Hey guys,
To start, I've had a CJ7 for about 7 years now as a daily driver and I absolutely love it, but it's getting to the point where its right about where I want it so I bought a new project to start. I got a 1989 Comanche 4.0 2wd 5 speed (I believe ax15, but will double check in the morning) with 78k miles on it with no rust, but a few dents. So far, I love it, it's absolutely a blast. I got a couple questions about it though because I'm coming from a world of carbs, frames, and minimal parts.
First, my little brother's 92 cherokee has smoker windows, but my truck doesnt and neither have any of the comanches I've seen in person since I've actually started looking. Was this an option or did only certain years come with them or were they never offered?
Second, the first modification I'm going to do is add 4wd. I know it will be easier to just get a 4wd ax15 rather than try to take mine apart and change the main shaft, but from what I've read, most later models have external slaves and mine has an internal one. I've never had anything with a hydraulic clutch (fancy!) so I don't know what the difference is or how hard it will be to change this, or if I even need to change it. I feel like I should be able to just unbolt the transmission from the bell housing and slide it out, and the new one in place. Am I wrong in this?
Third, these gauges are stupid. Well, this fuel gauge and these lights are stupid. To switch to the newer style gauges, do I need a whole wiring harness or just a different gauge cluster and a few parts?
I'm on the lookout for a parts jeep right now.
1979 CJ7 5.9l V8 35" km2s full fiberglass
1989 Comanche 4.0 5 speed
Mine, Older brother, Younger brother