1989 Jeep Wagoneer Limited 4.0L EFI from North America

Summary:

Great small truck with nice power

Faults:

I replaced the gas tank seal after filling it up and having gas leak out all over the place (PO didn't tell me there was a leak)

I installed a new Gates belt to try to stop the squeal it had when I got it. Turned out to be a melted harmonic balancer in the main crank pulley, so I replaced that as well.

Windshield had a leak in it, nothing major though.

Electric seats never worked. I wrote this up to the windshield leak, but finally fixed it before I sold the truck.

Electric windows were getting slow due to age.

Body was rusting badly in rocker panels and door bottoms.

Rear main seal was leaking. Needed 2qrts oil every full tank (about 400miles of travel)

Put in new battery when purchased.

New Power steering pump at 82k.

New Lock Cylinder at 82k.

New blower fan for heat at 80k.

New starter at 80.5k.

Sway bar end links broken when purchased, never replaced them until I sold it.

Hood release cable snapped off when PO was showing me the car. He bought me a new one (about $70 at a Jeep dealer), but I had to drive around for a week without the hood being shut. The safety latch let go on me one night and the hood flew up, bending it, so it never opened right after that.

General Comments:

Even though it was an automatic, I loved this truck. It was far from being "fancy" like it was supposed to be due to its age, but it was really comfortable and easy to drive.

I love the Jeep steering, it corners nicely (even without a sway bar), and the 4.0L even with the automatic is very torquey and powerful. I used to haul VW engines and parts for my Bug with the truck, since there's plenty of cargo room with the seats folded.

All the work that was done to this truck was done by me, since it's not really difficult to work on. Even though I had a lot invested in this truck, I think it was more or less a lemon since the PO really beat on it a lot.

I really didn't want to have to sell it, but summer came and I no longer needed a 4X4 especially with it's bad gas mileage (about 16-20 mpg). I'm currently getting another Jeep, but it'll be a Comanche pickup 4x4 this time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2006

14th Nov 2006, 08:10

It sounds to me like that Jeep needed a Salvage Yard, not a new owner.

16th Jan 2007, 11:04

I think I may have bought your jeep! She's still running fine, haven't gotten to the rear main seal yet. Fixed most of the rust damage - was pretty extensive in the trunk under the carpet (removed it and herculined the interior). So far I have made two trips from Connecticut to southern Pennsylvania with it and its done fine minus the oil leak. To whomever suggested this Jeep was finished, I disagree!

14th Feb 2009, 07:03

Just bought a rust free 89 Wagoneer with 360 and auto from Oregon.. Rust free cream puff for 2200, love it.

30th Mar 2009, 21:52

So when the hood release cable broke... HOW DID YOU GET THE HOOD OPEN TO REPLACE IT??? Thanks!

23rd Nov 2009, 07:18

Love it.

Am refurbishing an '89 Limited with 185,000. Runs great except she bogs down or stalls when starting out. Have new distributor cap, rotor, wires and plugs. Injection problem? Help please.

Trying a tankful of gas with Seafoam. Will this help? What else will help?

Absolutely love to tinker with and drive this truck. Sure gets lots of comments and looks. My first Jeep.

JP.

1989 Jeep Wagoneer Limited 4.0L 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Indestructible beast of a machine

Faults:

I changed the water pump, radiator, and the soft plug twice.

The valve cover leaks, needs a distributor cap, sunroof leaked, the power seat broke, and makes a noise in 4 wheel drive.

General Comments:

The 4.0 is indestructible. I've run it with no oil pressure and it operates normally. Not a bad vehicle if you are mechanically inclined. It's not the fastest vehicle, and kind of "tipsy", but will burn the tires easily.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003