Highway speeds

[newagon]

Just curious as to what everyone's rigs will run on the highway?
I've heard comments from people on here saying that 70 mph is scary... i've found that not to be the case. The '88 Wagon will cruise all day at 85 mph and not break a sweat, and will push well over 100 as long as there is enough gas in the tank (playing with a porsche cayenne:D)

[will e]

The tired old 360 was not happy doing anything above 65 you could tell it was a struggle.

The peppy rebuilt 401 gets to 85 without a problem. Truck seems to be stable. I don't normally drive that fast due to gas and safety.

[War Wagon]

We my son made a high speed run home when my dad got sick last year. He said it was turning 3900 RPM and that is all it would do with 3:07 gears and 33" tires, you do the math. :eek: He said it was smooth but the noise from all the rattles was unreal. Dang it Zack. The War Wagon will run 70 MPH all day.

Jim

[drlocke]

In driving amongst [rectum] Massachusetts and Connecticut drivers on the interstates I can give most of 'em a run for their money with the Waggy. I found that I could accelerate briskly--even from 70 up to 85MPH, which is as fast as I dare go. The 327 felt like it could do quite a bit more but more would be a bit scary.

Wind noise gets pretty bad at those speeds, and the vehicle takes such treatment out of my hide at the gas pump. :eek:

[derf]

With no overdrive, I don't like to run much over 70. That and the wind noise is horrible that fast.

[badaboom]

Best possible would be bouncing Speedo needle 85+

Best general running is around 65-72 MPH, performance, road noise and rpm 2700-3000.

[JeepBountyHunter]

I never had trouble at or above highway speeds in my old 88 Waggy. Hardly any wind noise as the seals were replaced on the doors..just the tailgate had leaks. I loved being able to 'stomp' it at 55, and past other's on the freeway with ease...probably up to 70 was okay though.

[tgreese]

you do the math. :eek:

33" * 3900 RPM * 3.07 ratio = 125 mph... seems unlikely. Air resistance goes like the square of velocity, so you need twice as much power at 125 (3900) as at 88 mph (2750). It's a very substantial barrier.

My truck will run 75 easy; haven't tried any higher speeds (too much wander).

[89grand]

I do 70-80mph on a daily basis, there are times when I like the 2.72 gears.:D

I've had the Grand up to 95mph back when it was still stock.

[Serious Johnson]

Year before last, on the Interstate near Kansas City, pulling a 7,500 lb enclosed trailer, 3.73s, 33s. The 85 MPH dial had been useless for a while, but My Dear Wife following in her RX-8 said we didn't drop below 100 for several miles. Never claimed to be smart, but I can build a motor!

S.J.

[War Wagon]

[quote=tgreese]33" * 3900 RPM * 3.07 ratio = 125 mph... seems unlikely. Air resistance goes like the square of velocity, so you need twice as much power at 125 (3900) as at 88 mph (2750). It's a very substantial barrier.[quote]

You also have to count the slip in the auto so not sure what it really was but too fast by me. He held it flat out on the 6 mile flat straight, 5 lanes wide. He said there was no traffic at all so he let it rip. 20 years old and had the it can't happen to me mind set. Dang it Zack!!


Jim

[brent]

Comfortable 80; no shimmy, no noises of strain or pain.

Anything more than that my engine gets WAAAAY too hot and I will be pulling over.

[Dirtball]

I've kept mine to around 70 or so only because it's still new to me and because it's very rarely on the interstate. It did 70 with no problems, and could have easily done more. Now, we'll see what happens when I get it lifted... :)

[youngjeeper]

If I go over 55mph for more then 2 miles, it starts to overheat. 36's and 4.88's. 60mph we're pushin about 3000rpms, engine doesn't like it.

[710 Burner]

I don't generally have a need to exceed 75. Anything over 65 and my rig starts using fuel algebraicly. For every 5 mph over 65 I go the fuel consumption doubles.
Derf, I can't believe the wind noise would be worse than a CJ with a soft top in a 30 mph head wind.

[Lake Norman Woody]

I had mine out on the HWY this weekend took her to a wedding over in Winston Salem heading up 77N to 40 E going 75-80 no problem she runs smoother than most new cars & looks better as well.

[Don S]

..



... I read a disclaimer written by AMC that one should NOT drive these FSJs over 90 MPH due to the extra whirling gizmos under the body.

... Twenty years ago I ran my ’76 401 at well over 100 MPH for a 50 mile stretch except for one little town. This was with no lift and 29 ˝ inch street tires.
Couple of years ago Cole Trickle and I were bettering 80 for short stretches on I-25. I was very close to 90mph with a 2inch lift and BFG 31x10.50 15s. Cole was in his Honcho.

... I have proved to the state of New Mexico (they gave me a signed affidavit and it wasn‘t a freebie:mad: ) that my 401 will go 79 mph. Aerodynamically the Wagoneer felt as good as any full bodied cars of that generation… well maybe not as good as a 59 Plymouth Fury tuned induction Police Interceptor at 135 MPH.

Have a good one and http://content.worldgroups.com/GRP002/GrpPhotos/F/FSJ_TECH_202/060414/002959000.GIF CUL.. Don S..

[CustomWag]

Fastest I ever went in the wag is 75 & it was fine with it. Basically I just don't like to drive fast & don't have a need to. Faster you go the less reaction time you have. Country roads to and from work, 50-55 is fine with me. The wife has called me the "wagonmaster" since long before I got the wag, cause she says she feels like she's on a wagon train when I'm drivin:D

[Chrome]

Everytime I hit the interstate I cruise at 80-90 mph. My built in cruise control is stuck at that speed no matter what I drive.

[stratman]

Coming out of Death Valley several years ago, I engaged the cruise control at 85 mph for miles. My '77 wide track Chero w/3.54's, 33's, part time t-case and Mellings stage 1 cam ran fine and straight with the ac on. The Thorley headers and twin 2.5" exhaust sounded like a speedboat but was not too intrusive in the cab. Can't remember the rpms, but I believe they were close to or a little above 4,000. I was most concerned with the tires as they are not high speed rated but I had no problem with them. Since the speedo is off due to the larger tire diameter, the true speed was probably closer to 88 mph. Normally on the 5 freeway in Southern Cal. I drive at between 65-75 mph and get passed by just about everyone!

[91G-Dub]

Everytime I watch the speedo go up I see the ga$ guage go down.

Most of the time I'm driving on local roads and never get above 45MPH.
Once in a while I get out on the highway and blow out all the carbon for a few miles then settle in at around 60-65MPH. Rides very nicely at 75 but the ga$ guage going down keeps me in check.

[draco9936]

60-75 mph all day long, but above ,straight line only+ .....
JB:rolleyes:

[crispyboy]

Well the old J-truck with 3.73 rears cruises nicely at 60 mph. The fastest I have taken it was 75 and I thought it would unwind and you could visually watch the gas guage drop.

[Golden Goose]

well, the day before i lifted it, i took my w/t out on the highway with stock tires and ran it up past the top of the 85 mph speedo... 3.31 gears and 35's don't accelerate so well with the 258, but after the lift i managed to top it out a couple times before the speedo cable crapped out. when i get the new zm dash panel i ordered and install my electric speedo, i'll let y'all know what it'll do :)

The 1969 jeep i never had over 75, but that was just because the old tires were dry rotted and i had the plow on. she had plenty more to go

[88GWSteve]

Comin back from Wilmington the other day, I finally had the chance to see how fast it can go. I got up to 100 and maintained it for a mile and cruised at 70 the whole way home. I know it can go faster though, I guess I have to try again someday. :D

[The PIG Smith]

When I approach 85, the chain in my NP219 begins to resonate.
I am afraid any faster and it will come up through the rusty floor!

At 85, the 360 in my J20 seems to have plenty of power, lots more skinny pedal left, but I have not pushed it beyond 85.

With the 3:73 gears and the all time 4WD of my NP219, 70ish is where I am most comfortable.

[ArtsiFrtsi]

My Chero will do the speed limit with plenty of power left over for passing.

[AKASteven79]

65 to 70 most of the time, had it over 100 one time till it started to float on me.

[johnwaynejeep2]

I've had my current wag doin 75 on the freeway and that was a nice cruising speed. in my old wag I got into it on the freeway with some jalopy that cut me off. I had the beast screamin at 95 and it was smooth as silk.

I'm pretty sure a wagoneer would make a good road trip king. I was throwing around the idea a while back of putting in a V6 or a new fuel injected V8 with a higher gear set for highway speeds and seeing how she does on road trips. Rebuild the suspension, recharge the AC and put in a nice stereo and you got it made.

[thejum57]

I've done 70 with my J-10, it seems to cruse right along. It could use some front end work etc, but it wasn't scary. My brother had a 74 baby jeep with 31" tires, when I mention driving on "the highway" to him, he said "I don't drive there, when I hit a bump, I almost change lanes":eek: When it's running, I drive my truck to work every day in the winter.

[Wagonaught]

On a decent day (temp wise) and no strong headwind. Mine will cruise at about 74 mph no prob. :)

[fulsizjeep]

Krista's 401 on 5" lift, 3.07 gears and 31's - 100+ on open I80 in Nevada a couple years ago. Like we say - drive it like you stole it :p

Krista's other 401 will go fast enough to scare you into submission. :D

My 401 is different with most the wind gone by 80 on 3.73 gears and 33s being rigged more for slow running on rocks and mountain trails. :cool: When it was stock, it would run up and down I95 at 85 on cruise. :rolleyes:

My other 88 will cruise 85 easy on the rolling highways around here with 360 on 4" lift, 3.31 gears on 32s. :)

[shimniok]

Hm, I put 70-85 cuz usu. that is all it's got, but the other day I must have been downhill or with a tailwind cuz I had plenty to go at 90mph at WOT (altho I did recently jet richer).

