'82 Wagoneer w/manual transmission

[Red's FSJ]

Hey everyone, I am being offered an '82 Wagoneer with a standard transmission. I haven't seen it yet and was wondering if you could tell me what to look for? As in, what common Wagoneer issues I should take a look at to make sure that everything is working properly or best as possible. I have always wanted a Wagoneer with a manual transimission, I think I am willing to swap everything from my '88 (4' lift, tires, rims, etc.) just for this baby. Thanks for your input!
Red

[joe]

I-6 or V8?
The V8's came with T-176 4sp and is an ok med-duty trans. The 258's came with either the T-176 4sps or the T-5 5 sp(5th is OD). The T-5 is a "light" duty trans offered only in 82/83(there's a reason for that)in FSJ's and may or may not be shot by now. It holds up ok behind the 4 cyl motors in a 3000 lb CJ but is marginal at best behind I-6's in a 4500 lb FSJ. It's also a very expensive trans to have rebuilt...way more than it's worth.
If the Wag has the T-176/208 combo I'd go for it. If it has the T-5 I'd walk away...

[Hump]

4' lift!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D

[Red's FSJ]

Thanks for the response! The wagoneer has a 360 and manual hubs too. It supposedly has a plow on it, and they say that it was not used commercially. I don't want the plow at all. All I really want is a manual tranny in my Wag. The seller claims, new engine, carburetor, frt end, ball joints and manual hubs. The catch is the interior which he says needs work. Going for $1000. Oh, it was just painted two years ago... I plan to put a 4" lift on it and maybe the whole interior of my '88. So, is the plow a bad thing? Should I stay away from the Jeep because of that? Thanks again! I will go look at it tonight.
Red

[joe]

Hard to tell from here but most plow rigs have serious front end/steering/trans/clutch/drive shaft/x-case issues. Basically they've been beat(worked hard). With the interior also shot you might think of dumping what's workable from the 82 stuff into your 88?
Just a thought. ;)

[Bob Barry]

I parted out a former plow-truck, and these are some of the things I found went bad due to the salt in the snow:

* Steering shaft U-joint
* Exhaust manifolds pit badly
* The engine block, of all things, had some serious mass lost to rust; luckily, the cast iron is thick enough to take it.
* Engine-mount brackets

Still, a 4spd 360-equipped Wag is a sweet ride. I'd say buy it, and get it back to original shape. That might be one of the few collectible FSJ's in the years to come.

[Stuka]

That salt must really tear things up for you guys there. I knew a few guys here who have used the same plow truck for 20+ years and have basically no rust on them. (we dont use salt here..we use sand...which is cheaper and doesnt rot everything out)

[Bob Barry]

We use sand too; but I guess they get it from the beach, so it has the added "bonus" of salt too. :(