Posted: 7/25/2007 7:56:33 PM EDT
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I picked up this 81 waggy this weekend and also got a complete spare (a 79 w/ no engine). I just wanted to get some input on what should be on my list of things to do to it. It is pretty much just going to be a toy/camping/hunting rig so I dont plan to restore it or anything. So what should be on my list Oh yeah, hit this pole in GD to help me pick a paint scheme.   |
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Well done, sir! Lots of potential, there. No input for you other than this; if it is going to be a REAL BOV then keep all the mechanicals including the engine, trans, suspension, and friction system as simple as possible for field maintainance purposes. Save for that one piece of priceless and much sought out advice, go for it and keep the pics coming! BTW: I voted OD |
First, finish taking it out of the box.  I would look at getting the adaptors and changing the engine and tranny over to Chevrolet. A Turbo 400 transmission is almost bullet proof. For engines, if you really want badass, look at a 454. For easy to find and affordable parts, a 350 would be the way to go. This should save you some gas as well. Those old FSJ V8's are gas hogs. If you want more torque than a 350 puts out but don't want to go to a big block, think about building a 383. You use the 350 block and pistons and put a SB400 crank and rods in it. It is a great off-roading motor. I had one in a 75 Blazer. It was a torque monster and worked great. Hope this helps.David PS - I voted for tan. Won't draw as much attention as the camo, but will still blend into the woods fairly well. Good Luck. |
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I had an 86 grand wagoneer during high school and eventually killed it. The roof has a lack of support at the B pillar in my opinion, then again I did test it like a high school kid tests most things. I know mine had the 400 auto tranny but I forget if the amc bolt pattern of the 360 was from an adapter or not. I always wanted to drop a 500 inch cadillac v8 into mine, but I killed it long before the 360 had a problem. I also recall some folks installing chrysler v8s, both big and small, into the old body style cherokees and grand wagoneers. Personally it looks like the front springs are sagging a tad and depending on rust in the rear wheel wells and elsewhere it may not matter what else you want to do with it. Shoot some tan paint on it and call it good. Run it and enjoy it for what it is. As much fun as it might be to drop an engine in the parts jeep, I figure it might not be worth the hassle. |
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so you realise your roof rack is really a futon bed frame right? i had this idea a while back, get another one of identitical design/construction and cut out all the horizontal supports, position it directly above the current one. now either weld/bolt light gauge pipe, or heavy walled conduit every 12" or so all the way around the perimeter, and down both center rails. alakazam, a cheapassed bargain basement but totally functional and practical light roofrack.... i would feel comfortable probabally hauling 200-250lbs. on it without too many worries... |
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Check these guys out for parts, technical help, etc. They're the best when it comes to Full Size Jeeps. International Full Size Jeep Association My BOV is a 1987 Grand Wagoneer. It's currently bone stock, but I have plans of course. Still, bone stock is pretty good - AMC 360 V8, TF 727 tranny, NP229 xfer, and Dana 44s front and rear. They are maintenance-intensive, and gas hogs, but still strong heavy duty American iron. My plans include a 6" lift, 33s, Ox Lockers, and 4.11 R&P gears; HD front and rear bumpers (considering making my own), winch, HD roof rack. I'm probably going to have to re-wire it, I'm having a lot of problems with electrical gremlins right now. FS Jeeps are often overlooked, but they're plenty stout and have a great heritage. ETA: only photo I have of mine:  Also, look up the TFI upgrade in the IFSJ tech forum. For about $100 in ignition parts, you can really improve performance. It includes swapping out the distributor cap & rotor, ignition coil, wires, etc with newer products from various Ford applications. Improves performance and fuel economy. |
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I second IFSJA web site, My BOV is an 87 GW as well. 360 with edlebroc intake and carb. took all emissions off... Have 31" goodyears but going 3" body lift and trimming fenders for 33" BFGs. Thinking about a spring over in the future for 35-38s Finiky vehicle they also like to mark their territory (oil drips) Im having problems with my ignition module burning out about once a year (bad electrical problems as well) Think Im yanking all non essential electronics also has a bad battery drain I cant track down  JEEP: Just Empty Every Got Gas? Love to hate mine wont part with it. |
I took a shot of mine today while I was at the range: The ignition module has gone out on mine twice in two years also! I carry a spare now. Not too expensive, but the concept of having to carry a spare irks me a bit. That's another reason I think I may need to re-wire one day, so many electrical gremlins. One of them may be causing a short that burns out the ignition module somehow. I'm guessing. Maybe. Anyway, it's fun to change out parts until the problem is fixed
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If you do go with an engine swap, I would go with a 6.2 diesel before a 350. Same mounts and such, but you gain: Easier/longer/safer fuel storage. Possibly greater fuel availability (think how many homes are heated with fuel oil and have above or in ground tanks). Better fuel economy. Fewer routine maintenance parts to go bad. More power. |
| Diesel swaps are pretty tricky. There is a guy on the IFSJ website who has done it though. Aside front the usual motor mount, radiator, etc items, you have to replace the entire fuel system - the tank, new lines, etc. Ignition swap to a glow-plug compatible system. Plus diesels cost an arm and a leg more than gas engines, even used. It does pay off though, mileage in the low to mid 20's. |
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Behind those square headlights is the gorgeous round head light buckets of the '60s Gladiator grill. I would start there. Stacy David from the old trucks TV show rebuilt on. It was awesome when done. In Davids opinion. The used Wagoneer is the best on/off road vehicle for the money. Unfortunately, since he left the show. My link to the build does not work anymore. Nice truck, SB |