79 J-10, need more info!

[Capman2k]

I just got back from looking at a 79 J-10 w/quadratrac 4wd, and I should say I didn't want to drive mom's Chevy home... nice smooth ride, comfortable seats, not too loud and not too quiet.. :D

Anyway... the seller said it needs valve covers (leaks some oil), and the person he bought it from said the 4wd doesn't work... so the guy selling it took it to a mechanic and the mechanic asked if it moved and the guy said yep and the mechanic said it should be fine... So he doesn't know if the 4wd is working or not (more info?)

There is some minor rust, but nothing underneath... I'm not smart enough to figure out the hood so I didn't look under there...

forgot to check the miles (:P).. needs new tires (anyone have any of the cool Wagoneer wheels w/good rubber laying around? smile.gif)

The Speedometer is freaky... I don't know what's going on with it, but on the interstate after it hit 40, the needle just kinda bounced from 40 to 70 a lot faster than I could possible gain or lose 30 mph...

It has a roll bar and brush guard (probably the stock ones, they look kinda useless)

[rhamby]

The QT is full-time 4wd, so it's always on, can't be made 2wd part-time without modifications. The major component is really the chain - if it's broken, the truck, she no go. If you can drive it, then at least that part is ok. Did the truck you were looking at have the low range handle on the hump? Many ppl. confuse the low-range handle with being the '4WD' option and when the yank it, the transfer case can go into N (or nothing if the vacuum hoses are messed up) and decide it's broken. This is just a guess on their part, you may already know this.
I'm unaware of other potential scenarios with the cone or other gears which would allow the truck to drive on just one shaft (front or rear) or something like that. Anyone ever have one fail like that?

[64Trvlr]

I guess the big question here is how much???? Then we can help you or give some good advice. Maybe if you ask Jim in Cheyenne real nice he will give you some help or advice. It's good to have a local guy around for help.
:cool:

[Capman2k]

He's asking $950 but I think I can probably take it for $850... other than the stuff above it's a great truck.. leather seats, stuff... oops I forgot to see if the heater works... that's usually a good thing to have :D

[Capman2k]

No stick for anything...

[64Trvlr]

" No stick for anything.... "
What are you talking about?
:cool:

[jeepgods]

ive never heard of a jeep with a bad heater (could always fry eggs on the tranny hump with mine)the problem with the speedo is that the cable is coming apart. they start to wave like that when the cable frays

[Capman2k]

64, I'm talking about the stick that is used to engage 4wd hi/low... this J-10 is lacking the stick unless I'm totally unobservant :D

Can speedo cables be replaced easy or do they need to be recalibrated after installation or what?

Are the valve covers difficult? Big deal even?

Thanks fer the help... I think I'll have to ask dad for some cash.. I want to get it but the highest offer I'm getting for my Blazer is $700 :mad: :(

[Capman2k]

Hrmmm... needs new rubber... I'll have to see about getting a good deal on a set :D I have a couple friends in the wheel business that may be able to hook me up...

[Jim Barbero]

Just checked the list (was out working on the back window of the cherokee :( and then to a haloween party smile.gif )

I will be happy to help look at it if you would like. My number is in the e-mail I sent you a couple of days ago, or in the book.

Having had 2 QT's before, they will not run in the stock configuration unless it is in 4wd UNLESS you completely remove the driveshaft and then lock the vaccum differential in the glovebox. (limped back to town one time this way)

If it has been modified however, then there is no telling what could be up without looking.

And it is possible that it may not have had high-low. As I recall (it is late and I am not going to look it up right now) some QT's did not have low range available (if I am wrong on the j-trucks someone will correct me when I am more awake)

Speedo probably needs a new cable. Fairly common and not too hard a fix.

I will be gone Sun from 2-7ish, and then I work 8-5 Mon-Fri, but other than that, give me a ring and I will help if I can.

Jim

[Simontrips]

The stick is under the drivers seat,the vacuum switch is in the glove box.a lot of people think this is the seat adjustment under the seat,maybe you overlooked something

[Capman2k]

Jim, I tried to call ya this morning at about what I thought was noon but then I turned all my clocks back like I was supposed to and noticed it was 11.. But anyway.. I'll be unable to call when you're available until Saturday... so I'll just go on my own I guess.. and if I do get the Jeep I'll let you know and make... errrrrr,,,,, ask you to help me work on it since I don't know what I'm doing :D

Thanks, Carl

[BIGYELLOW78J10]

The quadratrac was available without the reduction unit, but I've never seen a truck without it. But I can count the number of QT's I've seen on one hand. So feel down the tranny hump on the drivers side. Also, get down on the ground and look at the front diveshaft. #1 it better be there. #2 it better be well lubed and in decent shape. Listen as you drive it. If ther are clunking sounds or constant metallic riging that may be from the front shaft be careful. If the shaft fails, you willbe lookin for a tranny and xcase. Try to get the guy to drive the ig to you for the final sale. As for the speedometer, check to see if the plastic "lenses" over the speedometer has come looe and falen into the housing. That will pin the needle at one speed until something randomly shifts it away. Anyway, check it out agan, and if you hve time, get back on here before you buy. It sounds like a great deal, but look it over really well. Goodluck


Daniel

[rhamby]

One thing on the speedo, mine works accurately in warm weather, but when it gets cold, it does what your's is doing. I just replaced my speedo cable a few months ago cuz it was screeching, but now that it is cooler, it will work right up to about 40, then it just kinda goes North. Either that, or old girl does 105 on the interstate - go figure. :-D.
The valve covers are a piece of cake. You can even get a cheap chrome set from JCWhitney with the gaskets for $20-30 (it's been a year since I got them) if you're in to that kind of thing.

[Joe H.]

The speedo in my Chero did the same thing...I went through two cables and three speedos before I found one that worked...up to 40 mph, that is! After that it wouldn't bounce, but it also wouldn't read accurately. You may want to check that the speedo gear in the t/c still has all its teeth and is meshing well with whatever it meshes with. It could also be that the PO replaced the cable but didn't lube it. Believe it or not, there's a special "speedo cable lube" that is slicker 'n owl turds that keeps the cable from binding in the sheath.

[Jim Barbero]

Carl,

Sorry I missed your call, I may have just been in the garage. We put the motor in the wife's project car on Sunday AM.

I am available most any evening as well, and will be around all next weekend. If you would like though, I can just stop by and look at the truck. (Don't worry, My wife has threatened my life if I get another vehicle before her '51 is on the road :D )

Anyway, if there is a time that works for you. Drop me a line.

Or if you want me to just drop by and look, let me know where.


And of course I will be happy to help where I can. I'm not big into retro fitting these things, I think they were well designed from the beginning. And they are a whole lot easier (especially if you are still learning) to go down and get parts if the vehicle is original.


Jim

[ October 29, 2001: Message edited by: Jim Barbero ]

[jeepgods]

just curious, how slick are owl turds????

[64Trvlr]

Almost as slick as a greased eel in a barrel full of snot. And that's slick.
:cool:

[Jim Barbero]

capman,

You have mail

jim