The Jeep YJ Wrangler is the hallmark model of the Jeep brand. The beloved YJ stole Jeep enthusiasts' hearts with its boxy stance and dynamic off-road capability. Jeep began making the YJ model in 1987 and stopped production of this model in 1996. In this article, we'll explore the history of the Jeep YJ Wrangler.
The Jeep YJ Replaced the Jeep CJ-7 in 1986
In 1986, Jeep made the first major redesign of the iconic short, military-like model in 20 years with the introduction of the more modern CJ-7. This model delighted off-road enthusiasts with its automatic transmission and longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the Jeep CJ-5. After production ceased on the CJ-7 in 1986, Jeep introduced the first YJ Wrangler. While Jeep owners embraced this new model, there became a huge debate among Jeep owners over the square headlights that Jeep added to the YJ. The debate over the square versus round headlights continues to this day.
The Sahara Model Debuts in 1987
One thing that set the YJ Wrangler apart from the CJ-7 was the wider stance, angled seven-slot grille, and open profile. The Wrangler first came in two trims, and in late 1987, Jeep brought in an upscale trim called the Sahara. This new trim came with aggressive 18-inch wheels and attractive interior features that appealed to discerning Jeep owners.
A New Engine Gets Added in 1991
The American Motors Corporation (AMC) sold the Jeep brand to Chrysler in late 1987, and the Jeep brand, including the YJ, became part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle Division.
With this acquisition, the brand redesigned the powertrain of the Jeep YJ Wrangler. Instead of the 4.2-liter inline-six engine found in the older YJ models, Jeep swapped that engine for a 4.0-liter fuel-injected inline-six engine, jumping the horsepower to 180 and the torque rating to 220 pound-feet. This year, Jeep also introduced the Wrangler Renegade trim with body-colored fender flares and wider Goodyear Wrangler tires. Production of the Renegade trim stopped in 1994.
A New Suspension System Added in 1995
In 1993, the Jeep YJ came with anti-lock brakes; in 1994, the Wrangler got an automatic transmission; and in 1995, the YJ gained Dana 30 axle universal joints (U-joints). These new U-joints gave the YJ Wrangler enhanced off-road capability, as they allowed for more precise wheel travel necessary when driving over uneven terrain.
Production of the YJ Model Jeep Stops in 1996
By 1996, Chrysler/Jeep stopped making the YJ Wrangler to make room for its successor, the Jeep TJ. The newer TJ featured the iconic round headlights, a Quadra-Coil suspension system, and enhanced off-road capabilities. Production of the TJ Wrangler stopped in 2006, and Jeep moved on to the popular JL models, which they still make to this day.
Although the Jeep brand no longer makes the YJ Wrangler model, off-road enthusiasts still seek them out, and many Jeep restoration companies sell them, like Collin Bros. Jeep. This company restores, modifies, and sells Jeep parts and is the premier Jeep restoration company in the Wylie, Texas, area. From Jeep accessories to genuine HEMI engine kits, Collins Bros. Jeep has everything a Jeep enthusiast needs to take their rig on off-road adventures.
