AMC Eagle Den Forum
The Shop => Question and Answer => Topic started by: nvsteve on March 02, 2011, 03:29:34 PM
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Ok everyone, I value the opinions of all esteemed Eagle owners, so please chime in on this dilemma:
Whether to use my Eagle or my Dodge diesel truck for a 1000 mile round trip from Nevada to So. Cal. this week?
Taking the Eagle would be cheaper in fuel costs than the Dodge which is why I am considering the Eagle.
The trip will involve a combination of mountain, desert, and city driving. There are some long and steep grades on the return trip. I worry about breakdowns, since I am not much of a mechanic, and don't relish the idea of roadside repairs in cold weather.
I bought my 84 wagon 4 months ago. Since then I have used it regularly and it has been reliable. I had some issues with stalling when I bought it, but with some minor adjustments it seems to be running well enough. I have averaged about 20 mpg in combined city/hwy driving. I've only used it for local driving, my longest trip to date is about 100 miles total. The car doesn't use oil, smoke, or make any funny noises other than a squeekly serpentine belt when cold. The automatic shifts fine. It doesn't overheat. Suspension seems ok, no shimmy or wobble. So what do you think?
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Sounds like you could make the trip with the Eagle.
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Guess I am getting a little bit chicken in my old age (just turned 66). Its the uphill grades that have me concerned. There are several on the return trip, the most worrysome being a 12 mile pull north of Bishop CA that is notorious for devouring motors. I once spun a rod bearing in my 88 Suburban 350 on that grade, admittedly I was towing a boat and the weather was hot. Ever since then I have been a little paranoid about that grade.
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I would do it in an eagle, just make sure you have a cell phone and a person in the loop that you can depend on to get ya if trouble rears it's ugly head. A friend who has a car hauler and is nearby is helpful as well ;D
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If you take the Eagle, try to get some names and numbers of Nest members that you could call if you have problems.
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Take the Eagle
I would think it would be much more comfortable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Besides, you would have a story either good or bad to tell.
From your description of your Eagle, I would feel comfortable taking it.
dkoug
82 Eagle Limited Wagon
Love the 29 below and all the snow
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The Eagle sounds like it should make it fine. Get towing insurance if you don't have some and are worried. Make sure the tires are in good condition. That is where I have had problems. Tires that are fine for a lot of short runs will come apart on long hard runs.
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I'd say take the Eagle (of course ;) ). Just keep an eye on your gauges (temp and oil pressure) and drive safely.
I don't know if you have the time, but a check-up (all fluids, incl. transmission, diff and t-case) would be useful.
Even in the case of a break down, take into account that the Eagle is a quite simple and "primitive" machine, and the chances of finding someone able to fix it are way higher than the ones you'd get with a "newer" and more complex car. We have plenty of room in the engine bay and under the car, we have far less (if nothing) electronics to mess with when diagnosing a fault, we can actually point out the engine's components by seeing them and identifying them for what they are. I always think about this when it comes to put my hands in the engine bay of my wife's car (a 2003 Toyota): at the beginning I had a hard time just to find the oil dipstick, leave alone diggin all the injection and electronic stuff. And, hey, it's pretty crowded in there !
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If you take the Eagle, try to get some names and numbers of Nest members that you could call if you have problems.
I would be happy to help out if needed. If you have time, you could stop bye and check out the "unofficial" (former) west coast Eagle sanctuary (had 6 Eagles at one time, and many parts). I will pm my phone#....Rich
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Thanks everyone for the excellent responses. I did have a closer look at my tires this morning, using the depth gauge and I have less tread than I thought, they are all down into the caution range on the gauge. I am now online shopping for tires. Would like to get whitewalls for an original look but not having any luck finding them.
If I find tires I might take the Eagle on the trip.
NVSteve
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I'd say if your comfortable with its current condition and reliability then go for it, if anything it will be a great opportunity to stretch its wings as long as your not on a deadline schedule. One thing is for sure, you won't be dissatisfied in the end and probably like all trips good or bad you will have lots to share when it is all said and done. Life is all about the experiances you gain along the way.
Rex
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Remember that we have a board for what you are about to do - Eagle Gallery>Eagle Road Trips.
(Trying to drum up a little business - guess who is the moderator. ;))
My wife and I have made a few fairly long trips in our Eagles. I always tell her to look at it as an adventure. I'm not sure it always works, though.