I need to make a decision

[Arizonaxj]

Hello everyone,
I've been on and off the site for a couple of years now. I know there are some really good people here that have a true love for FSJs. Because of this reason, I'm starting this thread to get some feedback from you folks.

This is my dilema; I have an all original 1986 Grand Wagoneer. Original Arizona vehicle. I even have the original owner's manual with the original ladies name and number and address in it. It has the 360 engine with 169,000 miles on it. The dash is perfect, the body straight and obviously no rust. Original factory moon roof, stereo, Jeep fog lights on the front bumper, etc. It does need a new paint job. The clear coat is pealing, I've stripped the old faded wood grain off of it. The interior is all original but needs to be refreshed (seat seems splitting, new door panels due to some idiot cutting to put aftermarket speakers in)......this rig is a perfect candidate for restoration.

However, my truck was stolen about a month ago and found on the Arizona/Mexico border and subsequently totaled.....

I need a truck/tow rig.

So, I'm thinking of making the GW my rig. But to do what I need/want it to do, I would do the following:

Rebuild the motor so it would be like new (or, pull the rebuilt 360 out of my 79 Chief and swap 'em).
6 inch lift, larger tires
roof rack (custom for camping and hunting trips)
custom bumpers winch mount)
Part time kit in transfer case with locking hubs
engine and tranny oil coolers

You get the idea.

The problem is that these mods would desecrate an overall sweet original ride. But stock, the GW won't fit my needs. So, I'm thinking of selling it instead of messing it up.

The towing and hauling isn't a daily thing. Once or twice a month when I take out the trail rig (chief).

I'll get some pictures of it and post them up later today or tomorrow so you can see it. I just want some feed back on it from the rest of the FSJ fanatics.

Mull this over and post up what you think.

Thanks.

[Ristow]

get a truck. the short wheelbase and lift kit will make it into a squirrely ride with the trailer.

[nepatternmaker]

You would be much happier towing with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. Probably safer, too and MUCH more economical, towing or not. I'm not sure why using it for a tow vehicle makes the wag need a 6" lift, it would make it much more squirrelly. Having said all that, I don't think adding those items would 'desecrate' an original waggy. The lift would be borderline, all of it could be removed if, later, you want to go back the original. None of those items really alter the original look, ride or purpose of the waggy. Again, the lift would change the ride and look, but it would be a good change. I'm not a hardline original type, a vehicle, to me, is a tool to be used. If I change some things that make it more usable, so be it. I would guess the mods you mention would at least maintain the waggy's value, if not increase it some.

dave

[FSJ Guy]

Originally Posted by Ristow

get a truck. the short wheelbase and lift kit will make it into a squirrely ride with the trailer.

I agree. As nice as our trucks are, they don't really make good heavy duty tow vehicles, IMHO.

[babywag]

Towing with a GW & 6" lift sucks bad.

If you want to tow with it I'd just get new stock or 2" springs, and hydroboost the brakes.

[Dr. Marneaus]

I agree with baby wag...I dont tow a lot (only for work) but I do know I wouldnt want to tow anything with my waggy at 4" of lift, without major upgrades to both motor and braking system.

A truck would be best, but if you are planning to tow/drive it, why not just restore it and keep it stock? Take the money for the other mods (lift tires etc) and put it into refurbishing the original state? Maybe a small lift as stated above or just some helper springs.

[joe]

Throw my vote in for get a LWB truck with 3.73 or 4.10 gears. You'll be happier and safer. I also vote forget the 6" lift for towing.

[Eugene 1]

Originally Posted by joe

Throw my vote in for get a LWB truck with 3.73 or 4.10 gears. You'll be happier and safer. I also vote forget the 6" lift for towing.

def. get a truck to tow with

[SEdmonds]

I honestly don't know why you would want to lift a tow vehicle. The higher center of gravity really isn't your friend when trying to stop a trailer that's tied to your tail.

Sell the Wag - get a modern truck with all the lovely towing conveniences - like integral brakes.

[Arizonaxj]

I know that towing with a truck is much better, comfortable and safer overall. My truck that was stolen was a 2006 Ford F-250 powerstroke, crew cab with the FX4 package.
The reason for the lift is larger tires and ground clearance for when I head out to go camping or hunting.....
I'm trying to cover multiple bases with one vehicle.
I really like the GW and you don't see them every day.

I can't upload my pictures so here is a link to the pictures on photobucket:

http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x182/sfc13fox/

[babywag]

A grand wag isn't a good fit for what you want to do.
It will disappoint you to the extreme if you lift it, put big tires on it, and tow with it.
They are excellent offroad and camping rigs even in stock form.
I've run stock wags through things that people couldn't believe.

I have a 6" lift on mine 33" tires, with hydroboost and rear disc brakes.
Towing is laughable and not real fun with it, but that's not what I intend to use it for.

The wheelbase is too short, yes you can tow with them. Many people do.
You won't enjoy the trip much, and mileage will be horrible.