Of course the first minor hill and I'm struggling. I usu. run it at 65 to try and conserve fuel.

Michael

[Serious Johnson]

...My 401 is different with most the wind gone by 80 on 3.73 gears and 33s being rigged more for slow running on rocks and mountain trails...

Odd -- my 360 on 3.73s & 33s will pull right about to 80 on a hill before needing 4th gear (T-18a), but then it's built to occasionally rev a bit past 6,000 with a big trailer in tow. Hard to imagine even a stock 401 being all that much more of a lugger.

S.J.

[Al Johnson]

I'm a cheater here, because my rig is a GW 360 engine sort of mildly built, with small cam, stock compression, 4bbl, very mild porting, dual 2.5" exhaust, overdrive 5speed trans, 4.10 gears and 31" tires --- in an '87 Wrangler. All that said, I've had it up to 90 and still climbing fast. I gave up because of handling issues. :eek: I strongly suspect it would do 110 or more. :cool:

[DanHS]

I had the GW up to about 80-85 about a year ago. It had old tires, left front one unblanced, and no steering stabilizer. The thing drove straight and smooth but the steering wheel shuddered so bad my hand almost went numb after driving like that for 40 minutes. I've driven it at 75 a few times, my dad will drive it at 70 often. Most of the time in the GW though to get over 70 you need to head downhill first, otherwise it seems like you're forcing it to do too much when you floor it. I'm sure after I put on the new exhaust, shocks, and do some tuning, it will be fine for 80-90mph. I won't be driving it that fast much tho, as the police like to patrol most of the open section of the only big highway here, they give you a ticket even when you're not going fast.

[fulsizjeep]

Odd -- my 360 on 3.73s & 33s will pull right about to 80 on a hill before needing 4th gear (T-18a), but then it's built to occasionally rev a bit past 6,000 with a big trailer in tow. Hard to imagine even a stock 401 being all that much more of a lugger.

S.J.

Well, my 401 is built some. But it has an Edelbrock SP2P on it which restricts breathing enough to not allow winding it up real high. Plus it still has a stock single 2.5" exhaust. Works great on the crawls tho.

[AlsChopShop]

My brother had a 74 baby jeep with 31" tires, when I mention driving on "the highway" to him, he said "I don't drive there, when I hit a bump, I almost change lanes":eek:

thats exactly how my chero is, it will fly down at 70-75mph in a straight and smooth line with ease but once i have to change lanes, turn, or go over bumps it the pucker factor gets up there. now i'm the jerk that slows to 45mph on the 45mph rated turn. i'm used to my IFS chevy that will out handle even the new dodge SRT trucks.

Al

[Great Pharoah]

Sing with me now;
"Some Cheros can do seventy five, and some can do sixty nine,
but if I can get mine to start and run at all, I think I'm doing fine.":D:D:D

But seriously folks, I can run 75 to 80 easily but above that she starts getting a little too warm.:( Of course I haven't really wound it out much with the new carb, going to do that soon, but she will run 80+, which is as fast as I want to go. In fact I'm happy with 65. If I want to go real fast, I'll take either my F150 or the wife's Crown Vic, they will go faster, much faster. But I don't have the Chero to race.
GP

[Spock]

If I was forced to hit 88mph because crazy rocket launching wielding VW Van is chasing me I probably wouldn't make it...

[mic63]

My 43 year old 230 Tornado will keep screaming along all day at 63 mph according to my GPS, 60 on the speedo. I took it up to 70 on the speedo for a short distance, with a cheering croud of booze hounds in the back seat. I was so happy that their were no part on the side of the road on the way back. I'm keeping it under 65.

[Kali]

With the gearing and tires on my truck, when the speedo hits 85 im really doing 65, so I have no idea how fast ive gone, but i would guess ive had it up over 80 before. Doesnt shake rattle or roll at all. I really am impressed at the ride quality of my j-10 :)

[Millerluck]

Ive had my 88 up to 95 many times. Things feel like they are going to fly apart. But never have.

I go 65 to 70 daily on the way to work on a 55 road. To this day I have never ever got a speeding ticket.(22 years) Knock on wood! Wife gets them all the time. :D

Larry Miller

[Jeep4myBoys]

The speed limits out here are all 75 - and you had better keep up! No problem in my 82 anyway - I drove it home in the heat of summer, wife behind me verified that I was having trouble keeping it under 85 for the 75 mile trip back home. It's on 31s, and didn't show a hint of heating up. I don't know what gears it has yet, I need to clean years of crud off the the axles before I can see what they are!

[Mikel]

My '63 J300, with the Buick 350, T18 and late 70's D44's with 3.55's, cruises happily at 55 MPH barely touching the gas pedal. I have no doubt it will do 100 easily, but I don't have the guts to try it :eek:

[Tahnka]

I played with a wierd sensation once that was a result of speed. It's very easy to feel that my 84 Gwag found a good spot at the 55-60mpg range. I really had to push it to jump above 60. But I then found that when it hit 75-80, that it entered another one of those "smooth" spots where it seemed to be able to move with little effort.

My speedo stops at 85 so ultimately I can only say that the one time I was playing with that power curve sensation, I was 85+. I swear at that speed I was watching the fuel gauge dip as though I was pulling 1mpg.

But utlimately, cruising at 55-60 seems to be ideal both for speed and mpg.

[addicted]

My 89 hasn't been over 70 since i've owned it. The faster I go the faster the trans fluid leaks out. The 80 J-10 I sold my buddy wouldn't break 75 on the uncorrected speedo with it's 4.09 gears 219 t-case and 31x10.50's and that was at 4200 rpm! :drivin:

[letank]

65-70ish at most, after that, it seems to need more oil.... but w 2.67 gearing, i am at barely 2300rpm

Last time i drove above 70ish for an extended trip... the fan kissed the radiator.... So for the 10-15minutes that i would gain on a 3 hrs trip.... it is not worth the trouble of waiting for a tow truck and chasing parts the next weekend.

[shackwrrr]

I havent had the jeep on the road exept for when i brought it home but the fastest I have ever gone was 105 in an s10 blazer it shook reallllly bad and started to float oh and there was the broken cv joint that flopped around the front end makin some horrifying noizes

[J10-401]

I've always read that HP requirements go up with the cube of velocity, not the square. The square rules drag, not HP needed. Anyhow, I can tell you that it took an honest 600 flywheel HP to get my very slippery SCCA '73 Hornet hatchback to hit (radar) 185 mph at Riverside on the back-straight. I used to laugh my arse off reading magazine reviews of cars they supposedly "tested" to run at speeds above 160-mph with HP figures waaaaaay below that. But those BS-artists have been fooling people for a long time. :mad:

[J10-401]

I got my J-10 to feel very stable on highway speeds by suspension tweaks. But at 80-mph the poor motor is reving too high for nice cruising. I gotta get and OD trans someday. Like a built-700-R4. :drivin:

So in the meantime, I just kick back in the slow lane at 2700-rpms. I have no clue what my speed is. But every jackass that crowds my back bumper should beware. I usually carry a sack of baseballs that can be tossed back out the drivers window. Ooops! If you want to suck your gas tank faster, get yer buns in the other lanes. they usually have 2 or 3 more to yer left Bozo. Anyhow that's my "MO". Life is good! Sorry for the rant...

[DanHS]

I think the fastest I ever went was about 80, maybe 85 a couple times. The Jeep had old tires until last fall, and no steering stabilizer, so once you got over 65 it began to shudder, and the steering wheel shuddered enough at 80 to make my hand nearly go numb. Now with new 31's and a steering stabilizer it cruises very smoothly at speed, though I don't think I've ever gone over 75 in the last year or so, really no reason for it, plus I don't want to push the engine since the bearings aren't in good shape at all. Once it gets new springs, bushings, and shocks, it'll cruise smooth at any speed, and with the engine rebuilt by then I'm sure it could do over 100, I'd just be watching the gas guage steadily move down if I were to go that fast. I'm figuring on 3.31 gears and 33's or 34's after eventually getting a lift, so I can have somewhat decent gearing without going too low for 75+mph highway driving (even though most of my driving rarely eclipses 65). It's not like I'll be rockcrawling all the time, so that should be perfect. I don't want to go spinning 4000rpms as I try to go down the highway.

Oh yea, I've done about 120 in the Mustang, prolly could have gone faster, but with the stupid AOD trans it kicked down to 3rd gear at near full throttle, so the rpms were too high. The stock 5.0 isn't made to go over like 4500rpms, the cam doesn't work that high and I think the valves began to float, it just went slower until it was back in overdrive. Need a 5 speed stick.

[tyrodtom]

I've been towing most weekends over 100 miles each way on the interstate in Va and Tn, about a 4000 lbs load. 31x 10.50s 3.7 rearend, try to keep it at 3000rpm, thats around 75.

