17th Sep 2005, 18:56
Hi, I own a 1989 YJ Jeep Wrangler, which I really enjoy and get lots of complements considering the model. All I have to say is that I agree with the 1st comment about love/hate relationship, nothing compares to drive around the Lake or just Downtown with the top down, and what I noticed about Jeep owners is that we are like a big family, same as the motorcyclist we wave to each other every time we see one, besides bikers we are the only ones that does the same.
I highly recommend a Jeep to whoever wants to own a reliable SUV and an affordable convertible.
Good Luck
Juan
Dallas, TX.
30th Jul 2006, 20:47
1995 Jeep YJ 4.0 liter 5 speed manual.
Things I have done to my Jeep.
Hit a 1 foot high tree stump, and bent my rims.
Drive-shaft broken after many months of vibration.
Unknown oil leakage after an incident with a pot hole.
Pros.
Tough, rugged SUV.
Simple design.
Reliable (for me anyways)
Cons:
Rough, rough ride.
Loose steering (try hitting a pothole at 55 mph in a Jeep).
Will probably start leaking oil after 100,000 miles.
Overall.
With preventative maintenance, a Jeep should last for 200,000+ miles.
I have replaced the battery, water pump, and spark wires so far.
26th Mar 2007, 15:20
I own a 2005 jeep "X" and so far I love it. I lifted it up 4 inches and popped some 33x12.5 mudders. There is a little drive shaft vibration at 50mph we are fine tuning it out. But over all this thing is a beast and I will never buy anything else, but a Jeep! Like said..It's a Jeep thing!
3rd Apr 2007, 06:25
Oil on the air filter is not because of piston ring blow-by. (in your case). almost all 4.0l jeeps get it. I believe it is the pcv valve or the metal flapper on the inside of the valve cover. if you look around online I'm sure you'll find what specifically, but I just wanted to put your mind at ease. you don't have a serious motor problem.
3rd Apr 2007, 09:35
I have a 1994 4.0L Wrangler (119000). Love it, but I've fixed transmission, water pump, radiator, exhaust manifold, exhaust, journal bearings, re-honed the cylinders, soaked the head, grinded valves, brakes twice, shocks, and oil pump. My next project is steering. Jeep wants to shake itself apart if it hits a bump on the highway or if I go over 62 mph. Any suggestions?
9th Aug 2007, 23:09
I have a 89 Jeep Wrangler and I agree with the love hate thing. I've had it for 3 years and now have $11,000 in her, but I love it to much to sell, the biggest problem was the computerized carburetor throw it in the trash and put a Throttle Body Injection kit on it and all is good.
26th Aug 2007, 23:53
We just bought a 1989 YJ a week ago. On our test drive the thermostat went on it. The dealership says they fixed it. On our next drive all went well.
The next day after buying it, the solenoid was going funny, but it was something that we could fix.
Today when we were out having Jeep fun, something went on it. What exactly we cannot figure out. The jeep is pushing fuel to the carb, but it's not igniting. It was back firing something fierce and blew two holes in the muffler. All I can say is thank-god we got out of the bush!!! We had to coast down the mountain, but was able to make it to a store barely... we had to constantly have the key turned to do anything (hopefully the starter is still OK).
Any suggestions?
12th Sep 2007, 15:09
I just got a Jeep YJ 1989 Sahara and it won't start, It looks like it's not getting any gas, and we have replaced the gas filter and the choke is loose. I have no clue what's wrong. Help please.
20th Sep 2007, 08:51
Reading these comments I feel humor and compassion. My 90 Wrangler has endured most of the problems: clutch (3 times),radiator, water pump, carburetor (now has Howell injection),dist (replaced w a Davis) just to name a few. Also a Lock Right diff. locker--don't do it unless you climb rocks for fun. It has taken out the trans. and I am looking for a replacement now. They seem to be a rare item and my little buddy is sitting in the garage until I can find a parts car. So until I get my wallet and wrenches organized there will be no fun on the road with the top off!
26th Nov 2007, 18:40
"I" have a 1994 wrangler YJ..."I" have replaced u-joint, all body mounts, and bushings with polyurythane, lift kit on suspension as well as body,..."I" can't find a body tub new or used for this square headlight era... does anyone know of anyone/or place that refabs / or has the ability to find such a beast that is not "Fiberglass???
16th Mar 2008, 22:04
I bought my 89 Wrangler Sahara new in 1988, and aside from a new carb that the dealer had to install in 1990, I've had very few problems with it. I never went crazy off-road, and it still runs great (I needed a new cat-converter last year). I want it to last forever, so I only drive it in the summer on weekends. Here is my problem...
It has the full doors and the hard top. As you know, the hard top is attached to the windshield via five screws. The holes for those five screws have gotten bigger and bigger over the years. Aside from using bigger and bigger bolts, does anyone have any ideas on how to secure the hard top to the windshield?
30th Mar 2008, 19:10
Can anyone tell me why the front wheels act differently than the back wheels? When I am in deep snow, the back wheels will turn, but the front wheels do not always turn. Is this normal? I have an 89 Jeep YJ.
Thanks, Jerry Coulson.
8th Apr 2008, 05:52
I'm planing on buying Wrangler sahra 1989, and I heard a lot from you guys, any tips or suggestion on how should I examin the JEEP. 10x.
29th Jun 2008, 16:13
Well hello all... I am the original poster of this thread. Thanks for all the comments... nice to know that loads of us have had issues with our Jeeps.
I am going to continue the story from where I left off 5 years ago...
3rd Jul 2008, 14:36
I am the sorry (but somehow happy) owner of 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ with a carburated 4.2 litre. I have owned for 2 years now and I can honestly say that all the vehicles I have owned put together, have had less time and money put into them than this jeep.
The things I have managed to fix are all brake lines, 2 drums, 4 wheel drive, master cylinder, valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket, patched holes in the floor, the radio, temp gauge, rear main seal, wiring harness, heater, and more.
It still doesn't idle and the tranny jumps after about 45 minutes of driving. But just like many Jeep owners, I still love it, even though it empties my wallet.
22nd Mar 2005, 12:35
I bought an '89 Jeep...exact same problems right down to the u-joint taking out the muffler, same love/hate relationship. To answer your carb problems,...remove the idle tubes and drill them out with a 1/32 drill bit. It'll idle and run like a totally different Jeep (that trick took me a year to figure out). I have affectionately dubbed mine "The Money Pit". I fix it, I play hard, I break it, I fix it... but just try and keep up with us when it runs... Good luck!!!
The Manley Man.