84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

[devildog80]

My thoughts too about not taking it apart, and only one 49 sec video I found of a couple guys touting how they rebuild these.....so no help at all.

I do have some light oil that we used 20+ years ago for the oil port on old electric motors (Heat/AC use), and it works really good for stuff like this.

Will start with frame joints and see if better, or will I need to dive into the screw drives too?

Thanks for the info.

[rang-a-stang]

I bought a couple sets of power seat bottoms for my cherk. I found just putting them on the bench, blowing them out really well, dropping some really thin oil in each joint, and putting some white greases in some places really helped. I tried to take it apart to lube them up but I just could not find the info i needed to feel comfortable taking them apart.

BTW, there are A LOT of places to oil. make sure whatever oil you use, does not stink (I'm looking at you, WD40) or your interior will stink, later. I think I used some key oil? I don't remember.

Anyway, between blowing them out, oil/greasing them, they were MUCH better but not like new. They were good enough to use without blowing fuses. I think they are Ford based design. Mine were good enough that I did not put much more time/effort into them after that but you might be able to find a how-to on a thunderbird forum or something like that?

[devildog80]

Also....anyone know where to find video of electric seat base repair for these old waggies?

My switches work, but motors seem all gummed up.

Goes forward, but then struggles to go back....stuff like that.

Took the PS seat out, pulled the electric base off, now how deep can I go to pull this apart and get the motors and tracks limbered up?

Looked on YT but nothing for older vehicles like these.

[devildog80]

Ok, took the waggy out today for a test run on the Interstate.

Been driving ok in town, but as I want to use this for traveling etc, wanted to see what it would do when runnin with the big toys.

Got up the on ramp like a shot and merged right into traffic at 70 mph & 2800 rpm.

Not bad, and that engine will do that 24/7 forever...

Planned only going to the next mile and getting off, but just up to speed so passed it by.

Settled into traffic with some room between me and vehicle ahead, then romped on that 2150.

No delay and nice smooth quick acceleration up to 80 mph.

Backed out of it and got off at next off ramp to head home.

Ran great, but some different smells that never smelled before.

Cruised home, popped the hood....oh yes I was able to adjust the Ace Hardware springs, so hood latches and unlatches with cable release now....and no weird smoke or stink at all.

Truck probably had to blow some gas going 80 mph after sitting for near two decades :/

Totally pleased with the little run

[devildog80]

That was what I thought, and the statement of moving it another cog over one way or the other (actually just turning the whole top and not actually pulling and re-stabbing), but PS pump gets in the way going CCW, and intake has the small hose off the front of the thermostat housing in the way going CW, so......stuck in the middle :/

An older pic when first brought it home last year, but tried the "move one plug over" both ways, and not enough swing to set timing correctly.

20220515_160707 - Copy by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr

[Heep-J4000]

You could pull the ignition tower and turn it so the vacuum mechanism tube points another direction and reposition the spark plug wires to the right position on the cap if the cap is marked with number one or turning point!

[devildog80]

Sunday gapped the plugs down to 35 from the new to me MSD gap of around 50 that was in the truck when it came home last year.

When trying to get it running after sitting 18 years, we switched out the MSD and went back to OEM ECM.

Set timing yesterday and runs soooo much better.

Only issue, as with all V8 engines in the Jeeps is vac advance fitting on distributor so close the PS belt.

Had to trim off the outside rib on the little 90* rubber connector, so it was not rubbing on the belt when timing was set where it needed to be.

I see there is about the thickness of a bank card between the two :/

Is there a vac advance that has the metal tube coming off at 90*?

Have not come across one to date, but might end up modifying mine.

That is just too close, not enough room to offset a cog on timing either way, and already tried that.

[devildog80]

Thinking my hood springs might be too strong, putting too much pressure against the latch cable to open.

Working on adjusting to see if I can find a happy medium where they will work, or will need to go to a lighter spring, or just get the OEM's.

[devildog80]

Now that I can get some miles on the rig, noticing a delay with drive line engagement after backing up, then shift into drive.

I need to give it a second to engage into drive, or it will give a little "clunk" if I tap the gas pedal too soon.

Drive line is all tight on u-joints and front CV, so thinking it would be the actual 727 transmission response?

I have not drained or flushed the transmission fluid/filter yet, only topped off the fluid with about a 1/2 pint it needed, when I got the tires on and checked for road ready.

Time to freshen up the tranny?

Should resolve the delay I am having?

Seems logical but checking for other possible things this could be a symptom of before chasing my tail trying to fix.

[devildog80]

Well......the waggy has let me know it is a true Jeep.

Slid under it yesterday to look over some trouble shooting, and it has leaks......finally!

To this point there have been none, but not driving it much, so expected.

Steering stabilizer cylinder was pitted from sitting for 18 years, and now tore the seal.

Also a little wet on the far forward face of steering gear box.

I will take those above others it could be having.

[Achilles]

Finally caught back up. Glad you got it figured out and up and running.

[devildog80]

FANTASTIC!! The stance looks great! How was the drive? is that 401 peppy? Any new leaks yet?

It drives a bit loose, so need to check steering box and maybe alignment.

Power steering is smooth and responsive.

Steering wheel is not straight, so will be looking to adjust front end to re-align it.

The 401 is not as peppy as I would have thought, after driving my CJ5 with 258 and same 2 bbl carb. Pops right off and idles good, drives out smooth as engine is concerned, but does not feel like "all that".

The CJ5 feels more ballsy.

Driving it out slowly, and short trips only with normal driving like an old fart, to get it back in shape a little at a time.

Leaks.....not a single one.....yet! I am sure they are coming, but my CJ5 is the same way. Been driving it now for 4 years, and no leaks, so counting my blessings

[devildog80]

Congrats. You've done a great service to that Jeep. It's a great looking Jeep too.

It looks good from afar, and with a grainy pic, but not too bad overall.....thanks

[rang-a-stang]

FANTASTIC!! The stance looks great! How was the drive? is that 401 peppy? Any new leaks yet?

[78 WIDETRAC]

Congrats. You've done a great service to that Jeep. It's a great looking Jeep too.