Reader Rant
Why YJ?
Regarding the YJ article "Turning Point" [on the '87-'95 Wrangler YJ] in the Sept. '10 issue, I would like to point out a few things that need correcting and some other YJ tidbits.
All Dana 30 axles were not vacuum disconnect-equipped: the '95 YJ had the solid passenger-side axleshaft. The Dana 35c was a semifloat design in '87-'90 YJs, with C-clips in later versions. The '95 YJ's AX-15 had an external slave cylinder; all other YJ manual models had internally mounted slave cylinders. You can check the Dana website for build data to confirm my data on axles as well as the factory service manuals. My neighbor owned a new stock '95 with no vacuum disconnect, and I have a junk one I have robbed parts from with no vacuum disco.
As for transfer cases, the NP207 was used in '87 and some '88 models. The majority of '88s were fitted with the NP231. The factory service manual only lists the NP207, as I have stated. I owned a new '88 YJ and can vouch for the NP231 case as well as the semifloat axle design.
Other interesting tidbits: The transfer case shifter is mounted to the transfer case and not the transmission tunnel. The wiper assemblies for '87-'89 YJs were recalled and are weak (pull rods and swivels). A late-'90s Ford E350 brake master cylinder is a simple upgrade for rear discs (just open up the mounting holes and bolt it on). The steering column assembly from '87 to '90 used many Chevy S-10 parts (ignition cylinder, wiper switch, turn signal/hazard switches, bearings). Finally, you can trim an obscene amount of sheetmetal from the rear wheelwell openings.
Love the mag. Keep up the good work.
Hank Blackwood
Dalton, GA
Yes, when we read the magazine again after it was printed we realized that we made a few errors, and we apologize. Thanks for the corrections; we won't fall into that trap again.
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