84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

[devildog80]

Update

Seems the new set of plug wires did the trick.

Truck starts every time, and first time now, so finally can get to looking at finer details under the hood.

Need to figure out the high idle solenoid, to see why it will not come off, after truck is up to temp.

Suspect that switch is bad, so needs opened up and cleaned, or replaced.

Also time to start getting wiring cleaned up and re-loomed, now that engine is running.

Brakes - reservoirs - rear (front brakes) empty and front (rear brakes) low, so filled up master to see if there are any immediate leaks anywhere. No leaks!

All lines need flushed - each wheel function needs checked - frame to wheel lines need replaced - pads & shoes need checked/replaced.

Initial function - booster works, all wheels come up even on pedal pressure, but there is air in the front lines as bubbles are found in master when pumping the pedal.

Radiator hoses and belts all here now, so can replace and get those out of the way.

Just a bit of hard start when at operating temp. "Timing by ear" was off by just 2*, so Mongo228 brought his timing light over and we set it right.

Ripped out old OEM headliner, and found the cargo light & switch works. Old was so dry it mostly fell apart just trying to handle it to the trash can.

Want to replace full headliner & cargo area with T&G pine. Shag carpet will be replaced in passenger floor area. Some time before getting to those details.

Gauge cluster still on the bench, pending salvage operation to save it.

So in a nutshell making progress, and encouraged to keep moving forward

[rang-a-stang]

Awesome! Its nice hearing about progress. These are the really fun fixes IMHO. The no start was so frustrating to follow along but to look back from no-start to

Truck starts every time, and first time now...

is super encouraging!

[devildog80]

So, last weekend worked on the waggy, and normally I disconnect the battery neg cable when done, but this time left it connected to see if electrical was good.

Found out this past weekend, the battery was stone dead.

Seems there is a parasitic draw somewhere.....UGH!

Now to find it.

[devildog80]

ITS FINALLY ROLLING.....WOOHOO

https://youtu.be/-dh0mhokGPA

[devildog80]

Update

Been a bit as the site was not loading, but here goes.

Right after we found the problem of parasitic draw....Covid for the 3rd time.

Three of us in the house and it just kept hopping from one to the other for weeks, so no waggy work.

Finally back at it yesterday and tires was priority......now that the boss said I could buy them

Dropped off the rims at Discount Tire and came home to putz a bit trying to find the parasite.

Reading of .50 ohms somewhere, but will kill a full battery in a week down to .6 volts.

Pulled every fuse and relay on the panel, with no change, so still searching.

Two other relays hanging under dash pulled but no change.

Another day for that as still need 2 more tires for the rear, before I can actually get any real speed over 15 mph.

Those back 31x10.5x15's with 19 years sitting, have some bad flat spots on them, and do not trust going much faster as they would probably blow up badly.

But thats ok as it keeps me from taking off just driving around without the dash cluster in it, seats disintegrating as I drive, brakes not bled out yet (there's enough to test drive slowly), inside of glass so foggy I can barely see through it, the list goes on.

So thats progress from here.

[devildog80]

Went with Discount Tire and the Pathfinder 235x75Rx15 XT Owl, and they are only about 1/2 inch shorter than the 31's, but higher load capacity, which is what my use will be, and not needing the off road tread.

All in @ $376 for 2 tires @ $125 ea with all the bells & whistles.

[rang-a-stang]

WOOOOO HHOOOOO!! Your tire stickers were winking at me as you drove down the road!

how did it drive? How were the brakes? was it ballsy? it sounds good!

[devildog80]

Brakes feel good, but need bleeding still and a couple lines to front tires

Steering good so far, smooth, quiet, and easy turning

Trans did not shift yet, but is a pint low, and stayed in low...and still original fluid but again smooth with no bad sounds

Only went 1/2 way down the block and back so far

Axles were quiet

Ballsy?? Kept my foot out of it until rear tires replaced, trans shifts normal, and axles have a chance to wake up.

Engine drove smooth and steady so there is hope all will fall back into place with some exercise....(miles)