one. With that, let’s dive into the first one…  

The first generation of Wranglers, the Jeep Wrangler YJ was actually launched in 1987 with two gasoline engine options: a 2.5-liter or 4.2-liter. The last Jeep Wrangler YJ rolled off the assembly line in 1995. 

The first Jeep Wranglers were actually developed by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) on the basis of the original Jeep and, with rigid axles, leaf springs, and all-wheel drive that can be switched on, show typical design features of the cult jeeps. 

During the construction period from 1986 to 1995, Jeep launched the Wrangler YJ in different versions. In addition to the standard S and SE models, there were the higher equipped Wranglers Renegade , Islander, Laredo, Sport and Sahara . Towards the end of the construction period, Jeep was also launching the Wrangler S in the Rio Grande comfort variant .

 

Jeep by Chrysler

 

In the entry-level model, AMC used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 122 hp, which was combined with a manual 5-speed gearbox or optionally with a 3-speed automatic. The six-cylinder top model of the series initially had a displacement of 4.2 liters but after 1991 it came with the 183 hp 4.0-liter gas engine.

While the growing market for compact 4x4 vehicles was still asking for the practical advantages of the Jeep CJ-Series, customers were also asking for more of the comfort offered by passenger cars. The answer was the end of the CJ line and the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler(YJ). 

The model YJ was built more than 630,000 times. On August 5, 1987, about a year after the Wrangler was introduced, American Motors Corporation (AMC) was sold to Chrysler Corporation and the well-known Jeep brand became part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division.

 

Body

Jeep by Chrysler

 

Although the Wrangler used the familiar open-body style of the CJ-7, it retained few components from its famous predecessor. Mechanically, the Wrangler had more in common with the Cherokee than with the CJ-7. 

The Jeep Wrangler YJ came standard as a 3-door convertible with a soft top. At the time, it was available in black, white, gray, or olive green and half doors with zip-up windows. The vehicle could also be equipped with a hardtop and conventional doors for better protection against the weather. 

The classic Wrangler not only has the angular body with a waterfall radiator grille from the historic Jeeps but also the folding windscreen as a unique selling point of the series, as was already typical of the early military jeeps. As a novelty, Jeep decided to use square headlights for the first and the last time on a jeep of this type. 

To refine the look, special models such as the Jeep Wrangler Renegade were produced, which was also factory-optimized for off-road use. In addition to special add-on parts, the Jeep Renegade has off-road dampers and 15-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

 

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There were special paint options such as turquoise, red, yellow, or blue for the Wrangler Islander models. The Wrangler Rio Grande from the end of the construction period also drew attention to itself with special paint finishes in white metallic and orange.

The Jeep is traditionally an off-roader and the Wrangler YJ was designed accordingly with a ground clearance of almost 8.5 inches for off-road use. The track width of 4.8 ft guaranteed a low center of gravity despite the 5.8 ft high body and thus greater roll stability when driving off-road. 

The Jeep Wrangler came initially as a 2-seater in the base model, but the car could also be set up as a 4-seater. In the higher equipment lines, the removable rear seat bench is standard in order to be able to expand the trunk from a good 354 liters to around 1,220 liters.

 

Interior

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In the basic version, the interior of the Wrangler from the early construction period is pure and has little equipment apart from the standard radio. You have to keep it in mind that this vehicle was produced for people with very active lifestyles who want to take their daily driver off the paved path sometimes.

As far as the trims go, Jeep Wrangler Sport was the one with a removable rear bench seat and the Wrangler Laredo was the comfort version with air conditioning. The Wrangler Renegade and Island were furnished with carpet for a more residential ambiance and the Wrangler Sahara was distinguished from other jeeps by green seat covers with pocket compartments.

 

Technology

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Compared to the Jeep CJ-7, which technically lagged behind even in the 1950s, the first Wrangler was characterized by ultimately better driving characteristics on the road. Because there are innovations in the spring and damping system such as cross stabilizers to reduce the susceptibility to roll when cornering . 

AMC also installed a roll cage as standard, which protected the occupants if the vehicle tips over and also gave the vehicle its unique look. Rear seat got their own seatbelt in 1992 and from 1993 onwards, a braking system with ABS was also available as an option.

In the tests and driving reports, however, the technical innovations were not really well received. Because while the anti-roll bars mean more safety on the road, the technology also restricts the off-road qualities at extreme lean angles. 

Typical problems with the Wrangler vintage cars are rusting on the underbody, seams, frame screws, window frames and the mountings of the leaf springs. In poorly maintained engines, parts such as the carburetor,  or the manifold bolts are often a source of trouble. In addition, the soft top and zippered windows suffer from the effects of the weather heavily.

 

Protecting a Jeep Wrangler YJ

 

With features like the folding windshield, half-doors, removable body panels and signature roll cage, the Wrangler YJ has many unique selling points and a long historical heritage. Only one other vehicle have a similar profile as a cult classic and that is the Land Rover Defender.

Jeep Wrangler YJ is not an expensive vehicle to buy at the moment but the prices are steadily rising. This SUV is well on its way to become a classic with the expensive price tag. If you are thinking about buying one, don’t put it off because one day they might be worth a lot more. 

However, Wranglers are usually not cheap to maintain because of their body style. You are going to need protective covers for everything especially if your Wrangler isn’t a hardtop. Don’t worry, Jeep has an official partner to help you out, the Coverking.

Check out their catalog and find out the best options for any Jeep model. For a YJ, we recommend you to try the Moving Blanket Car Cover for indoor or the Autobody Armor Car Cover for outdoor protection of your cars exterior. 

If you are planning on driving your Jeep with open top, you really are going to need seat covers to protect your seats. Take a look at their Genuine CR Neoprene Seat Covers or you can go all out with the special Topographic Custom Seat Covers.

 

 

As Jeep’s official supplier, Coverking also produces very useful equipment like this tailgate tactical storage or this JLU bed custom made for Wrangler models. Also check out these rollbar covers that will make your car stand out.

 

Resources

 

Coverking Links

 

Tankut Basar

Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.

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