Thank you. I bought this one back in 2017 and it was a dump. The list of things I did to it is very extensive. It is a 2.5L 4 cylinder but it packs a punch after some modifications. Headers and full exhaust, new sensors, distributor (old one kept giving a CEL), 4.0 Throttle Body, 19lbs., Ford 4 hole injectors and intake. Detroit TrueTracs front and back and 4.88 gears. New interior, door panels, seat, seat belts, stereo, Polk speakers, Pioneer subs and Kicker amp, new Bestop top, winch, headlights, taillights, tire carrier bumper, new 31" last year (downgraded the 33" tires that it came with), rhino lined interior, new steering wheel, new brakes, lower steering shaft and bearing (last year), steering linkage, spot lights, hood lock. Etc. My mountain driving (local driving) MPG is around 17.5. Not bad for high elevation and mostly hills.
I love seeing them out and driving around.
I'm suspecting the steering linkage or steering box.
They are cool and fun but for short drives. The ride can be punishing and it is loud.Nice!! I can relate to the YJ ‘love’
……Lots of memories from the 92 & 94 we owned (bought in 2001-ish). Back then, it was hard to find one without body & windshield rust issues. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to find one now!!
I had the 92 Grill in my basement forever….wanted to hang it up somewhere but ended up selling it (The 92 was totalled and we bought it back).
On the highway, my YJ loses about 1-2 mph, if I'm above 65mph on 5th going on an overpass. The 4.88 gears and mods help. Before the engine mods it would struggle to get to 65mph, after engine mods but before gears it would get to 70mph or 75 with a tail wind with the 33s. After the gears of would hold 75mph on flats easily. Now since I downsized tires to 31, it will do 85mph on flats. Going 75mph is a white knuckle experience. 85mph, just felt outright dangerous. Not because it was unstable but I can't shake the fact that this is a 33 year old brick with 1940s suspension and everything vibrated. Fun though!I had a 93 YJ with the 2.5-4 cylinder. It was a dog. Lost 5-10 mph going over an overpass. I put a 350 with a turbo 350 transmission in it. It would scoot. The suspension was terrible. Although, I saved money on beer…drink one beer and it was like you drank a 6 pack from all the foam it made in your stomach.
It was definitely fun! I did terrible, mean things to that YJ and it just kept taking it. It was the start of my love affair with Jeeps!On the highway, my YJ loses about 1-2 mph, if I'm above 65mph on 5th going on an overpass. The 4.88 gears and mods help. Before the engine mods it would struggle to get to 65mph, after engine mods but before gears it would get to 70mph or 75 with a tail wind with the 33s. After the gears of would hold 75mph on flats easily. Now since I downsized tires to 31, it will do 85mph on flats. Going 75mph is a white knuckle experience. 85mph, just felt outright dangerous. Not because it was unstable but I can't shake the fact that this is a 33 year old brick with 1940s suspension and everything vibrated. Fun though!
This thing just runs. Only one time it didn't want to start and that was the starter which was going bad before I bought the YJ. A guy helped us by giving it a tug with his truck and we got it running. The new starter went in in about 20 minutes.
Does it have the original suspension? Sounds like you could benefit from some new springs and/or suspension refresh. Or at least, checking all your leaf spring bushings to make sure they’re not ‘frozen’. That was a big issue with the YJ’s we had….
It came with a Dick Cepek lift. I'm thinking it is a 3.5 inch lift. I've been contemplating a new lift and shocks. I checked yesterday the rear leaf spring bushings and from the outside they looked good. I pushed the vehicle from side to side while observing the springs and the mounts and I couldn't see any movement.
Jump on it (up & down)….and watch the shackles (and/or have someone else watch the shackles). You should see ‘some’ movement (although, not much) to confirm they’re free….
