pro's and con's of an '87 waggy?

[winchboy]

Hey everyone, happy new year!

Well with the new year comes a new FSJ. I'm slowly parting out my old 77 chief and will replace it with a low mileage 87 Grand Waggy. But As much as I know the old 77, what should I know or learn....quickly about the 87? Are there FSJ BBQ's like the old ampmeter or nasty Prestolite ignitions???

I'm picking this one up sight unseen and 7 hours from home....will ride the trailer. So if anyone know any nasty gremlins, pass them on please!!


Ben

[crispyboy]

The worst things are the electrical gremlins and miles of vacuum hose.

The best things is that an 87 can be made to be a reliable vehicle with some work and money for parts.

Some complain about the ignition module. I haven't had the trouble yet.
The electric windows and door locks will be a headache. I lubed up all the tracks and linkages and things are working for now.

The brakes aren't bad but can be easily upgraded to rear disk and hydroboost.
Lift kits are available if you need one.

You can still buy some parts though some are getting scarce.

The 87 will have a voltmeter - no BBQ to worry about. You can upgrade the alternator if you need to.

The leather seats are comfortable!

Have fun.

[waynestiles]

got one about 4 months ago myself, fighting through some starting circuit issues, but but I'm not sure they are typical ones.

In northern areas rust may be an issue.

Factory carbs may need a rebuild/replacement.

Typically there are issues with the power doorlocks/windows/tailgate but the are well documented here and fixes are worked out.

Vacuum system is inordinatly complex and the old tubes and hoses are probably over due for replacement.

Emission control system is a higgeldy-piggeldy accumulation of parts and systems designed to adapt an older engine to new pollution/emission rules. it will probably need to be tuned up or simply removed depending of local rules and regulations.

Axle ratios tend to be fuel economy (oxymoronic with FSJs I know) oriented unless they have the factory trailer towing package, or so I've been told. Depending on your intended use this may impct your choices of wheels and tires--again lots of date on this site.

Oh, apparently problems with seatback to seat base attachments being prone to breakage is fairly common.

Assuming it is in stock condition and not hashed up by a PO and that it is not rusted out it should make a good vehicle. With the information here on the site it is a good vehicle for someone who enjoys the challenge of self-wrenching. Nearly the last phase of pre-computerized vehicle development that a guy can work on himself.

BUT----It IS an AMC JEEP product and it is 20 years old. It will need care and maintanance. If you can do a lot of the work yourself and your upfront purchase cost is resonable you can balance a lot of the cost, and the low mileage, aginst what a new econobox would cost you in total purchase and ownership $$.

[Mack_T]

I must say, I bought an '87 myself last year. I've had it for just over a year now.

I am a mechanic though, so things that would normally be very troublesome I just shrug off & fix.

The ignition module did die out on me, but that's a very easy & cheap fix. Yeah, the brakes could be better, but they are in great shape since I replaced the pads & work well. The power valve took a dump in the carb, and although frustrating to drive I was able to fix it the next day. I still want to replace the entire unit though.

It did smog last year, and I will probably have to smog it again this year. I'm planning on new exhaust before then, including a new cat & magnaflow muffler. I was pretty borderline last year (although that could have been the fault of the power valve too).

Sure, the switches on the doors need some help. The passenger side door handle fell off, as well as the armrest, but they were easy to re-attach. My driver side window needs a new plastic track. There was an issue with the heater controls as well; after some trouble shooting it turned out to be a plugged vacuum line.

I have absolutley no regrets buying my Wagoneer though- it's a vehicle that really fits me & my lifestyle.

Good luck on your decision,
Clay

[winchboy]

Thanks for the responses!

Vacuum ? Are we talking transfer case and front axle disconect or are we talking polution control? And is the ignition module the motorcraft type? Because if it is, I"m not worried one bit about that.

As for the electric windows and tailgate, has anyone converted back to manual windows? I've already got the mecanisms with the ol"77 Chief.

Thanks

Ben

[710 Burner]

Polution control. The 4WD is one vacuum actuator on a NP229 case, no front disconnect. The emission control vacuum diaphrams will all go bad. It can be a headache to find replacements or make yer own. Michael Shimniok's recent write up on vacuum routing is extremely helpful in this area.

[crispyboy]

Watch for rust on the frame around the fuel tank.

[winchboy]

Without considering smog tests, could I use the 77's intake and simplify the whole mess? I've got all the parts anyways.

I guess I'm also looking at a 229 t-case and an amc 20 rear, right?


Ben

[710 Burner]

Without considering smog test, you could keep the intake that is on it and disconnect or reroute all of that crap.
Edit: OK, its time for my disclaimer. You have to consider the "cause-and-effect" of any changes you make to the remaining components -primarily a working catalytic converter will have to choke down the exhaust as a result of any changes you make. Have a nice day.