[billy1]

:drivin: I try and keep my '79 J-10 around 65. That's about 2,700 rpm. I've had it up to 85, and it was fine, but I worry about all those 27 year old little parts and pins and clips and stuff. Gotta have a little respect for these old buggys. Also, someone once told me with these old vehicles, as long as they have oil and water, the only real problem with high engine speeds is cracking piston rings. Don't know if that's true or not. My '62 Falcon runs 19 mph per 1,000 rpm, so 65 is 3,420. That seems fast for a 44 year old engine, but when we were young, everyone at one time or another in their life had a Falcon, and we'd run 'em 80-85 on the expressway, all day long. No problems. Guess you pay your money and take your chances.

[jaber]

Theres nothing quite like taking an '85 GW with a freshly broke-in, .030 over, rv camed, injected 360 and watching the speedo stick at 95 mph and stay there. She'll do 80 up a 5 deg. slope and still have power at the top.

[J10-401]

"had a Falcon, and we'd run 'em 80-85 on the expressway, all day long"

We all did that back then. Cars just seemed more disposable back then. I remember my first new (67) car with its 70 Dollar a month payments. And that was for a 36-month loan. :eek:

[78J10honcho]

the old J has been well above 85, but only on a as needed basis, I usually her at 60-65 for fuel and for cruising ease, life moves too fast as is, I don't need to help it any. and besides, I look good crusing in the J :cool: :drivin:

[Thumpszilla]

I've had mine to 50mph on the speedo but with 36's not sure what that is but it's slow. I really need gears. I think I will go with 4:88's when I can.

[PlumCrazy]

Terra will run 65-70 all day long with just a little noise. I have had her up around the 80-85 (needle jumping) and it's just a little hairy...maybe with better tires (passenger style) it wouldn't be so bad.

Now the lil pup.....um let's not go there:thumbsup:

Wayne S

[J4GRAND]

I have no problem doing 70-75 with the J4000 but feel its most comfortable around 65 as with the 3.73 gears and 33" tires the engine is really humming at 70+.

[Bob Davis '80 Chero]

My truck was not happy with anything, but would cruise at 60 happy. The Cherokee just scoots, slow to build speed; but once there it'll cruise at 70+ easily. In fact, so easy I figured my speedo was way optimistic. Sunday I was cruising behind a Highway Patrol trooper at about 75 in a 55; I figured I was going about 60. Turns out my speedo is only 3 MPH fast. So, I guess I'll be lifting the foot more often!

[janie]

Bill's had Tequilla up to 75 mph and said the truck would've easily done more. I don't even wanna know what my son has had Peso up to.:) Now that the Honcho has the lift, 33 MT's, 60mph is about all I can stand.

[Gambler68]

In the 88 Grand Wag Limited we had years ago, I got her arounda 100 more than once. smooth as butter from what I recall. 360 2b, no idea of gearing. Probally 2.73s or whatever.

I've taken my 68 gladiator with the 327 up to 70-75 on the speedo, it roars at WOT but seems steady, and drives like a dream. Seems the faster the truck goes, the smoother it is. Not sure of actual speed, or RPMs, has 4.11s, 30's, 4 spd. Fast enough my girlfriend wouldn't keep pace with me in a 2000 durango. :D

[jlewis]

I drove from Culpeper, VA to Asheville, NC which is about 400 miles. I was getting 11MPG but I just recently put some headers and true dual exhaust. On this trip I got 13 MPG. I was pretty excited about that. I was averging about 65 mph. I would sometimes get to 70mph and she was still smooth. By the way it has a 360 in it with 145,000 original miles. I tell you what, I love my truck.

[Mario_CA]

On this weekends trip to the mountains I was able to pass a big rig at 85.6mph. This was per my Garmin GPS. Felt like there was more in her otherwise she goes just fine at 68-73mph on 31's with stock gearing. By the way, I also calulated my flat land milage at 12.6mpg using the gps milage and gas receipts. My buds 06 Toyota Land Cruiser w/ V8 only get 14 so I am not complaining at all.

[JeepMan69]

With 30" tires, 3.31 gears, no lift (but has towing package, and springs don't sag) I once did 95mph according to my friend. My speedo was broke at the time, and I was being followed home after some trail riding by my friend in his 4cyl Toy truck. I didn't know how fast I was going, so I just drove as fast as I felt safe. When we got to my house, he was amazed that I was driving that fast.

Now with my speedo fixed, I know how fast I'm going, and I regularly do 65/70 on the curvy roads here. Love the way the Jeep hugs the road. I try to avoid going over 70 since there are so many unmarked cops searching for speeders around here.

[my 2j20's]

I had my pedal stick one time! and before i knew it the needle wasn't moving any more and it stops at 100.. Jeepfreak will back this up he was riding with me at the time..we just dropped this motor in and was doing a test drive...he's still freaked out about being in a jeep truck at 100

[billyrb]

85 plus on both of my lifted rigs, without breaking a sweat. I prefer to drive around 70-75 on the highway, keeping it within the speed limit.

But, having said that, I've also upgraded the brakes, steering and swaybars to make it safe for highway speeds while lifted.

[FSJ-Earl]

Last year when my daughter got hit by a truck, I drove to the scene in my wife's stock 90 GW and I had the speedo pegged at 100 or whatever the speedo goes to. I don't remember much about the ride, I had other things on my mind. My lifted 89 goes good until about 55, gets a bit shakey and then smooths out again at about 65 - 70. My 83 J10 get shakey at about 20 and progressively gets worse!

[GW Fisherman]

Drove the 90GW out to a camping trip this weekend. On the drive back home I noticed that I was going pretty fast as I was passing many cars that were in the right lane and had a few cars behind me. My speedo is broke but I would say I was cruising at about 90mph. I had alot of peddle left and felt like I could have gone a whole lot faster. When I stomped on it cruising about 65 it got up and went pretty fast leaving the others that were tailing me behind. They caught up to me a little ways down the road and I led the pack into Austin from Bastrop. Glad I decided to keep our "muscle car" as my wife likes to call it.

[greatbg]

Under 70 is good. 35" tires and 4.27 gears makes for a howling good time= really loud at 70. No wondering though. I guess with earplugs 70+ would be fine.:drivin:

[Hankrod]

I have had my 88 waggy up to 5200 rpm with 31"s and 3.90 gears. Thats about 120 mph. ran nice & smooth and had plenty of power left. Not a daily practice of mine but it is possible. Hankrod

[91G-Dub]

On the way to Rausch Creek last weekend (via PA turnpike) I ran steady 75-80 not breaking a sweat. :drivin:

Coming back I pretty much followed Arter in his lifted Waggy :fsj: and ran 60-65 most of the way. Nice easy ride.

Been a while since I had her out on a nice run like that and she was flawless. :D

Oh by the way, averaged just over 10MPG on the ride home :( thought it would be higher.

[Poley]

around ZERO right now.. but when I had a motor it wouod crusie 65 al day but couild get it up to 75-80 easy, but that is where the wondering comes into play

[Symer Salient]

My '77 Wag runs fine at highway speeds, albeit her steering seems a little squirrely (is that spelled right?) Anyway, steering always seems to require a little proactive attention.

I just drove her over 400 miles to move her from my dad's house in L.A. to my new house in Sacramento. Ran like a champ (guzzled gas like Gatorade :eek:). I'd never, ever driven her that kind of distance before and had just replaced bad u-joints on her to make sure she was as safe as possible...but I had no idea what to expect. I was just hoping that she'd, at least, get me within 100 miles of home (so AAA could help out).

She made home OK. I was pleased. I would've SOL if she'd decided breakdown somewhere in the middle of the state.

[Wagoneerlover]

I have had mine up to 85 (Far as the speedo goes on these later model rigs) But I barely was touching the gas. Once I get her on the freeway the reman engine performs like a dream. Even the old engine had no troubles getting up to that speed. But in this area the freeway is a cop trap so I normally stay between 65 and 70 otherwise I will be on the side of the road with the 10 other speed-demons who decided to go whizzing by the state troopers.. (Wait in line to get your ticket along with the others)

I am in the middle of custom making a new dash panel and I have all new autometer gauges including an electronic speedo... Once its all wired in and set up I will let you know what it really was at. (New speedo goes to 160!!)

[danheit]

So why isn't there a section on the poll for the rest of us, titled "0-0...my FSJ hasn't run since I brought it home and pulled it apart"? That is where mine falls in. Although, on the ride home, I did get her up to about 45 with a bad carb!:drivin:

[Wagabond]

With everything all sorted now, I do about 70-80 on the freeways.

[amc79j10]

My truck with a 360 35" tires and 3.54 gears cruised best at about 85-90 mph (flat ground.)
Now with 4.27 gears, it cruised best at about 70-75 mph. The limiting factor is motor rpms.
long up hills the 4.27 runs 50-65 and the 3.54 was 40-60

Mike A and Flying Lady

[grand_wag_85]

Got the J10 up to 55 for the first time ever and it fought me every step of the way, seems that the timing is WAY off as it didn't like the high RPM's, 258/T-176

The Chero likes cruising between 70-75 however on the speedometer 65 is actually 55 and 70 is actually 65:confused: I just go by GPS:fsj:

[cgs0409]

Man...I don't think I've ever had Thelma Lou over 60...and that was on the interstate. I'm easy on the old girl...but she can haul a heck of a load of hay.

[joe]

This survey would have been a bit more meaningful if it included model and year. The 63 Wag, 72 and 73 J-trucks that I've owned all came with stock 4.09 gearing. The newer rigs were geared a lot higher for highway use but would get dragged around in a tug-of-war with an early FSJ.

