WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 We are three highschool students with a yearlong project of fixing our school's autoshop truck. We have made a fair bit of progress and we joined this forum to find answers to Comanche specific questions and to keep track of our progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Welcome. If we don't have answers for you ... answers probably can't be found. Some of our answers may even be correct. We don't even charge extra for those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 11, 2013 Author Share Posted February 11, 2013 The main problem we are currently trying to resolve is that several years ago former students took the truck for a joyride during winter, did doughnuts in the school parkinglot, and blew out the rear diff. We have been trying to source a new axle assembly and the only axle (dana 35) with the proper ratio (3.08) and the closest one we can find at a junkyard is in Iowa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMCJeepMJ Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Where are you [or the school] located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Where are you [or the school] located? Wisconsin. Pat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 You could use a cherokee axle, you just have to move the spring perches. Whats blown about the stock axle? Learning to do gears is a good skill to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Is the school's truck 2WD or 4WD? If it's 4WD, you could replace the 3.08 axle with 3.55 and it'll drive a lot better. If it's 4WD, of course the rear axle has to be the same ratio as the front. As noted, Cherokee axles are the same except for the location of the spring perches. I'm pretty sure I have a 3.08 axle buried under the snow outside. Once the snow melts, if you haven't found anything I could send you the gears if your instructor has the skills to set up a differential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexia Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 If you were close you would be welcome to my 3.55 ratio D35 as a school donation. Too bad that is a bit far away. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Post the VIN number here and in the registry, and I will send you a build sheet from Chrysler, including open recalls, and original selling dealer info. Looks like a straight project though. There is plenty of info here about other axles that can be used if you have some welding skills, including the dana 44, Ford 8.8, and Chrysler 8 1/4. Your biggest issue will be finding matching gears if its a 4 wd. If its a 2wd, like was said, find better geared axles like.55 or higher and enjoy! Feel free to ask ANY questios, we are glad to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 The bug deflector and bed rails gotta go. Look way too grandpa. JMO You could also use a Ford Explorer 8.8 and swap or regear the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 13, 2013 Author Share Posted February 13, 2013 Wisconsin. Pat? Waunakee Highschool, Waunakee, Wisconsin You could use a cherokee axle, you just have to move the spring perches. Whats blown about the stock axle? Learning to do gears is a good skill to have. The ring gear and the pinion gear are both missing teeth and don't spin freely also, one of the spider gears shattered and the carrier is damaged from the bits and pieces being churned around in the diff. like a blender, :laughin: Is the school's truck 2WD or 4WD? If it's 4WD, you could replace the 3.08 axle with 3.55 and it'll drive a lot better. If it's 4WD, of course the rear axle has to be the same ratio as the front. As noted, Cherokee axles are the same except for the location of the spring perches. I'm pretty sure I have a 3.08 axle buried under the snow outside. Once the snow melts, if you haven't found anything I could send you the gears if your instructor has the skills to set up a differential. Thank you for your generosity, the truck is 4wd, we tried to locate a replacement axle by calling almost all of the junkyards we could find in our state and have had no luck with this 3.08 ratio. We have contemplated the cherokee axle swap but none of us are confident enough in our welding skills to guarantee the welds won't and cause injury to someone down the road. We located a d35 through carpart in iowa which is our best bet so far, I don't know if the current axle will be salvageable, I will take detailed pictures of the internal damage tomorrow morning. Post the VIN number here and in the registry, and I will send you a build sheet from Chrysler, including open recalls, and original selling dealer info. Looks like a straight project though. There is plenty of info here about other axles that can be used if you have some welding skills, including the dana 44, Ford 8.8, and Chrysler 8 1/4. Your biggest issue will be finding matching gears if its a 4 wd. If its a 2wd, like was said, find better geared axles like.55 or higher and enjoy! Feel free to ask ANY questios, we are glad to help. Thank you dasbulliwagen, I will get the VIN as soon as I have access to it tomorrow, we definantely appreciate your help! The bug deflector and bed rails gotta go. Look way too grandpa. JMO You could also use a Ford Explorer 8.8 and swap or regear the front. LOL, love the grandpa comment :rotf: , that's the first observation our group said when we saw the truck, and the bug deflector and bed rails were the first items off when we tore this down. Thank you everyone for your help, I never expected such an awesome response in just one day! I will be sure to update this page regularly and post plenty of pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 . LOL, love the grandpa comment :rotf: , that's the first observation our group said when we saw the truck, and the bug deflector and bed rails were the first items off when we tore this down. Don't get me wrong...there's nothing wrong with grandpas...since I AM one. I'm just in denial...my truck is a chick magnet, down at the Senior Center!