TFL Jeep Wrangler YJ: Snowy & Muddy Colorado Off-Road Debut

( www.TFLcar.com ) Meet the TFL Jeep Wrangler YJ. The 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ is perhaps the least loved of the Wrangler Jeeps. The YJ featured square headlights which upset the Jeep loyalist as this went against the long round headlight tradition of Jeep. In this video we introduce you to TFL newest test vehicle and we take it off-road in the snow and mud to see how it handles the Colorado Rockies.
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[@really_jack]

love seeing YJs! us 'square headlight' applaud your choice!

[@LakaiGirlAppsSkill]

Maybe it's just me but I think any Jeep Wrangler is a great buy

[@relo4555]

Adam Cooprider same

[@VentureAHighway]

I dont think you can go wrong

[@phil100kilo]

I have a 90 YJ and I dig the square head lights. It looks more masculine than the round to me. Thanks TFL for making this vid on a YJ and would love to see more on it in the near future.

[@scottsmith6571]

Same but I upgraded to led square lights

[@RedneckGarage]

Thanks for givin some love to the YJs :) My channel has a bunch of videos on restoring a YJ.

[@jeepcollector91]

...at 03:57 you mention the Dana-30 front axle as the weak point of the YJ. I wouldn't worry too much about that Dana-30. You will break that Dana-35 rear axle way before you have any real issues with the Dana-30 front. Please don't waste your money installing a locker in the Dana-35 either. Just find a Dana-44 rear from an early XJ, a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer, or at least a 29-spline Chrysler 8.25 from a later Cherokee XJ to swap in the rear of your YJ. You can get any of those axles from your local U-pull salvage yard for cheap. I bought my '87 XJ Dana-44 for $60. Since you have a 4.0L/Auto I am guessing that you have 3.55 gears. Should have no problem finding an XJ Dana-44 with 3.54 gears to work with your Dana-30 front. Then spend the money on a good locker for that rear axle. Keep the YJ videos coming. Thanks.

[@TheBluehornz01]

Completely agree. Dana 35 is bad news. My '93 XJ came with a Dana 35 so I swapped it for a Dana 44 as soon as I could.

[@hyperlogos]

Can you use an Econoline axle, or is perch relocation too much of a PITA? They had light Dana 60s and I see them in yards

[@jeepcollector91]

Martin Espinoza That Dana-60 would be a bit wider than the YJ Dana-35 and guessing you would be getting the Dana-60 from an E250 or E350 then you would also end up with an 8-lug pattern (E150 usually has the 8.8 but a few were optioned with the 9.75) If you are planning on a matching width and lug pattern front axle then it would be just fine. As for changing the spring perch location, that is super easy to do just like on the narrower XJ Dana-44 & Chrysler 8.25, or Ford Explorer 8.8 rear axles. And you can also move the shock mounting locations to the U-bolt plates. If you are going with full-size axles you could also get a Dana-80 from an E450...

[@TheLittlered1961]

Jeep collector, I could not agree more. I did an axle swap and used a ford 8.8 and re geared the same time. Also did a lock right at same time. Now I have 4 wheel discs and a healthy rear end and lockers front and rear. World of difference with the 33's. Can climb like crazy and not worry about hearing snap crackle pop from the rear end. My big questions are: 1. Does he have a SYE in it, I do, 2. 3.5 lift?, I have a 2.5 lift and it looks like it sits higher, 3. That dam plastic step, my sliders look like they went through a war zone, how would those hold up? And #4. $6500, seems a bit steep for that Jeep.

[@Ikillintel1]

😂

[@smokethirteen]

I’ve got a 95 YJ also that I’ve owed since 97. Its lifted clean and rust free. It’s a very fun weekend ride. It gets a lot of attention because it so different from the modern Jeeps.

[@steyrproof]

I prefer the background sound of gunfire over music any day !

[@thelongdaysofwheeling124]

While your waiting to get those lockers, you might find airing down the tires a big help over road.

[@benjamins2529]

i just bought a 92 yj, i love everything about it! thanks for the video!

[@KingstonChickens]

I have a Sahara TJ and I think that YJs have a way cooler body. If I could have a YJ body with TJ interior and suspension that would be the ultimate set up. You got a sweet jeep!

[@CatcherOfBass]

I just got my Jeep WJ out of a deep snowy/icy ditch today. No lift kit, but the 4 wheel drive did it's job very well.

[@yasserrivera7765]

Waoo!!, this vehicle is forever, I Love Jeep .

