I'm looking at an EB rolling chassis that is supposed to be a 1977. It's a frame, 3 speed manual trans, transfer, drive shafts and 9" and front D44 w/disc brakes.
Is there a way to confirm this is actually a 77? He claims 77 is the only year that got disc brakes. I read 77 got a "heavy duty" 9", but I'm not sure how verify the difference.
The Vin, it'll be on the right front of the frame. Other than that it'll be next to impossible to tell the difference between a 76 and 77. Both came available with Disc's. Both had an inverted Y steering set up. A heavy 9 will be difficult to tell, but it flares slightly at the end of the axle tubes to support larger bearings.
1977 was the first year of the broad, fishmouth 9" housing, but both the 76-77 housings were 80mm big-bearing, as were many of the earlier ones. The only advantage is the slightly stronger housing and slightly larger drum brakes.
IIRC, there are some subtle differences where the gas tank skid plate mounts to the frame, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you what it is considering I only have a '77 to look at. Both the 76-77 have an OE drop bracket for the track bar mount. That would at least help you rule out an earlier frame.
Oh...and don't believe a word the seller tells you if he says that the only year EB to get discs was '77. A truer statement is that all 1977 EB's got power disc brakes.
Worth depends on the condition of the components, frame, etc. and how bad you want it. You might check out the classifieds on the EB specific forums as well. Maybe post a "Wanted to Buy" ad for your area. You never know, someone might have a roller parts rig that they bought for the tub or other rust prone components.
thanks. I'm going to try and get some pictures emailed before I drive 4 hours. I'll have him look for the VIN, too. Is there a site that will x-reference the VIN to tell the year, or maybe a digit to look at?
He's as asking 800, and is claiming great condition. 3.55 gears.
I usually just look a the track bar mount. Anything before '76 will have a straight mount, '76 and '77 have an angled mount that wraps around the frame.
Pre-'76
'76-'77
Hmm...that first pic still has a lil Uwharrie mud hanging around...
here is a pic of a non '77 frame. you'll notice the tank support bracket at the cross member and no hole or anything else on the inside of the frame rails-except near the body mount. This bracket would be for the metal 68-76 tanks. I think the '77 has some other mods done to the inside of the frame for the plastic tank.HTH,Chuck
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Pirate 4x4
18.7M posts
366.4K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to custom off-road vehicle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about trail reports, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, fabrication, drivetrain, and more!