Car Model History

First generation · YJ · 1987–1995

1987Jeep Wrangler

The original Wrangler, replacing the CJ-7. Distinguished by its unique square (rectangular) headlamps — the only Wrangler with them — plus a wider track and more on-road comfort, while keeping leaf-spring suspension.

First generation · YJ

1987 Jeep Wrangler YJ in red, front three-quarter view (square headlamps)

Photo: “1987 Jeep YJ in Colorado Red, Front Left, 06-10-2023.jpg” by Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1987 Jeep Wrangler model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1987 Wrangler

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

3factory configurations
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

3versions shown
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV

Wrangler — 2.5L AMC inline-four, AX-5 5-speed manual (2.5L)

Body
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV
Engine
2.5L AMC inline-four
Gearbox
AX-5 5-speed manual (2.5L)
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV

Wrangler — 4.2L AMC inline-six, BA 10/5 5-speed manual (4.2L)

Body
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV
Engine
4.2L AMC inline-six
Gearbox
BA 10/5 5-speed manual (4.2L)
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV

Wrangler — 4.2L AMC inline-six, 3-speed automatic (4.2L)

Body
Two-door removable-top 4x4 SUV
Engine
4.2L AMC inline-six
Gearbox
3-speed automatic (4.2L)
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1987 model year

Overview

The Wrangler nameplate launched for 1987 (YJ), replacing the long-running CJ-7. It kept the CJ's body-on-frame, solid-axle, leaf-spring 4x4 layout but added a wider track, lower center of gravity, and more comfort, safety, and on-road manners. Its defining visual quirk: square (rectangular) headlamps — the only Wrangler generation ever to wear them.

Specifications

Engines
  • 2.5L AMC inline-four
  • 4.2L AMC inline-six
Transmissions
AX-5 5-speed manual (2.5L), BA 10/5 5-speed manual (4.2L), 3-speed automatic (4.2L)
Body styles
2-door SUV

Year over year

What changed

  • Launch year of the Wrangler, replacing the CJ-7.
  • Adopted square (rectangular) headlamps — unique to the YJ.
  • Wider track and improved on-road comfort versus the CJ, on leaf springs.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The first Wrangler; the square-headlight YJ is the easiest generation to identify at a glance.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • 1980s body-on-frame 4x4; rust (especially frames and floors) and the condition of the 4x4 hardware are the chief checks on survivors.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1987 Wrangler on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1987 Jeep Wrangler. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
5
Factory intervals
4
Fitment-scoped
5
Exact references
3

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Exact reference available

    Published service schedule

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5L AMC inline-four · United States · This recovered schedule is intentionally scoped to the cited four-cylinder record; six-cylinder and California-specific requirements are not claimed.

    Published interval: 7,500 mi · Normal-service mileage interval; the archive instructs annual oil-filter replacement at each oil change when yearly mileage is below the stated interval.

    Source: Operation CHARM — 1987 Jeep Wrangler L4-150 2.5L VIN H TBI normal-service schedule · 7,500-mile normal-service row and its repeating mileage rows · checked

    4.2L AMC inline-six — cataloged oil-filter fitment

    Baldwin lists B141 for the cataloged 4.2L AMC inline-six Wrangler row; this establishes fitment only, not a service interval.

    Applies to: 1987 · 4.2L AMC inline-six · United States · 4.2L AMC inline-six application only.

    Source: Baldwin Filters — 2017 Automotive Applications catalog · Printed catalog page 348, Jeep 1987 Wrangler 4.2L AMC inline-six row — Lube — B141 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5L AMC inline-four — cataloged oil-filter fitment

    WIX lists 51626 for the 1987–1990 Wrangler 2.5L row; this establishes fitment only, not a service interval.

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5L AMC inline-four · United States

    Source: WIX Filters — 51626 application catalog · Jeep Wrangler application row — 1987–1990, L4 2.5L 150 CID · checked

    Verified ordering references

    • Validated equivalentWIX 51626

      Qty. 1 · Spin-on engine lubricating-oil filter · catalog-listed

      Cataloged for the 1987 Wrangler 2.5L; confirm VIN and installed engine before ordering.