[@bizkillall]

Roman, just putting it into 4-low does not send the power to all four wheels. 4-low just multiplies the torque, it does not lock the front and rear differentials. It is obvious in the video that the Sahara did not have locking differentials as not all wheels were spinning when you got stuck. If it does have them, you forgot to engage them (which is separate from engaging 4-low). A 4x4 system with open differentials in my experience is just as bad as a modern AWD system that uses the ABS to simulate a locking differential. You need to install front and rear lockers in the Sahara to truly get power to all 4 wheels at the same time, then you will have a 4x4 system better than any modern AWD system. EDIT: I'm very impatient. I'm in an area with crappy cell signal and didn't want to wait for the video to finish loading before I commented. I see now that you understand the Sahara needs lockers. You need to stop using off road terms incorrectly (4-low sending power to all 4 wheels) so that I can avoid making myself look like an impatient bastard! Once you get the lockers installed, that thing is going to be a beast.

[@TFLcar]

Thanks for the heads up and will do.

[@bizkillall]

The Fast Lane Car Have I said I loved your videos? I do. Been a long time fan, but sometimes your usage of technical terms is incorrect and annoys me. This time just really irked me for some reason making me go on a rant before finishing the video. Then I look like an idiot. :(

[@karlandersolaussen9252]

The YJ is the coolest wrangler of them all, at least that's my opinion. I really like the square headlights and it also stands out more than the others. Oh! You need another reason to like it? "Because MacGyver!"

[@tctonyclarke7552]

I live in the UK and have a 94 YJ same colour and spec as yours, and i love it, it looks great and goes anywhere in any weather conditions, love the video, just wish fuel was cheaper here.

[@RossRacing7x]

Roman that D30 isnt your problem. throw some chromoly axle shafts in it and it will serve well up to 35" tires. What you should worry about is the D35 rear axle.

[@ilovekitties8643]

You won't have to worry about the HP30 front, it's the D35 rear that you might as well toss and replace with a affordable ford 8.8. As long as the frame is good you've got a great jeep to play with!

[@DerkaDerkaOsama17]

CJ and TJ are my personal favorites. I love all jeeps though

[@notstin]

I would love to see more videos of the '95 Wrangler!

[@VentureAHighway]

Can't wait to get my first Jeep soon. I'm watching all of your Jeep videos

[@AustenARW]

Excellent! Can't wait to see more. I agree wholeheartedly about appreciating the basics of being completely free of any electronics that interfere (if that's how you look at it of course) with the experience. I am very analog in that way and enjoy the challenge of making a vehicle perform in its entirety where modern electronics can take that away and make you a better driver than you actually are. There is just something so rewarding about doing all the work yourself which in itself is irreplaceable.

[@CarnutMM]

You managed to find a gem. My favorite color combination wrangler and in excellent shape. Love the fact your keeping it old school with the lights. Your hit it dead on in that when you add meaty tires and front and rear limited slips, it's going to be unstoppable. Keep producing your awesome videos and maintain the jeep old school.

[@notasolution]

Love the TFL wheel cover and especially The Jeep itself!! Great buy guys, kinda jealous haha. Hope to see lots of videos with this machine, best wishes with your new ride, looks damn good

[@Motzistick17]

I have a 91 Jeep YJ. I love it, I have a 4 inch lift and 31s on it right now. The only problem I have with it is my transmission is starting to go bad, and it is a inline 4 engine. I plan on upgrading in the future.

[@Howard1939]

I agree with "landrover971" about manual transmissions in 4 WD vehicles, have driven CJ-5 & 1969 Ford Bronco (with 302 V-8), both real stump jumpers & both not shy on steep rock strewn slopes in West Texas & Texas Hill Country..

[@bobsymonds208]

got a 93 yj. I miss my cj as much as I miss my father.

[@1guyin10]

That is a clean looking YJ. Looking forward to seeing it in future videos. Gotta love that old straight 6. All that torque is great off road.

[@robertrichardson9953]

The 4.6 inline from Golen is an awesome engine as well

[@ec6933]

I'm so excited for this. I love your guys show and my dad just got a 1995 Saharah but it has a 2006 TDI VW motor with 180hp and 300tq so it gets about 30mpg... Except I just blew out the syncros since it's the ax15 Trans and has 200k miles on it

[@ty52124]

Thanks for making this video.

[@michaelmoore7352]

lol love the sound of the torqueflite 1st gear whine. I have the same thing in my Grand Cherokee and it just brings back memories.