[Tad]

I agree with joe above.

4.10's here with 34.5" tires.
Sweet spot here is between about 64-72 MPH.
Anything faster is just annoying.
I do have to admit it handles better on the highway than my '93 Nissan 2WD truck.
Go Figure :(

[jamsni]

Drive it like Sulu's ship in Star Trek 6:

"Captain, if we go an faster she'll fly apart!"

Sulu: "Then fly it apart if you have too!"

:thumbsup:

[porkchop]

I had mine up to 55 once for about 3 miles. I usually cruise at about 45-50. 38" tires and 5.87 gears. The Chevy 292 wants to go faster but the t-case is holding me back. Don't want to boil all the oil out.

[Eugene 1]

Im normally at 70-75 2800-3000rpm by a radar gun :) any faster than 80 it makes funny sounds

[AlsChopShop]

i get some wierd vibrations above 75mph. but i get some crazy looks blowing past traffic at 80mph. dunno if that it is because i'm loosing parts/fluid or if they are just trying to get the hell out of my way as i barrel towards them. :thumbsup:

Al

[Jan]

she easily does above 95 without feeling unsafe at all (all stock with the mods below, put in new shocks last year), but it is tiring to watch out for the cops and the gas mileage gets really bad. So I generally don't go above 80.

Cheers

Jan

[Mack_T]

I tend to keep mine about 60 mph on long trips. The engine sounds a bit high in the RPM range at that point; 65 is ok as well as 70, but it sounds like I'm really pushing the revs right now. Supposedly, I've only got 3.31 gears from the tow package. I would not say that any shimmies or other odd noises are keeping me back, but I want it to last a long time too!

[shackwrrr]

I took the jeep out and its balls to the wall speed is 95. I had no steering stab and old bias ply tires. I was racing my buddy and he pased me at 120 in it cougar

[Serious Johnson]

Just got back from 1,800 miles in the Wag, and can report that 90 MPH feels better than 100, 70 better than 80, and so on down to about 40, where it seems to either want to go faster or find some place to use 4-Low.

Probably the "sweet spot" for me is a passing maneuver starting at 50 & ending at 90 MPH in 4th gear -- no shifting required. This of course is with a decidedly non-stock motor, 3.73s & 33s. Gawd, I love this old rag!

S.J.

[motox-010]

Mine will run 75+ for at least 50 miles. The problem is my cruise doesnt work so I will look down to check and ill be around 85!

[jeeping1974]

when i had mine on the road, it took a little to get up to 65. but once all the carbon was heated up and removed (my j10 use to be a start forestry truck for a few centuries) it would love to stay up around 75-85. didn't really want to push it too much over that.

[peluns]

79 wagon, 360, 2bl , 4.10 gears, 6 spring lift, 3 body lift :fsj:On 4 laners ran at 75 still had some throttle left:thumbsup: handled very nice :cool: must pay close attention into tight turns:eek:

[cammobus]

Just curious as to what everyone's rigs will run on the highway?
I've heard comments from people on here saying that 70 mph is scary... i've found that not to be the case. The '88 Wagon will cruise all day at 85 mph and not break a sweat, and will push well over 100 as long as there is enough gas in the tank (playing with a porsche cayenne:D)

I can only estimate {**** speedo only goes to 85 } but judging from the spacing of the numbers around the dial my GW 185k Mile motor with an Edelbrock AirGap Intake and 4bbl carb (1405 - 500 cfm?) i estimate the needle burys somewhere around 110 - 120 .... and it has seen it several times ........ smooth as glass too ............

[tinnmann31]

I've gotten my 81 j-10 up to 80 on the interstate and felt quit comfortable. Only problem is the way my exaust is set up, my flow master terminates with 3" of pipe between the back of my cab and rear axle so the noise at that speed gets aggrivating.

[Am4wag]

I've cruised mine 80-85 on 500 mile trips.Loves 2800-3000 RPM's.........

[grand_wag_85]

The '79 likes running right at 60, will do 65 but it likes 60 better for some reason. Can do ~75 for short bursts, like 10 miles or so at a time, but it really doesn't like that.

The '78 loves to run right at 75 but it will cruise 85+ no problem. If I hit Vail Pass going any slower than 75 it'll lose umph and crawls up in 2nd at 50. Picky beasts these things are.

[landbruiser1]

Mine went down the freeway yesturday at 65 plus, handles and stops really good at speeds..

[mattmopar440]

91 grand wag with a 401 will cruise with the ac and the radio blasting at 85+ :cool:

[DieselSJ]

Haven't tried it on flat gound yet...

Pulling Chiriaco grade out of Indio heading east on I-10. Those of you who have driven it know that it is a healthy grade. Last road trip to CA I decided to give it a little test to see how well the cooling system worked. It was about 108 degrees. I hit the bottom of the grade and rolled on the throttle. The more I gave, the more she went. Speedo was buried, boost at about 11psi, EGT 1000, and she was still accelerating hard. Engine temp stayed right at 195 (I have 195 stats). I lifted just enough to maintain that speed and I went over that summit like it wasn't even there.

To answer the question, it will comfortably cruise at a speed that is rediculously fast. I have been told that the 6.5 can run at the govorned speed (3500rpm) all day long without any problems. Current gearing puts it at about 1700rpm at 65mph.

[firecaptain13]

I'll run 75-80 all day long with the a/c on. Haven't had it over 80, but that's what my Mustang is for

[Wart Hawg]

Before my Wag started slipping out of 3rd I was able to run 80-85 all day long. After the 6 month stint of sitting while I was deployed (just fired her up for the first time on Monday) I can barely get her to 50. Heading to "The Zone" in the morning for some vac lines, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, carb kit, carb cleaner, tranny filter, Power Steering stopleak (band-aid until I find an in-expensive p/s gearbox), then off to the store for a 12 pack of Bud to aid in all the wrenching.

[HectorHeadgear]

I've got four-wheel drums, so I try to keep it under 70. That and I have low low gears. (but no tach! I wonder sometimes...)

[misfittom138]

I have no problem cruising at 70mph. 65 to 70 is great right now. 80-85 is doable, but I don't like to run long that fast.

[tazdog]

Had my 90 wag on a road trip in Feb it would run 70 to 75 with on effort. If I didn't watch it, it would climb up to 80 or 85 with no problem.

[Wagabond]

It'll do 75 all day long, 65 on the nasty grades. Pulled Chiriaco at 75, whenever there wasn't a 40 mph Semi passing a 38 mph Semi.

[gte901m]

Derf, I can't believe the wind noise would be worse than a CJ with a soft top in a 30 mph head wind.

This makes me laugh. About two years ago, I drop my CJ on I-20 for about 45 miles running 85+ the entire way. I only had the biki top on it. I was kicked back with a foot hanging out the side (almost lost my flip flop!). You should have seen the looks on people's faces as I passed them. Not a smart thing to do, but it was fun. Gas mileage was a stellar 7mpg. The scary thing is - it wasn't maxed out - the 304 had a little more in her. Not bad with 35"s and about 4" of lift.

Edit - forgot to mention - the wind noise was so loud, my ears were ringing for about an hour after the drive.

[jaber]

This makes me laugh.
I only had the biki top on it. I was kicked back with a foot hanging out the side (almost lost my flip flop!).

Edit - forgot to mention - the wind noise was so loud, my ears were ringing for about an hour after the drive.

Thats the story of my childhood..... I lived by Bullhead City Az. for many years and that was the way it was EVERYWHERE we went. I really wish I had the front end to put dads CJ back on the road. He bought it new in '74.

To stay on topic, with the 304 and 31's I wouldn't want to do much over 60 in it, but thats just me.

[Ghinmi]

I know for sure it'll go 95 (1/4 mile trap speed) but it'll go a LOT faster than that with some more room. Just not worth it to go that fast on the roads IMO. It feels pretty stable at 95 though.

Other than that it's always right at the speed limit. Don't want the cops to have any reason to pull me over, plus the exhaust is pretty loud at those speeds.

[yoslvr442]

ive consistantly drove it 80-85 for 2 hr trips. never broke a sweat.

[KE7DZZ]

I have a brand new (rebuilt) 360 in my '79 Cherokee Chief WT. I haven't yet hit the 500 mile break-in point. I have to pay attention to keep it under 80, but I have had it just a tad over 100. At 100+ the QT fulltime system gets kinda squirrelly. I have to climb a few hills to get home from Reno and the ol' Jeep loves to fly up them. Even though it has the aerodynamics of a block wall, Eugene ( that's her name) moves like a bat out of hell when I hit the throttle.

I have to saythat I have had many cars and trucks over the years, but nothing is as fun to drive as my beloved Eugene.http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s24/ke7dzz/Eugene.jpg

[willysworker]

when I hit 70 MPH the dirt from all the nooks and crannies makes one hellofa dust cloud behind me. After 85+ I start back pedaling cause I question the body mounts. Don't want the chassis getting ahead of me.

[El Jefe]

My jeep will do 85 with no problems other than watching the gas gauge go down. I usually keep it around 55. Just am never in that much of a hurry.

[jaber]

It's not that I'm afraid to take it there, I just baby the CJ because of what it means to me. I have an injected GW that I don't know how fast it goes. The speedo sticks at 95 and wont go any higher, but it's still accelerating....

[Wagabond]

at night, the two Coleman lanterns that they call headlights are the biggest impediment to speed.

