Well it's still early, but it appears to have a weak synchro 3rd to 4th gear, and possibly a bad carrier bearing in the rear end.
Everything else appears to be in fine shape.
I had to go back to my Wrangler YJ roots, so I sold my 2004 Liberty Limited and searched for a clean rust-free 1995 YJ Wrangler. I previously owned a '95 Wrangler SE with the "Splash" graphics, so I was pleasantly surprised to find another one-owner example in exception shape.
The body and interior are in nearly new condition. The vehicles runs and drives excellent. I noticed a little noise coming from the rear-end, as well as a little "snick" on the 3rd to 4th up-shift.
If you shift slowly, you do not get the "snick", so I assume it's a weak synchro. (Not uncommon in Jeeps).
The only cosmetic flaw on the vehicle is very minor - a small "stress crack" inside the driver's door by the vent window (also pretty common in Wranglers).
The vehicle is "Poppy Red" with a light gray interior. It has a black hard top. (My previous '95, was white with the "Splash" graphics, also with a black hard top. I love the "Splash" graphics, along with the body-colored fender flares. It looks more like it has 30k miles on it rather than 130K plus.
The 4.0 liter engine starts and runs flawlessly, and it drives very well.
I expected to have to repair a few things since it is a 10 year old vehicle, with fairly high miles on it.
Unfortunately clean examples of YJ models are getting harder and harder to find, but they are still out there.
I expect it to be a fine little Jeep, once the repairs are done.
I've also owned a 2003 TJ Wrangler Sahara, and although the TJ's ride much smoother than the YJ's. I personally prefer the old AMC designed, leaf-sprung, kind of crude, with an ox-cart ride YJ. In fact, from the day I traded-in my previous '95 YJ for the '03 TJ, I was sorry to see the old YJ go.
They are simple, easy to work on, and you know that you are in a Jeep. The dash and instrumentation scream "Jeep", rather than "Chrysler Mini-Van". You can disassemble the dash to replace bulbs etc. in 30 minutes of less, using only a phillips head screw driver.
Sure the TJ's are great looking vehicles, and they have "real Jeep" round headlights, but don't write-off those old rugged rectangular headlight YJ's. They are true Jeeps through and through, and are not very far removed from the beloved "CJ" series.
The 4.0 liter in-line six is as close to bullet-proof as you can get, and it moves the little Wrangler along very smartly. I've been told that this engine dates back to an old Nash design.
I certainly hope that Chrysler does not replace this engine in the Wrangler with the 3.7 liter V6 first used in the Liberty models, as rumored. This would certainly create an uproar by Wrangler enthusiasts.
My '04 Liberty was a fine vehicle, however I found that I preferred the simple ruggedness of a Wrangler.
I'm giving up a lot in creature comforts, but the Wrangler has a strong heater, a nice AC unit that blows cold, comfortable seat (more comfortable than the rather flat seats in the Liberty), and a heck of a lot of character.
The Liberty is certainly more refined and better suited to being a family vehicle, however, whatever the Wrangler gives up in refinement, it makes up for in character.
Sure Wranglers are noisy, rough-riding, a little cramped, and a bit thirsty. But they sure are fun!
I am the original reviewer and just wanted to clarify one thing. The Jeep reviewed here is a 1995 Wrangler SE, manufactured in October of 1994. I did not realize that the site apparently defaults to the year of manufacture rather than the model year.
I did get some good news, the transmission does not require any work at this time. I am having the rear-end repaired however as the carrier (and probably pinion) bearing are quite noisy.
I am a bit surprised that Chrysler did not continue to manufacture many parts for the YJ. I suppose this is because the YJ was an AMC design.
Thankfully, there are plenty of companies out there making parts for these Jeeps.
I still believe that Jeeps were built better back in the AMC days. I think the proof is in the durability of the old Cherokee and YJ Wrangler models.
The Chrysler designed TJ Wrangler models are neat little Jeeps, but I've owned both YJ's & TJ's, and prefer the YJ.
Surprisingly many rust-free or nearly rust-free YJ Wranglers are still out there. The most common place for rust to form is on the windshield frames. These are actually quite inexpensive to replace. When available thru Chrysler however, the OEM part cost about $1,100. Fortunately good quality replacements are available for around $150.
If you are looking for a used Wrangler also check the floor boards for rust. Be sure to pull up the carpets and check from the inside as well as from underneath the vehicle.
I've seen some as solid as the day they rolled off the assembly line and others whose floors were so rusted that a large pot hole might send the driver through the floor.
If anyone has information on the "Splash" package offered in 1995, please post the information here. I can't seem to find information on the option package, but I know the graphic decals are still sitting in Chrysler warehouses.
Happy Jeeping!
I've since found out that the "Splash" graphics were part of the Sport Package in 1995.
Well Chrysler killed off the best engine EVER put in a Jeep, the in-line 4.0 liter six.
What did they replace it with? The 3.8 liter V6 from their minivans! And those plastic fenders!!! Arrrgghhhh! Chrysler you're killing Jeep!
Bring back Willys or AMC please!!!
I guess the last "real Jeeps" have long left the Toledo assembly line.. sigh!!!
I agree, Jeep needs to get back to building real SUV's. I can't believe I am considering a Nissan Exterra over a Grand Cherokee. It seems Jeep forgot where it has come from.
I own a 1995 YJ, brilliant blue with the splash graphics
and an original white top which seems to be next to impossible
to find. They offered frost white which I am seeking-also
stone white. I rarely see any Jeeps with white tops any more.
Mine has an automatic transmission which has been reported as
not being reliable, however mine has been fine with the Jeep
having 148,000 miles on it. My job requires me to drive on
the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina on a regular
basis where it performs great,-" much better than my co-workers 1997 model with coil springs. I will take leaf
springs & rectangular headlights over round headlights & coil
springs any day. Yes, I know they are smoother on the highway
but lets remember we are talking about Jeeps. 1995 seems to
be the last year for an old school Jeep!
B.A.M.
Yes 1995 was the last year of the "old school" Jeeps with leaf springs, vent windows on the doors, etc.
Thankfully I am the proud owner of a beautiful '95 and hope to keep it in top condition for as long as possible.
It is a wonderful vehicle.
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