AMW 392 Gladiator in the works

[Bpine]

I am sending my Gladiator to AMW next week for a 392 swap, they will also be doing PSC steering at the same time along with a few other things including drive shafts. This is the first time in my 60 year history letting someone else lay a finger on one of my vehicle's. I did my first v8 engine swap in my 81 Toyota pickup when I was 20 so this is going to be hard for me.

So far the experience has been fantastic other than sending in the deposit check. LOL I am shipping the truck from Ca to Michigan next week then me and my Son are flying out on Nov 9th spending the Day at AMW and driving it home.

The truck as of now is on stock axle housings with RCV's in the front, Reid Knuckles, ball joint deletes and Chromoly axles in the rear, sitting on 37's. I have 4:56 gears and ARB's front and rear. I am what I consider a Rock Lander toughest trail so far is probably 5 rated but next year I hope to step that up a bit and see how this goes.

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[Toyfrog]

Nice rig, if I had the extra $ I send mine to AMW or Epic for a swap and goodies.

 

[Bpine]

My fist choice was to send it to Epic but I couldn't get them to call me back and when I finally called for the 4th time they never sent me a quote as promised so I gave up. Kinda sad the seemed like nice people.

 

[Sandevino]

Both do great work but I’d have a hard time doing business with a company that ghosts me on a quote.

 

[ScottBeach]

Love to hear your thoughts after the return trip.

 

[Bpine]

I will update this thread throughout the process.

 

[WK2JT]

Both do great work but I’d have a hard time doing business with a company that ghosts me on a quote.

Yeah, if the pre sales service is that bad, imagine post sales after they have your money. ?

 

[JTzntz]

@Bpine - I see you’re in CA, always wondered how you’ll deal with smog checks once your truck hit 4yrs old with an engine swap? You know, for when my engine rattles to death and my rocker arms all break and destroy a cam…again. Can DM me if that is preferable. Thanks!

 

[Bpine]

I am actually moving out of Ca soon to retire elsewhere. I think AMW is working hard to make it CA compliant, I will confirm this when I pick it up.

 

[JTzntz]

I am actually moving out of Ca soon to retire elsewhere. I think AMW is working hard to make it CA compliant, I will confirm this when I pick it up.

Awesome! Keep us CA peeps posted on if/when that is slated to happen.

 

[23BCJT]

My fist choice was to send it to Epic but I couldn't get them to call me back and when I finally called for the 4th time they never sent me a quote as promised so I gave up. Kinda sad the seemed like nice people.

that sucks man, My new JTRD is booked in next week at Epic for a 3.5 teraflex & goodies, theyve been on the ball & responsive to all my questions so far.

 

[Bpine]

that sucks man, My new JTRD is booked in next week at Epic for a 3.5 teraflex & goodies, theyve been on the ball & responsive to all my questions so far.

I am sure it will work out just fine, not sure why I couldn't get a quote from them. I am totally happy it is going to ANW direct, I wanted a few things worked out and I think they have everything needed to get it done right.

 

[River2016]

I am actually moving out of Ca soon to retire elsewhere. I think AMW is working hard to make it CA compliant, I will confirm this when I pick it up.

We have been debating on Idaho or montana for several years now. The cold is getting tougher though. We may end up im the Appalachian mountains because it’s much closer and the winters aren’t nearly as brutal. I went to college up there and lived in Asheville a while. I may push further west to Tennessee and rural. Nothing beats the views we have seen in montana though. Who knows.

 

[Bpine]

We have been debating on Idaho or montana for several years now. The cold is getting tougher though. We may end up im the Appalachian mountains because it’s much closer and the winters aren’t nearly as brutal. I went to college up there and lived in Asheville a while. I may push further west to Tennessee and rural. Nothing beats the views we have seen in montana though. Who knows.

I have realtors looking in Montana and Utah at this point and own 5 acres in Southern Oregon wich is really nice but alot of work. Me and the wife hope to travel in our Motorhome 8+ months out of the year untill we can't do it anymore. In our travels who knows maybe we will find something we never thought of and move there.

 

[rezar1]

I hope to do the swap in a year or so. Do you mind sharing what was the final bill? Is it close to what they advertise on their site. They only mention the parts but not the labor piece.

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