[@beargrylls5294]

You guys are just awesome

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

the later YJs had abs as an option , and the abs version had a stronger front axle even though it is the same Dana 30 . and all of the models had air conditioning as an option ,even the ones with out air conditioning had a pulley and mount where the air conditioning goes

[@NordicNevs]

Finally. Old school v new school. Do that with an older truck you all built a while ago. Compare the new with the old. Awesome vid guys.

[@pokerrus78]

next time try airing down the tires

[@AdebowaleAdesida]

Love the video. Live in Nigeria and use the manual 1994, YJ 4.0L 6 cylinder Engine.

[@catfishmudflap]

Congratulations. I love my Jeep.

[@demetripapa307]

love the sounds of freedom.

[@NoxNoctisUmbra]

Nice looking Jeep, I like the squared headlights. Bring them back Jeep.

[@bruceklassen8261]

That Jeep was mint

[@Briantan1911]

The high pinion dana 30 with the center axle disconnect isn't bad, the dana 35 rear is weak. You can put xj axle shafts on the front to delete the CAD.

[@larrycater-tx613]

YJ was the first Jeep that could be a daily driver.

[@hoagieman26]

Roman!!! Do a 4.0 4x4 XJ Cherokee!!! Traditional 4x4 other than being unibody, and it's probably the most popular SUV ever created!! This YJ review was awesome, and I'd love to see more old Jeeps on the show!!

[@LarryC213]

I'm at 2 minutes and forty seconds into this video, and I want to say for the record that with this Wrangler having an auto. transmission, I am wondering how many years we will have to hear Nathan whining about it not being a manual 😋 I have always heard that the 4.0 engine was the best engine to ever be put into a Wrangler. I am certainly not a Jeep expert, but I really like your new Jeep. Congratulations.

[@laurenlalo153]

Awesome!!

[@wcjeep]

Looks like a late build YJ. It has the TJ style dual diaphragm brake booster. It might not have the front axle disconnect.

[@abnormaltexan]

I have a 2.5” lift with 33x12.50 MT and i get 14 mpg on the highway I’m pretty happy with that lol

[@maxwellpowell4306]

Canada!!!!! Oh how I love my country.

[@scottsmith6571]

My lil 2.5 94 gets it done with lil swampers

[@quentinc1275]

Good job

[@johna1007]

Handy tip: Lower your tyre pressures. You will get much more grip and reduce tyre damage. And as many others have said - airlockers!

[@shawnfitzgerald5518]

Love it! Do you guys sell the spare tire covers?!

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I understood it, but it was funny to hear "Now I'm gonna put it in two-low, because I've got two low gears; I've got two and I've got low."

[@DrangedArkabilly]

That HP30 is a good axle. I put some TJ shafts in mine, and it not only eliminates that problematic vacuum disconnect, but gives a slight strength upgrade as the TJ shafts use a larger U-joint. You may however have to adress your front driveshaft at that point. (I replaced the front yoke and put a retubed XJ shaft in mine) As for the rear forget a d44 and go for a 8.8 out of a 96-00 explorer. It is a fairly easy swap, the 8.8 is stronger than the d44, and comes wiith a nice disk brake upgrade. They are also available with the same gear ratios and some even have a LSD. You also forgot to mention the YJ's fully boxed frame and beefier leaf springs. if you want to improve the ride quality, then DITCH THOSE TRACK BARS! Track bars have no place on a leaf sprung suspension.

[@OGStoneVegas]

I want a YJ just like this

[@LlyleHunter]

There is a major problem with the Jeep Wrangler in that the front and rear differentials have a rubber grommet instead of a bolt where the differential oil (81/40 or 80/90) in. Once off road and in water they fill up with water and the oil has to be changed. You'd think that after 70 years they'd have fixed that.

[@Stangzillaw302w]

Bruce Solomon Hmm...so I've never had this problem before and I go off-roading quite a bit. where is this rubber grommet you speak of?

[@quentinc1275]

Ahhh the one on my channel has square headlights that's my favorite type of jeep

[@benolson8036]

Reminds me of the XJ I'm not driving. The 62 mile daily commute would kill my wallet. But it was a great first car and it's just retired to the farm. Agree with you on the affordability of the Jeep. Got it for $400 and that thing is bulletproof! It performs very well. My cousin and uncle were surprised how much we do with it and it doesn't get stuck. It's totally different once you get a Jeep.

[@dchawk81]

Yeah I NEEEEED to get my little wagon back on the road. This Lincoln is killing me going to work and back.

[@benolson8036]

Mine needs a new gas tank. It leaks REALLLLY bad....

