Ok I bought the '86 .... Now what! ( anyone local? )

Patriotic_Giant · 11-14-2009, 01:35 PM

Alright, I just got back from buying the '86 grand wagoneer I was talking about last week. I drove it home, just about 200 miles. It drives like a dream, leaks oil like a sieve. In fact my wife followed me home and the front windshield of our lexus is covered in oil.

Now I need someone who knows a thing or two about this stuff to tell me what I've got. There is practically no rust on the frame ..... probably due to the fact that it's been soaking in oil and under the carpet looks brand new ..... some of the BAD besides the leak(s) is power seat moves but not backward ( I sat on the steering wheel for 200mi ) back window has to be choked, seats are comfortable but tore up, headliner is cut out, some of the paneling is drilled through for auxiliary mirrors, seatbelts do not work, etc.... very minor stuff (to me).

What's the best way to isolate an oil / trans. leak if the whole undercarriage is covered in oil?

I will start cleaning it up this week and can post pics to help identify any problems. Let me know if you want to see anything specific.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN !

-billy

Patriotic_Giant · 11-14-2009, 07:42 PM

I will clean it up tomorrow or Monday , and from what I read on this site, I'll start with the main seal.

Patriotic_Giant · 11-17-2009, 09:19 PM

I've cleaned it all up, and this is what I've found:

Original owner from 1986-2008 "VIP" service and still have circle of distinction cassette, along with all service records.

2nd owner had the truck for about a year and abused it. By the way, what are the effects of using Dexron rather than Plus4 ? The kid that sold it to me said it ws leaking oil and trans fluid so he topped it off....I found the empty cans...Dexron.

Under body is clean and practically rust free. All rubber under the hood is still soft and pliable. I can't get the tail gate to drop, and it's got me frustrated, and the seat motor will have to be addressed since I am going to drive this one semi-daily and can't stand to be so close to the wheel.

Other than some minor cosmetics, it seems to be a good find.

RUparrothead · 11-18-2009, 06:34 AM

welcome to the madness. Check out another valuable source of info over at International Full Size Jeep Association. There is a forum and also tech articles that may help with the issues.

By the way, where is "local?" I'd help if I was close, but don't know where you are!

Patriotic_Giant · 11-18-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUparrothead

By the way, where is "local?" I'd help if I was close, but don't know where you are!

Thanks parrothead I'm in South Florida. BTW saw Buffett about 3 years ago...great concert.

CutterN55 · 11-18-2009, 09:38 AM

Wash it underneath really well w/ a pressure washer and let it dry. then start it up and let it warm up to operating temp and shut it off. Check for leaks. Probably Rear main seal. MIne was, as well as tranny input shaft seal. Hit up IFSJA.org as stated above there is trouble shooting write-ups for pretty much everything you said is broken. Check the "Tech Archives" at the top of the page. Welcome to the madness.

carnuck · 11-20-2009, 01:23 AM

Tom lives in FL. Tom 'Oljeep' Collins homepage