az86jeep

Again, thanks for the suggestions. I'll photoshop the service bed onto the willy's and see (unless someone has pics they can send me ;) ). As far as the Buick, I was kind of wanting to use what I had instead of buy more stuff. I wasn't aware of the aluminum aspect and thusly the weight savings. That makes it very interesting. Thanks, I'm trying to narrow my options, not widen them :D Bill

Thanks guys, you may have inspired me to take on the project. I used to drive a pinto with a 289 in it so I know about the cooling issues. We had a 4 core cadillac radiator in it but at lower speeds, just couldn't get enough air flow. At speed you could watch the temp guage rise up until the thermostat opened, then it would dive down and close the thermostat again. Another problem we had was weight. The front springs were replaced with Ford Courier springs, but they would still wear out after a year or so. I know the AMC 304 is way heavier than the Ford 289 (or the Chevy small blocks for that matter). Any thoughts there? Emissions isn't an issue at present as I live in an area that isn't tested although I'm sure those days are numbered. I would just scratch the whole idea and build one of my Willy's trucks, except that I have a service bed I want to mount to it. I'm afraid the Willy's would look silly with a service bed. Thanks again. Bill

Thanks for the response. I am particularly interested in the '86 model because it had a shorter engine compartment than the rest of the MJ's. It makes sense to me that a V-8 would fit because the I-4 fit, but just because it makes sense, doesn't mean it's true. Thanks, Bill

Ok, I'll step up too. I like Subaru's too (but not as much as Jeep or AMC). I used to own a couple of Brat's. I beat the hell out of them, hauled way over 1/2 ton (I just knew the front end would pop up off the ground at every little bump) and only got rid of the last one because it was rear-ended at a stop light. The guy I sold it to drove it like that for at least a year. I would be interested in the Baja, but would prefer the Baja concept that never made production. Also, I'm a stickler for proper english, or at least readable english. Yours is far from the worst I have read. Besides that, I don't think we should be slamming people who have a lower education level (not that you do, I understand the deaf issue) for spelling, gramatic, and/or spelling errors. I would rather read sumthin ritten lik this than have to read another WTF or LOL. Come on people lets not ruin the english language intentionally. And I also agree with the concept of english not necessarily being one's strong point. I can do Calculus, Physics, and Geometry, but I need a calculator to do simple math. So I'll have to use both hands to tell you how many spark plugs are on my V-8 engine LOL!!!!!!! Bill

I have 2 '86 MJ's. I'm trying to get them parted into one running. If I can do that I'd sell you the other one cheap and send you the title and you can come to Arizona to pick up the truck if/when you can. Bill

I have 2 - 86 MJ's (1 4x4 with blown 2.5L and 5 speed, and one 2x4 good 2.8L V6 with blown Auto tranny). Also have body damage on 2x4 and moved fenders and hood off 4x4 to 2x4 before my son blew the tranny on the 2x. I'm and old AMC fan (my first car was a '73 Hornet Hatchback with the 304 and Levi special interion). I have several 290's and a couple of 304's sitting around in Javelin's and was wondering if I could shoehorn one into one of the MJ's. I have a '76 TH350 (or TH400) from an engine swap out of a cherokee, but I didn't get the transfer case. I also have several 50's model Willy's pickups (no motors, but most have tranny's and transfer cases). Any suggestions as to what I can put together and get into an MJ without spending a truckload of money? I would appreciate any information I can get. I'm not a great fabricator (yet), but am willing to cut and weld if necessary. Thanks, Bill