Need Advice Looking at buying a Fairlane.

sleekism · 28-10-2007, 06:22 PM

I'm looking at buying a 1979 ZJ Fairlane with a 302 Cleveland.

It's a bit rough around the edges but I'm looking at something to play around with.

Main problem is apparently it was towed without the tailshaft being disconnected and there is some unknown problem with the diff.

What is likely the problem and is fixing it or swapping to another diff an expensive proposition??

The engine runs fine, it's been reconditioned and revs good.

How much is these cars worth??

Powdered Toast Man · 28-10-2007, 06:36 PM

Not sure about the diff but as far as what the car is worth, the answer is not much. Like all Fairlanes, they don't seem to be gaining price like their short wheel base cousins. And XD Falcons aren't exactly worth big bickies, unless it's an ESP or at least a 351 powered Ghia or something.

I would say that if it's rough body wise, a 302 powered ZF might be worth anywhere from $50 to $3000. There's one on carsales and ebay that is spotless with a late model injected windsor out of a Mustang under the bonnet, and he's only asking about $5000.

Unco · 28-10-2007, 08:17 PM

i can't see how towing with the tailshaft hooked up could ever possibly damage the diff. the transmission, yes, but not the diff, so if that's what they told you, then the diff (and maybe more) is probably up shi...

a rough ZJ with a 302... i would probably pay as much as i paid for my rough ZJ 302 that i had almost 10 years ago... $1,000 registered... with a 12 month old rebuilt 302... without diff noises and it had an LSD too.

Auslandau · 28-10-2007, 08:24 PM

Yeah, not worth to much at all really. I have a couple ZJ & ZK both picked up cheap with not much rust. Repairs are fairly cheap and so many bits around for them. Just dont pay too much though as the expense of fixing a $500 car with rust and bad interior would outway paying $3-4000 for a top notch, no rust one. They are a great car though both in looks and mechanically. Just watch the rust. They look tough as from the front, stick some LTD lights on the rear, lowered and with heaps of room the rear, absolute cruiser.

Another mate picked one up the other day for about $500 with a 302 with not much rust.

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RachsEa · 28-10-2007, 10:34 PM

I brought one last week, a ZJ With a 351, FMX LSD auto, realli in good condition, there a small bit of rust in th centre of the back window were the crease is they are well know for it and a little bit in the wheel arch, I payed a 1000 bucks for it reg and roady, its got new bendic bracks new tyres.. its the best 1000 bucks ive ever spent..

**Elks** · 28-10-2007, 11:45 PM

Towing without tailshaft removed will damage the trans - see your owners manual. If the diff is buggered it probably already was.

Either way as the other guys have stated it worth $500 to $1000 sight unseen.

As auslandau said, the cost of making a plum out of it means, find another, they aren't that rare.

sleekism · 29-10-2007, 08:19 AM

Thing is even though the transmission is likely stuffed the engine is in really good nick. Reconditioned 302 with Holley only done 20,00 kays.

If the transmission is in trouble what is the likely cos of fixing it or throwing a toploader in it or something??

82falcon · 31-10-2007, 01:46 AM

An original 302 will still probably outlast most other things on the car, so i dont think the reco 302 is enough of a reason to invest in a money pit. If he has told you the diff is shagged and you found that the auto is too, chances are many other things are also gone that you will only find out the hard way. Another will come up for the same price without these issues