Tell me to get an FSJ

[GeoffC]

I've owned 2 downsize Cherokees (88 and 96) but have always liked the look of FSJ's. I'm looking for a suitable vehicle for short daily commutes, and weekend wheeling. Last month I narrowly missed out on an 80 J20 at an auction. I had the winning bid, but when the auction house did a lien search, they found that they couldn't turn the vehicle ownership over to me. Shame, it was a really good solid old truck.

Now, I've found an 80 Grand Wag that is going up for auction next month (impounded for unpaid parking tickets).

I know why I wanted the J20... Bare bones simple interior, good running 360, 727, and d44/60 combo.

But when I look at the Grand Wag, I see a vehicle with a (probably) weaker frame, sitting on saggy springs, with a lighter duty trans and transfercase, an AMC 20 rear axle, and a bunch of stuff that is probably not going to last much longer in the interior (AC, power windows, etc.).

So, I'm interested in hearing the other side of the story. I know there are Wag devotees on this board. Let's hear your side of it. Why should I buy a Grand Wag?

Thanks,
Geoff C
(Oh yeah, and will the AMC 20 stand up to moderate wheeling and 33's behind a tired 360?)

[64Trvlr]

OK, get a FSJ.
:cool:

[derf]

The AMC 20 will hold up to moderate wheeling. The version of the AMC 20 used in the FSJs uses a one-piece rear axle unlike the two piece used in the CJ so no troubles there. If you're really worried, have a shop weld the axle tubes to the pumpkin to prevent them from spinning. Once you do that, you have an axle that's marginally stronger than the Dana 44.

As far as the transmission and transfer case, those components were the same between all of the FSJs as I recall. It uses the 360/TF727 combo as well as the same t-case used in the J20. No problems there.

Saggy springs? Rusty's off road offers a spring kit that most people are happy with for not very much. 4" of lift to fit 33-35" tires (depending on fender trimming and/or body lift) is just a few $$ away.

As far as the frame, unless it's rusted, it's pretty strong. Many people have been wheeling for years with no trouble.

Go ahead and get it. You know you want to. All the cool kids are doing it. tongue.gif

[tuckers89GW]

well, I've owned 3 wags. Never had one let me down. go buy it. They will stand up to what ever your will put it thru.(unless you are a serious off roader).

Techically it isn't a Grand Wag. It is a Wag Ltd.

GO BUY IT.

[ March 27, 2002: Message edited by: tuckers89GW ]</p>

[Panther]

Geoff,
IMO there is not really that drastic of a difference b/w the wag and J20. The model 20 will be fine like derf said. The frames are all pretty stout "C" channel that you won't really have to worry about unless there is alot of rot. The J20 frame is probably more beefy but doubt it's anything you will actually notice. The 360 and 727 will be the same and the J20 will have 208 instead of the full/part time NP boxes (which I mess sometimes). Anyway, a truck is a truck and the wagoneer is certainly more comfy with the creature comforts but but the line separating them is not that far apart.

[sandmanb]

go buy it. if for some reason you decide to get rid of it i'm sure you could part it out and double your money. then take that money and buy some other fsj.

[gwinn]

Get the Wag! Then get a J20! Then get a FSJ Chero! You'll love them all. Even when they're bad! :D

[PAJEEPER]

I'm not a Wag man so I'll tell you to find another J20. Don't get me wrong the wags are nice but I like the tough simplicity of the J20. Less complicated things you need to worry about and stronger parts. Thats how I like it. Also I prefer the '79 and earlier trucks. I like the drivetrains better on them, tougher and easier to upgrade or repair. Now this is just my opinion but get a J20 and you'll love it! :D

[WagonBurner]

Check the frame rail on the drivers side by the gastank skidplate for rust.

Then buy it!

[Tad]

If the price is right, buy it, you'll have fun, make new friends, influence others, in fact, you'll just be the most downright cool cat at the party.
smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif

[ March 28, 2002: Message edited by: tadsal ]</p>

[JeepReeves79]

I have 2 89 xj's with the 4.0l engines and love them. I just purchased my first fsj about 4 months ago. It is a 79 wagoneer limited. What i have read and heard they are high maintence and parts are getting harder to find. But, in my opinion you just can't buy a better looking vehicle. They are terrible on gas I cant afford to drive mine to work on a daily basis but I sure do enjoy getting into it on the weekends and going for a luxury cruise. I can tell you I have never driven a better vehicle in the snow it doesn't know the difference between snow and dry pavement. If you want a fun hobby and love jeeps as much as I do the wagoneer is the king of jeeps. I would take my time and check it over really well watch for rust on the frame and for leaks. I bought my 79 one owner with 76,000 miles on it garaged all of its life for the same price as alot of the high milage rust buckets out there. so take your time there are still very nice ones out there. good luck

[pdspeh]

:D sounds to me like you have alredy decided. but which one. i prefer the cherokees and j- trucks and waggies with out the family wood. Still wouldn't mind havin' all three.
if you take your time , you will get the right one for you.