84 Wagonner build

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Hspencer
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84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

A little backstory. I purchased an 88 GW last fall to fix up with my son for his 16th birthday in September. It’s in pretty good shape, wasn’t running and had 4 flat tire where they’d been slashed. It has 122,000 miles and very little rust ( rust free according to you guys in the northern territories. So I made the deal and then made a few trips to the nearest tire store to get the tires replaced. While I was working on the tires I charged the battery. After the tire change I dumped 5 gallons of fuel in the tank and after a few minutes had it running well enough to drive it on the trailer.

Pulled it in the garage after Christmas and started tearing into it. The interior is gutted and most of the three layer of paint is stripped off.

Last week I picked up an 84 Wagoneer custom. Pretty basic, vinyl branch seats, rubber floor, manual windows/locks, no roof rack, NP208 and manual hubs. It’s a one owner with 62,000 miles. Some rust trough on the floor pans and the drivers side lower rear quarter has a small rust trough. Was able to get it running with minimal work, it’s been sitting for 5-6 years.

I had so time today and decided to see if I could get it running a little better since I plan of driving it while we work in the 88. I replaced one of the exhaust manifold gaskets the other day and welded the air tube bolt up since I couldn’t find any plugs nearby. With that done I went ahead and removed all on the emissions related items, NC doesn’t require any inspection on vehicles over 35 years old and only safety on vehicles built before 95. After a few after a few trips around the block and few searches on here and a few more trips around the block she was running much better bud still felt sluggish. The catalytic converters was still on and the muffler had broken loose from the inlet pipe so I made a run the the parts store. I picked up a few sections of 2.5” pipe, clamps and a FLowmaster FX muffler. Out came the sawsaw and the demo began. After replacing the exhaust, which was so full of crust and crud I’m surprised it run at all, I took her for another ride. It was like a different vehicle! Before it struggled to reach 50 mph, I had her cruising 65 mph with ease.

I still need to do some carb work or replace, still trying to decide if I want to go with FI, been looking at the Holley Sniper. Any thoughts on the Holley? I like it over the Howell and other GM TBI conversions simply BC it’s pretty much self contained without all the wiring and ECM.

I’ll post pics soon
1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

ImageImageImageImage


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
Posts: 164
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

ImageImageImageImage


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2019 5:35 pm

Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

ImageImageImageImage


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2019 5:35 pm

Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

So I went out today to try and adjust the carb. While starting it up I had a backfire and it was hard to get started, once running I noticed some valve train noise. I need to replace the valve cover gaskets anyway so I went ahead and pulled the driver side cvalve cover off. The #1 intake rocker was loose so I pulled the rocker and found a bent pushrod. The top of the valve is the same height as the others so it doesn’t appear to be stuck. I’m planning to replace the pushrod tomorrow and see what happens.

Any thoughts as to cause or any concerns about putting it back together with a new pushrod and see what happens?
1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

So I replace the bent pushrod today, went ahead and pulled the passengers side valve cover to replace the gasket and found that the #2 intake also had a bent pushrod. Luckily I had picked up a couple of pushrods just in case. Got it backe together and replaced the fuel pump which seamed a little weak as it was slow to get started after sitting overnight and installed a new fuel filter. Started her up and didn’t here any valvetrane noise so I took her for a ride. So far everything seems good, runs out smooth with no skips or misses so hopefully no valve issues.

Still need to get the carb adjusted but that will have to wait for another day.

Any tips for replacing the rear main, that’s next on the list?
1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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dodgerammit
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Location: Middle TN

Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by dodgerammit »

There are a few on here doing the sniper swap. The fuel injection forum will have good info. The rear main is two piece like most vintage cars. As long as you can get to it, replacement shouldn't be too difficult.
84 Grand Waggy-Radio Flyer (Garnet Red/3M Ebony Metallic woodgrain, with honey interior) AMC 360 :cry: 2004 4.8LS/Advance Adapter/727/242 D44/AMC20 Serehill tailgate and headlight harnesses :fsj: Ongoing thread-viewtopic.php?t=11897

92 Wrangler Islander 4.0/32RH/231 D30/D35 RHD
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Thanks, I’ll check it out!
1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Finally got the 86 in primer. Hopefully the rest goes a little quicker!Image


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK

kZ900Jim
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by kZ900Jim »

Nice panel swap..! looks good from here...
'Tis better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.

Naivete in adults is often Charming, but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity.
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Thanks, went better than expected!


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK

kZ900Jim
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by kZ900Jim »

Do you happen to have the old panel? if you do, i'd be interested in a chunk of it... I want to do a gas door and a scrap piece from the same area would be perfect
'Tis better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.

Naivete in adults is often Charming, but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity.
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Unfortunately not, it was pretty beat up from P.O. and poor repair so I trashed it.


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Topic author
Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Got the jambs, inside off the doors , tailgate and hinges painted today. Hope to get the doors back on and have the outside ready to paint next Week!Image
ImageImageImage


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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jpswapmohn
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Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:08 pm
Location: CO

Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by jpswapmohn »

Nice! Is the last pic in the first post what you are going for?
One day I will wake up and realize that my jeep is complete...one day, I just know it.
88Wag, LT1/4L60E/NP242, J20 axles, etc. http://imgbox.com/g/rNuIasKYrS
95YJ, STaK, D44's, SOA, ARB's, Bilstein 5150s, 35" KM2's
50 CJ3A
77 J-10 (sold)
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Actually, the last pic in the first post is the one I’m painting now. I should probably change the thread title. This is a 1988 GW, the white one is the 1984. I got the white one running pretty good and have been concentrating on the 88.


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Topic author
Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Almost done, waiting on backordered molding so I can install the wood grain. Still have a few odds and ends but getting close. ImageImageImageImageImage


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK
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Chubbinius
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Location: SD, CA

Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Chubbinius »

That's looking great! Nice work and that is a really nice blue.
1970 1414X Wagoneer "The Pig"
-Custom Special
-Dauntless 350 V8
-D27 front/D44 rear
2006 XK (65th Ann Edition)-DD
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Hspencer
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Hspencer »

Thanks, it was supposed to be the original Baltic blue but it turned out a brighter blue with less gray. A “happy accident”!


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1988 GW
1984 Wagoneer(SJ)
2008 JK

Jeepin' Pete
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Re: 84 Wagonner build

Post by Jeepin' Pete »

Looks great! I really like Wagoneers without the woodgrain and without a roof rack - very clean lines.

Is that a 4" lift? What springs did you go with?
1990 Grand Wagoneer
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