Klutch

My comment about the 4WD system relates to the system in the 2000 Cherokee I just bought. Unlike my Comanche, the Cherokee has "Part Time" and "Full Time" options. I thought this was specific to a Cherokee. I found out what you guys already know. That's an option and, after figuring out how it works, it actually works fine. My misunderstanding. jimoshel, likely your 4 cylinder engine has more power than my 2.8 V6.

My MJ had a blank panel to the right on the instrument cluster. I installed two mechanical mini gauges there: oil pressure and water temperature. I think it turned out pretty spiffy; blends it pretty well with the rest of the gauges and LOT more reliable than sending units. I can post a picture of the install if anyone is interested. BTW, yes, water temperature is what you want to monitor. And, contrary to popular belief, cooler is not better. 200 degrees is optimal temperature for good fuel economy, performance, minimal cylinder wear and preventing rust and sludge. A gasoline engine running too cold will use more fuel, develop rust and sludge and wear out faster. So, a 195 degree thermostat should be optimal, although I know some people panic if they see their engine over 150 degrees.

Considering how underpowered my truck is at 6,500 feet, where I live, I just didn't think it would do very well at a higher altitude. But Maybe I'll give it a try. I picked up a 2000 XJ yesterday. I'm thinking my Comanche 4WD is much better than the Cherokee 4WD system.

Doh! Thanks for letting me know about the grill. That's the way it was when I got it. Wow, now I feel pretty silly... Since I've had the truck I've used it as an occasional daily driver and a weekend truck. I never take it off-roading because I don't think the engine would run well, if at all, in the mountains of Colorado. As it's getting older, I'd like to start to fixing it up so I can keep it and use it a while longer.

OK, I think I got this picture post thing going on now. I had to click the little square in the upper left of the toolbar. Apparently, it disables all the toolbar stuff and allows me to paste. Anyway, that's my Comanche. Sorry the pics are a little grainy. They were taken at dusk.

For some reason, Cntrl V doesn't do anything. Nothing happens. I've often posted pictures in other forums. Not sure what's going on. Do I have to make so many posts before I can post pictures?

Yeah, that's what I did.

Thanks so much for all the info, everyone. I did try posting pictures from Photobucket. When I paste in the link information and click OK, nothing happens. The page just locks up. (??) I will try to clean the connections on my courtesy lights. If that doesn't work, I will check out those lights from Euramtec. If I swap my doors, I'll have to paint. I can do this, but not during a Colorado winter. So, I would like to just replace the mirrors for now. If I can't get the mirrors I'm trying to order, I will look into Ford truck mirrors. When I bought my Comanche, the engine had a spun main bearing. I installed a remanufactured engine before I knew how anemic the 2.8 liter engines are. Here at high altitude, it's especially anemic and drinks gasoline to boot. I'd be happy if it had power and drank gasoline or if it was good on gas with little power. But the worst of both worlds in just a bummer. I really like the Jeep 4.0 HO inline 6. I read somewhere this engine will not fit a 1986 MJ or XJ; not sure why. If it involves cutting the trans tunnel, I can do that. I also thought about modifying the V6. However, a friend of mine told me he tried this by milling the heads, installing a performance street cam, aluminum intake and 4 barrel carb. He said it made some difference, but not much.

You're probably right about Cherokees not having towing mirrors. I thought I had seen at least one, but the owner probably added them. I checked parts stores and they offer the same mirrors which must be ordered. I also found a listing for used towing mirrors online, but I'm afraid they'd be worn out just like mine.

Thanks for the info, Tim! I do in fact have the optional, chrome, "Towing Mirrors". Apparently, these were not a common option. I checked dozens of Cherokees in my local salvage yards and none of them had the towing mirrors. It's not that they were missing, there were no holes in the doors which indicates they did not have the towing mirrors from the factory. I could easily get the small mirrors from a salvaged Cherokee, but then I'd have four big holes in each of my doors. If I end up replacing the doors, I will go with the small mirrors, but right now, I need new towing mirrors.

Greetings, I've owned a Comanche for just about twenty years. I've kept it going, but it has some issues which I'm hoping you guys can help me resolve. First, let me share some details about my Comanche. (I tried to post some pictures, but the app kept locking up. Not sure what's going on there.) - 1986 "X" - 161,000 original miles - 2.8 Liter V6 (I really don't like this engine and would like to drop in something else) - 3-speed automatic - Long Bed - 4X4 - Cruise Control - A/C - Tilt Wheel - Sliding rear window - Tow mirrors - Bench seat - Aluminum wheels My truck likely has other options, but I'm not familiar enough with these trucks to know. I'm mostly a Ford Mustang guy (currently restoring a 1970 Mach 1), but I also like Jeep. Mrs. Klutch drove a 1997 Cherokee for many years. I recently totaled my daily driver. So, I'm driving the Comanche until I can find another vehicle. I'm thinking about picking up a 2000 or 2001 Cherokee as a replacement. Issues my truck has, of which I'm sure you're very familiar: - Side mirrors won't stay in position. I'm trying to order replacements, but haven't heard back from the local parts store. - Courtesy lights don't work in any position. - Alternator light sometimes comes on, "4WD" lights works only sometimes when the truck is in 4WD. The battery stays charged fine. - Doors are starting to rust on the bottom. Not sure if I should weld in new metal or install replacement doors. Will Cherokee doors work? I don't know what type of rear differential I have. It does not have a rubber plug. It has a threaded hex plug at the front, left side. I don't know what gears I have and would like to know if there's a tag somewhere for this. Thanks!