1983 Wagon

[Stryker45]

Looking at purchasing a 1983 4WD Wagon, Any issues I should be aware of on
these ?
Thanks

 

[Andrew Morris]

Rust under the rear wagon area windows, and in the tailgate...

Mechanically, check the compression, and for lifter and CV noise...

Anything else will be pretty simple to fix...

 

[S]

Hi Stryker, All!

Looking at purchasing a 1983 4WD Wagon, Any issues I should be aware of on
these ?

You simply must be prepared to address the _little_ things that always
crop up with older/hi-mileage vehicles. These cars are typically very
reliable, but things do wear out and break. On an older car it's
usually not cost-effective to take it to a service station for repair,
so unless you are willing to undertake the work yourself, I'd
recommend letting it pass. For the same reason, I would not recommend
the ol' GL as an _only_ car.

What goes out?
CV boots and axles
Wheel bearings
Ball joints
Clutch/clutch cable
Oil pump (leaks)
Exhaust system rust/leaks
Heater fan
Carburator/emissions control stuff
Engine compression (should be ~140lb minimum)
Transmission (pops out of gear, 3rd or 4th)
Fuel pump/fuel pump relay
etc, etc, etc.

I have two; one that gets driven (offroad mostly) regularly, and one
for parts. And when it breaks I have something else to drive until I
get around to fixing it . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Stryker45]

Thanks for the replies, it seems the engine has been replaced then as it has
the label on the valves covers stating--"do not adjust valves." It is hard
to start so but when it gets going its fine, so I gather a carb rebuild is
in order, and other than that seems mechanically fine. I was more looking
for drastic problems, kinda like the Plymouth Voyager's ability to eat
transmissions etc.

The main reason that I am looking at this is becasue of the ease of working
on it, ever try changing spark plugs in a V6 Plymouth Voyager ?

There is the usual rust but I do have a mig welder and access to an
unlimited supply of what I think is the best replacement body metal (Old
Washing Machines)

I'll be taking it through its paces today, going to head to some old logging
roads


Thanks

 

[S]

Hi Stryker!

I'll be taking it through its paces today, going to head to some old logging
roads

You'll like that; especially if your previous visits to these roads
have been limited to driving full-sized american 4X4s or PUTs
Put it in low range and GO! 2nd gear power slides are a blast. Try
some 4X4 sections, too; you'll be surprised what the little GL will
bounce thru.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[fubarood]

What goes out?
CV boots and axles

Yep, fortunately, the prior owner did the left side before I bought it.

Wheel bearings

Just did one of those

Oil pump (leaks)

Like I can tell? ;-) One day, I'll get really ambitious and try to get the
engine clean enough to see.

Exhaust system rust/leaks

Yep, on my list.

Carburator/emissions control stuff

I'm guessing I'll put in a rebuild here pretty soon.

Transmission (pops out of gear, 3rd or 4th)

Sound like mine! (84 GL Wagon)

etc, etc, etc.

The waterpump siezed about a month ago.

The main thing I'm lacking is that proverbial "shade tree". It would be
nice if it were large/tall enough to have a lift under it too. ;-)