opinion - Grand Wagoneers'

[jamie]

I'm looking to maybe buy a JGW when I come to ths States in the fall.
is newer better - reliability/economy/goodies/rust etc.

or

is older better - simplicity/robust/build?

any help for a total novice to avoid too many mistakes recieved gratefully
Jamie

[ClarkGriswald]

most of these are about the same as far as body frame ect. since the 60's or whatever but different years had different combo's of axle's, engines, transmission's and transfer case's. these forums are full and I mean full of great info on all of this. best thing is to study everyone's mistakes and or triumphs and then make a decision as to what you like best. your best bet on getting a nice one is from the western or southern US hehe dont get one from michigan or another state that use's salt on the roads in the winter.. they will be ridden with cancerous rust. Lots of engines in michigan though.

------------------
88 Grand Wagoneer
D44's front\rear
AMC 360
TF 727
NP 229 (Funky)
Bone Stock (for now)
NO RUNNING BOARDS!

[Bob Barry]

After driving my '78 Cherokee and my '88 GW back-to-back, though, I have to say that the '88 is a LOT nicer to drive. The track-bars tighten up the handling, and the cushy well-insulated interior makes it more comfortable, despite the louder exhaust. The power windows and working A/C are nice extra touches.

[Lindel]

Just so you know, mileage was never a dealer or factory installed option!! ;) These beasts don't get much in the way of mileage, 13 to 15 at best for a V8, and claims of up to 20 with the 258 six banger. Other than that, I think that the drive train quality is better with the older rigs, and fit and finish is better with the newer ones. There's an article at the www.ifsja.org (http://www.ifsja.org) website, in the tech section on how to buy a dinosaur that should tell you all you need to know.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I have a hard time decideing. I have driven so many FSJ's various years. I have no real way to come to a favorite one. I currently have a 70, 89, 76, 67. I like the fully loaded 89 Grand Wagoneer for the around town running (its the wifes, she won't let me test it in the woods) The 70 I felt deserved a full restoration as it had near no rust and an awfully strong running 350 Dauntless in it. the 67 I use in the woods as a firewood hauler and to bring back any game I may get from HUNTING. The 76 I use when nothing else runs and I need wheels. I have fun in every one of them and realy have no favorites. :D However since it has been brought up YES!!!! THE SIMPLER THE BETTER!!!!
:D

[ August 06, 2001: Message edited by: Crazy_Jeepman ]

[Lindel]

Why, Bob!!! I never said the GW's weren't nice, I had one for a time, remember? Actually, I like all the FSJ's and since the only computer controlled ones are the six bangers, I'm fine with all of em. :D Comfort is the GW's forte', and it does it well. The Cherokee's are more the trail work horses of the group, with the j-trucks being the heavy haulers. I'll get off the soap box, now!! :D

[Bob Barry]

I take back everything I said about you two guys (literally); I'm just WAY too distracted here at work today...

smile.gif