Need some expert opinions--84 vs 87 Waggy

[beek15853]

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased two Grand Wagoneers. One is a 1984 and the other is a 1987. Both are in running condition, so now I must make the decision on which one to put on the road, and which one to use for parts or possibly re-sell. I intend on using the GW for playing on the weekends with my kids, nothing hardcore planned at this time, more like putting around in the woods.

The 1987 needs a new rear main seal and has considerable more rust. The transmission runs good except when I try to put it in 4wd, then it hesitates (slips?) when I put it in gear. Think this may be due to the vacuum motor only partially engaging. Have a mityvac on order to check all of this.

The 1984 has rust issues, but not as bad, mostly along the drip edge on the roof, floor on drivers side, and the rear quarters. The front end (Dana 44) needs a new vacuum motor (which I found from a member on this site), it also needs a new fuel gauge sending unit, brake job, fuel lines...this is what i have found so far.

I guess my questions are: which will be the better one to fix up? Which will be less prone to problems down the road? Should I sell the one I don't fix up or use it for parts?

Thank you,
Joe

[nograin]

For what you're talking about doing, I'd probably base my decision on condition. The condition that is the biggest pain to repair IMO is the frame rails, gas tank skid plate, and body mounts.

As far as model year differences, I personally would go for the 84 with the axle disconnect actuator. However, a lot of people would gladly skip the hassles of dealing with the disconnector.

Other than that, which dash arangement do you like better?

I can't think of any other major differences. A few years back Bob Barry had a great run down of differences in model years, but I can't find it now.

[BarryL]

I have an 84, I personnally like the dash better than the later models. It reminds me of my first, a 78 limited.

[DanHS]

I would swap the front axle from the '87 into the '84 and do away with the front disconnect so you can shift into 4wd on the fly, and use the '87 for parts. Rust is the major determining factor because it's so difficult to repair it's usually not worth it. The only reason to buy a rusty vehicle is for parts or to build an offroader out of it. Since you have two of nearly the same vehicle, the one that has the better frame and body is the one to keep, just swap parts off the '87 that are in better shape and do the rest of the work you need to make it drivable, and enjoy. Also take care of the rust on the '84 right away, as that can quickly become very bad. I'd take care of the drip rails first as that will be big trouble if it rusts out, the bottoms of the quarters are a cosmetic issue and not a big deal to replace, and the floor plan can easily be patched, or replaced with one from Gary (GEMOBX/77/401), which is something I really need to get around to doing myself.

[Lindel]

Aside from severely limiting responses by asking for expert opinions :hide: I think DanHS has the right idea.

Swap the 87 front axle (and the 4wd/2wd switch on the dash) to the 84. Rust is the killer and the one with less wins.

[beek15853]

Thank you all for the replies. You have all been very helpful. As for the "expert opinions", that was directed at everyone on this site. I was hoping that line would get everyone to chime in as since I feel everyone here is an expert in their own way. :thumbsup:

[jaber]

As for the "expert opinions", that was directed at everyone on this site. I was hoping that line would get everyone to chime in as since I feel everyone here is an expert in their own way. :thumbsup:

Naww some of us are just crazier than others, LOL...

Welcome and keep us informed. Oh and....

:worthless: