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  • March 29, 2024, 12:02:37 PM

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Author Topic: 3rd times the charm  (Read 10516 times)

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Offline Ace2600

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3rd times the charm
« on: October 01, 2019, 09:37:32 PM »
Alright. Twice now. I have pushed the eagle to a back burner  project. It's been sitting at a buddies yard while we've been doing other things. I'm balancing alot between school, welding class, and working weekends. But that being said I think we're close to wrapping up his 60 Impala and he says the next empty spot in the barn has the eagles name on it. So fingers crossed. I've had the money saved for well over a year. Now I'm hoping I can hop into gear and finally get the transmission tackled. I'd really love to finally have to opportunity to ride of into the sunset with my Eagle.

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2019, 01:48:25 PM »
Fingers crossed! Post pics as you go, please.

Online vangremlin

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2019, 11:38:47 PM »
Good luck!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2019, 11:25:00 PM »
FELLERS I GOT SOME GOOD NEWS!

We never registered my eagle in our name, and the title got lost. We figured we'd have to get it appraised and go about it that way.

My dad just HAPPENED across the guy he bought it from today. He agreed to get a new title and provide us with it!! The trans should come out sometime this week!!! I'm super stoked I think it's finally happening.

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2019, 02:03:37 AM »
Eggcellent!!  :occasion14:

Offline Taylor

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #5 on: October 07, 2019, 07:37:00 AM »
Very good news. I had title problems before, those can be a serious nightmare.
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline TheBirdman

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2019, 12:50:13 PM »
Ill be swapping in an aw4 shortly, id be willing to part with my working tf998 if you need one. Someone in the past went through it and put a main band from a 727 in it, and i put a transgo shift kit in it. Only thing wrong with it is that the main band drags a little in reverse when its below 25F out. Ive mitigated this by backing into parking spots in the winter when its gonna sit a few hours.
83 eagle wagon 4.0

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2019, 11:27:03 PM »
Birdman

I've got a buddy who'll rebuild mine here, but I appreciate the offer!


Updates: idk how many of you followed my other posts about this car. But if you did you'll remember I had ground issues and my battery would drain super quickly. Fast forward to today. The cars been sitting at a buddies for 4 months. His name's Gary. Gary hates AMC (American Made Crap). Says they were built like :censored:. "when we drag that thing out well have to fix all the broken :censored: because AMC can't build cars". So I walked over to the car and started it with one pump of the gas pedal. After it had sat for a few months. And then continued to demonstrate that literally everything works in the car minutes the tape deck, heater/AC, and the trunk release. I bet he felt kinda stupid😂

About suspension. I think my rear springs are sagging. What kind of springs can I swap in back there. I've read that you can swap in some sort of keep spring and it will lift the back a few inches. I think Gronk was who posted it.

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2019, 05:55:21 AM »

Offline RallyEagle

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2019, 07:05:49 AM »
Glad you are back at it.  I still have takeoff springs from my SX4 rally car. Yours for the taking. In Lansing.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2019, 11:05:24 AM »
RallyEagle

Didn't you offer those up to me many many moons ago?

I'll have to double check, but I'm darn sure the things are flat. Ill keep you in mind though.

Offline TheBirdman

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #11 on: October 18, 2019, 02:46:17 AM »
My leafs are pretty hammered too, but Im not in the mood for the heartache and headache that comes with changing them, not to mention the walletache.
So instead, I slapped a pair of these on there:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029K022/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its nothing like a new set of springs, but it is noticeably stiffer, and it took about an inch of droop out of the rear end
83 eagle wagon 4.0

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #12 on: October 18, 2019, 11:14:20 AM »
Anyone else have input on using spring savers? are they any good as a temporary fix?

Offline RallyEagle

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #13 on: October 19, 2019, 07:43:06 AM »
Anythings better than flat springs.

I went with new rear springs for my sx4 from John R Springs in Troy, MI.  They arched them an extra 1" and they are nice to work with. The guy actually knew what an Eagle is!  Michiganders are car nuts!

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #14 on: October 28, 2019, 11:38:05 AM »
Yet another huge breakthrough! Found a 82 sx4 sitting that got wrecked, but had a rebuilt engine and trans. Dads negotiating with the guy, and id have to run down and pick it up sometime this week. But that would solve my transmission issue! honestly I hope to be driving the thing by the end (ish) of next week.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #15 on: October 29, 2019, 11:08:35 AM »
Update on that car
 
WE BOUGHT IT! Also, new plans. I'm going to do a full drivetrain swap. Im swapping the 4.2 and trans from the donor into my eagle. It sounds like the engine was rebuilt/modded. It has an Offenhauser intake on it, with a 4 barrel. And given that its been freshly rebuilt, ill trust that over the one that's sitting in the car right now. So full engine and trans swap, anddddd that should just about solve most of my problems. Ill post pictures when I actually am able to get to work. Until then, anyone have a really nice write-up about the full drivetrain swap?

