84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Thanks......one weekend at a time :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

sierrablue
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Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

Any updates from last weekend/this week?
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
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devildog80
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Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Only to report I received extra parts from another FSJ owner, for dash cluster, and the base looks much better than my AZ desert fried one that turns to powder when touched.

Was planning to work this weekend, to pull starter and get it lubed up, then rework dash cluster and troubleshoot fuel gauge, but somehow messed up my left shoulder about mid week.

Taking the weekend off, and plan to get back at it next weekend, bad shoulder or not :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

Sounds good. Don't hurt yourself though--especially only a couple of weeks before Christmas. Nobody wants that ;)
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Seems I had a pinched nerve. Woke up Wednesday morning like that!

Been off it for a few days and feeling much better.

Back on the Wag this weekend :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

Sweet! That's always a good thing to be able to say! Also glad it wasn't anything bad.
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
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Topic author
devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Going to drop the starter, and get it cleaned up a bit, then trouble shoot more wiring for the dash gauge cluster.

Need to get my fuel gauge working, and change out the base that all gauges mount in!

All other gauges working now.
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

Awesome! I have to rebuild a spare starter for mine (actually I'm pretty sure it's just slow because it's full of oil), as this one has had trouble engaging a few times, and it's supposed to be getting cold here, and I am NOT changing a starter in the parking lot when it's -20 degrees. Even at 40 I don't think I'd like doing it in a parking lot.

So are you thinking bad wire, bad sending unit, or that the tank isn't grounding (for the fuel gauge)? Or that the gauge somehow isn't getting power?
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Tore into it today, and when checked some weeks back, I had ohms reading when sender was cleaned, verified after install in the tank, and verified after install of tank & skid to the frame.

Tank is grounded.

Gauge verified good on bench test when working on dash cluster.

Had cluster out again today, and checked for ohms on "L" terminal (Pink wire) of plug in harness to back of circuit board, and no reading there.

Should have been, as gauge works with pink wire coming direct from sender to gauge, but appears a disconnect somewhere in the path between the two.

Will trace it and find where the issue is, as most likely (I think) at the bulkhead, but we know could be anywhere in between.
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Well folks......I went to take my gauge cluster out again, to see about rebuilding a bit more, after getting a box of extra parts from another gracious FSJ owner.

While removing my cluster, the main body of the cluster that mounts the gauge cluster to the truck separated from the gauges, dropping what screws I could get to hold last time down in the dash.

Plastic is so dry and rotted it finally gave up completely.....UGH!

So.....I dive into the box of parts, to glean through and find the one part I hope is useable, the cluster base.

After inspecting the gifted part, sadly it is on its way to similar condition mine is currently in, and unable to use it.

I was able to use other pieces/parts in the gifted box, but now down to needing a good base again, if anyone else has one they do not need.

If I had the funds, I would go with a new Dakota brand replacement, but such is not the case.

Still relying on "the kindness of strangers", as it has been said, and really appreciate any help!

Image20221218_115139 by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr

Image20221218_115156 by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

A little tip for use of old heater hose.

Wires from old AMPS gauge, when I replaced it with new VOLTS gauge.

Image20221218_120238 by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr

Image20221218_120306 by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Mongo228 and I thinking of somehow making a new base behind the face of the oem cluster, to get something working that will hold together & last.

He has some sheet steel, and also thinking wood?

Then perhaps salvage the actual front to glue on so it looks oem?

Anyone ever McGyver a cluster together like what we are thinking?
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

letank
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Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by letank »

cracked screw holes!... may be refill with some plastic epoxy, then drill pilot holes.

or melt some abs into the hole, soften abs with acetone to make a paste. I have done it as a test with the taillights , red taillight bits. Not too sure about the dash type of plastic ... thinking while writing... there is some PVC repair in a tube, that works wonder on motorcycle seat for light tears... VLP

Image
Michel
74 wag (349 Kmiles... parked, next step is a rust free body)
85 Gwag (229 Kmiles... the running test lab)
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devildog80
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Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Really good suggestion, and sounds like it could work, but afraid the plastic in mine might be too far gone.

The pieces that came out near turned to powder they were so dry, but who knows, still might be enough there to take the glue and work.


Here is another idea from IFSJ I am going to try-


"Yes, mostly the screw holes are gone and literally turned to near powder when the pieces came out.

I like the idea of glueing small wood dowels to what remains, and drill pilot holes to receive the screws.

Dremel will easily clean up the old rotten areas, to prep for fixing.

Maybe glue some thin wood laminate on the inside flat areas too for reinforcement.

Great idea, will give it a try, and report back with pics :)
Heep-J4000 wrote:Looking at the picture with the backside of the gauge cluster all the screw holes are busted , that's what you mean or is there more?
I had the same with the cluster in my 73 j4000 years ago , and probably a lot of others do have this same issue!?
To repair it I filled the worn-out holes with 2k glue and after drying drilled new small holes to put it together.

A solution for your cluster could be that you glue small pieces of soft wood on the inside were the original holes are broke away and drill a small pilot hole in all for easy putting the screws back in.
Or you get some very small diameter threaded rod and glue that in the existing screw holes and put things back together with small nuts.
"
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Well....think I found my issue with random no-start of engine!

Putzing with it earlier this week, and no start....UGH!

Last night, turned key and popped right off. What the heck.........

So, letting it idle a bit and had the air cleaner off as we (Mongo228 & I) were trouble shooting the wiring.....again (#364).

Thought.....I want to put the air cleaner on as always had it off when running since bringing it home and getting it running again.

Reached in with air cleaner base in hand, and just brushed across the coil wire.......baby sparks along the wire and engine died.

HEY.....did I just find the issue with random start issue?

Started up again, and same process, and BAM!!!

Felt it that time!!

Wow!!

So, full set of new wires going in today, as old ones were still being used up to now!
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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Yeller
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Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by Yeller »

Those can be hard to find and frustrating. That’ll sure cause that problem
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

YES bad wires are the worst. I haven't had much trouble on mine <yet> as I usually break them when I take them off :oops: :roll:, but on my dad's truck, it ran fine after we got the heads done, then the next couple of times we drove it, it was giving us fits with backfires out the exhaust. Finally we were checking the plugs, and low and behold one of the wires was shorting out on the header :banghead: Runs great since we swapped the bad wires out :D
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
User avatar

Topic author
devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Sure did.

Will know tomorrow, and next day, etc, to be sure it will start on demand now.

Also installed keyed power port under the hood, connected new leads for wire harness to coil, ECM, and electric choke resistor wire.

Will wire into new Volt gauge too, when I get ready to re-install the gauge cluster, after it has been reworked.

I literally took a level, and made sure this was level, but looks a bit wonky. Probably my camera?

Image20230107_152249 by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by sierrablue »

Could be that your Jeep is crooked ;)
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.
User avatar

Topic author
devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: 84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

Post by devildog80 »

Oh man are you right about that!

This truck is sure a cranky old bast**d, and never tires of throwing out the curve balls.

But, still making progress, and as long as that electric port stays attached, no matter the angle, it is all good in my book :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified
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