The Jeep Wrangler YJ debuted for the 1987 model year and continued production until 1995. According to a 2023 Jeep press release, the YJ sold 630,000 units during its production run. But here we are, thirty years after the YJ’s final model year, and it’s rare to see one in the wild. That’s why we did a double take when we spotted Chris Riley’s 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ at the 2025 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. This is no ordinary YJ, however—it’s built to dominate the dirt with an impressive collection of modifications.

About The First-Gen Wrangler

We need to start with a quick over-the-shoulder look at Wrangler YJ history. The YJ was a significant—and somewhat controversial—model for the automaker. It replaced the legendary CJ line and was the first Wrangler-branded vehicle for Jeep. Completely new from the ground up, it was larger in many respects than its predecessor. In its first model year, it could be had with either a fuel-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a carbureted 4.2-liter I6 engine. A manual transmission was standard with each powertrain, and an automatic was available with the I6. The YJ had a base curb weight of only 3,022 pounds (compare that to a 2025 Wrangler Sport two-door at 4,012 pounds). Finally, its most controversial feature for some was its square headlights.

V8 Power, Maximum Crawl Ratio of 143:1

Chris, the owner of R&S Custom Fab in Bloomsburg, was quick to point out that he didn’t build the YJ—it was acquired during a trade. Origins notwithstanding, it’s a beast. Under the hood is a 358-cubic-inch small-block Chevy V8 featuring a roller cam, Edelbrock aluminum heads, and FiTech fuel injection. It also has MSD ignition, Hooker headers, and a K&N air filter. Other underhood components include a Wilwood master cylinder and an ARB air compressor.

Power is routed through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission to a crawl box and an Advance Adapters Atlas 4.3:1 transfer case. Chris says the combination helps create a maximum crawl ratio of 143:1.

1-Ton Running Gear, Modified Leaf Springs, Hydro-Assist Steering

Under the rig rests 1-ton running gear. Up front is a Dynatrac Dana 60 fitted with a high-steer kit, an ARB Air Locker, and Yukon Hardcore locking hubs. It also has beefy chromoly axleshafts and U-joints. Out back is a Dana 60 with a differential spool, 35-spline chromoly axleshafts, and a Yukon Gear & Axle differential cover. Gearing for each axle is 4.56:1.

The YJ’s suspension includes modified Rubicon Express leaf springs that help generate an estimated eight inches of lift. A Fox 2.0 remote-reservoir shock resides at each corner, with the upper mounts connected to custom hoops.

Finally, a PSC Motorsports hydraulic-assist system makes it easy to aim the big 40×13.50R17 Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 tires mounted on steel wheels.

Exterior Mods

Outside, the YJ has been heavily modified. Its features include enlarged front and rear wheel openings, flush LED taillights, cowl-mounted LED cube lights, and LED headlights. It also has Warn body armor, a bikini soft top, and a Rough Country Pro Series 12000S winch.

Interior Tweaks

Inside, features include upgraded gauges, a modified factory rollcage, and aftermarket levers for the transmission, crawl box, and transfer case. There’s also an upgraded audio system, a cargo-area-mounted aluminum fuel cell, and aftermarket seats.

The Bottom Line

When this 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ rolled off the assembly line, no one probably would’ve guessed that 36 years later it would still be looking good and sporting a V8 with 1-ton running gear. It’s a unique build that capitalizes on Jeep’s first-generation Wrangler.