72 Jeep J20

me0418840987 · Dec 21, 2011

This might be a little off topic, but anyone had a 70's Jeep pickup with the AMC 360/3 speed combo. I have a chance to pick one up for $800.00. 5 new tires, and the front end was rebuilt 5 years ago. Only problem is I have to fix the frame under the cab, it rotted thru where the boxed portion is tucked into the c channel of the main frame. Thought it would make a good woods firewood chase truck, and maybe a good plow truck if I can plate the frame correctly and feel confident.

davkir · Dec 21, 2011

I used to have a J3000 with an auto (I think it was a 1971).
It was a good truck but had a VERY rough ride. The front end would shimmy uncontrollably on certain chuckholes to the point you had to slow way down to get it to stop. (I didn't know anything about steering stabilizers then.)
The 4wd was hard to engage, but it was a tough truck.

me0418840987 · Dec 25, 2011

Well, I bought it. Had Ma chase me down there with the truck and trailer, because I didn't think I'd be able to drive her home. Turns out, the frame is rotted thru, but has been fixed already. Massive C channel repair, will outlast the truck. Brakes were done when the front end was rebuilt. 5 new (can't be more than 1,000 miles on em) 6ply Firestone transforce tires. Floor was replaced, and new rubber floor cover. 2HI to 4HI is easy, but can't get her to go to 4LO. U shaped t case shift pattern, any Ideas where to start with that. Drove her home 140 miles, no issues, other than a persistent u joint rattle when you let off, and get back on. Sounds like it is after the t case. If not the u joint, I would assume it is slop in the chain in the t case. Stout little truck, and I don't think too bad a deal for the money, heck, sell the tires, scrap the truck and come out even. Can take my hands off the wheel at 65, and she goes down the road dead straight.

RDrancher · Dec 26, 2011

Cool truck! I'm pretty sure that those had Dana 20 transfer cases in them, so I'd do some searching on that.

davkir · Dec 26, 2011

I haven't had the J3000 for about 35 years, so my memory is a little fuzzy.
I remember having trouble getting it into 4wd. It seems like it went in a lot easier if you were rolling backwards very slowly with the trasmission in neutral?
Good luck. That's a cool looking truck!

PAfarmer · Dec 26, 2011

Nice truck. Would you like to sell the car in the barn ? Looking for something to occupy my time. I have allot of free time on my hands.......

me0418840987 · Dec 26, 2011

The car is a 58 chevy 4 door with rotted out rockers/floors straight 6 and 3 on tree $600, come and get it. I have a real project, I am also selling my other 31 Ford AA dump truck

wmonroe · Dec 30, 2011

Nice little truck. I'd say you did pretty good for $800.

me0418840987 · Dec 31, 2011

wmonroe said:
Nice little truck. I'd say you did pretty good for $800.

We'll see how good after I pull the transmission this weekend. The rattle I was hearing has turned into a constant sound like a mis aligned gear, or really sloppy chain going around a worn pully. It is there when the clutch is engaged whether the trans is in neutral, or in gear. I would assume since it is there when the transmission is in neutral, It has to be clutch or on the input shaft of the transmission, cannot be the t-case. U joints were shot, replaced them yesterday.

RDrancher · Jan 1, 2012

Here's some info on the T18 trans in your truck The Borg-Warner T18 & T19 Transmissions - Novak Conversions and a link to their rebuild page Parts for the T18 & T19 Transmissions. The company is well known in the four wheeling world for transmission and transfer case conversions. If you don't find something obviously wrong when you get it apart I'd give them a call and see what they say.

A friend of mine rebuilt his T18 when doing his Scout project. Believe me...if that guy can rebuild one, ANYBODY can!

Oh and Happy New Year to ya!