1987 Jeep Wrangler Chilton Manual PDF

The 1987 Jeep Wrangler Chilton Manual provides comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidance for the iconic 1987 Jeep Wrangler. This manual covers engine systems (2.5L 4-cylinder and 4.2L 6-cylinder), transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, troubleshooting, and technical data.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Wiring Diagrams 11. Torque Specifications

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler including engine options, dimensions, capacities, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Options	2.5L 4-cylinder (150 CID), 4.2L 6-cylinder (258 CID)
Horsepower	117 hp @ 5000 rpm (2.5L), 112 hp @ 3200 rpm (4.2L)
Torque	135 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (2.5L), 210 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (4.2L)
Transmission	4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Transfer Case	Command-Trac part-time 4WD
Wheelbase	93.4 inches
Overall Length	152.3 inches
Fuel Capacity	15 gallons
GVWR	4,200 lbs
Towing Capacity	2,000 lbs

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and Filter Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Air Filter: Inspect every 12,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission Fluid: Check every 15,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Replace every 24 months
Transfer Case Fluid: Change every 30,000 miles
Differential Fluid: Change every 30,000 miles

IMPORTANT! Severe service conditions may require more frequent maintenance.

Engine Systems

Detailed repair procedures for engine components and systems.

Engine Removal: Step-by-step procedure for engine removal and installation
Cylinder Head: Removal, inspection, and installation procedures
Timing Chain/Belt: Replacement instructions and timing marks alignment
Fuel System: Carburetor adjustment and fuel pump replacement
Cooling System: Radiator service, water pump replacement, thermostat
Ignition System: Distributor service, spark plug wiring, timing adjustment
Emission Controls: PCV system, EGR valve, catalytic converter

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case, and axles.

Manual Transmission: BA-10/5 4-speed overhaul, clutch replacement, shift linkage adjustment. Automatic Transmission: TF904 3-speed service, fluid change, band adjustments.

Transfer Case: Command-Trac NP231 disassembly, chain replacement, shift linkage adjustment. Axles: Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear axle service, bearing replacement, gear pattern checking.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension service, steering system repair.

Front Suspension: Leaf spring replacement, shackle bushing service
Shock Absorbers: Removal and installation procedures
Steering Gear: Manual steering box adjustment and replacement
Tie Rods: Replacement and alignment procedures
Wheel Bearings: Adjustment and repacking instructions

Note: Always check alignment after suspension work.

Brake Systems

Disc and drum brake service, hydraulic system maintenance.

Front Disc Brakes: Pad replacement, caliper service, rotor inspection
Rear Drum Brakes: Shoe replacement, wheel cylinder service, adjustment
Master Cylinder: Bench bleeding and installation
Brake Lines: Inspection and replacement procedures
Parking Brake: Cable adjustment and service

WARNING! Always bleed brake system after opening hydraulic lines.

Electrical Systems

Charging, starting, and accessory electrical systems.

Battery: Testing, charging, and replacement
Alternator: Output test, replacement procedures
Starter: Bench testing, removal and installation
Lighting Systems: Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement
Instrument Cluster: Gauge testing, speedometer cable service
Wiring: Circuit testing, connector repair, ground locations

Tip: Always disconnect battery before electrical work.

Body & Interior

Body panel repair, interior component service.

Doors: Hinge adjustment, latch mechanism service. Soft Top: Installation instructions, frame adjustment. Seats: Removal and installation, track repair. Dashboard: Component removal, instrument cluster service.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and diagnostic procedures.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Ignition, fuel, or compression issues	Check spark, fuel delivery, compression test
Poor fuel economy	Carburetor adjustment, timing, dragging brakes	Adjust carburetor, check ignition timing, inspect brakes
4WD not engaging	Shift linkage, transfer case vacuum system	Adjust linkage, check vacuum lines and motor
Steering wander	Alignment, worn components, tire pressure	Check alignment, inspect tie rods, set tire pressure
Electrical problems	Ground connections, battery, alternator	Clean grounds, test battery and charging system

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for all systems.

Engine compartment wiring, instrument panel circuits, lighting systems, charging and starting circuits. Color-coded diagrams with connector locations and wire colors.

Torque Specifications

Critical fastener torque values for proper assembly.

Component	Torque Value
Cylinder Head Bolts	108 ft-lbs (4.2L), 95 ft-lbs (2.5L)
Main Bearing Caps	80 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod Bolts	45 ft-lbs
Flywheel Bolts	75 ft-lbs
Wheel Lug Nuts	85-110 ft-lbs
Spark Plugs	25-30 ft-lbs
Oil Pan Bolts	7-10 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold	25 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold	25 ft-lbs

Service Information: Chilton Manual Customer Support - 1-800-CHA-0000