Wiring Harness Swap

[Hump]

I've discovered that my "minor" dash fire caused more damage than I had expected. I have pulled the wiring harness from my truck, and I need to know what kind of compatibility between trucks there is. I know of a '77 J-20 that I could get one from. Would that match my '74 J-20? I think this route would be alot easier than cutting and splicing all those wires to repair the damaged one. Any help/suggestions/advice is much appreciated.

[RdHawg]

cut, splice, zippy tie, then heat tube it. 20$, new wire (no age degradation), two hours worth of time, invaluble education about yer truck's wiring and best of all - loads of satisfaction @ a job well done. my $.02

[Hump]

Almost every wire from the gauge pod to the fuse box has multiple melt through spots in it. I would end up with 20 red, yellow, and green wires running helter skelter. I wouldn't know where to start finding all those different colors, and the ones with the stripe in them. It seems fairly simple to remove, wouldn't it be just as easy to swap whole harnesses? Anyone else?

[RustyJeep]

It took me about 2 hours to swap the entire harness in my J. This included the underhood, dash, and rearend. I'd get with Pete (CrazyJeepman) and see what he's got. Pretty much, it is a direct swap except the 77 might have the newer style wiper motor/switch. This is where I'm stuck at, as my harness is from a 1978 or 79. I have to get the gumption to rig it all together. But other han that, it's real easy.

[2j20's]

Hey Rusty i just did this to mine and all you need to do is change the wire's that is on the engine side fuse box if you still need info e-mail me this is a easy fix !.I will be out this weekend in heavner.

[PAJEEPER]

The 77 will work and if its like mine it will use the same wiper motor and everything else. Is your underhood wiring fried too? The ignition wiring will be different. All you'll have to do is wire it up for you points dist if thats whats still in your 74. If all you need is the dash then it should just plug in. Make note of where all the connectors go before you remove it from the 77. Also I'd bypass that ammeter while your at it. There was a thread about that recently.

[Hump]

Thanks for all the advice. The only damage is right behind the gauge pod. The damage runs from the back of the ammeter towards the fuse box and stops just short of the lights switch.

Is there any difference between J-10 and J-20 harnesses? The one truck I had planned on pulling it from I would rather keep in tact. There is a J-10 closer in year to mine that I can get my hands on too.

[RustyJeep]

It should be the same. Good luck! Get it wrapped up so we can go Jeepin! :D :cool:

[Hump]

I'm hoping to get it on the road by this weekend, but the XJ is always up for some off roading. I'm busy for the next month, but after that I'm planning a road trip up your way to look at some parts trucks that I know of. I'll give you a hollar and we'll see if we can't get stuck somewhere. tongue.gif

[RustyJeep]

Sweet! :D You also are planning for the great sand getogether in June, right? Mine'll be waiting, cocked, locked and ready to rock.