Re: [Amc-list] sx4 issues to check while buying

[Ken Ames <ameskg@xxxxxxxxx>]

Also check behind the rocker panel covers and the inner rocker panels for rust.
The plastic covers can hide large holes. Ask me how I know. : )

The 81 will have either full time 4wd or switchable 2/4. My test for chain
stretch in the transfer-case is to rotate the front driveshaft by hand. It
shouldn't shift the u-joint more than 1/2 to 3/4 inches back-and-forth. IMHO

Ken Ames

39Master85w.partscar,67Marlin343,68AMX343,70Machine,73Matador2drht401,
73Hornet4dsd,73-74-75-76GremlinXs,75PacerX,76Hornet2dsd,77Matadorcpe,
2-77AMXs304,78AMX304,78Gremlin,78GremlinGT,79Concordhb,79PacerDL304,
2-79AMXs304/401,2-80AMXs258/401,2-80SpiritDL258/304,80Eagle4dsdn,3-81SX4s, 
81SpiritGT,81Concord4dsd,82Eaglesw,2-85Eaglesw,2-80J20/360,85J10,88Eaglesw, 
89Sentra4dsd   (41)

AMCA = http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/amcalberta/index.html 


Quoting Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>:

> 
> Well, it's either a 258 six or a Pontiac "Iron Duke" four. I don't
> necessarily agree with Jim -- I don't think the four is any harder to work on
> than the smog encrusted six, but the six is definitely the more desirable
> engine. More you can do with it, and makes it easy to drop a 4.0L in later!
> The four has unique engine mounts and I think a lot needs to be changed to
> put a six in later. If there are salvage yards around with mid 80s vehicles
> you can get the head and TBI system from a later model 2.5L as long as the
> donor engine has a distributor. Around 86-87 GM came out with a
> distributorless ignition system that can't be retrofitted -- the tone wheel
> is cast into the middle of the crank and the block has a hole in it for the
> sensor. 
> 
> Watch out for rust in the rear wheel wells, around the gas tank, and under
> the tops of the front fenders. The rear leaf springs also rust and can break
> INSIDE the metal covers -- at least they do on the Spirit/Concord, and I
> think the Eagles used the "isoclamps" (metal covers with rubber bushing
> around the leaf spring) also... but maybe not.
> 
> ----------
> Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 17:09:05 +0000
> From: Andrew Blomer <lotharamc@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>  
> I'm a Javelin/mid 60's Rambler guy, and I'm considering buying a 81 sx4. 
> Are there any specific things I need to check out when I go to look at it? 
> Its a 4 spd and I don't know the engine.
> 
> -- 
> Frank Swygert
> Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
> Magazine (AMC)
> For all AMC enthusiasts
> http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
> (free download available!)
> 
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