Thinking of buying...

[seatosky]

Hi guys, I've just joined up but I'm a longtime Jeep fan (on my 3rd right now). I saw a posting on a local forum for a 1967 J-2000 Gladiator which looks to be in fairly nice cosmetic shape, and has a 350 and TH400 trans in it, as well as a Dana 53 - Is this original? I read that some use AMC engines and some use a Buick 350?

Where I live, we get a special discounted insurance for collector vehicles (about $300 a year as long as you own another normally insured vehicle) so I've been thinking about something in the collector range (at least 25 years old). This one looks nice, but the rules for collector insurance are very strict - must have all original parts or NOS/period specific replacements (even the radio must be original). How easy would it be to find a period specific engine and transmission for this J-Truck (if the 350/TH400 are not original)? What engine would I have to look for? Also, the owner hasn't put a price on it, he's simply offered it for sale... What is it worth?

[joe]

The Buick motor wasn't used till 69. A 67 should have either an AMC 237 or the 232 six. The 350 has a machind space on the left side of the block, center between the exhaust ports that the eng build code is stamped on. The second digit is the build year. P=1968, R=69 etc. The D53 rear is probably stock if the truck has a GVWR of 6000 or 7000 lb. but beware there are NO new parts available for these axles not even wheel bearings. TH400 trans probably stock.
Value is whatever you're willing to pay for it. these are fun old hobby trucks to drive and work on and have no collector value as other brands do. So if you're looking to buy for investments sake, I'd pick a different brand.