NVR_LEVN

so 2 Mainers? that's it? I think I saw a "Randy in Maine" logged in at some point in the past, but he hasn't checked in here...

I am interested in doing this swap too, saw and read about the CS144 alternator swap on jeepforum for RENIX engines only, and I will also likely locate mine in place of the dead A/C. Anybody here done it? It seems like it's a very easy swap if you don't mind a ghetto-fabbed bracket to hold it in place up top...probably even simpler if keeping the stock alternator location. Either location with a CS144 alternator will require wiring upgrades though. (I searched and didn't find anything)

1990 Jeep Comanche - unknown trim - decodethis suggests Pioneer, but not confident. 4.0 RENIX from unknown year (not original) / AW4 / NP231 / originally had CAD d30, now has Non-disco D30 / D35 rear / Short wheelbase Build date: unknown no door jamb sticker Current Location: Vassalboro, ME Status: Project Awaiting work - sitting in my garage for almost the last year due to various distractions Notes: Column Shift - Exterior is rattle can flat black, appears to have been gray at one time, bench seats, no skids (for now) Previous owner mods - Hack job cutout of bed for rear winch from PO, Spring over axle conversion on d35, with poor shock mount locations, 4 inch stack exhaust coming up through bed, RE 4.5" lift with 2 inch spring spacers, 31s New mods to be installed - Durango Steering Box, Rugged Ridge HD Adj Track bar, RR Super HD steering linkage, RR Drop Pitman arm, used custom offroad tube bumper from an XJ with Iron Scorpion Long Mounts and Steering Spacer, 33s Current owner: ME, sometimes regrettably depending on my mood, and the frustration level it provides. :D PIC FROM BEFORE ANY WORK GOT STARTED

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/1681631682.html 1986 Jeep Commanche Diesel (YES ...it's diesel!... there were only a few made with diesel) Pick Up Truck 4 wheel drive 7' bed Please Call Bill for price, information and details 207-712-6178 or 207-363-4113

Ok, so Pete guilted me into ordering a set of taller jackstands :D , after I confirmed with "Santa" they were not already coming. Found a cheaper set than Harbor Freight: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-918006/ $5 cheaper, cheaper shipping, and coupon codes more prevalent. Have not put in the D30 yet, because I think I'm picking up another one out of a 96 XJ for the bigger U-joints. Looks like I'll be doing it safer too.

yep, I would have bought them before I started, but I think Santa already ordered them for Christmas...LOL

so went out and tore some stuff off the comanche sunday....it took a while to get started on it because I had to reorganize the garage, and work has had me working late, lately. I was only using one bay for my fiance's GC, and the other was full of random stuff. Now the comanche is inside, and she still has her bay... first the stickers and tint had to go- Before: After: I wish the pinstripe flame's adhesive came off better: Tailgate had to go: Front Axle came out - broken passenger side yoke on the axle side of the u-joint: These are pics of the front suspension at full droop, before the axle came out. I'm sliding in another whole HP d30 this week, and a C8.25 in the rear. I'm going to screw around with those axles with the stock 3.55 ratio until I can afford to re-gear / lock / etc. This MJ isn't running quite right, very touchy gas pedal, might need a TPS. I already have arrangements to pickup a D44 for the rear, which I'm viewing as Stage 2 of this rig maybe next winter. Picked up some trail spare quality 33 x 10.50's to screw around with too, and see if more trimming is required. I want to get some lower offset rims, before trying to mess with 33 x 12.5's or better tires. When I do the 8.25 in the rear, I plan to relocate the shocks. Not sure yet where though... (oh, before anyone says anything about the jackstand / cinderblock combo, I know it's not good, but it's what I have to work with currently, so unless you are shipping me bigger jackstands, I don't want to hear it)

so if I cut the upper mounts off, then remounted the top of the shocks to mount vertically, that would be better? I think the position they are in was intended for flex, as opposed to ride quality. I have lot's of things to undo on this rig, in my opinion. Thanks all for the D-35 detroit comments, my local club members (Maine4x4 dot org) said the same thing...I think I need to sell that locker to pursue something more beefy.

Everyone in my club has an XJ it seems, I wanted slightly different, but the MJ is convenient for 2nd hand parts purchases sharing so much with an XJ. It'll be a trail truck for sure.

the weather is looking nice the next couple days - will have to get out and work on it... oh and the project has been named now

It's a 1990 MJ shortbed - Dana 30 front, Dana 35 rear, auto, 3.55 gears,4.5" lift, SOA in rear, bald 31's on it currently, but 33's should easily fit with some wheels spacers (or wider axles :P), locker in the rear, owner said they didn't know the manufacturer, but said "Detroit or something" - BS - doubt you'd put a detroit locker in a d35, if they even exist (haven't even bothered to check if the even make one for the d35) fabtech spare tire mount in bed. It's ugly, it's a POS, and I'm going to beat the ever-lovin crap out of it (more than it's beaten already) PURE SEX RIGHT HERE: custom 2.5" into 4" chrome stack ::) :P AND PINSTRIPE FLAMES ::) Too many To-do's to list Stickers, flames, tint all need to come off for starters need to clean out the bed better (owner said it would cleaned out but did real crappy job) need new passenger axle stub, cracked at the u-joint, will probably throw a whole 'nother non-vaccum axle on it up front Purchase Price $450 New Starter - $70 The fun I plan on having with it - priceless This is my first true "rig" (first couple wheelin' trips done in my F-150 daily driver that I had), 1st jeep, and of course, 1st COMANCHE!!!

I'm expecting to be a Comanche owner tommorrow, as my 1st rig, 1st jeep, 1st comanche, 1st build I'm in Vassalboro, 10 minutes from Augusta headed toward the coast (and the aforementioned town of Waldoboro)