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 13, 2013 Author Share Posted February 13, 2013 Post the VIN number here and in the registry, and I will send you a build sheet from Chrysler, including open recalls, and original selling dealer info. Looks like a straight project though. There is plenty of info here about other axles that can be used if you have some welding skills, including the dana 44, Ford 8.8, and Chrysler 8 1/4. Your biggest issue will be finding matching gears if its a 4 wd. If its a 2wd, like was said, find better geared axles like.55 or higher and enjoy! Feel free to ask ANY questios, we are glad to help. The vin is 1J7FJ26L8KL546905 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Please note, (I can't turn bold off) that some of the option descritions are wrong.... like it having a nickel metal hydride battery.... Chrysler re used some of the option codes. Have fun, and keep us updated! Vehicle Service Information Year/Model: 1989 JEEP COMANCHE Last Odometer: 0 miles on Body Style: MJJL62 In-Service Date: Engine: ERB-DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE In-Service Odometer: 0 miles Transmission: DDX-5-Speed HD Manual Transmission Odometer Type: miles Color 1: PE8-DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE Car Line: XX Color 2: QE8-DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE Build Date: March 3, 1989 Hour: 01 Vehicle Sale Information Selling Dealer: 23666 - TOYCEN MOTORS INC Sales Type: 1 - DIRECT RETAIL City:BLOOMER State: WI Country: USA Telephone: (715)568-2900 Standard Equipment Code Description Code Description Code Description APAS Monotone Paint BAQS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE BCXS Nickel Metal Hydride Battery BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes BJAS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE BKPS 10x2.5 Rear Drum Brakes CKJS Black Vinyl Floor Covering CSRS Passenger Assist Handles CUMS Mini Floor Console DHNS Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System DJHS 230MM Front Axle DMMS 3.07 Rear Axle Ratio DRJS 175MM Rear Axle GACS Tinted Glass Windows GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass GEHS Fixed Door Vent Glass GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror GUAS Pwr Htd Drvr Memory Mirrors, F/Away HCDS Heater w/Instrument Pnl Ventilation JAAS Instrument Panel JAZS Analog Instrument Cluster JBFS Instrument Panel Black Bezel JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer JKBS Inst Panel Mounted Hood Release KWWS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE K3ZS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE LAFS Key in Ign/Seat Belt Warning Buzzer LAPS Shift Indicator Warning Lamp LBCS Glove Box Lamp LCJS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE LMAS Halogen Headlamps MB1S Black Front Bumper MFFS Black Grille MHBS Bright Windshield Moldings MMCS Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert MMGS Belt Moldings MMJS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE NAAS Federal Emissions NBAS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE \ NBKS EVAP Control System NDAS Catalytic Converter NF5S DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE QE8S DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering SCBS 2-Spoke Steering Wheel SFAS Standard Duty Shock Absorbers SGAS Rear Shock Absorbers TADS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE TBCS Compact Spare Tire TBMS Tire Carrier Winch WJKS 15X6.0 Styled Steel Wheels XBSS Pickup Box XFAS -35F Protection Anti-Freeze YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications Z5AS GVW/Payload Rating 1AAS U.S. Dealer Retail 153S Zone 53-Minneapolis CBAP Straight Back Bench Seat DBBC All Manual Transmissions DDX 5-Speed HD Manual Transmission EAAC All Engines EAFC DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE ERB DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE GRVP Left Manual Mirror JHA Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers MBJ Black Front Bumper MDAP Front License Plate Bracket PE8 DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles RAB AM/FM Radio RCDP 4 Speakers SUA Tilt Steering Column TAAC All Tires TPF P205/75R15 BSW All Season Tires YGBA 1 Additional Gallons of Gas YGGA 9 Additional Gallons of Gas Z01P Rear Spring Group I Z65P Left Front Group XIV Z84P Right Front Spring Group XIII 5ALA Low Series Tracking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 19, 2013 Author Share Posted February 19, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relyt120 Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Yabba Dabba Doo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Its hard to tell from the photos, but I don't think I see any damage to the ring gear. How's the pinion? If the ring and pinion aren't trashed, maybe all you need is a set of spider gears. Those are the same for all ratios, and I'm sure I can scare up a set of spider gears for you once the snow melts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComancheKid45 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Looks like you have plenty of oppertunity to brush up on your welding skills! lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flint54 