1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander

by James
(Greenville, South Carolina)


I own a 1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander edition. It has 4 inches of lift and 33x12.50 bfg mt km2 tires. It also has a different 4 speed transmission, 1975 CJ5 clutch, lower gear ratio, custom axles, custom front and rear bumpers, alloy rims, new seats, and a new carb.


Other than upgrades and normal parts and up keeping costs I have never had any problems with it other than the steering column. A few bolts came loose on the inside around 117,000 miles. It only cost me $65 to have it fixed. And a U-joint on the back had to be replaced for $115. Other than that it has been the best car that I have ever owned.

Even with all the after market work that has been done, it is still my daily driver and is great in the city. I only get 10 mpg but that's a small price for an amazing Jeep. Not only is it fun to drive but it is great to be able to drop the top and doors in the summer and just drive.

And for anyone looking to buy a Wrangler or CJ I would like to add that girls love them.

Good luck and happy Jeeping OlllllO


Larry's Comment: That's a beauty James!

Comments for 1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander

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My 1989 YJ
by: Dan

I own the same 89 Islander in red with 4" of lift running 32 tires and also use mine as a daily driver. This has been one of the most reliable Jeeps I've ever owned. My only weak link is the Peugeot manual tranny, I just missed the AX15 install by one month but it's given me no problems so far. I take mine out wheeling here in Southeastern Arizona quite a bit and love this jeep. I love it so much that when it came time to buy a new one I just couldn't trade it in. I bought a 2005 Rubicon since I knew the JK was coming soon with the V6 which killed the idea of waiting, and the 2005 came with the new 6 speed manual. Each day I have to pick which one to drive, and my 1989 is in my work parking space right now.
1988 Jeep Wrangler
by: J.P. (MIAMI)

Hey I have the same although not sure which model (I believe is sport ??) Anyways, it is also my daily driver and by far it has been the best car I have ever owned. Not many trails down here in Miami though.. but I still manage to go off road whenever I see mud or dirt ;)

Currently lifted at 3" with 31's but planning on lifting 3 more inches and replacing tires to 33's.

Thanks!
I think I own this Jeep
by: GUY

Dear James,

I think I bought this Jeep off my Puerto Rican neighbor last month in Tampa, FL. There was obviously a language barrier so I was unable to figure out what exactly I was purchasing, but apparently it has the exact same modifications, year, specs, and upgrades as your (old) Jeep.

I almost killed myself trying to get the thing in 5th gear on the highway, thanks for the heads up. And a 1975 clutch? Why?

I would love to know more about what has been done to this jeep so I can sort out the current issues.
1989 YJ Wrangler ( base model)
by: Brian

I have a 1989 YJ with 3 inch leaf springs, 2 inch body lift, and 3 inch shackles. Still leaf under but I plan on going soa but not yet sure if I'm going to go 80's Jeep Wagonner(Dana 44) or Ford Super Duty axles yet.

I have 3 battery for the Jeep/ one yellow top Optima and one blue top Optima and a (1200) watt stinger but that's only for the sub-woofers.

It has an 8500 lb winch, and currently a Ford 8.8 rear end.

The motor is a 1975 block Monte Carlo (5.7L) Chevy 350. bored 30 over. It has a Pro Comp thumpr cam (smallest one) with 465 lift.
It has Speed Pro pistons, Corvette heads, and a 600cfm Summit street/strip double pumper carburetor. I'm using a bell-housing from Advanced Adapters.com to connect to an AX-15 transmission to a transfer case (NP231) from a 1993 Jeep Cherokee. It has an external slave cylinder (Toyota) for clutch (Chevy 3500).

I got a stereo system as well; 2 12" Alpine type R quantum audio 2000w amp(for subs); ROCKFORD FOSGATE 1500 with mids amp (for door speakers and tweeters); 30 feret capacitor/ isolator/ 4 tweeters/1200w stinger battery (Kenwood radio) custom box w/port.

Editor's Comment: Please send photos.
Help with Referencing Mechanic
by: Knopfli Ayuk

I have a 1989 Jeep Wrangler Islander with 98,000 miles since I bought it with only 2 miles. I am the original owner and its been sitting in my Garage for nearly 10yrs. Looking for a mechanic to repair the Transmission (Manual). I am looking for a mechanic who will work on the Jeep as per required. Would like to have it evaluated and given recommendation on how to repair at a low price.
My 1989 Wrangler
by: Steve Smith

I purchased my '89 Wrangler used from a place called Apple Auto Sales in Pennsylvania, and despite all of the trouble I've seen since then, it's also the best vehicle I've ever owned.

See, I bought my Jeep awhile back now, and I started up the Delaware Jeep Association (DEJA). It's a fun club with an online website you can visit for information on maintenance and repair help, or for info on trail rides and the like.

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