Re: [AMC-list] 1989 Jeep sports truck S.W.B. 4X4 questions

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The "Sport Truck" models all have the 4.0L if that's indeed what it is. Probably a five speed, could be automatic. It's a good half ton truck about the size of an S-10 or Ranger -- a "mid size" truck if you will. In fact, it's a cut off XJ Cherokee. They used the technology developed with the "Cowboy" prototype to make the rear frame, called a "uniframe". The rails are deeper than standard frame rails found on full frame trucks and formed from folded sheet metal then welded as one piece with the cab. The bed is totally separate. It's just as strong as a full frame in my experience. I had a 1991 model. 

The 4x4 is usually part-time, but some had a full time system. It has the front axle disconnect as used on Eagles instead of locking hubs. Vacuum operated just like the Eagle. That can cause problems. The only problem I ever had with it is that the truck must roll 6-8" forward before the hubs lock once engaged, and the rear wheels must slip before 4x4 will engage (I had the part time system). Got on a wet red clay road to pull a friend out of a ditch and couldn't. I had enough traction that the truck moved fine until the tow rope pulled tight, then it would spin and not roll forward enough to engage 4x4 so I could pull him out! Normally it's not a problem, but if "hard stuck" it could be. Maybe mine was defective though. It's easy enough to override the part time controls by using a long cable (choke cable) instead of the vacuum motor to lock the front axle. Then it becomes a full time 4x4 with the front axle engaged. It still has to roll forward slightly to lock the front ax
le, but you have the option of locking it first without the rear wheels having to slip to engage. You could install manual hubs and just wire the axle disconnect in the engaged position and make it a full manual 4x4. 

Towing capacity is rated at 5K with the five speed, 5.5K with the auto. I pulled a car hauler with mid size car (65 Rambler Classic w/V-8) with it with no problems except pulling out of a steep drive onto the road. Had to put it in low range for that, then pulled over and put it in high after getting out. It was about a 30-35 degree angle though -- pretty darned steep! Rear axle is 3.08 with five speed, 3.55 with auto. I always felt it needed a little more gear, maybe a 3.31, but it was a good truck. Needed something to haul three people in, so traded it in on a Cherokee. 

The only down side is if it's a five speed. That year would be the Peugeot BA10/5. That's fine for a highway truck, but be gentle with it when hauling. The trans won't take much abuse. It was used in France in mid size 1 ton delivery trucks with four cylinder diesels, but I don't think they had the torque of the 4.0L and they were much lower geared. If they had as much torque it would have been at much lower rpm. It's a bit better than the old SR-4 four speed behind a 258, but that's about it. For occasional hauling it should be fine -- I never had a problem with mine. Mine was a five speed, but may have been an AX-15 instead of the BA10/5. I have talked to people with the Peugeot trans and high mileage Commanche's though. They say the same thing -- a street truck with light and only occasional heavy hauling isn't a problem. The off-roaders tell an entirely different tale though! They will tell you it's junk and stay away. Depends on what your plans are though. The auto will 
be an AW-4 -- no problems there at all! 

---------------
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 11:42:41 -0800 (PST)
From: russ hathaway <russh97309@xxxxxxxxx>

I have some questions about this Jeep. I don't usually pay attention to vehicles this new, but the price is right;
A local tow yard has it behind a fence, so I can't check it out until Monday. Are these true 4x4 or are they AWD? Is it a 1/2 ton and can it tow/anything or is just a light duty city truck? Are these things nice trucks?
I have always gone with the full size trucks and use trucks for what they are supposed to be used for, so I am not interested in a pseudo 4x4.
Its probably a 4.0 I6, right? It looks good and they only want $800.....Russ

--
Frank Swygert
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