Project 79 Powerwagon

Well, Here is my latest project. I had done a considerable amount of work and contributed some funds into my nephews truck "Power Dragon" and this is my reimbursement. The idea is to add a mildly built 318, get the rest of the truck mechanically sound and cleaned up a bit. All the little crap that is worn out,
missing or broken, brakes, hoses, radio, etc.

Wont get to it for a few weeks but I wanted to start a thread.

Right now it "Runs" issue with fuel delivery, does move on its own and may actually drive, has not been driven in many years though.

At some point a 85 model year engine, trans NP208 transfer-case and front axle assembly was installed into this.

just starting to learn what I'm going to be needing. I hope I can lean on you all in this forum for assistance.

back in my junkyard ownership days, i had a 73 powerwagon that originally came with a 318.
was a super easy deal to swap a 440 into it.
when i bought the house i live in back in 1984, i sold the truck to pay for the paperwork required.
the same family still owns it today, and it still retains the same drivetrain i installed all those years ago. i was told the truck still runs like a bear !

Its a lot harder (and a lot more expensive) to put a 440 (or any big block) in where a 318 now rests. The big blocks made a lot more power, and if you could keep your foot out of the throttle, actually got better (or the same) gas mileage most of the time, but those days are gone, the parts are getting harder to come by. The 318 works well in those old power wagons.

I think I would probably start by replacing all the steel and rubber pieces in the fuel line(s) between the tank and the car (both lines if it has a return line). Those old steel line would get rust pinholes up near the tank and would suck both fuel and air causing problems that are hard to see or find. If it has been sitting, I would also plan on replacing all the brake steel lines and rubber hoses (and probably calipers and wheel cylinders) as well. If the firewall or brake booster is wet behind/below the master cylinder, plan on replacing it as well. Those rubber seals and hoses don't survive well just sitting, and the steel lines are all rust magnets. Just my experience.

All and every mechanical part that does not seem 100% worthy will be replaced. The fuel system is first. I'm going to try and only do one system at a time to avoid having the truck become immobile.

Having seen some of your work, I look forward to following your progress.

Having wheeled this through tons of mud, woods and the everglades finest, (before making it pretty) i know it doesn't take a big motor to enjoy a off road trip, proper gearing and tires suited to your power level is the key. I am going to build a mechanically sound fun truck and try to be budget conscious.

What are your plans for it? Daily driver, wheeling or other?

Removed the tool box and threw in a factory Macho roll-bar, Truck has running issues, fuel delivery issues? The fuel gauge doesn't work, the lines have been cobbled together. I know these plastic tanks can split if they get mishandled. Since I am mostly rebuilding the truck the bed came off for easy access to service the tank and get it drive-able to evaluate the running gear.

With a buddies borrowed carb, cleaning out the fuel lines replacing the rubber line I got it to start and run. Drove it down the street a few times, brakes are decent, with the exception of beyond sloppy transmission linkage, it shifts through the gears and works in 4 high and 4 low without noises or odd mannerisms.

Seems the bones of this Ole Girl are solid and I am stoked to get into it. I'm starting a paint job on a friends 71 Cuda, so this project will be a little slow in its progress but will post from time to time.

Great news.

Keep me informed on the sending unit fix, as I need to do mine as well. There are two different one depending on the size (gallons) of your tank.

Nice project. My first new vehicle was a '74 PW with a '79 being my last new truck before getting married. Really would like to have another one.
Good luck with it.