Jeep Wrangler YJ 1987-1995: Performance Modifications

by Quinn Thomas, Don Alexander

Overview

Jeepers rejoice! Bring new life to your classic Jeep YJ with this new guide to off-road performance.

More than 685,000 YJs were built from 1986 to 1995. They featured heavier wider leaf springs, track bars, and sway bars for improved handling. A massive range of parts are offered for these vehicles, which include lift kits, wheels up to 37 inches, larger brake rotors, high-performance aluminum remote reservoir shocks, stronger driveshafts and U-joints, and Dana 60 conversions.

In Jeep Wrangler YJ 1987-1995: Performance Modifications, veteran author Don Alexander covers the 4.0 engine, transmissions (automatic and manual), transfer cases, axles, differentials, and driveshafts, steering boxes, brake upgrades, shocks, springs and lift kits, chassis strengthening, and interior upgrades.

Whether you want to do some simple upgrades, such as a lift and tire combination, or want to go all out with a rock crawler-style suspension and an engine swap, this book will show you all your options.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613254486
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	11/25/2019
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Quinn Thomas has been four-wheeling since the tender age of 17, and by age 20, he bought his first Jeep. He lives for rock crawling, camping, and exploring the backcountry with his personal JK. Quinn and wife, Heather, own and operate All J Products, which specializes in Jeep off-road performance in Big Bear, California.

Don Alexander’s passion and experience for motorized propulsion date back to 1959, when he first began kart racing. He later developed an insatiable passion for Jeeps. He is currently the proprietor of the Jeep 4x4 School and has trained thousands for off-road driving. He also competed in oval-track racing, drag racing, road racing, and land-speed runs. He holds the land-speed record of 222 mph for a diesel pickup. Alexander has authored 18 books and has written more than 1,000 magazine articles. He has produced off-road training videos and the SoCal 4x4 Adventures and Extreme Jeepin’ TV shows. Alexander lives in Big Bear, California.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Jeep Wrangler YJ

Jeep Wrangler YJ History

Suspension and Axles

Trim Levels

YJ Purchasing Considerations

Chapter 2: Tires and Wheels

Stock Replacement Tires

Off-Road Tires

Tire Size, Diameters, and Ground Clearance

Tire Cutting, Slashing, and Ply Ratings

Wheels

Wheel Size

Wheel and Tire Balancing

Tire Rotation

Choosing the Right Tires and Wheels

Wheel Spacers and Adapters

Wheel and Tire Care and Maintenance

Chapter 3: Lifts, Suspension, and Steering

Lifting a Jeep Wrangler YJ

Coil Springs Versus Leaf Springs

Articulation

Suspension Control

Control Arm Mounting Brackets

Spring and Control Arm Joints

Track Bars

Shock Absorbers

Types of Shocks

Hydraulic Bump Stops

Steering System

Steering Knuckles, Unit Bearings, and Ball Joints

Steering Hydraulics

Suspension and Steering Alignment

Chapter 4: Brake Upgrades

Brake System Basics

The Need for More Braking Performance

Brake Rotors

Brake Calipers

Disc Brake Conversion Kits for Rear Drum Brakes

Brake Master Cylinders and Power Brake Boosters

Brake Drums and Shoes

Brake Pads

Brake Flex Lines

Brake Fluid

Chapter 5: Bumpers, Armor, and Protection

Skid Plates

Aftermarket Skid Plate Armor

Skid Plate Protection

Rock Sliders

Body Armor

Half Doors and Tube Trail Doors

Fenders

Front Bumpers

Rear Bumpers

Roll Cage

Chapter 6: Transmissions, Drivelines, Axles, Housings, Driveshafts, and Lockers

Stock Jeep Wrangler YJ Axle Assemblies

Axle Gearing

Stock Wrangler YJ Transmissions

Stock Wrangler YJ Transfer Cases

Slip Yoke Eliminator

Gear Ratios and Crawl Ratios

Axle Swaps

Ring and Pinion Gear Upgrades

Central Axle Disconnect Front Axle

Axle Upgrades

Front Axle Shafts

Rear Axle Shafts

Splines

Axle Housing Reinforcements

Aftermarket Complete Axle Assemblies

Axle Lockers

U-joints, Yokes, and CV Joints

Pinion Angle

Ring and Pinion Break-in Procedure

Chapter 7: Styling and Storage Upgrades

Aftermarket Tops

Sun Shades

Tube Doors

Seat Upgrades

Steering Wheel

Mirrors

Fluid Storage

Metal Storage Boxes

Interior Storage

Roof Racks

Chapter 8: Electrical Upgrades and Lights

Battery Upgrades

Dual Battery Systems

Alternators

Auxiliary Lighting

Chapter 9: Engine Upgrades and Cooling System

Cold Air Intakes

Exhaust Systems

Ignition Upgrades

Heavy-Duty Clutch Kits

Forced Induction

Cooling System

Chapter 10: Popular Engine Swaps

Engine Weights

GM LS

Small-Block Ford

Cummins 2.8 Turbodiesel Crate Engine

Chapter 11: Winches, Vehicle Recovery Gear, and Trail Tools

Winches

Steel Versus Synthetic Winch Line

Winch Controllers

Roller Fairlead Versus Hawse Fairlead

Winch Accessories

Hi-Lift Jack

Straps

D-Ring Shackles

Ground Anchor for Winching

Extraction Boards, Sand Ladders, and Bridging Ladders

Trail Tools and Spare Parts

Tire Repair Kit

Simple Tools and Spare Parts

Chapter 12: All J Products/Jeep 4x4 School Street-Legal YJ Rock Crawler

Source Guide