1988 Jeep Wrangler review from North America

Right from the beginning the vehicle was hard to start. After getting the car home. I did a complete tune up and noticed that the previous owner had been running the car with the idle speed set to high. I also checked the timing and found it be off contributing to the vehicles hard starting problem. I adjusted both to within the manufactures specification. Still hard to start when warm, but a vast improvement from when I purchased the vehicle.

The after market soft top and doors that came with vehicle leaks in the rain around the doors. I have patched it up with aftermarket weather stripping.

At 75000 miles during the winter of 2001, I lost the ability to engage the four wheel drive function. I discovered and replaced rotted hoses to the front vacuum motor which engage the front hubs.

At 89000 miles, the throw bearing started making noises. Replaced both the bearing and clutch assembly.

At 91000 miles I replaced the oxygen sensor and I have noticed a marked improvement to the starting problem I mentioned earlier.

I have 1988 Wrangler with the USA Olympics dress up package. It came with USA and Olympic ring decals and special tape treatment. Jeep was an Olympic sponsor that year so I consider my Jeep a little rare gem.

The old 4.2L six cylinder engine in this vehicle is no rocket, but it runs smooth and has been very reliable.

I have slowly personalized and upgraded the Jeep to my taste with a Sony XM satellite sound system, front bra, and new slide window upper doors (I hated the plastic windows in my lap when I unzipped them).

The new TJ Wranglers may recall and improve on history with their round headlights and better ride, but I love my YJ with all its quirks: square headlights, rough ride and slow engine. No matter what it is still Jeep.