Market Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Utility Vehicle
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction, robust four-wheel drive systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), utilitarian and durable design
Popularity:
Renowned for off-road capability, longevity, and aftermarket support
Covered Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for full factory WSM)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (WSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Digital (PDF) or Reprint of Original Paper Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, drivelines
Chassis:
Suspension (leaf spring rear, coil spring front), steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, ignition, instrumentation, power accessories
Body And Frame:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, collision repair
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Emission Control:
Emission control systems and diagnosis
Maintenance:
Routine service, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, repair, and rebuilding
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics.
Digital Format:
PDF (searchable text is a significant advantage)
Print Quality Expectation:
High resolution for clear diagrams and text if a reprint
Binding Type Original:
Original: Likely bound with a durable cover; Reprint: Varies.
Paper Type Original:
Original: Durable, glossy paper; Reprint: Varies.
2.5L I4:
AMC 150 (Iron Duke): 121 hp @ 4800 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (early versions); Later AMC/Chrysler 2.5L: 123 hp @ 4800 rpm, 180 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. Fuel System: Throttle Body Injection (TBI) early, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) later.
4.0L I6:
AMC 242 (OHV Inline-6): 177-190 hp @ 4500-4750 rpm, 220-245 lb-ft @ 3000-3250 rpm. Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI). Known for torque and durability.
2.5L I4:
AMC 150 (Iron Duke): 121 hp @ 4800 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm. Fuel System: Throttle Body Injection (TBI).
4.2L I6:
AMC 258 (OHV Inline-6): 112 hp @ 3200 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm. Fuel System: Carbureted (single barrel) early, TBI later. Later models (approx. '87-'90) often received the more robust 4.0L engine.
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Varies greatly by engine and transmission, typically 9-12 seconds for 4.0L models.
Injection Types:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) and Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) depending on year and engine
Transmission Type:
AX-5 5-speed manual (4-cyl & 4.0L), NV3550 5-speed manual (later 4.0L models)
Transmission Type:
AW4 4-speed automatic (4.0L models)
Transmission Type:
AX-5 5-speed manual (4-cyl & 4.2L)
Transmission Type:
TF-999 3-speed automatic (4.2L models), TF-904 3-speed automatic (4-cyl models)
Transfer Case Options:
2WD, Command-Trac (2-speed part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac (2-speed full-time/part-time 4WD)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
169.5 - 172.5 inches (4305 - 4382 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
62.7 - 64.3 inches (1593 - 1633 mm)
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Length:
156.8 inches (3983 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
64.4 inches (1636 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,400 - 4,700 lbs (1996 - 2132 kg)
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally poor by modern standards; older designs lacked advanced safety features. Specific ratings vary by year.
Brake System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. ABS available on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag introduced later in the XJ run, not standard on all models. Passenger airbag not typically available.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front, lap rear
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette or CD player, limited speaker configurations. Later models offered improved audio options.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional or standard feature on later models, primarily on the rear wheels or all four.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Power windows, locks, and mirrors were optional or available on higher trims. Cruise control standard on many models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, or as per manual for manual transmissions
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most engines. Consult specific manual for exact viscosity and API service classification.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent for AW4 and TF-9xx transmissions
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231/242: ATF+4 or Dexron III
Rear Axle Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (standard), or 75W-140 for synthetic. Limited-slip differentials require friction modifier.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a green ethylene glycol based)
Xj 4.0L Issues:
Cracked cylinder head (especially earlier 4.0L), camshaft position sensor failure, overheating (radiator, water pump, thermostat), head gasket failure
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushings, track bar issues, leaf spring sag
Yj 4.2L Issues:
Carburetor issues, oil leaks, valve stem seals
Yj Clutch Issues:
Clutch wear, throw-out bearing failure
Rust:
Common on rocker panels, floor pans, rear quarter panels, and frame rails, especially in rust-belt regions
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty grounds, corroded connectors
Cooling System:
Leaking radiators, water pumps, hoses, and heater cores
Jeep Legacy:
Continuation of Jeep's off-road prowess and rugged utility
Xj Evolution:
Introduced in 1984 as a unibody compact SUV, replacing the CJ-7 based Cherokee. Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.0L I6 engine, improved interior, and modernizations.
Yj Evolution:
Introduced in 1987 as the successor to the CJ-7. Key features include longer wheelbase, coil springs in front (unlike leaf springs on CJ), and updated styling. YJ is exclusively known for its rectangular headlights, a design choice that alienated some traditional Jeep enthusiasts.
Production Period:
XJ: 1984-2001 (North America); YJ: 1987-1995
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA
Offroad Magazine Accolades:
Frequently recognized by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Mixed ratings, often citing reliability concerns on specific components but praising its utility.