      Catalog: WIX Filters — 51626 application catalog · Jeep Wrangler application row — 1987–1990, L4 2.5L 150 CID · checked

      Search this part on Amazon

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5L AMC inline-four · United States · This recovered schedule is intentionally scoped to the cited four-cylinder record; six-cylinder and California-specific requirements are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi · Normal-service replacement interval in the cited engine schedule.

    Source: Operation CHARM — 1987 Jeep Wrangler L4-150 2.5L VIN H TBI normal-service schedule · 15,000-mile normal-service row and repeating replacement rows · checked

  • Engine air filter

    Exact reference available

    Published service schedule

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5L AMC inline-four · United States · This recovered schedule is intentionally scoped to the cited four-cylinder record; six-cylinder and California-specific requirements are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi · Normal-service replacement interval in the cited engine schedule.

    Source: Operation CHARM — 1987 Jeep Wrangler L4-150 2.5L VIN H TBI normal-service schedule · 15,000-mile normal-service row and repeating replacement rows · checked

    4.2L AMC inline-six — cataloged air-filter fitment

    Baldwin lists PA642 for the cataloged 4.2L AMC inline-six Wrangler row; this establishes fitment only, not a service interval.

    Applies to: 1987 · 4.2L AMC inline-six · United States · 4.2L AMC inline-six application only.

    Source: Baldwin Filters — 2017 Automotive Applications catalog · Printed catalog page 348, Jeep 1987 Wrangler 4.2L AMC inline-six row — Air — PA642 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1987 · 2.5L AMC inline-four · United States · This recovered schedule is intentionally scoped to the cited four-cylinder record; six-cylinder and California-specific requirements are not claimed.

    Published interval: 12,000 mi · Normal-service replacement interval.

    Source: Operation CHARM — 1987 Jeep Wrangler L4-150 2.5L VIN H TBI normal-service schedule · 12,000-mile normal-service row — replace coolant · checked

  • Fuel filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    The Baldwin row establishes fitment only, not a replacement interval.

    Source: Baldwin Filters — 2017 Automotive Applications catalog · Printed catalog page 348, Jeep 1987 Wrangler 4.2L AMC inline-six row — Fuel — BF886 · checked

    4.2L AMC inline-six — cataloged fuel-filter fitment

    Baldwin lists BF886 for the cataloged 4.2L AMC inline-six Wrangler row; this establishes fitment only, not a service interval.

    Applies to: 1987 · 4.2L AMC inline-six · United States · 4.2L AMC inline-six application only.

    Source: Baldwin Filters — 2017 Automotive Applications catalog · Printed catalog page 348, Jeep 1987 Wrangler 4.2L AMC inline-six row — Fuel — BF886 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Accessories matched to this model year

Shop accessories for your 1987 Jeep Wrangler

Review the fitment details before ordering.

5 accessory matches

  • Front bumper for Jeep Wrangler

    Bumpers & armor

    Front bumper

    Fits 1987–1995 Jeep Wrangler

    Fitment details

    Fits 1987–1995 Jeep Wrangler. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.

    View at OEDRO
  • Rear bumper for Jeep Wrangler

    Bumpers & armor

    Rear bumper

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler

    Fitment details

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.

    View at OEDRO
  • Front bumper for Jeep Wrangler

    Bumpers & armor

    Front bumper

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler

    Fitment details

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.

    View at OEDRO
  • Rear bumper for Jeep Wrangler

    Bumpers & armor

    Rear bumper

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler

    Fitment details

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.

    View at OEDRO
  • Rear bumper for Jeep Wrangler

    Bumpers & armor

    Rear bumper

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler

    Fitment details

    Fits 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler. Confirm body style, doors, drivetrain, dimensions, and exclusions on the merchant listing before ordering.

    View at OEDRO

Collect

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Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. Mopar Owner's Information — select 1987 Jeep Wrangler
  2. Wikipedia — "Jeep Wrangler"

Other First generation years

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