FSJ Questionss

[FiveQuarterKaiser]

Hey All...

Great forum and I am learing alot about hopefully my next project of a FSJ. I am currently a CJ ower but have the itch for a second project (us jeep guys..... NO!).

To sum it up, I had my heart set on an M715 (hence the screen name) but have realized that a J Truck will fit my needs/budget much better. I am looking at an 80 J20 that looks to be a good start. I am looking for a good around town weekend truck that might do some light towing and see some mild trails. I like the idea of a reasonably easy to work on V8, auto trans, and pretty good availability of parts.

Question:
Are there any really desirable years of the J20s.. and if so why?
Which years had the closed knuckle front D44?
Anything to stay away from.. trans or xfer cases?
With a decent rebuild (on a budget) and some small upgrades (cam, HEI, headers, etc) what is a reasonable hp output of a 360.

Any other info would be great and I will keep reading and looking for my next project. I'll be sure to post up as "new Owner" when I finally pull the trigger on the right truck.

Thanks...........:thumbsup:

Kent

[Tornado230]

The J-series went away from the closed knuckle front with the '74 model.
My personal preference is the '77 or '78 model.
I am running a 401/T-18/dana 20 with 3:73 rear, 225x75R16 tires.
This combination was not available from the factory.
The 401 is the way to go. I am running a 2-barrel Motorcraft 2100. Power is more than adequate. I occasionally tow a trailer weighing 2000# empty, sometimes with a 5,000 # load.
I have the model with the optional factory fuel tank, which gives me a total capacity of 33 gallons.

[Kali]

Welcome from a fellow new englander!

Desirable years... anything 76+ is desirable. 80/81 is the changeover year from the th400/qt or t-18/d-20 drivetrain combo to the 727/208-219-229 or t-18/np208 combos. Things to consider... cabs had brows til 81 (brows are cool, even tho my J-10 doesnt have one :(). Round headlights were used til 79 on the razor grille, which is generally the favorite looking grille on them, the 79+80 pignose is universally hated, and the 81+ muscle is well liked, but has square headlights. All J-20s 76+ will have open knuckle HD Dana44 fronts and Dana 60 rear axles.

Keep browsing these forums. most of your questions have answers already in some capacity. browse the j-truck picture thread.

and just want to mention my 77 j-20 is for sale ... ;)