📚 Vehicle Manual Information

Jeep Cherokee YJ XJ 1987 All Service Repair Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Generation Codes:

YJ (Wrangler - often grouped with Cherokee in early aftermarket manuals for shared components), XJ

Year:

1987

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV, Off-Road Vehicle

Key Selling Points:

Ruggedness, off-road capability, relatively simple mechanicals, iconic design

Competitors 1987:

Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer

Design Philosophy:

Body-on-frame construction, robust drivetrain, emphasis on utility and durability

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring quality work

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

All Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File

Intended Audience:

DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emission controls

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine sensors, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, torque converter (if applicable to automatic), transmission fluid

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, valve body, seals, transmission fluid

Drivetrain:

Transfer case (NP231, NP242), front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, U-joints, propeller shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, leaf springs, coil springs, shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints, control arms

Steering:

Steering gear, steering column, power steering system, tie rods, drag links

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, starter, alternator, lighting systems, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, structural repairs, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim

Climate Control:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, A/C system (if equipped)

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common drivability issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation

Rebuild:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications and clearances

Diagnostic Procedures:

Testing of sensors, actuators, electrical circuits, and mechanical components

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing parts like alternators, starters, water pumps, brake pads, and more

Body Repair:

Procedures for body panel alignment, rust repair, and trim replacement are typically included.

Alignment Specifications:

Wheel alignment specifications for front and rear axles.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics

Detail Level:

Detailed exploded diagrams, torque specifications, alignment procedures, and electrical schematics

Wiring Diagrams:

Includes detailed electrical system schematics for all major components and circuits.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for in-garage use

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

Estimated Pages:

High (typically 700-1500+ pages for comprehensive service manuals covering multiple models/engines)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.5

Engine Type Xj:

Inline-4, OHV

Engine Code Xj:

AMC 150

Horsepower Xj:

121 hp @ 4,800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Xj:

170 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (approx.)

Engine Displacement Liters:

4.0

Engine Type Xj:

Inline-6, OHV

Engine Code Xj:

AMC 242 ('6-242')

Horsepower Xj:

173 hp @ 4,700 rpm (approx.)

Torque Xj:

220 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm (approx.)

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.5

Engine Type Yj:

Inline-4, OHV

Engine Code Yj:

AMC 150

Horsepower Yj:

112 hp @ 4,800 rpm (approx.)

Torque Yj:

135 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (approx.)

Engine Displacement Liters:

4.2

Engine Type Yj:

Inline-6, OHV

Engine Code Yj:

AMC 258

Horsepower Yj:

119 hp @ 3,200 rpm (approx.)

Torque Yj:

215 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for 4.0L, Carbureted (2-barrel) for 2.5L and 4.2L

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (Select-Shift)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type:

3-speed Automatic

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual

Transmission Type 2:

5-speed Manual

Transfer Case Options:

Command-Trac (NP231) part-time, Selec-Trac (NP242) full-time (XJ models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

approx. 168.0 inches

Width:

approx. 69.9 inches

Height:

approx. 63.4 inches

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches

Length:

approx. 157.4 inches

Width:

approx. 69.9 inches

Height:

approx. 65.7 inches

Wheelbase:

93.4 inches

Curb Weight:

approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs

Curb Weight:

approx. 3,000 - 3,400 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1987:

Data for 1987 may be limited; early models generally had basic safety features.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (ABS not available)

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear)

Rollover Protection:

Internal roll cage structure inherent to the unibody design (XJ), basic roll bar (YJ)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System 1987:

AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player (Optional)

ABS:

Not available on 1987 models

Traction Control:

Not available on 1987 models

Bluetooth:

Not available on 1987 models

🔧 Maintenance

Interval Miles Xj 4.0L:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil)

Interval Miles Xj 2.5L:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil)

Interval Miles Yj 4.2L:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil)

Interval Miles Yj 2.5L:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil)

Xj 4.0L Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific conditions)

Xj 2.5L Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40

Yj 4.2L Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40

Yj 2.5L Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, meeting Chrysler MS-0654T (typically a green coolant)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (or equivalent spec for Chrysler transmissions)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF type T or Dexron II for NP231/NP242

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF type H or equivalent

Xj Common Issues Early:

Head gasket failures (especially 4.0L), aging fuel pumps, rust on unibody (particularly rocker panels and rear quarters), starter motor issues

Yj Common Issues Early:

Clutch issues (manual), transmission synchro wear (manual), axle seal leaks, leaf spring fatigue, starter and alternator failures, carburation issues (4.2L)

Oil Filter Example:

Wix 51064, Fram PH8A, K&N HP-3001 (Verify for specific engine)

Air Filter Example:

Wix 42744, Fram CA3980 (Verify for specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Established military and off-road vehicle manufacturer with a long history dating back to WWII.

Xj Introduction:

Introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary unibody compact SUV, setting a new benchmark for the class.

Yj Introduction:

Introduced in 1987, replacing the CJ series, featuring coil springs in front and a coil-sprung rear axle. Significant departure from CJ's leaf springs.

Xj Production Years:

1984-2001

Yj Production Years:

1987-1995

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The XJ Cherokee was widely praised for its compact size, off-road prowess, and comfortable ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs of its era. Often lauded for its blend of utility and daily drivability.

Off Road Publications:

Frequently featured in off-road enthusiast magazines for its capability and aftermarket support.