Philistine

Well it is a Jeep. Like I said I haven't opened the diffs yet but taking the RPM at X speed, tire size and transmission and transfer specs the online calculators gave me a gear ratio of 3.07. I actually got 3.11 but given I couldn't get exact RPMs and the tire wear, 3.07 makes sense.

I know someone who is replacing their HP D30 with 4.88 gears in the near future and he is willing to sell me it when he does the swap. I am leaning more towards the 4.88s for the better crawl ratio as the only highway driving it will see is to and from the trails around here.

Thanks!

While I haven't opened the diffs yet I've taken my RPMs at X speed, tire size and transmission and transfer case specs and used the online calculators to figure out I have 3.07 gears. Also even though its has an AMC20 it is not the metric ton package according to the VIN. As for 4.56 gears, using this calculator (http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html) would put me at about 2400 RPMs at 65 MPH with a low range of 46:1. 4.88s would be 2600 RPMs at 65 MPH with a low range of 50:1. I'm just not sure how far I would be out of stock at 2400-2500 RPMs at 65 MPH. If the stock tire size was 27" then stock RPMs at 65 MPH would be just over 2000.

Its the X package if that helps. I'm trying to figure out the original powerband. Those are on the list too. While we are on the subject I recall a bit about better axle ujoints but I'm unsure which vehicle years they were found on.

What was the stock tire size for an '86 MJ? I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out where the power band is in the RPMs. The PO did a lift and put on some 35's without regearing the axles. I'm thinking going with 4.56s or 4.88s as I want more torque for rock crawling. But I still need to drive it to the trails so I don't want to overtax the engine on the highway.

I'd start with the geartable at 4lo.com http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartable.htm All of the applications you listed above have their own ideal setup. You have to decide what you want to emphisize. You can't gear for wheeling/crawling and expect to do well just driving around. Is it going to be your daily driver? You may want to gear for better gas milage. Is it a second vehicle for wheeling on the weekends? You may want to gear for better low end torque.

I've got a line on a set of new Pitbull Rockers at dealer cost. I don't really *need* new tires but this a hell of a deal. Anyone running these tires? What's your opinion? Where I wheel it's usually rocks, boulders and dirt (I don't care for the mud).

What size tires can I turn on a Dana 30? 35's at the max. But you will also want to look into regearing the axles to. What would it take to make it stronger? Chromolly axle shafts, larger ujoints, trusses to support the axle. What would you recommend for now, until I have the funds to do the Dana 44 and 60, Run what you have till you break it or can afford to replace it. what about how wide these axle are in comparison to the stock Dana 30, 35 IDK Depends on the donor vehicle. What about axle over spring to raise it up? It'll net you about 5". You'll need to do a lift for the front at the same time. I'm running a RE 5.5" up front with the SOA. What kind of tires do you recommend for all around use meaning off and on road, on stock rims? Goodyear MTRs. The Vehicle Production Broadcast form states P225/75/ R15 OWL whatever that means - sound like a bird that flies at night to me? What was the question? How do you translate the vin number? 1J7FJ36L1KL545620? would you understand this? or where is the best place to locate the Chrysler language http://www.comanchemj.1hwy.com/custom3.html They say the Paint is APA PQ9 QQ9 whatever that is? :ack: Hit up Napa, they can proably figure out what paint you need.

Rob has a VIN checker you can use here: http://www.comanchemj.1hwy.com/custom3.html I had similar questions with my MJ as it has an AMC20 but 4 leafs. Turns out it's just one of those wierd Jeeps.

I'm 6'5" and fit comfortably in my MJ.

Send it to me I'll cut it without regret. It would look bad @$$. Image Not Found

Has anyone tried fabing a Gladiator grill/hood onto an MJ? Do you think it could be done?

I've an 86 Comanche and I need to replace the oil pan gasket. According to my Chiltons book I need to disconnect the exhaust from the manifold. My problem is those bolts look like nothing but corroded rust. I'm afraid of ruining the connection to the manifold. I'm sure someone here has replaced the oil pan gasket before. Some advice would be appreciated. There is enough room to get to the oil pan bolts without removing the exhaust but I want to know can I remove the oil pan without disconnecting the exhaust?

A friend gave me a radio a friend of his gave him. He already has a great system so he handed it off to me. Its a never installed Clarion DXZ645MP: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HTZsDf0nAHt/p_020DXZ645/Clarion-ProAudio-DXZ645MP.html So him and our friend Mark installed it today. Thankfully Mark is an electrical engineer for the Air Force and was willing to work for beers. :D He got it hooked up in no time. The only thing we couldn't get connected was the antenna. The lead was so short and the radio was longer than stock so we couldn't get it to fit back in the dash. Maybe later I'll see if I can reroute the antenna lead or make it about 6" longer. For now I'll just stick with CDs. Its a nice little radio. Flip down/removable face, MP3/WMA playback, multi-color display (9 preset colors and can be adjusted to any of 80 colors), quite a few EQ settings that actually make the crappy speakers sound good, a remote and its Sirius ready. I'll definitely be replacing the factory speakers. The passenger speaker sounds rather crackly at low volumes.

Thanks! Dylan built them exactly how I wanted them. They've done their duty so far. I had to get the hook on the Trent Fab Halloween run and they didn't pop off. He did weld them in place throughly (they are held on with 1/2" thick supports). I do see how thru mounted ones would be better though.

I forgot to add pics of the front bumper Dylan built for me. :doh:

Its been a while but I got my camera and PC talking again so here's the rear bumper Dylan built for my MJ. It did a great job for me on the Trent Fab Halloween run. I would have severely damaged the passenger rear fender if it weren't for the bumper.

Today was eyeopening. So I'm facing a cross roads with my Comanche. What should I build up first? Regear the stock axles? Upgrade the front axle (its a D30)? Build up the rear AMC20? Install an automatic transmission? Do a locker in the rear? I can't do it all at once so which direction should I go? Right now I'm thinking this progression. Locker for the rear and build up the rear AMC20, then upgrade the front axle and regear both axles, then an automatic transmission. Its a long project to be sure. I just want to get off on the right foot.

So today I got a few things done before the Trent Fab "Trick or Wheelin" Family Fun Run. Stopped by ORI to get my spare mounted (at a price that can't be beat), hit up Lithia Jeep of Reno for a tow strap and a hi-jack, and trimmed my front fenders for more clearance. Though I feel I'll have to trim more. All told I'm ready to hit Steve's Loop like Wayne Brady would slap a ho.

I'm waiting on that information. I need to find out if it's a cable driven speedo setup too. But it's not something I just will slap in. I plan on doing a 4:1 upgrade. Basically something to work on and build up.

Found a good deal on a NP231 with 21 spline input. I have an 86 MJ with a NP207. Does any one know if it would be 21 or 23 spline?

In '86 the AMC20 was offered in place of a D44... Check with my vin decoder on my site... http://www.comanchemj.1hwy.com Rob L. Thanks. That confirms it's not the MT package. So it's not a limited slip.

Thanks! I really like it's stance. It gets a few second looks when I'm driving it around.