Rebuilding a 87 YJ

[bickettwrangler]

I started working on this in 2017, a 1987 yj that picked up in southern Illinois. Powered by a 4.2L and Automatic trans.

 

[ytradio]

Looks awfully good for an 87 Illinois Jeep. Must have been a summer runner.

 

[bickettwrangler]

I had to replace the shock hangers on the right and left side of the frame

 

[bickettwrangler]

The yj sat for a few years, because I was trying to figure out if I was going to rebuild the 4.2L or drop in a small block. I start working on it again about 3 months ago. The in most part is good, but left front fender had a rust hole and the floor pan was getting very thin. I have the body at a local body shop getting those items replaced.

 

[ytradio]

Very minimal repair for that old of Jeep. You got yourself a winner.

 

[bickettwrangler]

Couple more of the body off the frame

 

[Sunsport]

Looks like a great project! What are your plans for the body? Keep it original?

 

[bickettwrangler]

I’m plan keeping the body original, I did install a 4” rough country lift. I’m looking to do some Micki Thompson classic III rims. I have a hard top off a 92 yj. It’s getting paint touched up, not going to do a full repaint. I like the fade strips and a dinks it has. It’s character..

 

[bickettwrangler]

Doing a complete rebuild of the motor, I decided to keep the original 285 and not go with Chevy small block conversation. The more research I did on 285, the more excited I became to put it back in.

 

[bickettwrangler]

Motor mated back with the transmission, I had the transmission and transfer case rebuilt two years ago. The motor had 180,000 miles on it, before taking to the machine shop. We had to do a .40 cut, new pistons, rings, rod bearings and main bearings. Slid in a new cam with cam bearings.

 

[Sunsport]

Nice work on the engine - and I agree on it being cool keeping the body/stripes original.

 

[bickettwrangler]

Added an Holley Sniper EFI. New exhaust manifold and head pipe.

 

[bickettwrangler]

I know this isn’t a Jeep, but this is my other project I’m working on. I was to be done before my wedding last year. It still at the body shop, and I’m married. It’s a 1986 Silverado K20. I bought in the spring of 2019 out of California. No rust on the body or frame, you don’t find that in Illinois.

 

[AbileneYJNewbie]

Awesome build so far!!! Looks like you're doing it right! Here is a pic of my w.i.p. 87 yj sport

 

[bickettwrangler]

Okay, it’s been since April that I did a post. The Jeep body went to the body shop to get a new floor pan and driver side front fender in May. Just about weeks ago I was able to pick the body up and start the final fitting back on the frame. I was really hoping to leave the original paint, but because of the new fender we will end up probably repainting the whole thing.

 

[bickettwrangler]

I’m hoping to have the body bolted down in about here over the next week and running in two weeks. This is a busy time on the farm as we get equipment ready for harvest in October. Combines takes priority!!!!!

 

[AbileneYJNewbie]

Keep it up!