AMC EAGLE 4x4 Wagon BOV

[hminus]

I just bought this 1984 Eagle Ltd Wagon 4x4. Its running a 258 Straight Six with Automatic tranny. So far its running great and has almost no rust. I pulled out the seats and all of the carpet. I then pulled out the body drain plugs and Rhino lined the entire floor. The next stage is to get it up 2" higher and paint the body Coyote brown. I'm working on a full cage rack for the roof and looking into a dual IR - Visible lighting system for the top of the cage.

There are some hacks to rid the computer system on the Eagles nest forum. I am having someone look into that for me.

Before you guys slap me with some grief over a station wagon, I must tell you that it will go almost anywhere and the 258 straight six is a pretty decent engine. Aside from looking like the Griswold's going to Wally-world, it should be a decent BOV. This was a $700 investment.

Any suggestions and comments are appreciated...I think...

[prkchp76]

ditch the body you got the foundation put a cj body on it 12 inch suspension lift 2.5 ton rockewll axles strengthen the frame swap out the motor for a 401 big block 52 inch swamper boggers a 55 gallon fuel cell twin 50 cal machine gun ports bullet proof the glass bead locks 12,000 pd warn winch front and rear t 18 tranny and dual transfer cases then you'll have a decent little grocery getter heheeheh just kidding but it's a nice uuuuummmmmm sorta jeep thing

[rsanders]

It looks to be in pretty good shape from what I can see in the picture, my only concern would be how readily available parts will be for it , especially in a SHTF situation. From my experience as a mechanic ( Yes I was a "mechanic" long before it was cool to be a technician ) parts for any AMC product are not too easy to come by, I referring to Original Equipment from the dealer, I am not a big fan of the after market parts simply because they are not made to the exact specs as the original . I would go over it and replace any parts you suspect to be even border line ,such as any sending units (the oil sending units on the AMC in line six's usually leak like a sieve) belts, hoses, ignition parts and when you go to the parts house get two of everything including a new water pump, Distributor,anything you can afford to buy two of for your BOV buy it because at some point those parts won't be readily available and when TSHTF you're not going to be able to back order anything. and when it's possible always buy new instead of the rebuilt parts. Brake pads and shoes, calipers/ wheel cylinders or rebuild kits for them, and the hardware kits for front and back. and don't forget the fluids, i.e. tranny fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, also some bearing grease, and an inexpensive wheel bearing packer, and don't forget the anti freeze, and when buying this buy the pure anti freeze not the 50/50 premixed stuff its much cheaper to mix it yourself than to pay for thier water. I'd recommend to most folks that they purchase a repair manual for thier specific type vehicle, and a basic tool set if you don't already have one, parts do you no good if you don't have the tool to put it on with. Most folks here are concerned with thier supply of guns,ammo, food sources and shelter, and don't think that I don't stock these things myself because I do, but I also think about my vehicles and what I would do if it broke down on me trying to get to my BOL loaded down with all the supplies I've been hoarding. BOV's and thier care is just something that is not discussed very much on this forum,and it definitely should be on every ones mind because when TSHTF you won't be able to make an appointment to get those brakes fixed that you've been putting off because you just don't have time to mess with it,or have that leaking gasket or water pump replaced NOW is the time to get your vehicle in the best shape you possibly can, if for no other reason Winter is fast approaching and you definitely don't want a breakdown when its 20 degrees outside with a couple of feet of snow on the ground.

[slowz1k]

I Love it!!!!!

rsanders makes some very valid points, but if I recall, these things are basically jeep chassis with a grocery getter body. Parts may not be that hard to come by, unless you had to replace body or trim pieces. IMHO, you done did good! Can't wait to see the finished product!!!!!

These things are almost cultish. There is a cool website and forum dedicated to the eagle also. I know because I was thinking about getting one a while back.

EDIT: nevermind.. You already know about the nest.
http://www.amceaglenest.com/ oops!!

more pics please!!!! Especially the rhino lining... Too cool!

[prkchp76]

geez guys i said in my first post it was a jeep except it is an amc jeep whicj means ford dodge and chevy parts combined they are a nightmare findint the right parst if you don't know what you are looking for such as the starter ford solonoid ford carb if original motorcraft and so on yes if it's running good buy and good luck with

[hminus]

I have not had a single problem finding parts. The only difficult item was the rear leaf springs. I had to order them. The rest of the vehicle is all the same stuff I had to buy for my 72 CJ. The 258 inline SIx is easy to work on. The tranny is available and rebuild kits are too. SO far I have had no problems finding parts. Ground clearance is the same as my old Cherokee.

[slowz1k]

By now I know you have the mini-gun mounted on that thing. Break out the pics!!!!

[hminus]

Well... The Eagle is gone... I put new springs, shocks, ect... Painted it OD Green. It was running great - no problems... Then I saw this for 1000.00... 1980 Jeep J20 3/4 ton...AMC 360 with a Dana 44 front with Dana 60 in the rear. The engine is strong, body is good for its age. I found a little rust, but not too bad.

As soon as I saw this truck, I threw the eagle on craigslist as well as a few Eagle forums. I had a dude from NJ willing to paypal a deposit and fly here to nc to get it... I ended up selling it to a guy in SC for cash...

[prkchp76]

i'll trade you a polaris sportsman and whatever the hell else you want for the truck i cant find one down here in sc

[rsanders]

Now thats a sweet ride, definetly one to hang on to. Congrats!

[hminus]

LOL Prkchp, thanks but its a keeper. I will keep an eye out for one if you like... WNC has them on craigslist every once in a while. Thanks to you too rsanders..

[prkchp76]

yes please do i would love to have another j10 20 or 4000 i love these vehicles and soley belive they are the better jeeps that were made my last one had a t18 np205 dana 60 front dana 60 rear 488 gears with 44 in boggers i miss her

[hammer502]

hey prkchp,check out nc4x4.com there are usually some good deals to be found.