The 2k expo rig

[Root Moose]

I say that if you really like the truck and it will not place a huge burden on you financially then go for it.

If you were to replace the truck with another you would still have all the questions about unknown reliability anyway.

If it is going to be a "my cool truck forever" kind of deal I would do everything "the right way" <tm> That's why my XJ is stupidly overbuilt for how I'm going to use it.

These engines have a reputation for being tough. Take it to someone who is expert on these engines - maybe call the guys over at BullTear and try to get an over the phone assessment? Or B.J.s... or...

Maybe you can get away with the freshening versus a rebuild. A freshly rebuilt engine is no guarantee that you won't have problems. A warrantee is pointless when you are away from home. That said, a rebuilt is likely more cost effective in the long term.

I dunno.

If you like the truck then go for it.

Do the cheap stuff to diagnose the oil pressure.

Run it for a few months in daily driver mode and watch the compression ratio.

Then go from there.

 

[Haggis]

Here's what I would do before I shelled out for a rebuild...It sounds like you've got a solid motor that needs some attention. I'm assuming your oil guage is the factory unit, so first I'd put in a good mechincal gauge and confirm the status of the oil presssure. Then if I was satisfied with the results I'd pull the engine and tranny and give them a good pressure wash. For the engine I'd replace all the gaskets. Then check the timing chain and replace if worn, I'd also swap out the oil pump and pull the intake manifold for a cleaning. Button 'er back up, give it a coat of paint. Tranny, assuming it isn't misbehaving, would get new gaskets and seals and a coat of paint. Drop 'em back in and go from there. You could do this without to much fundage and then see how your drivetrain preforms before pulling the trigger on a complete rebuild of tranny and motor. Of course I assuming you've got the space and a engine lift for you and a buddy to do this yourselfs.

 

[ccarley]

Soooo I have not posted any updates in a while. I have been trying to figure out what to do. So here is my dilemma. I was given this GW for free and only know some of it's history. It had been setting for a year, but only has 124K and is in OK condition otherwise. I got it going again by giving it a motor flush, radiator flush, new hoses, new belts, filters and a tune up with the TFI upgrade, new plugs, new wires etc and fixed the worst oil leaks (valve covers)...

Now I have it running like a top. Starts good, has a good idle and makes good power. The only problem are, it has a schizophrenic oil pressure reading on the dash gauge (I suspect the gauge or sending unit) the tranny leaks like a sieve (it's going to be rebuilt if I keep it) and still has lots of oil leaks to fix. I also did a compression check and it was between 125 and 130 psi in all 8 cyl.

My problem is I would like to make this not only my daily driver but a reliable travel rig. I live in West Texas and travel quite frequently to some lonely places with my family like, Big Bend, Mexico, Central New Mexico, Colorado, Moab etc to wheel. I do not wheel hard core, just out of the way places where a breakdown would be a major obstacle to overcome. I need this engine and truck to be one I can trust to take me AND get me back. So I am trying to decide just how far to take the preparations of the engine.

Given my goals should I:

Pony up for a full engine rebuild? (Local quote $1695) My thought is then I KNOW what to expect...

Just rebuild the oil pump, pull the pan and clean it out good, replace all the gaskets and seals and major acc like water pump, alt, etc and call it good to go

Chance it until I get stuck somewhere in the desert far away with my family, then worry about it.

Something else??

I am open to any advice, I am just trying to weigh my options and what would be wise without going completely overboard or O.C. I am very afraid that I will pour money in this truck all to have it fail me and that it will just be a money pit. I go back and forth between "hey some money and time and this could be a trustworthy expo rig" and "man just sell it and get a better platform that needs less money and attention".

Any advice????

I too had some crazy oil pressure readings on my Grand Wagoneer when I bought it. The engine sounded fine, so since I'm a mechanic, I figured it would be no big deal.

Turns out, it was no big deal. The sending unit had failed, and the connector also had some corrosion in it, causing a needle that would either peg, or bounce around. Now, I have "consistent" pressure, and also as a tip, I use Delo 400 oil in the crankcase. It's a Diesel motor oil, which still has some of the zinc you want for a flat tappet engine. It does not cost very much either, at about $12/ gallon (it comes in gallons, not quarts).

Good luck with your build! I just found this the morning I'm leaving for the "Lost Coast" in mine. I think these vehicles are well worth the investment of time & money; you'll have a great rig when it's done!

 

[bobDog]

Great truck that's cleaning up nicely. One purely extraneous upgrade for later GWs is to go back to the old style grill. All the sheet metal is behind the current one.

Jim

There's an old 'Trucks Episode" on it. It looks grest.:sombrero:

 

[laylow]

Cool rig, can't wait for more updates.

 

[Root Moose]

I think he sold it and got into an Isuzu.

 

[RunninRubicon]

Isuzu!

May God have mercy on his soul.

 

[BKCowGod]

May God have mercy on his soul.

I have loved all three of my Isuzus (two early Troopers and a Pickup), put them all well over 150k miles before I moved on. They're sturdy, simple, easy to maintain, and amazingly capable.