Need to be educated

[Stuckey]

Bought a 1979 powerwagon, Havnt got it yet but on its way.

Im 24 and have always loved the old style truck. I grew up in northern ontario so 4X4 trucks were really all you saw. My buddy is rebuilding a 1987 GMC short box 4X4
and so I can be there to pull him out and Tow him I got a Dodge powerwagon. HAHA

anyway I dont know too much about them ive been reading the net to see as much as I can, but I am busy.
So I would like to see if I can get a contact or 2 so I can ask some questions

Like: full time 4 wheel drive? I beleive it is not too sure.
is it a big deal to convert. and if not is it a smart choice. I want reliability this will be my daily so I dont want to be replacong wheel bearings all the time I plan on 33's in the future it has 31' right now
318 4 spd.
any little quirks I should know.
I want to drive 500kms every now and then so maybe locking hubs would be good.

best quality U-joints, gear oil,
Any help would be appreciated.
I will post a pic as soon as i can.
thanks guys
Kyle

[LEVE]

Take a look at the Mile Marker Part Time (http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/47538/) kit. Another good review is found HERE (http://www.offroadexchange.com/milemarker_2.htm).

Read 'em over. The kit's on my project list.

[Speed Dragon]

It's not hard to swap to part-time, you can either use that kit, or just find stock parts in a junkyard. If you have any questions about stuff, you can IM me on AIM, sn is Shelby S 392.

[sgillett]

Hi Stuckey,
The 203 T-case conversion was easy.
The Dana 44 FBJ front end is not designed to have unlocking hubs put into it.
I sold my '79 W150 10 years ago but back then (20 years ago) there was only one front end conversion kit out there and it took special front wheel bearings. I picked up about 1/2 MPG with just the transfer case conversion. The stock Y pipe sucks and should be rebuilt with a nice flowing Y. If it is a 4BBL TQ carb, it responds nicely to one step bigger main jets. I ran my truck when it was new and it ran 18.3 in the quarter, after the jetting, Y pipe, Tcase conversion it ran 17.1. I had a 360 4bbl - 727-3.55 - 9 1/4" rear with 31-10.5 15 tires. I always ran synthetic oil in the truck.
I loved my power wagon but it was a standard cab long bed and my 2 sons grew too big to fit in the middle seat so I purchased a V10 extended cab Dodge and sold the '79. BTW I purchased the '79 new. It was a great truck. I bet you will enjoy yours too. Feel free to PM me.
Scott