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I am delighted (!!!) to learn there are still high school auto shops! The second gear image looks like it might show some damage to the pinion gear, but hard to be certain. My vote is for the 3.55 swap, and perch re-weld if it comes from a Cherokee. Good learning about driveline angles. New perches are cheap, and I paid someone to weld mine when I swapped in an XJ Chrysler 8.25. About $60 total as I recall. Do you have a budget for this project? As you go along, please make a list of parts you need (in addition to the axle), as many of us have spares stashed away. Lastly, I like your "flintstone" brakes! <G> And welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula69 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I am delighted (!!!) to learn there are still high school auto shops! The second gear image looks like it might show some damage to the pinion gear, but hard to be certain. My vote is for the 3.55 swap, and perch re-weld if it comes from a Cherokee. Good learning about driveline angles. New perches are cheap, and I paid someone to weld mine when I swapped in an XJ Chrysler 8.25. About $60 total as I recall. Do you have a budget for this project? As you go along, please make a list of parts you need (in addition to the axle), as many of us have spares stashed away. Lastly, I like your "flintstone" brakes! <G> And welcome! What he said :agree: Also - I have a 3.55 comanche rear that has a bad pinion bearing. If you want the gears you can have them for free....but you'll need a new pinion bearing, and knowledge on setting the pinion (shim and crush sleeve calculations) which I do not (unfortunately) have. Added plus: mine are not buried in snow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comanchedude Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I may just not see it but looks like the only broken item is the spider gear? if to just replace them from any d35 and no adjustments need to be done. or just swap front and rear axles both from junk yard XJ or MJ so you get matching set. as for the perch welding don't worry to much about that once they are bolted in even a crappy weld job won't matter..the unbolts hold the axle in ...the welds would have to be so bad to matter..so don't. or you could always order a gear set for the front and rear and just re gear the axles to say.4.10? I bet you could get deal on a gear set if you sell that fact its for school project and also learn installing gears it not to bad just takes time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaunakeeComancheCrew Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 Its hard to tell from the photos, but I don't think I see any damage to the ring gear. How's the pinion? If the ring and pinion aren't trashed, maybe all you need is a set of spider gears. Those are the same for all ratios, and I'm sure I can scare up a set of spider gears for you once the snow melts. I am delighted (!!!) to learn there are still high school auto shops! The second gear image looks like it might show some damage to the pinion gear, but hard to be certain. My vote is for the 3.55 swap, and perch re-weld if it comes from a Cherokee. Good learning about driveline angles. New perches are cheap, and I paid someone to weld mine when I swapped in an XJ Chrysler 8.25. About $60 total as I recall. Do you have a budget for this project? As you go along, please make a list of parts you need (in addition to the axle), as many of us have spares stashed away. Lastly, I like your "flintstone" brakes! <G> And welcome! I may just not see it but looks like the only broken item is the spider gear? if to just replace them from any d35 and no adjustments need to be done. or just swap front and rear axles both from junk yard XJ or MJ so you get matching set. as for the perch welding don't worry to much about that once they are bolted in even a crappy weld job won't matter..the unbolts hold the axle in ...the welds would have to be so bad to matter..so don't. or you could always order a gear set for the front and rear and just re gear the axles to say.4.10? I bet you could get deal on a gear set if you sell that fact its for school project and also learn installing gears it not to bad just takes time Both the pinion and ring gear are missing teeth, and two of the spider gears are missing teeth, and two are just plain missing (shattered) :rotf: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MancheKid86 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 cheapest way to do it i think, because i know school shops usually don't go out of the way and just order a crap ton of parts, would be to go to a wrecking yard, pull the pinion and carrier set, and install into that axle, if you do this remember break the pinion nut torque first, keep the shims for the pinion, there should be a scribed number on the pinion which tells you how much u have to shim it if you need to re-shim if u take apart the carrier... locktite!! and have fun, don't forget LOTS OF PICS and start a build thread thats not in the tech section! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biotex Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 I think setting up gears in H.S. shop is definately something that should be taught or learned. Not sure that it is easier than swapping the complete rear end though. For the experienced probably, but for a first timer IDK. Good to know how to properly set up the gears, so i'd lean towards that direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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