[Chrome]

I carried the 83 Cherokee to the shop Friday to have the tires balanced and a complete new dual exhaust system installed. On the way home I opened it up to 90 for a couple of miles with no problems then the question popped in my head "Have I check the ball joints yet?" Needless to say it came back down to 60 fairly quick.

[hampton123]

I tend to stay at about 60 to 65. (fuel economy) but I did give my friends hatchback civic a run for his money. Going neck and neck(till we came to a hill...) his speedo (read to 120) was burried for the entire race. used over a quarter tank of gas in 3 mi.!!!:eek: :thumbsup: that was actually the smoothest ride I've ever had in my waggie....

[JPSwapMohn]

I'm pretty sure a wagoneer would make a good road trip king. I was throwing around the idea a while back of putting in a V6 or a new fuel injected V8 with a higher gear set for highway speeds and seeing how she does on road trips. Rebuild the suspension, recharge the AC and put in a nice stereo and you got it made.

My thoughts exactly! :D
I cruise very comfortably at 85mph. Pushed over 100 a few times to pass folks that were concerning me (speed-up, slow-down or weaving).

I have a rebuilt front end and the LT1/4L60E/NP229. I am running 32" tires, 4" BDS all-spring lift and the stock 3.31 diff. It handles very well. I have even been impressed with it on sharp curves (like off-ramps that REALLY WERE 25mph curves..:eek:)

[duncanstives]

No FSJ yet so no vote for me (strongly considering one which I why I am here) but if I don't hit 100 on the freeway my trip is wasted. I could get my 97 zj up to about 108 with a tired old 4.0. I LOVED that motor... 200K HARD miles and it never used a drop of oil between changes :)

[BigTiny]

I drove it 75 on the interstate on the day I brought it home. You can actually see the needle on the gas gauge drop. I won't do it again until gas is cheaper, which means I won't be doing it again.

[COLOFIREMAN]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/COLOJEEPGUY2K/Emotions/old-thread-batman.jpg

Well since this thread is still around since 5/22/06,

I can get 75 in the 73' J4000 w/ the plow on it. Gota love 4:10, a pissed 360, new tranny, part time T/C, and hard 33" tires for that.:D

[cttandy]

I have had mine to 55, that after the tunign some of you guys helped me with. The day I bought it I only got it up to 35 and it was scaring me. The previous owner said he had it up to 80 once. I doubt this thing will see more then 50 unless it is strapped to a trailer behind my wife's yukon, then it might see 80-90, if I'm really feeling lucky.

The yukon will do over a 100 no sweat, and I have had my 04 stang to 120 in 3rd, its a 5 spd and had way more to go, but I am starting to be an old fart lately. I guess having 2 little girls does that too you. I once ran from knoxville, tn to nashville, tn in 1 Hour, down I-40 that an average speed of about 150 for those of you who are wondering. I have a witness. Niether of us would do it again. Young and dumb, definitely young and dumb.

[Serious Johnson]

Pulled a race car from SC to VA & back with the Wag a few weeks ago. Was doing 90-ish for a ways there, and more worried about cops than stability. 3.73s, 33s, T-18, strong motor, weak mind.

S.J.

[rock&roll]

my 71 with the buick 350 cruises at 65-75 and the fastest ive gotten it is 90 with pedal left over.:drivin: the 79 likes 65 and under but will do 80 downhill with a tailwind.:zzz:

[cajunKen]

I've had mine up to 85 but she let me know she wasn't too happy. Still had a good bit of pedal left at that point.

I can cruise at 70-75 w/ no problems (until I hit the mountains & altitude:D).

[cttandy]

After the lift, tires, new axles, I pulled out from church and did what I thought was the speed limit. I thought the speedo was off, it said 85 mph. The next day I grabbed the GPS and drove around town, only to find out my speedo is within 2 mph across the dial. Hmmm, 85 in a 55 wonder what that ticket would have been.

[fulsizjeep]

Odd -- my 360 on 3.73s & 33s will pull right about to 80 on a hill before needing 4th gear (T-18a), but then it's built to occasionally rev a bit past 6,000 with a big trailer in tow. Hard to imagine even a stock 401 being all that much more of a lugger.

S.J.Well, my 401 is built some. But it has an Edelbrock SP2P on it which restricts breathing enough to not allow winding it up real high. Plus it still has a stock single 2.5" exhaust. Works great on the crawls tho. I am now running Hedman headers, shortened a bit and 2..25" pipes through generic stainless turbo mufflers. This thing breaths better now and can run 90 if I want to push it. I pulled a Cherokee on a trailer over Lizardhead Pass on hwy 145 in April but it was pretty tapped out by the time we hit 10,000 feet. I am thinking of tossing a Performer on it. Whatahey. :cool:

[-Bluegill-]

Welp, I can tell you a nearly stock 360 w/ QT, 3.54 gears and 36" bias Iroks runs 70mph easy - on a flat surface. Uphill it struggles because of the gearing. Little slow getting to those speeds, also due to gearing. If it weren't for the wide bias tires "wagging the dog", I'd feel comfortable running even faster. When it had the 35" radial Baja Claws on it I'd run 85mph all day long. :D Ain't no lift made that rides as good as SOA baby.

[pineymike]

Mostly I try to stay around 60mph but wen I step on it it goes, needle bounces so much after 70 its hard to tell one nite on the way back from roush the guys follow ing called and asked me to slow down cause they were in no way going to run that fast! there 20yr olds and were in a late model camero,suprised me but the 455X3:07 gears creeps up on ya!

[Songman]

I just picked up the new 1990 Grand Wagoneer today. Drove it home without problems about 150 miles. Hit 85 a few times. Actually had to be careful to keep from getting up there. The speed was easy enough. The terrible gas mileage is what killed me! Had to stop to fill up a second time before I got home!

[XxJuicyBurgerxX]

My '79 J10 with 150k on the 360 will bounce the needle at 85 all day long, handles great

[cst756]

I get about 70 mph down the highway and don't seem to be having any problems other than the speedo says I'm only running 62.

[ChileWaggy]

Before the Gen III swap, I usually drove it at no more that 65.
After the swap, 80-85 feels really comfortable and I get 19 MPG.

[Slinger646]

We my son made a high speed run home when my dad got sick last year. He said it was turning 3900 RPM and that is all it would do with 3:07 gears and 33" tires, you do the math. :eek: He said it was smooth but the noise from all the rattles was unreal. Dang it Zack. The War Wagon will run 70 MPH all day.

Jim

According to my calculations he was either going 0.124767334MPH or Mach 1.92 (1270.232925385 MPH)

[budojeepr]

We my son made a high speed run home when my dad got sick last year. He said it was turning 3900 RPM and that is all it would do with 3:07 gears and 33" tires, you do the math. :eek: He said it was smooth but the noise from all the rattles was unreal. Dang it Zack. The War Wagon will run 70 MPH all day.

Jim
Check me:
3900 rpm divided by gear ratio (assuming 1:1 transmission and xfer case) = 1270 rpm at the axle.
distance traveled per tire revolution (assuming 33" diameter) = pi x 33 = 103.67 inches
103.67 inches times 1270 rpm = 131,701.18 inches per minute
divide by 12 inches per foot, divide by 5280 feet per mile = 2.0786 miles per minute...this is getting good...
2.0786 miles per minute times 60 minutes per hour = 124.72 mph.

:fsj:

[ChileWaggy]

124.72 mph.

:fsj:

If that´s correct, I bet that 360 was making 2 gallons per mile :p

[lost1]

you forgot the decimal. 0.2gpm

[ChileWaggy]

you forgot the decimal. 0.2gpm

I said Gallons per Mile, not Miles per Gallon ;) :D

[grand_wag_85]

The 2nd day I had my 76 Waggy I jumped on the interstate and went 75 according to the speedo...According to the girlfriend immediately behind me it was more like 90 and it felt like it still had plenty of room to go. I did take it up to 90 according to the speedo once and it was dead smooth, gotta love them 401's.

My '78 would hit 65 tops, my '79 like cruising at either 65 or 75, not in between, faster or slower:confused:

[woodybeone]

Can cruise at 70-75 but I actually keep it between 55-60. Get better mileage at that speed and it's easier on the wag.

[duncanstives]

My 88GW has a tired 360... As in I am pretty sure it needs rings badly and it maxes out the speedo without much trouble... I have had it going 100+ on a fairly regular basis (it overheats after awhile but its not immediate). Maybe I have low ratio axles or something :confused:

It does DRINK gas at these speeds... I am guessing like around 3-4MPG.

[jtr]

Mine does whatever my tow rig does:D


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i137/justinroose/IMG_1436.jpg

[waynestiles]

I usually drive about the posted limit +5/10. depending on conditions and traffic. I do a lot of freeway and major highway driving. Driving safely means keeping with the "flow". out on the open road I try to run at approximately 80%---I'm passing 8 out of 10 cars and 2 out of 10 are passing me. I also run a good radar detector. At 70-80 there seems to be more to go, I just don't feel the need to push that particular boundary.

