Full Size Jeep Hybrid

[threepiece]

I hope this to be a relatively quick build as I need to use it as soon as possible. My objective here is to create a dependable low cost utility vehicle made mostly from parts that I already have and is more economical to drive than my Jeep J20.

The Plan: At this point the plan is to build a flat bed pick-up truck on a Wagoneer/Cherokee frame. The Cherokee and Wagoneer are essentially the same. The differences between the two are mainly trim. Jeep Pick-up trucks from the AMC era came in two wheelbases, 119" and 131". The Wagoneer/Cherokee has a 109" wheelbase. I believe the truck cab is a direct bolt on to the Wagoneer frame. All of the Wagoneer/Cherokee front sheet metal is a direct bolt on to the truck cab. I will be using the narrow axles of a Cherokee as well as the Cherokee fenders.

Here is the engine. It is an AMC 258 cid. It was removed from a 1976 J10 plow truck with only 38,000 documented miles! Wow! The truck was so rusted that I had to lift it off my trailer with an overhead crane as the frame was dragging. The plan here is to clean it up and inspect the bearings, timing chain, and put it back together.

[Scrapper Greg]

Question. You are wanting to use the narrow Cherokee axles, is this because you already have them or need something that is narrow to get to a particular location? I ask because as a "utility" vehicle, a wider stance would benefit stability in those odd situations.

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by Scrapper Greg

Question. You are wanting to use the narrow Cherokee axles, is this because you already have them or need something that is narrow to get to a particular location? I ask because as a "utility" vehicle, a wider stance would benefit stability in those odd situations.

My main objective is economics. If I need capacity I will use my J20, it has a wide track, 131" wheelbase and a 8,400 GVW. I want something small to scout around with. I have been driving Wagoneers, Cherokees and J trucks almost exclusively for nearly thirty years. I am familiar with their abilities and limitations. This is actually my fourth body off FSJ build.

[chumly2071]

I always thought it would be fun to build a j20 crew cab by merging the cabs and doors of a wagoneer and a pickup cab.

ETA:

guy on Pirate built this one
He used the rear waggy doors, but I would probably use the pickup b pillar and rear of the doors to get rid of the waggy rear door dogleg.



from his post:

"It's a wagoneer.

It's got a 6-foot box.

It's got one-ton axles.

It's got a diesel."

[Windy_Acres]

Originally Posted by threepiece

I hope this to be a relatively quick build as I need to use it as soon as possible. My objective here is to create a dependable low cost utility vehicle made mostly from parts that I already have and is more economical to drive than my Jeep J20.

More economical than a J20, thats a no brainer, that could be a twin screw mack dump truck.

The first question is "why" would you use the word "economical" and anything AMC in the same paragraph ?

Im an AMC "Guy" (you cant throw a dead cat around here and not hit a jeep), but never, would I use the word economical and AMC in the same sentence, even if it where a 232, or a 258. Terrible volumetric efficiency, translates into sloth like power and poor fuel economy. Youd be money ahead to "sell" all your jeep stuff, and buy something newer that is a utility vehicle, and has power, and MPG.

Crew cab J truck would be cool, but not economical, or a quick build. Shoe horn in a 4bt or 6bt, different story. Ive looked into, it can be done, but the hood line is awfully low for a full size truck, if you do the measurements, vs an inline cummins.

On this same topic, a friend of mine, and myself are in the middle of swapping a 6.0L LSx motor and a NV4500 into his restored 79 CJ7. Dollars to doughnuts, even with a 6.0L, with a cam, it will do better than the 304 with the 3550 behind it did. Not to mention run better. The 304 has edelbrock multiport fuel injection on it, its still a piece of shit. Dont get me started on 258's. Got to be the most anemic inline 6 in history of the US car makers.


If you proceed as stated, good luck, I wish you well, from where Im sitting, its an exercise in futility. I love jeeps and all, but economical, they are not, unless its built from everyone else parts, even then...

[Scrapper Greg]

I understand if you are referring to economy of build. If you are referring to fuel economy I think you can do better. In your area with having some rust issues in the average vehicle mechanical stuff should be on the cheaper end. I'd might look at a 300 Ford 6 if you want to keep a 6 in it. That way you could have fuel injection on it. And Chumly thats a kool build.

[gimpyrobb]

I have an M725 which is the ambulance version of an M715. These are the 1.25 ton version of your trucks. Most of the guys on the M715zone have found that a 6.2 with a 5speed will get you into the teens MPG wise, thats about the best your gonna get.

Post up some pics of the trucks!

[threepiece]

I know there are other power train combinations that would give better performance and economy but none of them are options for me. I made the decision to do this build on Sunday, it took me four hours to to bring a good engine, transmission, transfer case and two axles into the shop. I don't have time to do research or source parts, I must get this done as soon as possible.

The AMC 258 has been a great engine for me. I have had one in four different FSJ's over the years. with the right gearing and patience it has done everything I wanted it to do including hauling other FSJ's across the USA on a two axle steel car haul trailer. I don't recall ever being let down or stranded by a 258.

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by Scrapper Greg

I'd might look at a 300 Ford 6 if you want to keep a 6 in it. That way you could have fuel injection on it.

I considered a Ford 300 at one time. The manifolds are on the right side and would likely interfere with the heater box on any FSJ. A better option I think, if one were to want fuel injection is to install a Jeep 4.0 inline 6.

[SmokinDodge]

This is gonna be cool. I had a '73 J4000 and I regret every day since I sold it.

That truck Made me the man I am today. It had a ford carb, AMC 360 turbo 400 and Dana axles. Most parts guys at the counter didn't stand a chance finding shit for that truck back when it was catalogs I bet the doofus trying to click shit today would be lost. I finally got to where I would segment the part I needed and tell them the original application or most times I could find my OWN part number. That was fun before the 'net.

I've been dreaming of a 4 door J truck as a family rig. I found a good build somewhere............

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