Offline mick

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #16 on: October 29, 2019, 08:06:30 PM »
All sounds like great news!

I am a big believer in the Monroe MA700 air shock for the rear of these cars. We just finished building my sons SX/4 and the springs were flat, like Kansas flat. We installed some Monroes and can dial in ride height as we want. Yes it is a bit stiffer but it handles so much better.

Anyways can't wait to see the updates!
ALMOST A Jeep THING...EVEN I DON'T UNDERSTAND

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #17 on: October 30, 2019, 11:08:05 AM »
A question with the 4V how much is too much?? I've read a lot about the Holley 390, and I've seen the argument go either way. My engine is stock, but it would be sitting on the Offy intake. would I need a cam and a header to warrant that addition??

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #18 on: November 04, 2019, 11:44:52 AM »
I picked up the parts car Sunday. I took pictures, but I'm still struggling with posting them here. ill have to take some time with photo bucket. The trans looks good. The car definitely hit hard, and now its a few inches shorter. but I think the slip yoke saved the Tranny. Ill be working after school today to see if it has all of its gears, and trying to pull it out of the donor. On the topic of that OFFY intake. It has a 650 on it, wayyyyy to much carb. ill stick with the motorcraft swap. Ill be taking the metal valve cover. and the exhaust. Hopefully she'll be road worthy soon!

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #19 on: November 06, 2019, 11:07:01 AM »
Well. In between  school and work, I haven't had much time to get after the eagle. and if you wouldn't believe it, were having a snow storm as I sit and write this. It's gonna be cutting it close to see if I can get her running.

Offline Taylor

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #20 on: November 06, 2019, 03:07:40 PM »
What problem are you having posting pictures?
Is it a error?
Let me know I should be able to fix it up for you.
Thanks,
Taylor
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #21 on: November 07, 2019, 11:06:28 AM »
Its not an error, I tried doing it from my phone, I just think because its on mobile it doesn't want to. ill email them to myself and then ill try it from my laptop

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #22 on: November 07, 2019, 05:01:57 PM »
I only use my android to upload photos or do anything else without handicaps.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #23 on: November 09, 2019, 09:42:08 AM »
I've tried about a million times to upload photos through the site. What other ways can I do it? Most times it tried to act like I'm making a brand new thread, where as other times, it tell me the attachment can't be saved.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #24 on: November 11, 2019, 11:54:59 AM »
I factory reset my phone, so, no more pictures. But!

The trans is out of the donor. I'm not going to go through the hassle of separating the transfer case from the trans. So next step is get the trans/transfer case out of mine, and swap in the "new" one.
Front drive question. Ive got wiggle in my drivers side front tire. Where should I be looking for issues?

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #25 on: November 11, 2019, 06:31:18 PM »
Might be a broken belt in the tire. Might be a warped rotor. Might be something else. When do you notice it? Driving or braking? Have you raised it off the ground and spun it around?

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #26 on: November 11, 2019, 06:56:41 PM »
Raise it off the ground and check side to side for wobble, than check for top to bottom wobble.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #27 on: November 12, 2019, 10:14:15 AM »
Car doesn't drive yet. I wish. I had it up on Jack's. I'll check for top to bottom wiggle. But all I know is the left to right wiggles pretty bad. It's hot about a quarter inch of play.

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #28 on: November 12, 2019, 02:57:37 PM »
Tie rods are left to right.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #29 on: November 13, 2019, 12:35:24 PM »
Thanks! Then ill start there!

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #30 on: November 13, 2019, 07:38:03 PM »
Probably a tie rod end but check the center link too.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #31 on: January 11, 2020, 04:24:12 PM »
Well fellas. Been a minute. Holiday hub bub is over. And now I'm starting to get some free time after school. On days I have off. The trans is out of the parts car. Now I just need the trans out of mine. And out the new one in. Any tips? Tricks? I'm worried about pulling the trans out of mine. I'll be working alone this time. So I'll be relying mostly on the internet to help me.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #32 on: January 23, 2020, 12:38:10 PM »
Transmission is hanging, crossmember needs to be unbolted from trans. Transmissions resting on a jack as it sits. Last to do is exhaust, and then bell housing bolts. Once out, seat gets removed, fixed and reinstalled. Then a tie rod, and then the heater gets figured out. Put a new set of tires on, and I'm golden!

On that tie rod issued, Its the front left tire, and the very front most tie rod, which part is that?

Offline djm3452004

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #33 on: January 23, 2020, 08:02:54 PM »
Transmission is hanging, crossmember needs to be unbolted from trans. Transmissions resting on a jack as it sits. Last to do is exhaust, and then bell housing bolts. Once out, seat gets removed, fixed and reinstalled. Then a tie rod, and then the heater gets figured out. Put a new set of tires on, and I'm golden!

