1987 Jeep Wrangler Sport from North America - Comments

Alternator died at 110000 miles, higher amperage replacement cost $75. Direct bolt in, took less than 10 minutes to fix.

Had to replace the steering shaft, due to the U-joint wearing excessively at the bottom joint. Happened at 115000 miles, was stock shaft. New shaft cost $115, did the installation in my driveway in 45 minutes.

Gauge lights died at 120000 miles, replaced in 30 minutes, cost $15 for all.

Breaks needed to be rebuilt at 124000 miles, new rotors, pads and drums. Cost $390, including labor.

This car is awesomely fun to drive! Has proven extremely reliable so far, and has plenty of life left in it yet. I feel completely comfortable driving this vehicle to and from school, 230 miles each way. I reccomend avoiding the 6 cylinder models from this year, as they use a (highly un-reliable) carburetor. Not a sports car by any means, but great for camping, going to the beach, or plowing through bad weather. I reccomend the hardtop and full steel doors for those living in areas which get snow in the winter, makes things much quieter, and scraping ice won't scratch your windows. Also, in my experience, it seems that these older AMC-design models tend to have less problems than the newer Daimer-Chrysler built ones.

You are correct.

The AMC designed Jeeps appear to be vastly superior to the Chrysler designs.

Chrysler should've stuck to building mini-vans and Dodge Darts with slant-six engines!

Count me as another fan of the AMC designed Jeeps.

Especially those equipped with the 4.0 liter in-line six.

The CJ is capable. The YJ was more comfortable, and yet the TJ has better articulation, reliability and comfort as both of them.

To the writer of the following comment:

"The CJ is capable. The YJ was more comfortable, and yet the TJ has better articulation, reliability and comfort as both of them."

You are correct that the TJ is more comfortable & has better articulation than a stock YJ. However the YJ is a least as reliable and in my opinion (I've owned both) more reliable than the TJ.

For example, the electronic glitches with the instrument panel is a problem in the TJ (Chrysler electrics), but I haven't seen it in a YJ.

I can honestly say that as a Jeep owner & enthusiast, I would certainly agree that the TJ is a better vehicle to use as an everyday vehicle, especially for commuting with its better highway ride and comfort (It is certainly more car-like than the YJ) However I steadfastly believe the the YJ a better built 4x4. I don't feel that Chrysler has improved the Wrangler - as much as it has made it more appealing to the masses.

When AMC replaced the CJ with the YJ, a bit of off-road prowess might've been lost (in stock form), however with a wider track (axles from the Cherokee) as well as the improvements in ride, handling, instrumentation & interior upgrades - the evolution was a good one. When the 4.0 liter

engine became available in the YJ it was even better.

I personally prefer the YJ's design over the TJ's, however I certainly can understand those who prefer the TJ.

My specific likes in the YJ begin with the instrument panel layout - it is far easier to work on and doesn't look like it was lifted out of a mini-van - (changing bulbs in the dash is a snap). I prefer the seats (the seating position is higher than in later TJ's), I prefer having vent windows on the doors. I don't mind the stiffer leaf-sprung suspension (but I also like the old fashion AC unit mounted below the dash. I like the fact that it doesn't pretend to be a car.

And as I've already stated - I believe the YJ is more reliable.

On the TJ's side, the coil sprung suspension does give it a more comfortable ride.

The top latch system on the TJ is a more convenient system (two latches at the top of the windshield instead of the YJ's screws)

The AC unit is integrated into the Heating/Defrost system - where in the YJ it is a separate unit mounted below the dash.

I certainly don't like the fact that Chrysler no longer offers the Wrangler with the 4.0 liter in-line six, instead replacing it with the 3.8 V6 (mini-van engine).

I'm just glad that there are plenty of CJ's, YJ's & TJ's out there for Jeep enthusiasts to enjoy - whichever you prefer!