Vehicle Description
1989 Jeep Wrangler
An early version initially called the "Willys Overland" morphed
from military GP (general purpose) vehicle to the mass-produced CJ,
short for "civilian Jeep". More than 1.5 million CJ Jeeps were
built, having continued the same basic body style for 45 years
since the Jeep first appeared. Widely regarded as "America's
workhorse", the CJs have been described as "probably the most
successful utility vehicle ever made". The word Jeep is an acronym
of the letters GP.
The call of the wild, the great outdoors, into the great wide open,
breathin' the fresh air, are all representative of a Jeep. For
consignment, this 1989 Wrangler which was tucked away in a barn for
10 years saw the light of day 2 years ago when our consignor
rescued it and performed some of the necessary repairs to get it up
and running again. Some engine work and suspension work was
performed but with other issues present one will have to make the
decision to finish the repairs and enjoy this as a daily driver or
dedicate this Wrangler as an offroad rig ready to forge new trails.
You decide, the wild(sic) is your oyster.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
We are rustling up some Wrangler in 4x4 form, now with a gray
hardtop and what appears to be the factory black paint. A frontal
impact at some time in the past has left the fenders not only
dented but twisted upwards at their leading edges. A drilled chrome
bumper on the front and a simple square tube steel bumper with tow
ball replace the originals. Plastic black flares surround the front
and rear wheel wells and keep the mud on just the tires. Speaking
of which are 30x9.50R15LT's all around wrapping 5 spoke factory
wheels. Moving down the body we note a plethora of dings, dents,
surface rust, and invasive rust present. Also, down low on the tub
behind the passengers front wheel we see a buckle and twist in the
body which leads us to believe other issues may be present
underneath. While not mounted, the spare tire and tailgate mounted
holder are included with the purchase.
Interior
Gray vinyl door panels are dressed with chrome for the window
cranks and door pulls. Horizontal delineation lines create nice
patterns on these panels which present as worn and soiled. A hop up
inside and we sit in vinyl and broadcloth high backed bucket seats
which show tearing and splitting of the seams on the driver's seat.
The original dash is still there and has been rewired with updated
lighting. In dash central are a lineup of 5 gauges to keep track of
all the essentials on your climb. Below are the climate controllers
and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player by Alpine. A rollbar is above
the rear bench which sings to the tune of the front buckets in
fabric and color. Carpeting has been removed and now a black
texture painted floor is below with twin shifters for the
transmission and 4wd capabilities growing from the hump.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the original unrestored 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
engine, which has EFI and an Aisin-Warner 5-speed manual
transmission on the back of it. The engine has had a new timing
chain, new oil pump, starter, valve cover gaskets, water pump, and
thermostat installed. The axles are courtesy of Dana and are filled
with 4.11 ratio gears. Slight corrosion and some dulling of plastic
parts is duly noted.
Undercarriage
Power disc brakes for the front, and power drums with new lines and
drums for the back and leaf spring suspension all around. We note
new shocks all around as well as leaf spring bushings, shackles and
new front leaf springs and a 1" lift has been added. Unfortunately,
with all of these recent repairs and upgrades some issues still do
exist. The frame has a noticeable kink in the metal behind the
driver's front suspension, there is invasive rust in the frame at
various locations, more so toward the rear. There is invasive rust
in the body hanger structure at various points with some sections
repaired, some are not. There is also noticeable rot in the
flooring. A newer stock style exhaust system has been added,
however, the catalytic converter has been removed.
Drive-Ability
A quick fire up and the test track beckoned. We answered and here
it performed well, no noticeable issues. All functions were working
just fine but we did note that the Jeep tracks slightly sideways
and a quicker measurement of the wheelbase showing over 1"
difference form one side to the other as part of that issue.
A barn find Wrangler right out of 1989 and gracing our South
Mallway. Lots of recent maintenance and service has been completed
but with underlying frame, flooring and other structural issues
most likely not ready to be your daily commuter but think of all
the new trails you can blaze in the suburban wilderness with your
local Jeep club.
VIN DECODE
2J4FY19E9KJ134353
2-Canada
J-Jeep
4-MPV
F-4001 Thru 5000 GVWR
Y-Wrangler
1-Base Trim
9-2 Door Open Body
E-2.5 Liter 4 Cylinder
9-Check Digit
K-1989
J-Brampton, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
134353-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
