Hello! and advice

[J&J]

I am a fellow jeeper... just getting bit by the FSJ bug. I have a 2003 Jeep Rubicon, well built on 35's with plenty of trail time at most of the favorite southeastern trails. It has served well on the trails and well as my DD for four years. I also have a 2000 Chevy s-10 that I am selling so I can pursue my FSJ fascination because we are fortunate enough to have another baby on the way, so while my daughter has her own 2001 Cherokee and my son (and wheeling buddy) will get the Rubicon when he turns 16, I need something I can turn into a solid trail vehicle and a dependable DD.

I am most interested in Wagoneers, Grand Wagoneers and Cherokees for the above stated reasons. As for off road ability I am looking at something more along the lines of a solid trail vehicle, maybe a bit like an expedition rig. Capability is important, durability and reliability my number one factors.

Where do I start? What years, engines, xfer cases, axles, etc... What eyars are the sweet ones, what are common problems to look for, years issues to avoid, etc...looking to spend between $5k and $10K to get it all said and done.

Can you either answer some of those questions or direct me to the right posts, stickies or books that can help me educate myself before I plop down any cash.

Thanks in advance.

John

[Kali]

If you want to stay with 35s, you should look for a W/T Cherokee. The only downside to them for your family is that they are all 2 doors.

If 33s are acceptable, you should look at a Grand Wag, 87-91. Just as tough, but narrower wheel openings. They are the "luxury" FSJ, so the perfect solution for a family wheeler/DD.

[edit]
you can always cut the fender openings to squeeze in 35s, too...

if you spend the bulk of that 5-10k on a nicer condition truck, then you pretty much will only need a lift kit and wheels/tires to make it a nice offroader. Should you want bumpers+winch then factor that in as well. BJsoffroad.com can provide you with most everything you need.

[fulsizjeep]

The 86-91 Grand Wagoneers are probably the best Wagoneers that Jeep rolled out. Some may disagree. Even back to 1980 would be a good place to start. Cherokees were built through 83. 70s FSJs open up other things. A lot of people do not care for the Quadratrac tcase used between 73 and 79. Changing to something else can be a challenge depending on budget.

[deadironrat]

Your best bet is to try and find one that is already how you want it. As I'm sure you know if you buy one and then do all the mods yourself it ends up costing alot more money. For between 5-10k you can buy a really nice wagoneer, I'm sure you can even find a nice one that is already lifted and offroad equipped.

[COLOFIREMAN]

I am a fellow jeeper... just getting bit by the FSJ bug.

I'll save you a bunch of money, blood, time, and sleepless nights. Buy the sunday paper and smack that bug dead.....:D

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/COLOJEEPGUY2K/Emotions/joke.gif http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/COLOJEEPGUY2K/Emotions/welcome.gif to the site.

[J&J]

If you want to stay with 35s, you should look for a W/T Cherokee. The only downside to them for your family is that they are all 2 doors.

If 33s are acceptable, you should look at a Grand Wag, 87-91. Just as tough, but narrower wheel openings. They are the "luxury" FSJ, so the perfect solution for a family wheeler/DD.

[edit]
you can always cut the fender openings to squeeze in 35s, too...

if you spend the bulk of that 5-10k on a nicer condition truck, then you pretty much will only need a lift kit and wheels/tires to make it a nice offroader. Should you want bumpers+winch then factor that in as well. BJsoffroad.com can provide you with most everything you need.

Figure on staying with 33's at this point... but you know how that goes... I went with 33's on my rubi for years until this past summer and I went to 35's. truth be known, I did not see enough of an improvement in off road capability to justify the $... Does look cool though...:rolleyes:

Thanks for the advice.

[J&J]

Your best bet is to try and find one that is already how you want it. As I'm sure you know if you buy one and then do all the mods yourself it ends up costing alot more money. For between 5-10k you can buy a really nice wagoneer, I'm sure you can even find a nice one that is already lifted and offroad equipped.

Well, that is not nearly as much fun, now is it? At this point, I still have my Saturday mornings, when the rest of the family is still in the sack to wrestle with jeep stuff... so, the build part is a fun thing to me.

Thanks for your reply.

John

[J&J]

The 86-91 Grand Wagoneers are probably the best Wagoneers that Jeep rolled out. Some may disagree. Even back to 1980 would be a good place to start. Cherokees were built through 83. 70s FSJs open up other things. A lot of people do not care for the Quadratrac tcase used between 73 and 79. Changing to something else can be a challenge depending on budget.

So among the 86 - 91 Grand Wagoneers, are their certain drivetrain options I should look for given my parameters mentioned above, such as reliability and durability. I just don't know enough yet to know what there is to avoid or if there are certain really desirable options out there. I will definitely do some sort of lockers and a mild lift to runn 33's or so... that and skid plating should get me where I want to go.

Thanks

John

[RubiconMike]

I prefer the wide track (W/T) models, I have an '82 Cherokee Laredo and am running 33X10.5X15s with no lift, and nothing rubs. Nice low center of gravity and easy for the wife to climb in to. Downside is lower clearance if you plan on climbing big rocks (I also have an '05 Rubicon Unlimited with a 4" LA and 35s).

I prefer a stick shift and manual transfer case, others like automatics and quadratrack. Ask around, get different opinions, then decide which you like.

The most popular engine you will find is a 360, although you might get lucky and find a 401. Good strong engines, but somewhat thirsty. If you remember the days of $5/gal gas, you might want to look for a 258 six. Less power but better milage. That's what I have, and I plan on upgrading to either the 4.0 head and fuel injection on the 258 block, or just swapping in a complete 4.0HO. They weight about the same as a built up Rubicon, so the performance will be comparable to what you now get in yours.

Always remember: Advice is free, and worth what you pay for it!

[Kali]

So among the 86 - 91 Grand Wagoneers, are their certain drivetrain options I should look for given my parameters mentioned above, such as reliability and durability. I just don't know enough yet to know what there is to avoid or if there are certain really desirable options out there. I will definitely do some sort of lockers and a mild lift to runn 33's or so... that and skid plating should get me where I want to go.

Thanks

John

I dont think there were options for the 86-91 Grand Wags (im sure you could special order, but most will be the same). 360 2bbl carb, tf-727, NP-229, D44s F+R (3.31 or 2.73 gears). Outside of those years you will have more options, but the 86-91 GWs are the most luxurious--most/all came loaded with power everything and real nice interiors.

In order to run 33s on any N/T you will need to go with a 6" lift: so you will either want an all spring kit (bunch of companies make a 6") or go SOA front, and shackle flip the rear, netting ~6".

Browse the site. Everything you need has been discussed many times over. If you truly got bit by the FSJ bug, you may find it difficult to leave this message forum! Soaking up all the info will be relatively easy :D