Going to look at 87' wagoneer, what specific problems should I look for?

240sx4u · #1 10-12-2007, 08:17 AM

Hey guys, I am looking at a Wagoneer this weekend. I am pretty mechanically inclined and pretty much know what to look for.

Are there any specific Wagoneer areas that I need to look at? I see most have rust in the doors and in the rear rockers.

Thanks alot! - Evan

Jameshallmodel · #2 10-12-2007, 08:22 AM

Mine (88) had a problem shifting into 4wd, selectrac, But I don't think the 87's had the selectrac, not sure though, Im sure someone will correct me. Other things that didn't work that I should have checked were the parking break, rear window, rear window turn key, body mounts, and under the carpet in the driver and passenger seats. Most tend to have bad door leaks and the floor will rust out. My two cents.

joe · #3 10-12-2007, 08:35 AM

Look for frame rot at the gas tank. The coffin mount that holds the fuel tank in also stores mud, road salt etc.
Make sure all the vacuum lines are hooked up and working. Vacuum shifts the transfer case, heat/def controls etc. And hopefully all the electrical doo dads work(yeah right) like the tailgate window, door windows....

J4GRAND · #4 10-12-2007, 08:38 AM

Here's a good guideline from the tech library:

http://www.ifsja.org/tech/misc/buyfaq.html

240sx4u · #5 10-12-2007, 11:06 AM

Nice link, thanks. Its actually a 1989 after talking to the owner of it.

Its only $700 so I am not expecting a cream puff. More like a good structural safe vehicle.

I will definitely check for major frame rot etc.. I am not dealing with major rust. Total PITA.

Says the 4wd works well, and there is a slight clicking coming from the front when turning. I imagine its U-joints?

Also sputters at 50-60 cruising speeds. Says the problem arised after parking it for a winter with no fuel stabilizer in it

. I am sure a carb rebuild will be in order.

I know nothiing about carbs. I do have a wideband O2 sensor to tune with though!

Evan

He told me right off the bat that the tailgate window does not work. I am sure I can fix that.

240sx4u · #6 10-12-2007, 11:07 AM

Another dumb question, do you have to roll down the back window to open the tailgate? I imagine so.

Evan

scantar · #7 10-12-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240sx4u

Another dumb question, do you have to roll down the back window to open the tailgate? I imagine so.

Evan

Sadly, yes. There's an access plate but it was made so you could send in trained rats to do the work. Anything bigger will take some gymnastics and lots of patience. Watch your fingers around the gear of the regulator...you don't want them anywhere near if the spring lets go.

Jameshallmodel · #8 10-12-2007, 11:43 AM

when working in the tailgate, wear long sleeves, i sliced my fore arm good on that sheet metal thats curved in. My rear window didn't work, the only thing that was wrong with it was the window frame holder was rotted out, so I ordered a new one and voila. If you don't hear the motor turning or anything, then you got more work than me ahead of you.

240sx4u · #9 10-12-2007, 12:26 PM

Thanks fellas, I gotta get that thing rolled up at the very least! Its getting cold out!

Evan

240sx4u · #10 10-12-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scantar

Sadly, yes. There's an access plate but it was made so you could send in trained rats to do the work. Anything bigger will take some gymnastics and lots of patience. Watch your fingers around the gear of the regulator...you don't want them anywhere near if the spring lets go.

Always wondered what I was going to use all these trained rats for!

Evan