An optional engine for the YJ is the 4.2L inline-6 overhead valve version producing 112 hp.
The axle ratios were 4.11:1 for the 4-cylinder engine with manual transmissions, while the 6-cylinder had 3.07:1 ratios with the manual and 3.55:1 on the automatic-equipped vehicles. The 4-cylinder coupled to the automatic used 3.73:1 axle ratios. When the 4.0L inline 6-cylinder became available, it featured 3.07:1 axle ratios. A Trac-Lok rear differential was optional for the YJ except on the S model.
Many YJ options available in later years of production were the same as those available later on the Wrangler TJ. A soft top with half doors featuring soft plastic zipper windows came standard. Side windows could be removed from the doors. Full-frame doors with glass windows were an option on soft-top models. YJs ordered with hardtops came with a rear wiper and defroster. Hardtops included full-framed doors.
Half-door YJs used large mirrors with adjustable arms. Full-size doors received smaller adjustable mirrors with fixed arms. Depending on year and interior color, the YJ hardtops were available in black, white, tan, and gray.
Trim Levels
Wrangler YJs were available in the following standard trim levels:
• The base model was also referred to as S and SE at different times during production. During the early years of production, the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional. The 6-cylinder engine was an option during some model years, but during other models years only the 4-cylinder was available in the base model. An AM radio (later AM/FM stereo) with two speakers was standard. High-back vinyl bucket seats and a heater were standard. An AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and air-conditioning were optional. In 1986, a basic Wrangler cost $8,995.
• The Laredo package featured a chrome grille, bumpers, and trim; hardtop and hard full doors; tinted windows; faux leather interior; body-color fender flares; and alloy wheels. An AM/FM stereo with cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, air-conditioning, rear removable bench seat, and high-back cloth bucket seats all came standard. “Laredo” decals adorned the hood on both sides or on the lower front fenders as part of the side stripes.
• From 1988 to 1993, the YJ was offered with an options package called the Islander. Several colors were offered, including Bright Red, Pacific Blue, Sunset Yellow, Teal, and White. Both engines were offered. Features of the package included body-color wheel flares and side steps, sunset graphics on the lower body and the hood, an Islander logo on the front fenders and the spare tire cover, Wrangler decals, optional 20-gallon fuel tank, a gray interior with high-back seats, optional five-spoke alloy wheels, floor carpeting, a center console with cup holders, and full or half doors.
• The Sport model featured “Sport” graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0L 242-ci inline 6-cylinder engine. An AM/FM stereo with two speakers and a rear removable bench seat came standard. A cassette player, a rear speaker sound bar, cloth high-back bucket seats, and air-conditioning were optional.
• The Sahara option group featured most available options as standard equipment, including body-color fender flares and steel wheels. Also included with the Sahara edition are special green trail-cloth seats with storage pockets, interior door panels with pockets, front bumper–mounted fog lamps, and plastic ends on the front bumper. An AM/FM stereo with cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, unique cloth-and-vinyl high-back bucket seats, rear removable bench seat, exterior color steel wheels, and air-conditioning were all standard on this model.
• From October 1990 until 1994, the Wrangler YJ offered the Renegade Decor Group. All Renegades came in white, black, or red exterior colors. Blue and bronze were added for the 1992 and 1993 model years. The Renegade option package cost $4,266 beyond the base Wrangler for 1991 and included special alloy wheels, fender flares, and additional features. The Renegade Decor Package included a 4.0L 242-ci I-6 engine, 30x9.5R15LT OWL Wrangler all-terrain tires, exclusive five-hole aluminum wheels that were 8 inches wide, a full-size spare tire, high-back seats, off-road gas shock absorbers, power steering, fog lamps (integrated into the front fenders), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Renegade striping, floor carpeting, front floor mats, extra-capacity fuel tank (20 US gallons), color-keyed fender flares with integrated side steps, front and rear plastic bumpers, a center console with cup holders, courtesy and engine compartment lights, interval wipers, and a glove box lock.
Other YJ options include a hardtop costing $923 and required a rear window defroster at $164. Soft-top models came standard with half doors, but full-framed doors with glass windows were an option. All 6-cylinder Wranglers offered air-conditioning as an option. Renegades had the tilt steering wheel ($130) and an AM/FM/cassette stereo radio ($264). A column-shifted automatic was also available.
• The Rio Grande edition was offered in Champagne Gold, Moss Green, White, Aqua Pearl metallic, and Bright Mango with a Pueblo-themed interior trim package. This trim was only available in 1995 and was added to spice up the base 4-cylinder Wrangler S models. A cassette player, rear speaker sound bar, and cloth high-back bucket seats came standard. Air-conditioning and alloy wheels were all available on this model. Red-and-orange “Rio Grande” decals adorned both rear fenders.
• Many options available for the YJ in later years of production were the same as those available later on the Wrangler TJ. A soft top with half doors featuring soft plastic zipper windows came standard. Side windows could be removed from the doors. Full-frame doors with glass windows were an option on soft-top models. YJs ordered with hardtops came with a rear wiper and defroster. Hardtops included full-framed doors. Half-door YJs used large mirrors with adjustable arms. Full-size doors received smaller adjustable mirrors with fixed arms. Depending on year and interior color, the YJ hardtops were available with top colors in black, white, tan, and gray.
• The Wrangler YJ specifications are close to its CJ7 predecessor. The YJ exceeds the length and height of the CJ7 but is actually slightly narrower. The Wrangler TJ that followed the YJ is very similar in dimensions to the YJ. The frame and some body panels are nearly identical. Engine choices for the TJ mirror those offered in the later model years of the YJ. Many driveline components share the same heritage from the YJ to the TJ.
Today, the Wrangler YJ enjoys a surge in popularity and the resale prices reflect this. Currently, Wrangler YJs in stock, good condition sell for up to $15,000. Modified YJs can fetch up to $20,000 or more, depending on condition and the extent of modifications.
Today, YJs with a few modifications make great hard-core trail rigs. Only the headlights, the grille, and the leaf spring shackles differentiate this YJ from the later Wrangler TJ.
Aftermarket product availability for the YJ is significant. In part, this stems from the similarities with the Wrangler TJ. For example, bumpers for the YJ also fit the TJ. More than 20 companies offer nearly 100 different front bumpers. Engine and driveline components also share fitment with the TJ. The product category with limited availability for the YJ is suspension and lifts. The YJ was the last traditional Jeep model using leaf springs. While many leaf spring lift options lure the consumer, few coil spring options or coilover systems are available. A dozen companies offer YJ lifts ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches. Many of the kits use brackets to move the leaf springs to the top of the axles. Only one or two coilover kits are offered. Many product options ranging from tops to body armor allow the YJ owner great latitude in upgrades and modifications. In 1987 when the YJ hit the market, 29-inch-diameter tires were considered large. By the time the top-of-the-line YJ Renegade reached the market, it featured 30-inch-diameter tires. Today, with moderate lifts, 35-inch tires are common on YJ builds.
While not as prolific as the JK aftermarket, plenty of great products allow a YJ build to go from mild to wild!
YJ Purchasing Considerations
When shopping for a YJ, it is important to have a clear idea of how you plan to use the Jeep. If you plan a mild build, the most economical route is to find a YJ already