On that tie rod issued, Its the front left tire, and the very front most tie rod, which part is that?



The attached photo is of the passenger side front of an Eagle, but it is same setup with tie rods between both sides.

If you need more photos, I can get you whatever you need.

The Moog P/N for the inner tie rod is ES2107RL, and the outer tie rod is ES2016RL.  The threaded adjusting sleeve that goes between the inner and outer tie rods that is used to adjust your alignment toe-in is Moog P/N ES2032S.

Hope this helps --

Dave
Current Project: 1983 Eagle Wagon 258
Past AMC Project(s):  1979 Spirit Liftback 232
                                1968 Ambassador 287

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #34 on: January 27, 2020, 11:11:34 PM »
Dave! That fitting on the outer tie rod. Is where it's all wiggly. Do I need to replace the outer?

Offline djm3452004

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #35 on: January 28, 2020, 07:50:42 AM »
Dave! That fitting on the outer tie rod. Is where it's all wiggly. Do I need to replace the outer?


It would sound that way, yes.  I guess I am not sure what you mean by "that fitting".  The outer tie rod just has the ball-in-socket joint where it attaches to the cast iron steering knuckle, and the other side is threaded and screws into the adjusting sleeve.  At that location there is a kind of clamp that tightens the sleeve around the threaded portion of the tie rod.

If the ball-in-socket joint is wobbly or damaged, the outer tie rod needs to be replaced.  If just the clamp is bad, you would need to purchase the threaded adjusting sleeve which comes with new clamps.  Either way, you are going to have to get a front-end alignment to have the toe-in professionally set.

I know budget can certainly be an issue, but if budget is no issue, replace all the tie rods at the same time, inner and outer.  These are all wear components and all will eventually go bad depending on age and vehicle use.  You'd hate to just replace one tie rod, get an alignment, then have another tie rod require replacement in short order and make you have to get an alignment again.

The last part is strictly opinion, but hopefully this helps --

Dave
Current Project: 1983 Eagle Wagon 258
Past AMC Project(s):  1979 Spirit Liftback 232
                                1968 Ambassador 287

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #36 on: February 06, 2020, 11:11:54 AM »
Dave, Definitely the Ball in socket. Thank you!

Offline djm3452004

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #37 on: February 06, 2020, 11:42:15 AM »
Dave, Definitely the Ball in socket. Thank you!


No problem!
Current Project: 1983 Eagle Wagon 258
Past AMC Project(s):  1979 Spirit Liftback 232
                                1968 Ambassador 287

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #38 on: February 25, 2020, 02:04:51 PM »
Hey guys, Quick update. New trans is in! Took a helluva lot of fidgeting, but she's in and cinched down tight. Now the hard part of hooking things up. Gotta buy the tie rod still, need new U-Joints. Question about the Throttle position linkage, or the "Kick down". Can anyone link an image of how it's supposed to look. The one on my car snapped, and the one on the parts car is jerry rigged. Anyone ever had problems there before?

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #39 on: February 26, 2020, 07:32:15 AM »

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #40 on: February 27, 2020, 11:20:43 AM »
I left my buddy working on it let night, seems like a way we can jerry rig that little tin piece and the nylon wheel into working well enough with a couple welds and such. Ill keep you guys posted, and maybe ill even figure out how to post some :censored: pictures.

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #41 on: February 27, 2020, 05:04:16 PM »
If wrongly adjusted it can tear up the clutches. I have first hand experience of that.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #42 on: February 27, 2020, 07:06:14 PM »
Aw thanks mudkicker. Now I'm terrified!

Offline rmick

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #43 on: February 27, 2020, 11:41:39 PM »
You could also come up with a cable operated kick down setup.
https://www.lokar.com/assets/instructions/INS0046-ChryslerKickdown.pdf
72 Javelin AMX
72 Javelin SST
72 Gremlin with 4.0
81 SX 4

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #44 on: February 28, 2020, 11:13:59 AM »
Gonna be ordering parts shortly, ill just stick with the basic things. New U joints, and and a tie rod. Fun things will come once I'm sure this car actually runs.

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #45 on: March 06, 2020, 08:14:17 PM »
Well everyone. I did it. After a few years of on again off again work. The eagle went on its maiden voyage. (Albeit all of 5 feet) it's got forward and reverse. A new gas leak popped up, and I've got a few more odds and ends to tuck away. BUT IT MOVES!

Offline Ace2600

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #46 on: March 06, 2020, 08:20:50 PM »

Offline Mitch

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #47 on: March 07, 2020, 02:58:58 AM »
Looking good!! Looks like if you sort out the headlights, pump some air in the tires and you're good to go!

Online vangremlin

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Re: 3rd times the charm
« Reply #48 on: March 08, 2020, 05:58:04 PM »
Congrats on getting it to move!  Now the real fun starts - driving it!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

 

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