From: Michael Baxter  Sat Feb 12 11:10:09 2000
Ben writes:
>> Easily convertable to discs due to the open knuckle design.
<<

Ben, '73 used the Dana 30 front-end. Where do you find the donor? CJ? I had
a local guy asking me these kinds of questions recently.
 
>> I'm pretty sure every Q-trac had 6 lug wheels.
<<

'73 was 5 lug. Plus, the Q-T was in short supply in '73. Much more likely
to find the TH-400/D20 combo.

>> I think the best years were in the late '70s.  For the same money
I'd choose one of those - if I could find one.
<<

I'll agree...more in a minute.

john writes:

>> Each year has it's advantages and character.  I really believe they just
got better and better.  There are distinct ranges of good years.
My first recommendation is 88 and up, then 86 and up, then 81 and up.
Then 74 and up.

In 88 a lot of the electrical issues related to wiring were resolved.
In 86 they integrated the heating / ac system controls and added headrests.
In 81 they did a few things to modernize for economy.
In 74 they went to 6 lugs, and disc brakes...
<<

I've been thinking about this recently. All started with the most
recent heater in an '80s FSJ doesn't work very well thread on the  "other"
list. AFter being on the lists now for a total 4 1/2 years and making many
mental notes, I agree with Ben. And I'm being objective despite owning two
'79s. The following is based on gut feeling after reading who knows how
many FSJ Posts.

Late 70's advantages and disadvantages:

TH-400 seems to be many times more reliable than the TF-727. Which
doesn't make any sense because the TF-727 has a very good reputation
everywhere except in a FSJ. Some of this may be attributable to some
TF-727s not being rebuilt by someone like James who knows it inside and out
but, that doesn't cover why they fail the 1st time. You rarely hear of a
TH-400 problem. Both my TH-400s have never been rebuilt after a combined
267,000 miles now.

There seem to be less reliability problems with the Dana 20 and BW Q-T
than with the NP cases. But this is no were near as one sided as the TH-400
vs. TF-727 above. Right now I'd say having a BW Q-T would be a
disadvantage because some key parts are no longer available. That may
change if Crown begins to manufacture them.

The '80s are supposed to be more fuel efficient but, there seems to be
no significant difference in the mileage #s reported on the lists between
the two.

Heaters that work very well but, I know of no differences between the
two groups. Not sure why so many report poor heater performance in the
'80s. I think the '80s owners with poor heaters should check the air flap
cable for full travel...a new thought.

Gauges that work and are reasonably accurate including the gas gauge.
'80s FSJs often have gauges which don't work at all and if they do, they're
not accurate. They're for "entertainment value only" as is often said on
the lists.

70's FSJs seem to have less trouble with low warm idle V-8 engine
oil pressure. Although someone just reported relatively low oil pressure on
a '79 on the other list. But overall, the guys/gals driving '80s FSJs are
usually the ones asking about low V-8 oil pressure.

'78 and '79 Ignition systems are bullet-proof. I was at the junk
yard yesterday and found two Duraspark equip'd '78s with original modules
still installed. Both of my original modules still work too. '80's FSJs
seem to require never ending Duraspark ignition module replacements and
many owner's carry a spare.

Wiring is much better secured, sealed against corrosion and thought-out in
the late '70s. The only problem ever with mine was galvanic corrosion on
the ammeter terminals in the Chero. A lot of '80s FSJs have burned to the
ground from wiring problems including one that lived in my neighborhood.
But we don't know how much of that is attributable to stupid wiring tricks.

All 70s emission systems much more simple but, equally effective. Meaning
less "spaghetti" as John says.

Electric tailgate windows are a problem on all FSJs no matter what year.
But the electric side windows on the '78 & 79 (maybe '80 as well)
Wagoneer Limiteds are of the steel gear type. Much better than the later
model ratchet strap types (or whatever they're called) that require
replacing the straps on a regular basis. Otherwise, all FSJs before '80
have manual side windows.

IN '78, Jeep changed the front floor pan and added 3" of front seat leg
room.

Any '77-'79 FSJ has the beefiest Dana 44 front and rear axles versions
ever made. All with the thick tubes, 30 spline rear axles, HD spindles and
30 spline inner-19 spline outers up front. This is more of a late '70s
advantage over the previous FSJs. The Dana 44 rear axle is only a minor
advantage over '80s FSJs with the Dana 20 and the '80s FSJs also retained
the thick tube front housings.

The '79-'80 Wags and '78-'80 Cherokees & J-Trucks were delivered with
the highest factory ride 
height of any FSJs ever produced. The springs on these models/years are
less susceptible to 
sagging than other year FSJs. Especially the rear springs.

'80 and up Wags and Cherokees with the skid plate have trouble with left
frame rail rot-out along side the gas tank. '79s and before don't have this
problem at all.

I'd say the biggest problem with the '77-79s is the build quality on the
body. The fit and finish is terrible which allows for plenty of air and water leaks inside.
The '79s are especially bad since Jeep built so many of them that year. If a late '70s
FSJ still has floorboards at this point, it was either put together better than most or
kept inside all this time. My '79 Wag. falls into the put together better than most column
while the '79 Chero wouldn't have floorboards if I hadn't systematically hunted down every
body leak and fixed them all. Only took me 6 years to find every last one of them. Body build
quality on previous and subsequent year FSJs seems to be progressively better. Especially in
the direction of the '80s and '90s. For the most part rust doesn't affect day to day, turn the key
and it does what it's supposed to do, reliability. It becomes a pain when
you put your foot through the floor like I did yesterday in the back seat
of a '71 Wag. while pulling the engine out though.

If you find a late '70s FSJ which still has rear quarter panels
and floorboards, it'll be a good one. Just put some Q-T parts on a shelf.


 Michael Baxter,
 From Reno, NV USA on 11-Feb-2000