Full Size Jeep Network

As you all know by now, I am a total noob to domestic (especially older) vehicles. So, I wanted a good place for me to share the progress I've made on my rig and also have a place to ask all of my questions.

Current pictures:





So, here's the vehicle when I bought it: 1989 Grand Wagoneer with 112,700 miles or so on it when purchased.








Condition of the vehicle upon purchase is really pretty good!
-No major body damage
-Interior in pretty decent shape
-Solid engine and Transmission

The engine was rebuilt by "Jones Automotive" in Fort Collins about 2,000 miles ago. I gave them a call and Dan Jones gave me a quick run down of what was done on the motor.

Here's the list:

New pistons (either .020 or .030 over)
Crank ground
New motor mounts
New Flex Plate
New Water Pump
New Thermostat
New Oil Pump
New Hoses
New Fan Clutch
Electric Fuel Pump
New Radiator Cap

All in all, the rig seems pretty solid.

Update 1:

So, the one problem the rig had was that no charge was coming from the alternator. I pulled the alternator replaced it... still no charge. This was ok, though because the old alternator's bearings were getting "crunchy" feeling. So I started going through wires and found one that felt detached INSIDE the insulation. I cut the insulation away and that was the case. I twisted the two ends together and got a charge from the alternator.



My friend and I, then cut the bad section of wire out and soldered a new section in. Good as new!

Nice Waggy.

Thanks Road Trip!


Hey, can anyone tell me what the button on the bottom right does?

Rear window defroster.

Right side switch is the rear window up/down, left is the rear defrost. It's a crap shoot as to whether or not either system/switch works. I am fortunate that my rear window works flawlessly (so far), but the defroster switch is not working due to the leads being detached from the rear window. One of these days I'll pull it apart and see if I can re-solder them to the defrost grid on the glass.

Ah, that's what that does. Better add it to the "short" list of electrial things to check out.

1. Power locks on front doors. When unlocking, they try to go up, but then go back down
2. Rear Driver window switch doesn't work. I can move the window from the driver's seat, so I think it's switch related
3. Rear window, inside switch. I can operate the rear window from the key switch, just not from the driver's seat
4. Stereo doesn't have power

All in all, it's a list I might actually be able to complete!

Ha, that just a starting list. THE LIST WILL GO ON.

jsinajeep wrote:Ha, that just a starting list. THE LIST WILL GO ON.

Haha, I'm getting that feeling!

BTW: How can I find out exactly what transmission I have? I know it's a 3 speed, and I don't detect an overdrive. (when I'm driving) Also, I've got a "high altitude" wagoneer with 3.31 gears, if that makes a difference...

It is a Chry. 727 tranny.

jsinajeep wrote:It is a Chry. 727 tranny.

Awesome. Thanks, man. Hey, I'm starting to take a small bit out of the "to do" list. I found the problem with the rear window switch.

Broken wire:



Also, I finally switched the plates and installed the battery tie down. Small progress but progress none the less.

Haha! This is no fair! You've started with a pretty Waggy! Just kidding bud! Cool score man! I'm digging how clean everything is! Keep at it!

Keep Calm and Jeep On

Thanks JjKage84! I'm loving this rig.

Hey, do any of you guys have instructions for removing the door panels? I see that there are 3 screws at the bottom and can feel something holding on in high up, but can't quite see how it's held in there.

On the early model they used the metal push in clips and on the later model like your they used the plastic push in clips on the sides.

So just pull gently and it will come loose? When I hear plastic clips my brain hears broken clips...

If you use a screw driver you can save some of them. they have a tool that has a bent end with a u shape in the center
used to go on two side of the clips to pull them.

^That's a good idea. I have a tool similar to that. Well... here goes nothing.

Well that was easy. 30 minutes to and the passenger side door lock is working perfectly. There was some old white lithium grease that had gunked up in there, but it cleaned out easily. Everything inside looked to be in good condition too:

Well you got it pulled before I could get you a picture of the tool.

^Thanks for the picture of the to jsinajeep. I think it might come in handy. I turns out I didn't fix the electric door lock. It works great when the door is open but, when it's closed, the lock still won't pop up. So... I'll get back in there today and see what I can find. I'm starting to thing that your tool would be a good investment in the long run...