Vehicle needed rear-end & transmission (Still can be replaced for a reasonable cost).
The YJ Wrangler is a neat little 4x4.
Body & interior nearly mint.
At over 130k miles time for a new rear-end
and tranny.
Engine runs like new.
Heater blows hot!
AC ice-cold.
Hardtop is a must have here in New England (at least for the winters).
Put in a new stereo system, 6 speaker sound bar, 1 1/2" suspension lift (springs & shocks). Went a little crazy with stainless bumpers etc.
Also replaced the vent window assembly on the driver's door.
Re-upholstered driver's seat (a couple of small tears). Otherwise interior is mint.
This little Jeep runs and drives great. Just under 17mpg in mixed driving.
Can't wait to see it when it's completed, as it is in the shop having the above work performed (other than the work that I have already completed myself).
The Wrangler is a great base to build your dream SUV. This is my 3rd and it's a keeper.
The old AMC designed Wranglers are one of the best 4x4's ever built. It has the ruggedness of a CJ with a wider track and a bit more refined interior. But you can still modify them to your own specs.
Those who write reviews bashing the comfort & reliabilty of the Wrangler need to go out and buy themselves a Civic or Corolla. The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged little SUV and not a comfy little econobox.
The 4.0 liter in-line six is one of the finest engines ever produced. Good for 200-300k miles, and the AX-15 transmission is a Japanese transmission also used in some Toyota trucks.
Since I am not the original owner (I'm the 2nd owner), I can't complain about needing a new transmission at 123k miles, as I don't know how the previous owner drove and maintained the vehicle. Based on the overall condition, it certainly appears that it has never been off-road.
I'm glad there are still some clean YJ's out there. Thanks AMC!
If anyone out there knows about the "Splash" graphic/option package offered in the 90's please leave a comment)
Based on recent research the "Splash Graphics" and Body-Color
Fender Flares were part of the "Sport Package" that was available on 1995 SE's. It certainly gave a Wrangler a
very sporty appearance. The SE's were at that time equipped with the 4.0 liter six.
Beginning with the 1997 TJ, the Sport became what we know it as to this day.
I love my 1995 Jeep Wrangler SE. The 6 Cylinder Engine is pretty powerful, and I have surprised some sports car owners who thought that Wranglers were weak. It took me 3 or 4 weeks to get used to the rough ride, but new shocks and seats will dramatically improve this "problem". In the summer when I have the top and doors off, I can almost see the envy in other drivers eyes, and I laugh every time! I like to give other Wrangler owners that little "wave" when I pull up next to them. If you don't have a hard top, and you are going over 55 MPH you will get "beat up" by the wind on the highway, but around town it does great! My Wrangler has a 2 inch suspension lift and a 3 inch body lift with 31X10.50 tires and it looks great! Wranglers are extremely durable and tough. I hit a 2 foot tall tree stump at 30 MPH, and I had no damage done to my Wrangler except for 2 bent rims! Be aware of your limitations though, and always carry a come-along winch and a tow rope along with you every time you go 4-wheeling. I bought my Wrangler with 76,000 miles on it, and I have not had to do anything to it except for regular maintenance, and "unsticking" the transmission. Always keep an eye on the undercarriage and floor pans of your Wrangler, as they have a bad tendency to rust. I would also recommend installing a very strong battery in your 4.0 Liter Wrangler if it did not come with one. Once again I have nothing, but praises for the Wrangler YJ. Because of its simple design; customizing it to your specific taste is easier than almost any other vehicle, and its toughness is almost unmatched in the SUV world. Every time I go the the beach I take my Wrangler along because it allows me to sleep on the beach for almost nothing, and it drives girls crazy! I would strongly recommend that when winter comes around, anyone with a Wrangler should buy a heavy duty heater and good leather driving gloves, trust me, it will be a miracle for your skin! Overall, if you don't mind the rough ride, and the wind messing up your hair, then the Wrangler YJ SE will be the best vehicle you have ever owned! Again, JEEP WRANGLERS RULE!!!
I wrote the original review, but I've got to say that the "kid" who wrote the previous comment is in for a rude awakening if he thinks his Wrangler is a "sports car" especially with the suspension & body lift.
The only surprise he's going to get is when he rolls the thing!
Oh and since when did sleeping on the beach drive the girls crazy???
The original Wrangler in this review came out absolutely super, after deciding to do a complete upgrade and restoration.
It looks amazing, the sound system is incredible, and the 31"
Bridgestone Dueler Revos are great tires!
The only problem is, it ended up costing me about as much as a brand new Sport would've cost.
But hey, I prefer the more basic YJ's to the more refined TJ's anyway.
It's a Jeep, it supposed to be noisy, rattle, and ride like an oxcart!
Just an update on the Jeep reviewed here. After over a year of ownership this Jeep runs & drives like new. (It should for the money invested in the restoration), It truly looks, runs, drives at least as well as every new Jeep I've owned.
The 1 1/2" lift is a great addition & the Bridgestone Dueler Revos have worked out well. I haven't had a chance to drive it in snow yet, but I imagine it will track like a mountain goat.
The only down side of course, is the poor fuel mileage-
11 to 15mpg. But that's what happens when you lift & add large tires to a vehicle that already has the aerodynamics of a barn door. This Jeep truly runs as well as my late model premium European convertible which has over 100k miles less on the odometer than my Wrangler. (32k vs. 134k)
The 4.0 liter six is a fantastic engine. It still doesn't burn nor leak a drop of oil. The Jeep has cold AC and a great heater.
I hope to get at least another 10 years out of my little YJ!
Just a quick update - 2007 has come & gone and I have spent a total of zero on repairs to my Wrangler. This little Jeep continues to perform flawlessly and other than regular oil changes, it has needed no service.
Who says Jeeps can't be reliable?
I hope I didn't just jinx it!
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