[@dchawk81]

My wagon is waiting on warm enough weather to rebuild the front end. All the parts are sitting here...

[@benolson8036]

Yup. Hard to do anything when it's -10 with wind chill. No place inside to do it at the farm so it's gotta get pretty warm for us to want to do it.

[@dchawk81]

Exactly. It makes me cry a little. I'm averaging 14mpg to and from work due to this stupid cold weather. When I could be getting 30+ Blah.

[@klc317]

Should be a fun off roader! Like you said its older, it runs, and if it gets a scratch or a dent or three thats ok. I recently got some General Grabber AT-2s 31x10.5s on my truck. They are similar to BFG all terrains and have stud holes for ice and deep snow. Great tires, might be a good choice on that jeep.

[@kolsenfiske6468]

$6,500 is a heck of a deal. a jeep similar to that could easy sell for $8,000 in Arizona, and where I am located, we don't have emissions.

[@Christian_cook2]

wish my yj was that nice on the interior

[@redneckrustertales1499]

Also my 50" rzr is cool too

[@Mario771942]

ill give you guys a heads up with my ram. i live overhere in southern new england, gots a ton of snow, and my ram is a beast. this fing think just powers thro the snow like it's not even there. deep snow pack, 10 out of 10. you have to try really hard to get this truck stuck. i bought a snow blower for my little drive way, i really don't think i need it. just keep piling on the snow in front, ram will power thought all that.

[@MrChevypower]

Check out Aussie lockers, which are $250 per axle, I am going to put them on my ZJ. Get Pitbull Rocker tires. I would prefer NOT to have ABS off-road, allowing dirt, mud, snow to build up in front of the tires when skidding.

[@kma198199]

Roman... That raptor probably didn't flinch up that hill. So yeah.. Your opinions may be slightly flawed!

[@Chuckles23]

I have a yj and I'm looking for a hood mount for my jack. Where did you get yours from thanks.

[@Mario771942]

what a minute. my 2014 ram 1500 will do all that. and the road course your on.

[@GoneJeepinUwharrie]

So what happened to the Raptor, do you guys still have it? Being a Jeep guy, I love that you guys finally picked something that makes more sense for slow off roading than the Raptor. What tires are you guys looking to put on it? MTs or ATs?

[@sgbradley]

Wow that is The Best #Jeep review TFL has ever done......Now if we could only get Emme to be the #JeepGirl in these videos?

[@kg0173]

I'm the one who actually thought the square lights were cooler than oldish round lights. Now I don't know what I like more yj or cj. Or should I get TJ?

[@gtemnykh]

I don't understand the reasoning in the beginning of the video, claiming that the YJ in 4-low transfers power to 'all wheels all the time.' Unless you're locked front and rear, that is certainly not the case. Power is in a locked split 50/50 front to rear at the transfer case, but left to right across the open differentials on both axles, that power can quickly go 100/0 if one side loses traction.

[@jamesbowden4871]

Who shifts the transfer case into low-range 4-wheel drive without putting the main transmission into neutral first?

[@petermorales695]

I'm going to Colorado Denver for the summer this year and am seriously wanting to offroad, is there anyway we could arrange anything? I know youre busy but I'll be there for 4 months in my 1992 Sonoma

[@redneckrustertales1499]

I have a 94 2.5 5 speed and it is awsome any jeep but the jk is awsome

[@MrTanman210]

bought a 95 YJ @$2250 in 2019. 4 cylinder 5 speed with 200k miles. hard/soft/bikini tops included with full and half doors. good deal?

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

The YJ really has grown on me, so much that I'm now considering getting one. When you're off-roading in something like that, in addition to putting the transfer case into 4LO, should you put the transmission into L?

[@jamesbowden4871]

And, yes, if that's a Canadian spec Jeep, then the odometer is definitely in kilometers. Our odometers are only in km. 144,000 km is only 90,000 miles, which is pretty good for a '95.

[@justinchampion5468]

That looked like fun trail run. You guys crack me up with your 'off road' reviews. If I see you fording a muddy swirling stream through 30" of water or mud, or testing break-over angles on a step ledge, then it'd be an 'off road' review (IMO). Don't get me wrong, I love TFL car and TFL Truck (you've helped me pick out 2 cars so far!) but these are not 'off road' reviews. On the up-side the YJ is a great base platform for off-roading, especially since you acknowledged the value of real off road tires and lockers. A technical question: Did your off road shop check the drive line angles to pinion? A lot of cheapo lifts don't call to rotate (especially the rear) axle to face the tail-shaft on the transmission. Keep up the awesome reviews, ~J

[@dchawk81]

I agree. I've said it once and I'll say it again. It's not off-road if my Ford Escort can do it.

