This 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is an interesting potential project, as it’s already been swapped to a 6.2L diesel mill that unfortunately needs replacing. You can see multiple hits for search results pertaining to swapping these classic SUVs to diesel power, but this one will be a bit like starting from scratch considering the work that needs to be done. It’s listed with an opening bid of $1,500 and no reserve here on eBay.
Obviously, this example has more needs than just a motor. The body is fairly rough and it’s clear this Grand Wagoneer hasn’t been relaxing on Nantucket for all these years. The wood trim is tired and there’s evidence of surface rust; however, nothing looks so bad that it can’t be repaired. The question is whether you should just start with a better example.
Here’s some of the worst rot-through, where the body has just absolutely melted away. There’s likely more rust hiding, too, that we cannot see. Still, Grand Wagoneers command a fair price on the open market, and if this one could be purchased for less than the opening bid, one might argue a proper diesel conversion makes it an interesting investment.
However, diesel power or not, starting with a Grand Wagoneer with a better body likely makes way more sense than trying to save this one. But with a passionate owner following and lots of used parts still floating around, snagging this one with a known good motor for under $1K might make this project-grade Jeep a worthwhile buy if you’ve been pondering a diesel conversion.
Parts car.*
* And not the diesel parts either.
WHY ?????
Dood have to pay $1500 to haul away!
Let see….will need both 1/4’s and in/out rockers and all 4 lower doors fixed plus tail gate around hinges.Rear inner fenders probably have rust holes.And both Fenders.And who knows about the frame.I had a 74 and 78 from new and both started rusting within 3yrs.Love them but a snow/salt belt area Jeep watch out.
A GW with rotted doors and bottoms?!?
Instead of a sale, the owner might instead consider donating to an outfit the likes of Wagonmaster or Wagoneer World. At the end of the day, they are not making any more of this stuff – And not a whole lot was made to begin with. It would be a shame to see what’s left there wind up in the maw of a crusher.
Judging from the rest of the thing – I might just have a little trouble believing in the “known good” motor…
All of these panels are available from places like BJ’s Low hp/low torque…and 10mpg!…was the bane of the GW and even though the 6.2l isn’t going to do much more for you in the hp dept, the added torque of the diesel plant along with a good doubling of fuel economy makes this a good find.
Interesting swap- wonder if they hooked up the 4 wheel drive? My experience with the 6.2 was that it was a dawg. I admire the work done for the swap!!
Good luck to the new owner!
You’re absolutely right. The 6.2 is a total dog. But it’s definitely an improvement over the 360 gasser that was in this to begin with.
A 4bt would have been the smarter choice but I guess you gotta go with what ya got
“Hey, Robin! Look! This thing comes with it’s own gasoline powered boring machine!!”
Well….. that’ll take care of the cylinders, Batman.
Use the auger to bury it.
While I’m all for a diesel conversion for a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the rest of the GW looks more in need of work than a new diesel engine.
I wonder where he would find the wood grain paper for sides for it?Bruce.
Nope. No way. And I absolutely love Grand Wagoneers.
It’s “Done” alright…converted into a rusty parts piece
if on Nantucket the 6.2 IS a boat anchor.
The rest? Don’t even pay for a ferry off Island…