Wants Info On AMC 327 V-8
Qusetion: I have a '64 Jeep Wagoneer with an AMC 327 in fair and running condition. I've been looking for parts, tips, and info but haven't had any luck and neither have others on the 'Net, but I know that y'all do. I was wondering if y'all could bring something up or even do a project of your own.
Joshua M. Hillman
Lemoore, CA
Answer: I can't tell you much about the engine or transmission, other than the engine was the same as what was used in Rambler cars, and most likely finding parts for it will be hard. The transmission was a Warner AS-8F and had gear ratios of 2.40:1 First, 1.47:1 Second, and direct 1.00:1 for Third. Parts to rebuild it may be even harder to find, let alone a rebuilder who has a clue about it.
There are a few sources for information on early Jeep Wagoneers that I am aware of. Dick Datson (P.O. Box 49614, Sarasota, FL 34230), I understand, has several small books that deal with the 327 engine. BJ's Off Road (253/265-6678, www.bjsoffroad.com) is a great source for parts for fullsize Jeeps such as your Wagoneer.
There is also a great organization that is dedicated to nothing but fullsize Jeep-built vehicles such as your Wagoneer called the International Full Size Jeep Association (www.ifsja.org).
Early Bronco Buildup Tips
Qusetion: I have a '67 Bronco with the 170 I-6. I am going to rebuild basically the entire thing, i.e., lift, bigger tires, custom body, and so on. I also have a '96 Ford F-150 4x2 with the fuel-injected 300 I-6, with an automatic transmission, as a donor truck. I was wondering if it was possible to take the F-150's engine and put it in the Bronco. The Bronco has the three-speed standard transmission. Will I need an adapter plate to mate it with the 300? I'm 15 and this is my first buildup, so any help would be great.
Lucas Myers
via fourwheeler.com
Answer: That is quite an undertaking for someone who is just 15 years old. It should be a great project for you, as the early Broncos are pretty easy to work on. Yes, the 300ci six will fit, as its overall length is pretty close to that of the 170ci six that you have. It is, however, about 4 inches wider. It's going to be a major undertaking to install the fuel-injected 300 motor due to the wiring. You're going to have to obtain a complete engine wiring diagram of the 300's injection system, and it probably would not hurt to have one for the Bronco's also. Then you're going to spend a lot of late nights and long weekends doing some head-scratching trying to figure it all out.
You didn't say if the present motor ran OK or not. If it does run, then I suggest you keep it in for a while, and concentrate on things like driveline, suspension, brakes, rollcage, and steering. While the '67 is a classic, it loses a lot in strength. The rear axle, while being a 9-inch, is of the small bearing design and 28-spline axles. The housings are also not quite as strong as the later units and have been known to bend, so it's important to keep tire size down and maybe only go to a 31-inch diameter for now. (Well, maybe 33s if you're really careful, and with the 170 six in place it would probably be OK.) The front axle is a Dana 30, which is not nearly as strong as the later Dana 44 axles. They are noted for flexing and pulling the ring gear away from the pinion. So don't go jumping the vehicle to be cool.
Brakes are another issue with the early Broncos, and with a larger-diameter tire they just plain suck. So consider upgrading them.
Make one of the first modifications on your list a full rollcage. The metal hardtop, if you have one, does not make for substantial protection in a rollover.
Being that the vehicle is more than 40 years old, there is going to be a lot of "stuff" worn out that will need replacing. If there is any rust in the body, take care of it as one of your first projects. Cut it all out and/or replace the panels. You just can't wire brush any heavy rust and paint over it, as it will come back. There are a lot of aftermarket body parts available, so it may be better to replace a fender or quarter-panel than try fixing it.
And finally, my best advice is to let the Internet be your friend. Start out by Googling something like "early Bronco" and start reading. I think when I just checked, there were about 188,000 sites on the subject. Have fun and don't get frustrated when it seems like you have run into a brick wall. Remember, walls were built one brick at a time and they can come apart like that also.
In Search Of Project Tonto
Qusetion: I'm rebuilding a '79 Scout SSII and would like to buy any articles that could help me out. I had heard that there was a project called "Tonto."
Mike Chartier
Nepean, Ontario, Canada
Answer: Tonto took place way back in 1996 and 1997 and ran about eight or 10 issues. I built it from the frame up from about four different IH vehicles with lots of modifications. It was a great vehicle and eventually ended up in, of all places, Germany. Back issues are not available through Source Interlink anymore, though I understand you may eventually be able to get electronic copies of the old articles through fourwheeler.com.
Most likely, one of the best sources for restoring or building up a Scout you can find is the Binder Bunch Club. Their Web site has a heck of a lot of good information plus a list of suppliers of Scout parts (ih.offroad.com/binder+bunch+club). Another source for Scout and IH information is ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/scouter4/clubs.htm. They publish a newsletter that includes vehicles and parts for sale and commercial advertisers of IH products as well as tech tips.