[@TFLcar]

Yes, we checked the lift and it was done professionally. Great question.

[@TFLcar]

dchawk81 Thanks for the comment. We've got a video especially for you. No one has yet taken us up on this challenge. You can be the first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKnZemijrJtme6s

[@dchawk81]

The Fast Lane Car lol. Nice. I just like to hate because it's fun. I know pics and video are deceptive.

[@drumkid330]

I don't see a road

[@OverlandTT]

I would be interested if TFL adopted a 2007 3.0 Diesel WK.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

What kind of aftermarket lamps are those?

[@wantsanewvehicle]

Cool beansies. They always say the 4.0 engines are bulletproof. I hope it is for you guys. If somebody gutted the cat then they probably drove it hard. I had a 98 xj as my first vehicle. Man I miss that and would love to get another, but most anything now a days is used and abused, and/or overpriced.

[@jeepcollector91]

Any new videos with this YJ???

[@jppair7463]

What size lift and tires? Thanks.

[@LlyleHunter]

One thing about the Chrysler 3 speed TorqueFlight was that it could not be destructed.

[@andyjeep1411]

❤YJ 👍

[@Stuka87]

33's with stock gears, that must be abysmal to drive. The front D30 is fine, its the rear D35 that you have to worry about. Throw a D44 or Ford 8.8 in back and you will have a far better setup. Also, ditch the rear sway bar if its still there, and grab some disconnects for the front. BTW: Just because you can drive in high range, doesn't mean you should. You are putting a lot more heat into the transmission. And having owned five Jeeps (currently two), YJH's are good platforms to start with. But the JK's suspension makes the YJ seem rather archaic. And the traction control on the JK will let the JK go places without lockers that the YJ just wont be able too.

[@Raynolasco9090]

It needs a better set of tires that's all

[@hyperlogos]

I do believe you got robbed on that cat. You coulda got a high flow random tech weld in for next to nothing

[@FelipeQueirolo]

what about land rover's terrain management system, that paired to proper wheels and voila

[@jeepwranglerhq45]

Check Out This Video Of A 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ: Snowy & Muddy Colorado Off-Road Debut By The Fast Lane Car #1995JeepWranglerYJ #JeepYJ #JeepWrangler #TheFastLaneCar

[@BjZmann]

what is the red button in the middle of the dash?

[@interstateB]

Looks like a ton of fun, Roman. Two questions... Just how bad is a wrangler on the road? I've been toying with the idea of getting one, but is it almost impossible as a daily driver, on the highway, etc? I'm tall like you... Isn't the legroom miserable? Also, when was this filmed? I thought CO was cold in the winter, but you're out there in a sweatshirt, and there's not too much snow.

[@TFLcar]

With 33 inch wheels and a 3.5 inch lift it is not brilliant on the highway to be honest. It is very loose, tippy and thirsty. However plenty of leg room and you see over everyone except for trucks.

[@Connor-mx3ps]

What year wrangler are you thinking?

[@MrKitchenz]

Look at the next generation of wranglers after the YJs, the TJ has a cool spring suspension for a better ride and most have a/c and they all have air bags which will save you with insurance costs. I vote TJ because while it's a little more expensive than a YJ it's still no where near the cost of a newer JK.

[@MrKitchenz]

Coil* spring

[@interstateB]

The Fast Lane Car Cool, thanks for the reply, Roman.

[@justincisson4702]

Looks like that temp gauge wasn’t reading :p

[@DestDroid]

The dana 30 in the front is fine, it's the 35 in the back that breaks.

[@sjlm97]

You should do a bmw x3 off-road test

[@Lexolo999]

What is going on with that Bronco you all bought?

[@iamphilosophy3607]

never seen a $250 high lift jack in my life 11:10-16:02

[@kimchi1977]

Raptor vs YJ please!

[@TFLcar]

You bet we've got that on our list as soon as we can get some free time.

[@MikeJohnson-nr4yo]

pretty please, would love to see a raptor/YJ style mash up.

[@HSstudio.Ytchnnl]

who's here after when the Tacoma broke at the SAME trail?

[@scottsmith6571]

Yj is sill hardcore lol .. but a lot cheaper than a side by side or 4 wheeler new an u can drive it on the road

[@chaynestheman]

The Fast Lane Car when putting it in 4L, you need to be already moving. 1-2mph according to Jeep.