RustyRodder

May 2017- Paint was finally laid down. Was it done yet? Still no. And I was gathering parts still- a good tailgate handle, front lights, etc. It was finally back at the shop in early september Why the trailer? It wouldnt start! Eventually, it cranked- just needed time to build pressure. FORESHADOWING! I forbade my friend from sending my any of these- I never say the truck past the first picture until it was done. A smaller, more personally expensive overhaulin. I flew down the first weekend of october for caffeine & Octane. We were waved into the main lot, next to Fords 2017 GT race car that was there. Pretty cool! And this was the fist time I saw the truck. First time I drove it, it was nearly rearended by a guy not paying attention. That pretty much ended 2017. 2018? Well, that involved an attempted 1600/mile 3-day trip with this largely untested, 30-year old truck that had never done more than 40miles at a time. Some of you may be wondering at this point why a MJ, not a wrangler. Well, I wanted a JP vehicle. and I could use a truck for my motorcycles. So this was the best of both.

Color was finally being laid down in early 2017. Good, fast, and cheap. Pick two for paint- guess which ones I chose. Better than MAACO. Tailgate was done- then fell off the stand. So it had to be redone. Also due to a miscomminucation, the door hinges were never repaired. So I have to do that still (and as of 2019, I still need to. Got to get a welder before the pull off any more).

It went in for paint in March of 2016. My goal was to drive it back from Atlanta to NY during my 2-week august break from school. You know how paint is sometimes referred to as jail? You can guess how this went. It was in a front-end collision at some point, and the passenger side bed had some bondo. But all the panels are original, and nothing had to be cut up.

I finally saw this thing after 3 months. What did I do with the weekend I had? Some basic maintenance, laying out stripes, and meeting with my paint guy. For some reason, the once-fixed taillights failed as well as the right-blinker. First up- cleaned the ground. Fixed the lights. but not the right turn signal. Odd, right? Also stuck in the spare donut, an old CD player, and cleaned up 3-spoke wheel. Had new tires mounted- 235 Goodyears at 60/ea. Joys of being on a budget- I am watching for some BFG's on craigslist.30x9.5 preferably! I also went under it and marveled at just how clean this thing is. Too bad its up in NY, and its tempting to take it out some snowy days. It still makes me laugh how small this is compared to new trucks Oh, and after replacing the front signal sockets, my buddy found the turn signal issue- an incorrect bulb in the rear.

Before driving, my friend did a bit of work to make it more livable (to him). Painting over the star on the hood, cleaning the lights off, checking all the fuses since the blinkers werent working, nor were the license plate lamps. Also looked into possibly saving the factory paint and using it as a driver instead- the guy painted over the stripes, emblems, everything. But it was toast. And with his 89 2.5- RIP

Or as some might say 'you ruined a Comanche!' I like to think I saved this one from the junkyard. This started way back in 2015, so I'm copying posts from another forum. Here was my start- a 1988 Pioneer. 4.0, auto, AC. D35, 2wd shortbed. Would eventually become JP25. My buddy and I looked at a dozen Comanches before I got this one. Most were 2.5's, some longbeds, some sticks. 4x4's were out of my price range for the most part- the only things I knew for sure was I preferred a 4.0, and wanted an AC truck. Tried buying this one twice- first time the guy didnt really want to sell. Second time his wife told him get it gone now, or its going to the junkyard. Bought it for 800. Did I mention I got it sight unseen, since I live in NY and my friend who handled this is in Atlanta? The guy I got it from bought it, and it was red. Well, he couldnt have a red truck! So he spraypainted it orange. Then his wife saw it, and suddenly it turned black. Everywhere, wheels, tires, grill, lights... black. I was going to paint over it, but at this point I may try to get down to the base factory paint, and use that as a base instead of crappy spraypaint. Interior won't need much- Underside! Not bad. Try getting that in New York. Clean as a whistle.

Mine did/does the same thing. Leaked a bit when full- then the pump seal let go. Since then, its back to only leaking and smelling when full.

I actually like this, and would love to get one to tow my MJ, Mustang, and Chevelle. 30k...yes. 35k... okay. 40k... better be well equipped. 45-50k? At that point, I will take an F150 or ZR2.

I love reading them- But I think most people here take a swiss stance to what I did to my MJ!

Very cool. Just curious- How much you think itll go for?

Oh, I know- I am trying to build my jeep like it would have been done new. So the clunky factory winch setup would be perfect. Plus I have an REP8000 in my barn attic

man, I would love a hidden winch setup...

Is this only for HO/late model swaps, or would it work for a Renix? rewiring the connector makes it seem so easy.

That color looks really familiar. On mine, today I cleaned the C101, relays, IAC, adjusted the TPS & TV cable. And checked grounds/alternator. Alternator is dying, yay.

I installed my factory rollbar, remote spotlights, repaired the front/rear foglight wiring. Found that I have low voltage. And got stuck in the wet field, since 2wd comanches lack any traction uphill in the mud...

Pretty sure I stole a few parts off that one in January

84.7 lbs

Woo!! Now to find a walkthough on installing the factory rollybar

I enjoy my rectangular ones too. Even if they are a bit large.

Very nice!! My friend went bought brake rebuild kits, gaskets, etc for a dana 35. Had it partway apart before he realized... it was a 44. I found it funny, since my D35-equipped truck was on the lift next to his.

Wasn't meant to be, youl find one. I looked at 5 or 6 different ones, nearly pulled the trigger one a crap one twice. Tried to buy the one that I ended up with twice before it went through- it happens when you get the right one.

Wow, those look GREAT!

Dang, I'd love that factory disc player. Was apparently one on E-bay last week, but no pictures and seemed shady...

My buddy has relayed a few to me (Truck is still in Atlanta). Within a week from the paint shop, he had 3 guys make offers- one for as high as 15k. Since then, he parks the truck at the back of the lot where it can't be seen from the road.

Before I bought my MJ, I would have been all over that 85.... Other than being a 2.8, it has everything I wanted.