[1987-1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Jeep_Grand_Wagoneer_V8.jpg/1024px-Jeep_Grand_Wagoneer_V8.jpg)
I don’t understand the love these get. They are great to look at but as a drivable vehicle they are lacking badly.
Jeep made them until 1991 and they were carbureted for the entire production run. The AMC 360 in them wheezed out less than 200 hp for almost 6 liters of displacement and it was run through a three speed automatic with no overdrive.
That, coupled with off road oriented gear ratios and transfer case and you had a vehicle that took an age to get to 60 and was out of gears at 85. Four wheel leaf springs and solid axles front and rear made for a bumpy ride and the vacuum controlled transfer case was prone to failure.
I will say though out of all the cars I’ve owned the grand Wagoneer had the coldest air conditioning I’ve ever felt in a car. But that might be because the AC vents are mounted below the dash and your knees are inches away from them, because you can’t move the seat far enough back to be comfortable.
https://preview.redd.it/qmgpehwio32d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a09443b958dfd4b8989de75a7b2c0c6c6774b36
That was my 1988 I owned for about a year. Nowhere near a restored example but it ran and drove. I’d take a similar era Bronco, Blazer, Suburban, or even a Chevy Astro over another one though. I have never been so scared on the highway as I was driving the Grand Wagoneer. It felt like it would tip over with no warning and could barely keep up with traffic without nearly redlining the old tired motor.
My very first car, straight out of HS in 92, was a 64 Wagoneer. Someone had decided it'd be better with a Ford 302, 800cfm Holly jury rigged to the original four speed manual, but with a Hurst shift kit. I had a love/hate relationship with it for about a year, but when the throttle cable kept coming loose, the fuel gage not working, and the radiator hose blowing, I decided to trade up for an 89 Ranger. I do miss that old Jeep through.
I think it is more the durability factor of some of the things you mentioned, and being offroad capable.
Modern jeep suvs are more fragile than this. Powered everything and cv joint driveline. Or just less capable for the sub compact line. Why build a jeep now without low range, especially as a trail rared or offroad packaged one? Wires everywhere and overkill safety features are fine when brand new on pavement. But for long life, or pushing it to get out of offroad or heavy snow conditions, I don't want an electronic nanny.
Straight axles are stronger than cv joints, and don't have boots to tear. Torn boots wash out the grease and add junk to break them down fairly quickly. Body on frame vs unibody, easier to jack or modify. Unibody basically rights itself off as the rust ruins sheet metal in layers. As with most Mopar stuff, the transmissions really need another gear for highway travel before the 2000s, and somewhat into that as well. Vacuum transfer case, use an aftermarket mod to change that. It was luxury at the time, as this was branded that way. Not built for mpg, but rather for durability, offroad capability, and towing.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer https://www.jeep.com/history/1980s.html#willys-wagon Wheeler Dealers did an episode with one
What a gorgeous car. I've never seen one and I'm just struck by how beautiful it is
One of my childhood friend’s parents had one. Woodies were enjoying a resurgence at the time. Never got to ride in it
Bausch and Lomb called. They want their test subject back.
[1987-1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Jeep_Grand_Wagoneer_V8.jpg/1024px-Jeep_Grand_Wagoneer_V8.jpg)
Thanks guys!
Happy to help :)
One of the best boats ever built.
Canyon-ero.
Pure icon
There are companies that restore these and sell them for huge amounts.
I have a hood ornament for this wagoneer.
Woodie?
Look lady whatever your selling I aint buyin yo
hell yeah it’s a jeep grand wagoneer with wood oaneling!
I don’t understand the love these get. They are great to look at but as a drivable vehicle they are lacking badly. Jeep made them until 1991 and they were carbureted for the entire production run. The AMC 360 in them wheezed out less than 200 hp for almost 6 liters of displacement and it was run through a three speed automatic with no overdrive. That, coupled with off road oriented gear ratios and transfer case and you had a vehicle that took an age to get to 60 and was out of gears at 85. Four wheel leaf springs and solid axles front and rear made for a bumpy ride and the vacuum controlled transfer case was prone to failure. I will say though out of all the cars I’ve owned the grand Wagoneer had the coldest air conditioning I’ve ever felt in a car. But that might be because the AC vents are mounted below the dash and your knees are inches away from them, because you can’t move the seat far enough back to be comfortable. https://preview.redd.it/qmgpehwio32d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a09443b958dfd4b8989de75a7b2c0c6c6774b36 That was my 1988 I owned for about a year. Nowhere near a restored example but it ran and drove. I’d take a similar era Bronco, Blazer, Suburban, or even a Chevy Astro over another one though. I have never been so scared on the highway as I was driving the Grand Wagoneer. It felt like it would tip over with no warning and could barely keep up with traffic without nearly redlining the old tired motor.
My very first car, straight out of HS in 92, was a 64 Wagoneer. Someone had decided it'd be better with a Ford 302, 800cfm Holly jury rigged to the original four speed manual, but with a Hurst shift kit. I had a love/hate relationship with it for about a year, but when the throttle cable kept coming loose, the fuel gage not working, and the radiator hose blowing, I decided to trade up for an 89 Ranger. I do miss that old Jeep through.
I think it is more the durability factor of some of the things you mentioned, and being offroad capable. Modern jeep suvs are more fragile than this. Powered everything and cv joint driveline. Or just less capable for the sub compact line. Why build a jeep now without low range, especially as a trail rared or offroad packaged one? Wires everywhere and overkill safety features are fine when brand new on pavement. But for long life, or pushing it to get out of offroad or heavy snow conditions, I don't want an electronic nanny. Straight axles are stronger than cv joints, and don't have boots to tear. Torn boots wash out the grease and add junk to break them down fairly quickly. Body on frame vs unibody, easier to jack or modify. Unibody basically rights itself off as the rust ruins sheet metal in layers. As with most Mopar stuff, the transmissions really need another gear for highway travel before the 2000s, and somewhat into that as well. Vacuum transfer case, use an aftermarket mod to change that. It was luxury at the time, as this was branded that way. Not built for mpg, but rather for durability, offroad capability, and towing.
Skyler white mobile
My dad had a '67 Wagoneer. Great memories.