What to look for on 79 J10 - First Timer

[Swanny007]

So I am giving some thought to buying a 79 J10 (see pics).

From what the owner has told me he... he's had the truck about 3 years. He had some differential work done (by someone else). Replaced the water pump & heater core. The only bad thing he's mentioned is the fuel gauge doesn't read correctly (I just spent the last hour reading about that and I would replace the sending unit/float if I buy it) and the carb may need a rebuild in the future...

Anywho, what else should I inquire about? The truck is an 8-9 hour drive from here so I'm trying to get the info I need to know by e-mail and phone.

He said there's a 4WD switch under the seat. How does that work? I guess it has 4WD all the time and then the switch is for 4LO???

It's got some rust, the typical spot at the bed seam. It looks repairable. If I buy it I plan on fixing it up and giving it a new paint job and maybe new wheels/tires.

[incommando]

If it is like the Cheros & Waggys, check for frame rust-out by the gas tank

[HOOT]

The bed seam rust doesn't look too bad. It is easily fixed. Take care of the reason it is rusting first. You'll see it when you get in there,the inner panel joins and collects water and debris there.

Ask about the floor boards, rocker panels, and cab corners. Those are the most common areas for a J truck rust. Frames usually hold up OK. These don't fall victim to the frame rot syndrom like Chero's and Waggy's.

The transfer case will be a BW1339 or more fondly known as Quadra-trac. The lever on the floor will put it into 4 wheel low only and nuetral. There will be a switch in the glove box that will lock the differential.Known as E-Drive. DO NOT run the truck on hard pavement with that locked in E-Drive.
Ask him if the transfer is original or if it has been converted to part time. It will have lock out hubs on it if converted.

The engine will ,most likely be a 360 or a 258 if the original Jeep engine is in it. Both engines are good engines the 258 is better off with a manual though in my opinion. Your transmission is a TH400 automatic.See if he drives it regularly or every now and then.

Body wise the truck doesn't look bad or like it is rusted out bad. Looks to be a decent truck. Needs a good cleaning and it would look great.

[janie]

Doesn't look to bad from the pic's. It's really contingent on how much the seller's wanting for it. Hoot already mentioned where to look for rust. That's really the biggest obstacle on these rigs.

Between rust and mechanical issues, I'll take the mechanical end any day of the week.

Good luck!

[Lindel]

crawl up under the seat area and check for the floor delete option.

[Swanny007]

Oh nevermind guys. I sent the guy an e-mail last night asking more questions and mentioned another truck for sale... and this was his response:

Best bet I think for you is to buy the other truck. Good
luck. Let's not waste anymore time discussing my truck, I am busy.

[SkylinePCG]

What a wierdo. Thats probably the best thing that could have happened, definitely better to know hes nuts before you hand over your $$.

[jeepmandan]

What a wierdo. Thats probably the best thing that could have happened, definitely better to know hes nuts before you hand over your $$.

I wouldn't say wierdo. I'd say a guy who thinks someone is playing the "I'm looking at another truck" to try to make him come down on price.

Tell him you need more info on his and you are a serious buyer. Of course 8-9 hours away, if you get there and don't like it, hey may shoot you ;)

If you want it go get it

[Swanny007]

Well I'd rather have a shortbox and I'm not going to drive 8-9 hrs until I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy it. I don't need his attitude. I'm in no rush. Whatever :-)