[newtojeeps]

My DD Cherokee W/Trac 258 ,T5, 208, 3.31's,2" lift w/ 31' BFG TA KO's tires will do 90 on the flat.:fsj: I drive it between 65-70. Tickets are to expensive.:rolleyes:

[ursusarticus]

I have a 1969 Wagoneer that will get to 70 mph with no trouble. The old Jeepasaurus is a bit old but it can run gotta love the Buick 350 yee hah:drivin:

[shaolinsifu]

I've taken her to Ft.Myers and up to Bradenton/Sarasota up I-75 doing avg of 75,every now and then I look down and she's sneeking up over 85 (as soon as I realize I'm goin' that fast I back off though...can't afford gas for her AND a ticket!!) motor is pretty well stock-less emmisions stuff...265.70.16's (32x11ish) ...just installed an edelbrock 1406 tonight,we'll see soon enough what that'll do for her highway behavior!!:drivin:

[iluvnos]

What is this mythological thing you call 80mph?? My 79 4 door Cherokee has no overdrive so 65 is about as fast as I like to see her go. I agree with Tad though in the comments about tug o war with the newer waggy's. Mine will pull the butt out of the cat any day, but its catching the cat taht is the issue.:thumbsup:

[HD_JEEP]

It takes a little while but cruising at :drivin:75-80 is no problem. Just a little rattle.

[djongeward]

With my new built 360 it wants to go 85+ and will get there fast at about 4200 rpm. It also wants to overheat to about 220 if I keep it up for very long. Stock suspension tail dragger makes it hug the road, very stable. I cruse at 65 or 70 just fine, plenty of power and stays cooler. I'm certainly no teenager, but I still have a lead foot. :cool:

[dusty]

70 mph happily cruising no noises or vibrations till 75+ :eek: I think id probably put the sway bars back on the front and rear if i was going any faster. its got the heebee jeebies if you arent on your game past 70 mph

Changing to the diesel has made highway cruising alot more pleasant

[fubar]

well i have no speedo but i do have a ticket that shows 75 up hill with 40"s lol it stops its vibes at 75:rolleyes: .othere then that no clue but i do know i can beat most cars up a freeway on ramp

[fsjman1978]

My 74 wagon (360) cruises around 70 real good anyday. When I bought my 78 wagon (401) from Neveda and drove it back to Ohio doing 85 to 90mph from full to empty no problem. Dont know if it liked it but it did awesome in my opinion. Knock on wood, no problems yet.

[lost1]

The 83 waggy ought to be pretty tired by now at over 288K miles and no knowledge of a rebuild in its past (only a few owners before me, two of them closely related), but it seems to be running pretty strong regardless. I tend to run a hair above the limit at highway/interstate speeds, and I've been caught by surprise at the amount of skinny pedal she's still got at 75.

[Carleysjeep]

Interstate speed limit out here is 80, state highway limit is 75. If I drive interstate I try to keep with the flow and have no problems, but mostly I drive at 60-65.

[UnkleMunky]

78 J10 with 258, T18 and 3.54s.....happy at 45-55. Not happy above 55. Really not happy above 65. VERY unhappy at 70 or more. So, I don't push it. Gas plummets above 55 as well.

80 J10 with 360, TF727 and 2.73s....seems happy going 60-65 and maybe more. Haven't driven the truck in many 70mph zones yet.

Both still need some refining, but I use 'em as I need.

I ran an '83 J10 with a 258, T176 and 2.73s on the highway at 65 for a nice stretch once and it seemed happy as a bug in a rug. Probably would have done more easily, but was definitely happier than my 78 is at the same speeds.

[vintagetrks]

The fastest I've had mine was 70mph. It felt stable and still could have gone faster but the noise in the cab was defening with all the rattles. Man I need new weather stripping. As soon as I get new rubber around the doors and windows we will see how she does.

[jaber]

I burried the speedo on my way home from Ashfork last Friday. :confused:

[78J-10]

My 78 j-10 with 258, t15(3spd), and 3.31 gears likes 45-55 just fine. have hit 80 in it before. But i was NOT in the least bit HAPPY!.

Now my 92 lexus SC400 with the 4.0l V8 had 160 MPH speedo and i have maxed that out more then once :D god i love that car.

96 3/4 ton dodge with 4.10's will do almost 85 in second at 4700 RPM.
I can keep up with most auto GT mustangs gettin on the highway :D

[Jim Blair]

My '73 J4000 with 33/12.50/16.5s cruised nicely at 70 mph all day long (I drove 150 miles to and from work till gas prices jumped up) but it had a 304 with TH400 and Q/t with part time and 17% O/D.


I'm waiting to see how my '82 Honcho with the same 304 and an AX-15 with NP208 likes freeway cruising (waiting to see how it likes the 33/9.50/15 tires before I decide to change gear ratios)

[Wagn Man]

Well when the waggie had a good trans in it and the engine was tuned right I could push 110 mph all day long, that was with 3" lift and 32x11.50 with 3.31 gearing. But I soon came to find out that changing lanes at that speed was rather unpleasant. So from then on she never saw anything above 80.

[grandwag89]

95+ easy

[gotgas]

Mine drives great 75-80,but I prefer to drive 55-60.:drivin:

[freeincolorado]

Got mine to 95 mph and could have gone faster.
Scary though.

[Dirt Wag]

Mine cruises OK at 70 on these flat Florida highways. It'll do about 80 max. Not bad for a 2 barrel mostly stock 360. Not sure how it would do in the mountains though! The 6" lift bumps the wind resistance up and the 34" Swampers don't help much. I'm gonna regear to get some power back.

[madmikeX3]

I drove mine from Pensacola FL to Fayetteville NC cruising about 75-80mph the whole way back. only used about a tank and a 3/4 on the way back. Not bad for a 4bbl edelbrock 360.

[brubakes]

I have had my J20 up to 75mph. It was shaking pretty bad, but that's with 33" mud tires and unknown condition of the suspension components. You could almost see the fuel gauge falling too.

[CutterN55]

Mine SUCKS on the highway. 55mph a 2400. 33's pushed by 4.10's. I get less fuel economy on the highway than I do in town. Working on my exhaust a little though. hope that helps. I can get to 70+ easy but RPM's get scary and an emergancy stop would be a little hairy. (no sway/track bars)

[grand_wag_85]

Got mine to 95 mph and could have gone faster.
Scary though.
X2. Driving an FSJ at those speeds is like being strapped to the front of a rocket with nothing but your hands to steer with.

[Brizio]

I like to drive it on highway around 55-65...

Except sometime... :D:D:D:D
This is a nice old video from last summer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B-QiUYTVr4

I don't know why when I pass some cars, they need to speed up... Probably they don't like the Woody???

[raider50]

Well, I generally try to keep it to 50-55. Anything thing other than that and the 77 j20 with 4.10's? and a 4 speed starts turning over to fast and gets me 7-8mpg at 60mph. I was going down a really big hill about a week ago and got it to 90. I am assuming it was somewhere around 5k, and scary.

So just a quick question if i got a 6inch lift and either 35's or 37's would i get even worse mileage? My reasoning for this is it would stay about the same rpm but be going 10mph faster cruising right? This 50-55 stuff is killing me.

[El_Diablo]

anywhere from 65-85, top speed so far is over 90mph in the wag, im pretty certain that with the 32's thats over 100mph and i was goin past a lot of people with surprised looks, lol

[Ostego]

70-85+ She goes, its scary as hell but you gotta work that 401 with a performance carb. sometime!:thumbsup:

[flyusmc]

I'm not going to post my actual numbers for three reasons....
1. I don't think people would believe me if I told them.
2. My Speedo cable is not hooked up.
3. I don't want to get disapproving scowls or replies from anyone.

That being said I will let you figure out my top speed. Keep in mind I set my GW up for a performance/tow/road machine with easy 4x4 ability.
BTW where I live in ND is flat. great straight roads for miles, no power poles, and there is nobody around for days! :D
Specs:
(roughly) 400 H.P. 401
235/75/15 Tires
A518 AOD transmission with a .69 overdrive 1.00 3rd gear.
2.73 Highway gears.

MY redline is around 6000 RPM. But don't think I've had my overdrive up to that! :O

-FLYUSMC

[backroadin']

I dunno - my needle starts doing the hokey-pokey after 65 or so! :D

(Hey - maybe that's what it's all about......)

[telecomken]

I dunno - my needle starts doing the hokey-pokey after 65 or so! :D

(Hey - maybe that's what it's all about......)

Thats the same hokey pokey I have in my truck, thats got to be what its all about.

[Bill Moore]

good thread, seems many are of the same ilk. My DD J20 (Grendel) with the 305(stock 91 Camero engine) currently is comfortable with the 50 to 55 range. It will run 70 with no problem on the flat on the interstate, the Gas consumption at that speed or higher is out of sight. Unfortunately the 305 has no bottom end at that speed, so its gutless. However, on the other side, its getting around 18 if you keep it at 55 or below. The axles are 4.10s and it has 33 inch tires, with 4 inch spring lift. Gearing keeps it functional

The M715 with 4bt, nv4500 and CUCV axles is a different story. Cruises at 70 with plenty of umph, however the wind resistance is an issue, would hesitate to push it beyond 75. However at 70 its still getting 20 plus mpg and solid as a rock. Running 39s knobs at the moment, and its pretty noisy.

[PompadourAMC]

My 82 WAG was doing about 90 with the 727, 31s and qtrac! I constantly drive it at about 80 to 85 on freeways...(out in the open our freeways go to 75!)
Also seems to get about 10 mph... uphill..downhill.. fast, slow, towing, even coasting i think haha

[Gutter]

Got the J10 with the 6 up to 65 yesterday! :o

[AMC-J/20]

the beauty of an AMC-290-401 V-8's they'll hold 3,200-3,700 rpm all day long in stock trim :thumbsup: . . .

