Re: Thinking about buying 88 GW need info
Umm . . actually it is an NP-229 transfer case. It is a part-time case, but the reason that you did not feel bind is that it is a viscous coupled transfer case. You can shift it into 4wd at 'any legal speed' (shift on the fly if you will). The easiest way to tell if the t-case is going into 4wd is to push the lever over and while rolling at 2-5mph with the tranny in N try shifting from Hi to Lo range (black flag lever on the floor almost under the driver's seat on the tranny hump) pull it up. The t-case won't let you shift into Lo unless the 4wd has engaged. It is vacuum actuated. If you need some help with that let me know.
As long as the interior is in good shape and all the goodies work, you should be in like Flinn. Obviously, you will be looking at a little motor work sometime soon, probably need to change the tranny fluid too. The power steering pump is easy, just make sure that you have a way to swap pulleys if you decide to buy a new/rebuilt unit and definetely new hoses as well. Be prepared for a carb rebuild pretty soon too. The 2150s are pretty decent carbs, and not too bad to rebuld, or if you have the time and $$, Edelbrock offers a Performer series intake that changes it to a regular squarebore 4bbl opening so that you can throw on a Edelbrock or Holley carb for a little more oomph.
Congrats on your purchase!! I hope you have a great time hunting. I know you will love your G-wag in the snow.
Phil
Phillip J. Van Why
1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer