Seriously considering a 78 Wagoneer... any advice?

[8Dayes]

Still on my quest for my first FSJ and you have all been so helpful.

Quick recap: I have owned and played hard on lifted Broncos in the past and currently own a late model Suburban. I am looking to develop a FSJ into a moderate off-roading vehicle to get me, the family and our toys (kayaks, camping, etc) into the wilderness. Currently using my newer Suburban and the wife isn't happy with the scratch marks I just ran down both sides while squeezing through some trees in the mountains a couple of weeks ago :D

This won't be a rock crawling rig... rather a sturdy, fun, off-road exploring power wagon.

Is there anything in particular I need to consider with a 78 Wagoneer?

I've located one that has been owned by the same family (father passed it on to his daughter) since new. It is in relatively good shape: some rust issues behind rear tires in the wells, fender dents, bumper bent but otherwise really strong. Runs strong with 186,000ish miles. I can hop right in and drive it, which is nice although I will want to start building it out soon. 360ci with Quadratec. They are selling it because they got a mid-80s grand wagoneer.

It also has some cracks in the windshield... how much to replace and where do I go to get that done?

any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated!

thanks guys!

Jason

[HOOT]

From what I understand getting a glass Co. to replace it is no problem. Jeep used the same shape window from 1963 till 1991. The tint changed over the years but that's it as far as I know.

4 years ago I had pulled a good windshield from a junked Jeep,bought a new seal from BJ'soffroad and had a local glass tech do it on the side for $50. You will have to ask "Janie" if it leaks yet..

The 78 is a great year for Jeeps. Only thing to change on the engine would be the ignition. Put a HEI or TFI or anything else in there. I find my Jeep runs a world different with a TFI set up. It no longer has trouble in the rain or foggy weather.

Check that chain in the quadra-trac, and keep the correct oil in it. BJ's sells rebuild kits for cheap. I carry one for spare parts.:D
Put a 4 or 6" lift on it and some 31x 10.50 and take that bugger offroad.

That would be enough for anything you described throwing at it. As a matter of fact it is probably overkill but better to err on more, than to wish you had a little more while teetering on a boulder.

[fulsizjeep]

Welcome! I think 78 is the best year of the 70s models. The 75-77s had Prestolite ignition which can be troublesome. Some rust is normal even in the desert because it is packaged at the factory. :D Don't get to buy many that are owned by the same family since new. Having some history helps know the vehicle. Like HOOT said, check out the Quadratrac chain and all. They are great transfer cases if well maintained. It is common to need chain replacement around 80,000 miles or even less depending on how it is treated. A 360 can easily hit 250,000 miles before it needs serious attention. With the mileage this 78 has, a timing chain, cam and lifters can do wonders.

There is some Quadratrac tech over here:
http://jubileejeeps.org/quadratrac

[Fiodh. Argus]

www.safelite.com is great for glass, they come right to your location (even rural) and the price is fair. I believe these jeeps are about $250.

[jaber]

Sounds like a good sturdy Jeep, I hope it works out for you. Good luck.:thumbsup: