Years to Avoid?

[Hepar]

Hello everyone.  I'm a new member and looking at possibly buying an Eagle at some point.  I was wondering if there were certain years or models that were best to avoid?  I tried doing a search, but couldn't find anything outside of what to check on one before buying it. 

Thanks. 

[standup650]

Any of them if you dont like working your rigs. I have a 86 eagle wagon it's only good if you have a big plans of upgrading the whole drive train. well i shouldn't say that the 4.2L is nice

[IowaEagle]

All years are about the same, except for the '86 NP 128 transfer case, which can be easily replaced.   Some prefer the 1980 and some '81's with all-the time four wheel drive.  While others prefer the later shift on the fly 2WD - 4 WD.  The 1980 engine is thought by some to be a better motor as it has heavier crank counter weights and does not use a feed back carb.

[Hepar]

Thanks for the responses everyone.  I'm definitely aware that these vehicles don't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to reliability.  I just wanted to know if there were any glaring issues with some years over another. 

[JustinS]

I don't think it's as much a reliability issue as it is an availability issue.  There hasn't been any new sheetmetal made for these in 25 years, the repair shops don't know what it is, and even the "parts pros" (mostly kids in spiffy uniforms) behind the counters think you mean a talon or vision.  The only reliable work has, for a long time, been your own or someone you know, and a lot of people don't have the adaptability required to properly maintain one of these birds.  I'm thoroughly grateful that I stumbled upon this great resource of both knowledge and encouragement!  Every day, I look on here, see the progress that other like-minded individuals are making, and I get an itch.  I can't scratch it yet, but I know that when I can, I will do a better job of it than if I tried to tackle everything on my own, unprepared.

[IowaEagle]

Just as reliable as any other US car from the '70's and 80's.  The latest Hemmings Classic Cars desribed our AMC 4.2 as probably the best off road engine ever produced -- by anyone!

[eagleman]

Work or no work I love my Eagles.Don't care if anyone else likes it or not, their mine.They can be troublesome from time to time but then again so can my wife but I still love her too!

[Hepar]

Thanks again for the responses.  No stranger to turning a wrench.  Not sure when I'll get one.  Might be tomorrow, might be next year, but it will happen!

[carnuck]

I'd say pre '80 and post '88 are the ones to avoid.

[mudkicker715]

I'd say pre '80 and post '88 are the ones to avoid.

pre 80 really. tell me bout that eagle. haha

[carnuck]

Don't forget the post '88. You want to avoid those too!@

[jim]

I'd say pre '80 and post '88 are the ones to avoid.

You beat me to it! 

[Zoro]

In my opinion there aren't really any years to avoid but rather 'options' you prefer to avoid. Biggest issues that come to mind are the plastic valve cover, Carter BBD carb, vacuum disconnect front end, RUST, electrical gremlins(pun intended), and lastly the ignition system. Thru this website you'll find a boat load of upgrades for these cars.

I can honestly say that my '84 Eagle is just about the most reliable car I've ever owned. Only real upgrade is an aluminum valve cover. There's a Carter BBD carb w/stepper motor on the engine and the car will get 22+mpg all day long.

[drock87]

I will list one option that I would personally avoid.....power windows.  These are cable operated, and at these cars' ages they have a tendency to snap.  I have (personally) found them difficult to find, which in our cars' equal situation with A/C, can be maddening in the summer. (See my survey on working A/C)  Hope you find a great car though! They are a blast to own 

[ammachine390]

I will list one option that I would personally avoid.....power windows.  These are cable operated, and at these cars' ages they have a tendency to snap.  I have (personally) found them difficult to find, which in our cars' equal situation with A/C, can be maddening in the summer. (See my survey on working A/C)  Hope you find a great car though! They are a blast to own 

I agree, I'd rather not have to worry about power options going out. But I have a solution for the power window cable issue.
See my solution here: http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=38752.0

[Whuntmore]

well, if I could avoid any year, it'd probably be the '86 because of that odd-ball transfer case (that NP-128).  But you can swap it out for a 129 or something better.

I like the '85 because it's the first year that 'Shift on the fly' came out, and anything that was All-Time 4x4.

Someone once posted about the rear end axles 'busting loose' and there either was a common year, or a common batch that had issues with that.

I can't find the post, or the info.

[allend]

all of them appear to be ok just as long as you keep up the maintance on them  and are a lot easier to work on than most of the newer models anyway.  just be careful and don't get on that is nothing but a rust bucket (especially on the frame).  I.ve owned mine for about 10 years now and have spent less on repairs than I have on my 2005 van.