Another new guy from WA

[BurningMetal]

which machine did you purchase?

that Olds had a FWD 4.3V6 diesel? Is that the same 4.3 GM V6 that was in so many trucks and SUVs, but in a diesel configuration? I've never heard of that setup before.

I have always been partial to the jeep cherokees. I learned to drive stick in my dad's 84 Cherokee. I can't even count how many cherokee and grand cherokees have flowed through my family since 1984. The last one was my wife's 2000 Cherokee Limited.....the last year they were produced. (she still misses that little SUV.)

[R Counts]

which machine did you purchase?

I edited my first post to include that detail. I got one of the new model SuperCut 50 units. I already have the welding gear I need, so it didn't make sense to spend the extra for a combo unit - especially since I don't know how to TIG anyway.

that Olds had a FWD 4.3 V6 diesel? Is that the same 4.3 GM V6 that was in so many trucks and SUVs, but in a diesel configuration? I've never heard of that setup before.

Nope, the two engines have nothing in common other than being 4.3 liters in displacement. The 4.3 does have some things in common with the diesel 350 V8 of the same era - it uses the same pistons, rings, conn rods, crank and cam bearings, injectors, glow plugs, and a 6-port version of the same injection pump. Other than that it has nothing in common with any other GM engine. They only produced it for 3 years, 84, 85, & 86. It was only put into 4 or 5 percent of the Cutlasses, 98s, Pontiac 6000s, and Buick leSabers those 3 years. So they are a fairly rare motor. I have 2 complete runnable motors and a third that is complete and runnable except for lack of an injection pump. So I'm pretty well stocked with good usable parts to keep it running once the conversion is complete. You can still buy most of the wear-out parts and gaskets too - you just have to special order them and wait for them to arrive.

I have always been partial to the jeep cherokees. I learned to drive stick in my dad's 84 Cherokee. I can't even count how many cherokee and grand cherokees have flowed through my family since 1984. The last one was my wife's 2000 Cherokee Limited.....the last year they were produced. (she still misses that little SUV.)

I own 1 Grand Cherokee and 3 Cherokees right now, and I just scrapped a fourth, so I guess you could say I'm a little partial to them myself...

[everlastsupport]

Welcome aboard R Counts,

Your story is a lot like mine other than a third boy and Fords, carts, quads, etc.

I have been look for a Jeep for my 14 year old. But not sure if they are hard to work on. The older model Fords are a dream to work on and run forever.

In my area there are lots of Jeeps for sale on Craigslist for what looks to be very good prices.

On TIG, once you've TIG'd you'll be hooked. So don't let a friend talk you into trying theirs of you will wish you bought the combo. I actually like my plasma and TIG separate. Allows swapping back and forth easier for us old guys.

[WAYNESWORLD]

Welcome to the forum. Glad to have you on board. Engineer, electrical or mech? I second the tig. You may want to learn some time, it's great for the turbo plumbing and small detail parts. How about some pictures of the Jeep projects? How old are your sons? Mine kids are too old to follow me around HAHA!
Wayne

[Titan winch]

Welcome to the Forum
So we have another Offroader on here. Great
I tend to do the same with parts if i can make it why bother buying it.
Cherokees are nice and i do wheel with a few Xjs and ZJs but i am a Landie enthusiast.
My lift Dislocation cones underbody armour sliders bumpers are all homemade. and a ton of other bits and pieces have been added over the years. New OBA system in December . I used to use a 3/4 twin head compressor but after making the Compressor winch i decided to treat myself to it and now run the tank directly from the winch . It never ends once you start
Cheers

[jericho777]

Another welcome, Would like to see some project pics also! Sounds like there's a lot of fab work ahead!

[maxx]

Hey Bob

You make a lot more sense to me after reading that, pretty cool. Ive been raised pretty much the same.

If you wanna try the TIG thing sometime, let me know and we'll arrange it