terrawombat

No change in handling. Slight drop in fuel mileage over the stock 5-spokes because of wider width, more rolling friction on road, etc

You might be right. Second one that I've been a part of, at least.

This is the second receiver hitch thread that had some promise and has wound up with....this....

I wasn't too high on the shackle bolt idea when it was suggested in the last receiver thread, but the hitch can be installed without having to drop the rear axle by backing the bolts out, installing the hitch and sliding the bolt back through. On my hitch that I fabbed up, I left the shackle bolt mount out since my stress analysis showed it didn't do much anyway. Liability was the primary reason I never took these to market. Too many sue happy lawyers out there, especially when it comes to automobile insurance companies. They have an entire team of lawyers just waiting to pounce. I'm a regular Joe with my livelihood to lose - wasn't worth the risk.

Not a problem. I was and still am a little disappointed with the fit. Its a little sloppy which is not something you really want with a hitch but when I tightened up the hole sizing I was no longer able to get it to fit on all three of my Comanches. Too big of a tolerance on the frame mounting locations between years I guess.

Looks like someone did an excellent job on the design (hint, hint, wink wink)

12VDC power hookup

Both have their downsides. Just wait until the CVs tear a boot and you get dirt/crud inside - you'll put on a pretty good show in the parking lot hopping the front end into place.

@gogMorgo - A note on Solidworks files: If a Solidworks drawing file references a Solidworks part you will need BOTH files in order to view it. I downloaded your Solidworks drawing file and opened it, but without the part file all you see is the drawing template and a view of where the part should be, but it's essentially a blank drawing. @1990 Comanche - I will follow up with you via PM regarding the message you sent to me last week.

Still at this job, but now Engineering Manager for all of our custom-engineered systems.

5052 aluminum won't crack but would need a chromate or anodized finish to be ideal in the environment its going in. 304 is a better option for this. You won't see a huge cost benefit by switching to aluminum on this piece. The bulk of the cost is in the manufacturing of the bends.

No, not the estimating tool. SolidQuote: http://www.rapidsheetmetal.com/solidquote.aspx An actual quote from an actual company on your part in seconds. Although, if you already have established sheet metal vendors then they will likely be much cheaper. I use SolidQuote to refine my designs and figure out ways to make them more efficient for manufacturing, which ultimately means a lower cost part.

Did you model that in SolidWorks? If so, there is a company that has a free add-in where it will look at the part and give you an instant quote based on quantity, material and finish. They're pricey, but they also deliver in 5-7 business days.

I have only ever owned the '98 5.9L ZJ. I absolutely loved driving that vehicle....when it worked. As yellaheep already mentioned they come with a myriad of problems. I replaced the transmission, transfer case, front axles (swapped them from CV to U-joints) and front wheel bearings. When I sold it (had around 160K miles) the bearings in the infamous D44A were on their way out.

That be it.

From the only picture that was posted of the engine bay, the swap looked mediocre, in my opinion. I say that because no photos were posted of the mechanical work that was involved and all I could see was the electrical wiring, which left a lot to be desired. Maybe I'm just picky, but I wasn't fan of the individual wires strewn everywhere, wires with electrical tape, pink zip ties, etc. While all of this may be aesthetic it hints at a swap where corners were cut and proper care wasn't taken. Ultimately it was the picture of the engine bay that made me not want not bid on the truck.

Appears to have sold for $7595. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-Jeep-Comanche-Pioneer-Standard-Cab-Pickup-2-Door-4bt-cummins-diesel-/181643760795?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a4acfd49b&item=181643760795&nma=true&si=9rvn2Q4iXjE1uMpZSJKu3i6z5%252Bg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 I looked into placing a bid, but it was going to be an extra grand to get the truck back to my place. It's also quite a gamble to throw down any money on a home-built swap without seeing it in person.

Rumor is they're identical twins. Sister is also 6'5" 350lbs Oh, and welcome!

Any idea what truck it was designed for? Looks like a much better fit than a Ranger or S10 topper.

Can't beat free, but I wouldn't say it fits great. Doesn't look like a Comanche-specific topper. Looks a little narrow and the rear cabline and roofline don't seem to match.

Radiator fan motor marked down from $104 to $24. May have to pick one up just as a spare...

The gauge cluster is bastardized anyway. Newer style speedo, but old style fuel gauge & idiot lights? I wouldn't get too hung up on that. The column shift sure is strange, but I also noticed what looks to be a factory blockoff plate for the floor shifter. That is something I have only ever seen once before in an MJ, but I don't recall if it was an Eliminator or a Laredo.

That is one hell of a truck you got yourself. Do you mind me asking what you paid for it? I finally got my '04 Cummins fixed up from my accident last year and have been driving it quite a bit and the auto trans is starting to wear on me. I can't count how many tweaks and adjustments I've made to it and it still just isn't right. Even took it to a shop that specializes in rebuilds for these transmissions and his fixes didn't really change anything. This truck would be perfect with a manual trans...and I wouldn't mind the heated steering wheel, either.

I still have an old flathead 4 banger off of my Willys wagon sitting in my garage. lol I think even ChryCo gave Jeep something good. I DO love my 4.0HO equipped ZJ, after all. As previously stated, the base design of the 4.0L was all AMC. All ChryCo did with the 4.0L was update it with the latest technological goodies and did a slight redesign of the block casting to reduce noise, vibration and harness (designated NVH on the blocks).