onlyinajeep726

It should not be getting hot. Also, that shouldn't have anything to do with it running rich. Bypass the resistor and permanently connect the two wires together.

1.) Just because it's "one of a kind", doesn't mean it's exempt from being ugly. 2.) Just because we think it's ugly, doesn't mean we drive a piece of junk MJ and/or are jealous. 3.) This isn't a pissing contest, so stop trying to make it one. I realize the unique factor, and for that reason, I respect it and the new owner for having obtained it. Does not mean I have to like the styling or design of it, whether it be a one-off prototype or mass produced.

Ok, so I'll restate what I said previously... it's not something I'd prefer if it had been mass produced, however, this is a unique find. Judging by the replies here, no one has ever seen anything like this before. You have what I can assume is the rarest, factory built MJ, ever. Also, if it's really got a build date of 1993 as Don has noted, that is even cooler, since the last known MJs built that we're all aware of were in '91 for the '92 year model. It reminds me of a Chevy Avalanche, though.

I'm sorry, but that thing is hideous. :ack:

You may be better off just swapping in another wiring harness, preferably from a '89 or '90 model.

Yes you will, hahaha.

Could you just swap the grey covers over from the XJ seats onto the MJ seats? Then all you'd have to do is cut a slit in the side for the tilt-forward lever.

That's a nice '88 and super clean. Awesome MJ! Congrats man!

Well folks, it's done. Y'all get the concept, so I'll let the pictures do the talking... Image Not Found Image Not Found Still plenty of room for adjustment... Image Not Found Image Not Found

I'm unable to make it... My request off from work was denied due to staffing issues. Bummer. :(

It's still the original, unmodified MJ foot brake cable. I am going to loop it around and secure it under the bed. As far as doing this without the hole in the tunnel, not with the early XJ hand brake... At least not if you are going to put in a center console. I was going to use the '97+ XJ hand brake and do like Shelbyluv did, but then I couldn't utilize a center console. The trans. tunnel hole I cut it the same size/shape as the XJ one. It will look like it's OEM when I'm done, other than the large loop of cable under the bed.

I've got one here in NC... Sell it to you for $100 obo. It's under a parts XJ, but if you want it, I can remove it.

Got some more work done with the hand brake mod. Made a piece to firmly hold the crimped end of the cable in place and painted the cable retaining bracket I made. Once the paint dries good, I will install it and make adjustments as necessary. Preliminary tests seem to show a firm hold on the brakes, but we'll see once it's permanently installed.

This is true, just found out today. Got some seats from the JY thinking I'm gonna have to drill out rivets and move rails, but all I had to do was move the bracket from the MJ buckets to the XJ buckets, absolutely ZERO modification. Man was I pleasantly surprised, to say the least! You were lucky enough to find some 2-door XJ buckets?

You can do the '97+ XJ dash and use a ZJ 5.2/5.9. That has been done a few times with success.

Don't think it's feasible to do so... Aside from the mechanical fabrication, you'd likely have to swap over the entire dash harness, which would not be readily compatible with the MJ harnesses, ECU and TCM. Even if you had a manual transmission, you'd probably get a CEL if you could adapt the electronics.

So, since I've given up on that infamous '86 parking brake recall that I made a stink about late last year, I've decided to conjure up a way to fit an XJ hand brake into the old girl. My original plan for this was the '97+ console swap, accompanied by the corresponding hand brake. However, since I'm selling the MJ at some point in the near future, I'm limiting the amount of additional money spent on modifications. I have several early model XJ hand brakes at my disposal, as well as two center consoles, thus my reasoning for using them. After sitting around and brainstorming, and playing around with a cut off wheel, propane torch, vice, etc., I came up with this: Which will be bolted in and connected similarly like this (with a bit of modification on the crimped end): Do you guys think this will work well? My concern at the moment is whether or not there is enough range of motion to pull the cable tight enough to hold the brakes hard. Another picture:

I thought about doing it that way and that suggestion was made after I looked into it, but I went for the more unique approach lol. If you didn't know any better, it's almost impossible to tell a difference between it and '87+ models. I ought to take some pictures of how it turned out now that everything is finished.

The fun part will be modifying if for the 4.0 radiator... I had fun with that one. Hope you know how to weld, are wiling to learn if not, or know someone who can. Fabrication skills are a must. I spent a good chunk of time getting the radiator support set up, and all that went with it like the hood latches, top support plate anchors, etc. Hell, if you want an '86 with a 4.0L in it, you can buy mine lol. It's pretty much turn key, all it needs is a little finishing touches to the interior.

Edit: Nevermind... read the description of the problem wrong...

Most of these questions can be answered by going through my build thread: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/86-comanche-dd-159524/index4/#post2542580 (I went from a 2.5, though.) I did not have to cut my firewall, but I did smash it in with a BFH. Since you're going from the 2.8, you'll have to source a 4.0L MJ specific fuel sender assembly and buy the appropriate pump. Also, if you're using an XJ as a donor, a dash wiring harness will need to be adapted to make the fuel pump, fuel gauge, and tail lights work. Here's the write up on that: http://comancheclub.com/topic/18588-xj-dash-harness-to-rear-mj-harness-wiring-guides/ Here's some additional links that may aid in your search: http://comancheclub.com/topic/39539-links-for-25l-to-40l-swap/

I think he forgot about this haha...

I don't know how I missed this, but OMG YES! This is so awesome.

I run a Spartan in my 27-spline C8.25 for my XJ... I was going to go with an Aussie, but it wasn't available for the 27-spline and the 29-spline was out of stock. I found out after I got my Spartan that I could have just swapped the axle shafts to 29-spline and gotten the appropriate locker... Oh well. I've had my Spartan in since May and haven't had any issues, only the clanking when making sharp turns. Having never installed something like this before then, installation was a breeze. It performs beautifully off-road. Hardly have to use 4WD anymore haha. But, with that said, either of them are a great choice. Price may be your deciding factor. I paid $330 + free shipping on eBay. Aussies are around $300 + some shipping. On a side note, I may do an Aussie for the front of my XJ. My only concern is about driving in snow or on ice. Not a problem with Aussie, specifically, but I've been told that lunchbox lockers for the front are a bad idea for steering in snow or on ice.

I was going to point out the fuel pump difference, but since Ben made mention of it... Everything else should be fairly smooth sailing. Be sure to take lots and lots of pictures! Also, feel free to PM with questions if you have any. I can take more pictures and explain in more depth what all I had to do. I'm excited another '86 owner is tackling this swap. :cheers: