Segment:
Compact SUV, Off-road capable
Target Customer:
Enthusiasts seeking durable, capable, and customizable off-road vehicles; families needing practical transportation.
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its robust construction, available 4WD systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), and capable suspension, making it a popular choice for off-roading.
Durability:
Built with a unibody construction that offered a good balance of strength and lighter weight compared to body-on-frame SUVs of the era, with reliable powertrains.
Customization:
Highly customizable with a vast aftermarket for suspension lifts, engine upgrades, body armor, and other off-road accessories.
Value Proposition:
Offered a strong combination of capability, practicality, and affordability, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Engine:
2.5L AMC I-4, 4.0L AMC I-6 (High Output and standard variations)
Transmission:
AX-4, AX-5, AX-15 manual transmissions; AW-4 automatic transmission
Drivetrain:
4WD system (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35)
Suspension:
Leaf spring rear, coil spring front suspension systems; shock absorbers, sway bars
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; hydraulic system, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkage
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
Body And Frame:
Chassis, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Engine Overhaul:
Disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components
Transmission Service:
Clutch replacement, automatic transmission fluid and filter change, torque converter service
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, brake rotor/drum service, brake fluid flush, caliper/wheel cylinder repair
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock/strut replacement, power steering pump/rack repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, testing circuits, component testing, wiring harness repair
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust prevention and repair, glass replacement
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Manual Transmission 1:
AX-4/AX-5 (4-speed manual, less common)
Manual Transmission 2:
AX-15 (5-speed manual, common with 4.0L)
Automatic Transmission:
AW-4 (4-speed automatic, developed with Aisin)
Transfer Case Options:
NV131 (Command-Trac 2-speed part-time 4WD), NV242 (Selec-Trac 2-speed full-time/part-time 4WD)
Aw-4 Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to manual for precise spec by year)
Ax-15 Fluid:
NV4500 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific recommendations)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 93.4 inches (YJ), 104.4 inches (XJ)
Length:
Approx. 157.7 inches (YJ 2-door), 166.9 inches (XJ 4-door)
Width:
Approx. 69.9 inches
Height:
Approx. 64.3 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,000 - 3,500 lbs (varies by configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000-3,500 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and equipment)
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as needed.
Engine Oil:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity by temperature range and engine)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type and color.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Engine 4.0L:
Cracked cylinder heads (early models), rear main seal leaks, oil filter housing leaks, lifter tick.
Transmission Aw-4:
Occasional shifting issues, solenoid failures.
Electrical:
Failing instrument cluster, deteriorating wiring harnesses (especially grounds), failing fuel pump relays.
Suspension Yj:
Leaf spring sag, worn bushings.
Suspension Xj:
Worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, leaking shocks/struts.
Body:
Rust issues, particularly around the rocker panels, wheel wells, and floor pans.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, dating back to its military origins in WWII.
Yj Generation:
The YJ generation (1987-1995) introduced the iconic rectangular headlights, a departure from the CJ's round lights. It featured leaf-spring suspension front and rear.
Xj Generation:
The XJ generation (1984-2001) was a groundbreaking vehicle, being one of the first compact SUVs built with unibody construction. It featured coil-spring front suspension, offering a more comfortable ride and better articulation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Production Years:
YJ: 1987-1995; XJ: 1984-2001 (this manual covers 1984-1996 of the XJ).
