1987 Jeep Wrangler Oil Type & Capacity
The 1987 Jeep Wrangler oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.5 H takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 4.2 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 2.5 H takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 2.5 H takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.5 H: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 4.2 C, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 2.5 H: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- S, 2.5 H: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.5 H — 2.5L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4.2 C, Standard — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 2.5 H — 2.5L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 2.5 H — 2.5L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, Standard — 4.2L Eng | API - SF, SAE 5W-30 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Above 30Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Wrangler
🛞 1987 Jeep Wrangler Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Jeep Wrangler Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Jeep Wrangler Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Jeep Wrangler Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.0 quarts (8.51 L) — 50/50 mixture of AMC/JEEP/RENAULT All Season Coolant, Prestone II or brand w/ALUGARD 340-2 and distilled water. Includes: 1 qt. in the engine coolant recovery tank.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Jeep Wrangler take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.5 H uses 5W-30; Base, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 4.2 C, Standard uses 5W-30; Laredo, 2.5 H uses 5W-30; Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard uses 5W-30; S, 2.5 H uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.5 H holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 4.2 C, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 2.5 H holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; S, 2.5 H holds 4.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
Most 1987 Jeep Wrangler owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Jeep recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Jeep Wrangler. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.