VIN Codes for AMC Corporation (1981 - 1990)

3rd digit

Vehicle Type

  • C Multi-Purpose Vehicle
  • D incomplete vehicle
  • E export; left hand drive
  • F export; right hand drive
  • T truck

4th digit

Engine Type

  • B 151 CID 4 cyl. GM 1981-1986
  • 2.1L 4 cyl., turbo diesel 1987-1990
  • C 4.2L (258 CID), 6 cyl., 2 barrel carburetor 1981-1990
  • E 2.46L, 4 cyl., 1 barrel carburetor 1987-1990
  • F 145 CID Isuzu Diesel 1981-1986
  • H 2.46L, 4 cyl., TBI 1987-1990
  • 304 CID V-8 1981-1986
  • L 232 CID 6 cyl. 1981-1986
  • M 4.0L, I-6, MPI 1987-1990
  • N 5.9L (360 CID), V-8, 2 barrel carburetor 1981-1990
  • P 2.1L Renault Diesel 1981-1986
  • U 150 CID 4 cyl. AMC 1981-1986
  • Y 2.46L (150 CID), 4 cyl., 1 barrel carburetor AMC (export) 1981-1990

5th Digit

Transmission Type

  • A 3-speed, automatic, column shift, full-time transfer case
  • B automatic, part-time transfer case
  • C automatic, full-time transfer case
  • E automatic, column shift, part-time transfer case
  • F 5-speed manual, part-time transfer case
  • G 4-speed manual, full-time transfer case
  • H 4-speed manual, full- or part-time transfer case
  • J automatic, column shift, full- or part-time transfer case
  • K automatic, full- or part-time transfer case
  • L 5-speed manual, part-time transfer case
  • M 4-speed manual, part-time transfer case
  • N 5-speed manual, part-time transfer case
  • P 5-speed manual, full-time transfer case
  • W 5-speed manual, no transfer case
  • X part-time transfer case

All transmissions are in floor shift equipped units unless indicated otherwise.

6th & 7th Digits

1x Cherokee / Wagoneer station wagon, 109" wheelbase
  • 15 - 4-door Wagoneer
  • 16 - 2-door Cherokee
  • 17 - 2-door Cherokee
  • 18 - 4-door Cherokee
2x J-10 / J-20 pick-up
  • 25 - J-10, 6' 6" bed, 119" wheelbase
  • 26 - J-10, 8' bed, 131" wheelbase
  • 27 - J-20, 8' bed, 131" wheelbase
6x Comanche pick-up
  • 63 - 4×4, 6' bed, 113" wheelbase
  • 64 - 4×2, 6' bed, 113" wheelbase
  • 65 - 4×4, 7' bed, 120" wheelbase
  • 66 - 4×2, 7' bed, 120" wheelbase
7x Cherokee / Wagoneer station wagon, 101" wheelbase
  • 73 - 4×2 2-door Cherokee
  • 74 - 4×2 4-door Cherokee
  • 75 - 4×4 4-door Wagoneer
  • 77 - 4×4 2-door Cherokee
  • 78 - 4×4 4-door Cherokee
  • 79 - 4×4 4-door Cherokee
8 open body Wrangler / CJ
  • 81 - 2-door Wrangler, 93½" wheelbase
  • 82 - 2-door Wrangler, 103½" wheelbase
  • 85 - 2-door CJ-5
  • 86 - 2-door CJ-6
  • 87 - 2-door CJ-7
  • 88 - 2-door CJ-8

8th Digit

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight)

1981 - 1986

  • A 3,750 / 5,975 / 6,200 lbs.
  • C 6,200 lbs.
  • D 5,975 / 6,200 lbs.
  • E 4,150 lbs.
  • H 4,850 lbs., non-regulated export
  • L 5,975 lbs.
  • N 5,975 / 6,200 lbs.
  • P 6,800 lbs.
  • S 7,600 lbs.
  • U 5,200 lbs.
  • Y 8,400 lbs.

1987 - 1990

  • F 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. Comanche, base & Custom, Metric Ton, Big Ton
  • J 3,001 - 4,000 lbs. Wrangler base & Cherokee base
  • K 3,001 - 4,000 lbs. Wrangler Sport & Cherokee Pioneer
  • L 3,001 - 4,000 lbs. Wrangler Laredo & Cherokee Laredo
  • M 3,001 - 4,000 lbs. Wrangler Sahara
  • N 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. Grand Wagoneer & J-10 Truck
  • P 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Comanche Pioneer
  • 6,001 - 7000 lbs. J-20 Truck
  • R 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. Comanche Pioneer, Metric Ton, Big Ton
  • S 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Comanche Chief
  • 7,001 - 8,000 lbs. J-20 Truck
  • T 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Comanche Laredo
  • U 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. Comanche Laredo, Metric Ton, Big Ton
  • 6,001 - 7000 lbs. Grand Wagoneer & J-10 Truck
  • Y 8,001 - 9,000 lbs. J-20 Truck
  • 1 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Wrangler base, Cherokee base, Comanche base
  • 2 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Wrangler Sahara & Cherokee Pioneer
  • 3 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Wrangler Sport & Cherokee Chief
  • 4 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Wrangler Laredo, Cherokee Laredo, Wagoneer Limited
  • 5 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Cherokee E.C.E. & Comanche Eliminator
  • 9 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. Cherokee Limited

11th digit

Assembled At:

  • B Brampton, Ontario
  • T Toledo, Ohio







This information was compiled from internet sources and should not be taken as the final word. It is only a source guide to help you identify your vehicle's components and accessories.



If you have pics of your own repairs or can suggest other methods - please contribute your ideas (and pictures) to this article!

Revised on: November 20, 2006



























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