Built they hold 7,500rpm for 24 hours :D . . .

Mike

[Logs0012]

Had some fun and took it to 100, going downhill, with a tailwind

[Monkeyfrog]

my 258 clicks along at 70 on flat ground at 6000 feet

[budojeepr]

I had the diesel Wagoneer up to 80 on Saturday...just passin' traffic. I was pleasantly surprised to find it rock-steady at that speed.

Too bad I have the early '80s speedo - it pegs at 85. :(

[AMC-J/20]

If its Repowered with a GM-Diesel those turn almost 4,000rpm's . . .

Mike

[SEdmonds]

We used to cruise in the 75-85 range in the 72 Waggy all the time, faster if I was passong someone on old 395. It went fine as long as you fed it. I don't know the fastest it ever went - it would have been with my Dad driving, no doubt.

[Lambrewski]

Used to regularly run ~90mph on the 405 from north of LA to Newport Beach.....only trouble was the approaches to some of the bridges, which could nearly get my Cherk airborne at that speed. No tach, so don't know RPM. That was on Sunday night.....ran at ~3mph going home on Friday afternoon.

[CJ the noisemaker]

I run 85 in the Waggy, but the speedo is about 10 MPH faster... So, 75 it is. :D

[J20jeepster]

My rig with the 258 runs 3300 rpms max. In fourth gear that puts me at 65 mph.

[95steel]

I had my old j-20 at around 75 for hours on end. It was on a trailer being pulled by a cummins. Before that I had it up to 30 or so one time.

Had my 258 j10 with a 4spd humming along with traffic. Tach broke and the speedo bounced around so I could have been doing 60 or 80, either way it ran just fine.

my other j10 made it down the street once. I think the new owner is putting an engine that runs with a transmission that shifts in it so it should run better.

[Dr. Marneaus]

for some reason my speedo is off by about 20%, dunno how that happened....but when I first bought it i was cruising around at what i thought was 70mph....rode nice and smooth, handled great with the lift and all.

I wondered why I was flying by everyone else though....hmm.


Anyway, i'll push around the highways in the city doing ACTUAL 60-70 with no issues, no wobbles, vibes, engine seems strong enough, blah blah blah. The issue comes in when I'm trying to push 50mph up a big hill. Temp goes way up, and I can smell things starting to get hot.

[FSJunkie]

I have had my 72 wagoneer above 90. It took it a long time to get there but it did it. That was with an old worn out engine with 2 bad cylinders. No overdrive, 3.31 gears. It handled fine, everything smooths out at 70, it doesn't like 45-65. I will let you know after the engine is rebuilt. 120 MPH speedo, I bet is could peg it. I heard stories of 110 when it was new. This is the same car SEdmonds is describing.

[asphaltrockdweller]

Every time I get above 70 I slow it back down.
I don't know?
I mean it will go much faster, but to me it just feels really squirily. I am used to BMW's and a nice tight feel.
Don't get me wrong.
I love driving that tank around the LA freeways. But if I am to go fast, I would rather know that I can turn and, stop it fast too.

[BostonWag]

I drove mine on the highway for the first time yesterday. The best combination of speed & comfort was right around 60. I had it up to 70, but it was *loud* and since my temp and oil pressure gauges don't work, I didn't have a good idea of how the engine was handling the load...

[Mikel]

I put my 4BT-powered J300 at just over 95MPH on a flat stretch of highway a while back. Not doing that again :rolleyes:

[smogdredd]

70 feels good to Me but wifey will do 85-90. even with the 356 gears it feels great on the highway. Wifey dosn't win the fuel economy prize though!

[FallonJeeper]

My 84 J-10 runs well up to 85, I haven't tried going past 85 but I have plenty of throttle left. I'm running on 35" tires with 3.31 gears through a Torque Flite 727 3 Speed Automatic.
45 MPH tachs @ 1600 RPM
60 MPH tachs @ 2100 RPM
70 MPH tachs @ 2450 RPM

Currently running an Edelbrock 1406, Edelbrock performer intake and MSD distributor. I keep at 70 or below.

[Blake]

I'm running 2350 rpm's at 75mph when the nv4500 is in 5th gear. 5.38's and 42's. 75 is about as fast as I get the truggy up too, but it can do 100mph.

[HerrKooled]

Give I have a T18 4 speed with 4.10 gears and 40" bias ply mud tires, I don't even want to try it.

[nicnichols]

Broke 100 (well at least by the spedo..) and chickened out after that.. the Edelbrock 600, MSD, ThorleyHeaders and giant exhaust helped out quite a bit.. to get that speed before you would have had to push it over a cliff....

[Locked and Loaded]

I can cruise at 75. 85 if I close my wing windows.

[beerme4396]

My '77 cruises at 75 down alligator alley (1 hour drive or so, continuous) without a problem. Feels ok - pushed it to 80 and felt a bit unstable.... 65-70 seems a smooth speed overall.

[hookedup50]

I usually go around 70 on the highway, but have had to go up to 80ish on Jersey highways. There is plenty of pedal left, but no real need to go faster as I have cars for speeding, and I rarely do that anymore.

[Stuka]

Such an old post, but a good one to see revived.

When my J10 was stock (2.73 gears and 31" tires) it would cruise at 70mph all day long, and get 17-17.5mpg doing it. And it made more than one trip to 90.

But these days with 4.56 gears, 65 is the max it will do in gear. But we do have a long grade here with a 65mph speed limit. So I stick in neutral and just coast down. It will hit 70 or so using this method :)

[Adam_Tinkerer]

With the worn manual steering, stock drum brakes, and 4:27 gears, I do NOT want to find out top speed! :D I'd say it's manageable going 45 or so, turing the wheel from one end of the dead spot to the other!:thumbsup: -Adam

[Leapfrog]

Mine does fine at 70, but it's begging me for another gear!

[FSJunkie]

OK, with my new engine, I bet I could go over 100 on a flat surface. I cruise 75 1/3 to the floor so that seems about right. My shocks are blown out, so it starts to float around at about 80. So I guess the answer is yes it is fast, but it would be hard to keep it on the road at those speeds.

[YuppyScum89]

My 89 GW with 75,000 miles on rebuild will do 80-85 all day long in the Mtns west of Denver. It still has pedal left. I don't know what my gearing is, I'm guessing stock. I'm running 30's on it.

[Red20]

This post is an oldie but a goodie. With 32s and 3.73s I'm pushing 3000 RPMs at 75. I've gone 85 downhill, but it's too nerve-wracking for me. Plus, it sounds like it's gonna blow up. I make a 4 mile run home at 60-65 every day.

[FSJunkie]

That is the problem with this thread. FSJs came with so many different engines and gears thruought the years, that it's hard to compare them.

[FSJ_Daniel]

i got old blue running 95mph down the highway and had no sence of unstabilty at all:thumbsup:

[thatguy]

my waggy has only been a runner a week and Ive only driven her ttwice. Once was from the shop home & the other was home to the next shop. I did take her up t0 75 on th expressway to test for vibrations & such. I have no interior save front seats & dash at the momment so it was quite loud but other than that it was smooth and had plenty left.:thumbsup:

[nclugnut]

Back when I had a wagon it would float down the highway at 80 all day long and had plenty of get up an go left

[smacaroni]

I've had mine up to 70 lately, the I6 is noisy as all get out, so I don't know if it's grumpy or if it's just running. Seemed like it could go faster, but I don't want to push it.

I heard back in the day they'd pull a ton (not the way you'd normally discuss it here) 100 MPH.

[CJ the noisemaker]

I've had mine up to 70 lately, the I6 is noisy as all get out, so I don't know if it's grumpy or if it's just running. Seemed like it could go faster, but I don't want to push it.

I heard back in the day they'd pull a ton (not the way you'd normally discuss it here) 100 MPH.Yep, it is loud but awesome.

[Tripwire]

drove mine in germany on the autobahn....seemed like it ran/steered better at 75 rather than 55..:rolleyes:

[wag4x6]

Ive had mine up to 85 with a ton of pedal left, but w/o a sway bar it gets a little wobblely.:fsj:

[Rockwell_B1]

Drove mine 6hrs straight on the way home when I got it. Did 80 most of the way and it ran great. Wasn't as smooth of a ride as my MJ or Talon, but it got rid of any concerns I had before I got it. Wouldn't have a problem with going even faster I'm sure, but I might not make it to a gas station if it was kept up.

[jeepjseries]

Every since I lost my axle I don't like to do more than 75 M.P.H.

[SD_RED]

I swear I can almost see the gas gauge move when I'm driving over 70 so I continually remind myself that I'm not in a hurry and keep it down around 60. I don't know how much over 70 it will go but I'm apprehensive to try and peg the speedo with a 3 speed tranny and no tach. Not to mention I haven't had the Waggy long enough to find the time to get inside the 360 which was allegedly "rebuilt" so I and nervous to run it too hard.

[CROCKETTBOONE]

I can hit 100 MPH in my old J-10 with the tired old 258-6. Provided there is a straight road for a long way.:eek:

[asphaltrockdweller]

I can keep up with Ralph on the interstate, when he is driving his Hyundai :D

[grand_wag_85]

My J10 will run 80MPH at around 3Kish rpm's. While running at that speed the engine is howling. 65-70 seems to be the sweet spot with this one.

[wag4x6]

On a recent trip my GW wanted to cruise at about 80-85 without any struggling.

[svining]

It will bury the speedo........but I keep'er between 55-65. Its nice in that range, gives all the people wantin' to check out my Waggie, plenty of room and time. Its a safety issue, nothing good about bein' killed by fans.:thumbsup:






On a recent trip my GW wanted to cruise at about 80-85 without any struggling.

[FSJunkie]

Forget speed if there is any wind.

Cross wind makes steering a chore.

Head wind saps all the power. These things are the opposate of aerodynamic. :D That's where all the power goes. It's not so much because these things are heavy or have inefficient drivetrains, they just fight the air so much.

[Carnuck]

Honcho should do 80 easy. (that's only 2,000 RPM for the 290, AX-15 with .75 O/D, 33" tires, 3.31 gears

[CarlBraun]

My old girl has a 4" BJs lift and the original 230 OHC with 34K miles, 3.73 rear w/posi and BW automatic. I've had it down old California highway 395 and the speedo says 55...it feels like 75. She needs beefier shocks on the rig to tame down the bounce a bit. Now running Monroe auto shocks and would like to go with the beefier shocks that BJs offers with their lift kit. I have taller tires on the truck, 30", so I'm sure the speedo is off a bit.

My wife and i have a date to do a speedo check out on interstate 15 to A) see what the real speedo readings are as provided by a new Honda Ridgeline and B) how fast will the Wag motor. I wont push it too fast but I'll see how comfy I am at a true 75 and that'll be about it. C) How clean is the Wag running at that speed. Any blow by? The truck seems to run clean at anything off idle but it burns a little blue when idleing...especially in the heat, even as the engine temp is cool.

more results to follow

[ThisIsSpinalPat]

Forget speed if there is any wind.

Cross wind makes steering a chore.

Head wind saps all the power. These things are the opposate of aerodynamic. :D That's where all the power goes. It's not so much because these things are heavy or have inefficient drivetrains, they just fight the air so much.

When discussing options for changing gear ratios, increasing gas mileage, etc, I was told "Well, it's biggest problem... Look at it, it's a f**kin' brick." No truer words were ever spoken.

That being said, mine was screaming when I'd hit 70-75 mph, but I've recently put a set of 30x9.50s on and I generally keep it there on the interstate without breaking a sweat.

[CarlBraun]

My old girl has a 4" BJs lift and the original 230 OHC with 34K miles, 3.73 rear w/posi and BW automatic. I've had it down old California highway 395 and the speedo says 55...it feels like 75. She needs beefier shocks on the rig to tame down the bounce a bit. Now running Monroe auto shocks and would like to go with the beefier shocks that BJs offers with their lift kit. I have taller tires on the truck, 30", so I'm sure the speedo is off a bit.

My wife and i have a date to do a speedo check out on interstate 15 to A) see what the real speedo readings are as provided by a new Honda Ridgeline and B) how fast will the Wag motor. I wont push it too fast but I'll see how comfy I am at a true 75 and that'll be about it. C) How clean is the Wag running at that speed. Any blow by? The truck seems to run clean at anything off idle but it burns a little blue when idleing...especially in the heat, even as the engine temp is cool.

more results to follow

well, after heading out to the highway, i didnt break any sound barriers. The good news is the speedo is only off by about 5 mph but the wag tops out at around 65mph. At 65 I'm getting some shimmy that may be front end related or driveshaft related. always a work in progress

[Montana Mike]

:drivin: 72 Wag. 360 Dana 44s. 235/75LT15 Buster only likes 60mph cruise speed. anything over that and the old 360 sounds (Buster) like it's yelling ouch:eek:
I normally take all the back roads home at about 35-45 mph. seems to save some gas. But if he seems to need cleaned out we take the HWY which max speed 70mph we do 60mph. :cool:

[the original Honcho]

..
... I read a disclaimer written by AMC that one should NOT drive these FSJs over 90 MPH due to the extra whirling gizmos under the body....

i never saw it but my dad always told me is advised not to go over 55... im sure he was just trying to slow me down lol.

I got the Honcho to 100mph once very briefly and will not attempt something like that in an old full time 4x4

[Carnuck]

I'm looking forward to seeing how fast my Honcho can roll at once I fix the rear diff and put the 290 in. I was going to go with an AX-15 on it (for overdrive) and the 33" tires, but instead I'm now looking at a Ranger O/D for the T18A. I found a Ford 4x4 with currently non-running diesel 7.3 and a Ranger unit on the T18 that I may cannibalize to fix my truck with. (looking at swapping him for my '89 Comanche)

[Rod2]

It's me again; got up to interstate speed today and the speedo needle went CRAZY. The needle would flip-flop from 0 to peg while I was holding a GPS constant 65. What gives?

[swmpdonkey]

1979 cherokee 360 with qudra trac 35 inch tires regular cruise on highway 120-130km/h which converts to 80-85mph Still maintains good ride not to loud dont really care about the fuel but then again fuel on highway seems to last its bombing around town that kills me.

[nc wagoneer]

Don't have an rpm gaugebut me and my dad have done 85-90 witha trailer on the back, with a trailer :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: That's with a worn 360 and automatic!!! Vin plate says 75 mph max, yeah right :D

[Suddendeath]

70-75 is about as high RPM wise as I want to go in my rig. Running 4.10's and 33's, so I'm not exactly geared for high speed cruising. Though she does feel like she'd give me more...to much work needs to be done before I want to try taking her that fast again :rolleyes:

[FSJunkie]

:drivin: 72 Wag. 360 Dana 44s. 235/75LT15 Buster only likes 60mph cruise speed. anything over that and the old 360 sounds (Buster) like it's yelling ouch:eek:
I normally take all the back roads home at about 35-45 mph. seems to save some gas. But if he seems to need cleaned out we take the HWY which max speed 70mph we do 60mph. :cool:You gotta be kidding. I could do 100 with an engine that had two cylinders at 50 PSI compression. Do you have 4.88 gears or something? :eek:

Now with a rebuilt engine I drag race 1967 302 V8 and automatic transmission Ford Mustangs and win! They take a slight lead early on, but after about 40 MPH my Wagoneer takes over and holds the lead up to 65, and maybee even higher, as 65 is when I backed off and let the other guy go.

There is a stretch of highway between Las vegas and Westgard Pass with nothing around. I have never seen a cop on that road in my life. I was driving that stretch just a few weeks ago at 110 MPH passing some trucks. Engine RPMs were 4500.

More power than my parent's 1993 Grand Cherokee 4.0L, and very close to their 1965 Rambler 327. I certainly don't have any power complaints.

[Carnuck]

One thing some of you guys might want to keep in mind is your tire's speed rating. I made the mistake of doing 120 mph on tires not rated for it and nearly flipped when 2 of them blew out.

[1965 Wagoneer]

I would feel safe faster but I keep her around 60mph because at some point (I think while replacing the seal) the pan got bent so as oil pressure builds at speeds close to 70mph a small amount is forced out. Not a huge deal except the oil is forced out right by the fan which then takes it and covers everything in oil. Also, the old girl is almost 50 years old and like 90% original so slowing down some is not always a bad thing.

[MonsterZ]

:D My '65 would creep up to 65 from 55 easily if you weren't paying attention, 70 wasn't really a problem. Never wanted to push it much past that, as those old drums only stop so fast. The '88 I just picked up is kinda the same way, so I don't think 75+ would be a problem for the truck, I just have no use in driving that fast. If all I wanted to do was go fast I would buy another camaro. However, you can't take a camaro where I like to go, no matter how fast your driving.:fsj:

[RWrightPhotog]

My Wagoneer is slow to hit 55 but after that its an easy 70 plus.

[ScottsMojo]

if you are cruising down the road in a FSJ... :fsj:

[FSJunkie]

Now that I've driven another FSJ...

1984 Grand Wagoneer. 360 Holley 4bbl, mild RV cam, dual exhausts. 727 automatic transmission, NP226 Selec-trac. Owner insists on 2.73:1 gears, but the RPM's feel just like my 3.31:1 1972. Not sure if the Torque Converter locks up or not, I don't think it does.

As I've said before, I think my 1972 stock Wagoneer is actually overpowered. The 1984 Jeep feels slightly less powerfull, but they're close. It would take a timed race to tell exactly. the two Jeeps behave so differently from each other. To be honest, the 1984 drives more like my 1965 Ambassador. The engine is a monster, but it doesn't make usable power below 3000 RPM. It's sluggish off the line and the transmission upshifts just as the engine is getting into it's power band, making for rough shifts. If you can get it reved up, it goes like a bat out of hell.

You can tell it's not happy, It returns 7-12 MPG when the owner reported up to 20 MPG in stock form less than a year ago.

It'll still peg the 85 MPH speedometer, and will lay you back in your seat if you floor it and force a downshift at 45 MPH on up. Still not sure if it's faster than the 1972. They're different, and only a timed drag strip could tell.

[jamesdart]

my wagoneer rips it up 75-80, no prob. 33s with 3.08s. 360 with a recurved dist, full 3" exhaust, and a holley 500 2 brl. front axle, is needing some work and im thinking of installing the 4.10s while im at it. the thing is a slug off the line, and it works too hard off road in hi range. always have to use low range. i know ill regret it on the highway but i want to do a 700r4 and that should put me back to where i am now on the highway.