89 MJ

I'm super jealous of the window sticker!

Little bump for MJOTM!

January 2021 @olddude's 89 Pioneer Build Thread- Year/Model - 1989 Pioneer, 222,794 miles Drivetrain- stock AW4 w/overdrive Cooling- stock, closed system added aluminum recovery tank w/pressure cap replacing plastic tank . Electrical/Ignition- stock, replaced ign. switch(the switch sometimes does not engage) Suspension/Steering- stock, Gabriel HD shocks Interior- stock, bucket seats, recovered 5 yrs ago Brakes- stock Lighting- stock, LED's in inst. panel(old guys need light!). Headlight harness upgrade. Exterior- stock, sterling metallic original color, repainted 5 yrs ago. Wheel & Tires- BFG KO2 30x9.5 on jeep 5 stoke wheels. Misc- pretty much plain stock Comanche pickup. Best MJ story- Really don't have a good MJ story. The truck is amazing, in 31 years it has failed me once, crank sensor. People are always commenting on it and asking if I would sell it. I am proud of it. It's been the best little truck I've ever owned. CC is Awesome! Why? Good folks that just love Comanches and enjoy sharing experiences and helping members maintain their Comanches. Congrats @olddude, you have a beautiful truck!

Long bed vs short bed

J10s had D44s in the front and rear before the hot the AMC 20. The switch was sometime between 80-82.

IIRC, the local parts store had them.

I love these things!

That’s freaking awesome!

Does your state have inspections? If yes, get everything legal first (ahem, turn signals). If no, sign the title in your name, then head on down to the DMV, if it’s open, and tell them you want to register it. They should be able to get plates for you on the spot. Also, you need to make sure that you get insurance on it. I’d do full coverage because the price difference probably isn’t super great.

I think @eaglescout526 and @Minuit would be the guys to help you.

I wouldn’t trim. I would do a lift. You should get by with just getting a front spring spacer.

No, he loves trannys

The Chevy COE buildthread has pics with an explanation.

That is why, in order to build a crew cab Comanche, one should use an MJ afoot as the rear door as well and cut the top front section off of an CJ door. That would make everything line up correctly.

Looks great!

Are you getting spark?

The only time my truck is inside is in the winter, when it needs work, and if it is going to storm bad. I think lots of the other trucks are outside even more than mine.

I would keep the 5 leaf pack if I were you. The added capacity is definitely worth it. The AAL amaze my truck drive and ride MUCH better because of the stiffer springs. Plus, with the softer springs, you won’t be able to tow/haul as much. If you can’t tow/haul, there isn’t much point of having a truck.

Part of your spring stiffness could be your shocks. They might be bent or just two stiff. Pete and I both have 5 pack leafs and I for sure am happy with the amount of flex I have. Try jacking it up with your shocks attached (towards the outside of the axle, maybe under the leaf sting plate), then do it without the shocks. If your shocks are bent, then it will not flex as much, which could contribute to a stiffer ride.

I see he is SOA rear. I’m not sure on the details on the front lift.

The only rear suspension mod is an Add a Leaf which will reduce some travel. I also need longer shocks. This was at max flex with the front sway bar attached. I don’t know you will ever need more travel in the rear than what there was stock. If I were to change the rear suspension setup other than changing the shackle/spring packs, I would just 4 link it.

He did the conversion. It looks more like a 97 and then people won’t get confused about which of his MJs he’s talking about.

Not buy me. Nobody wants them up here. Most of our local Jeep dealership has been the same JTs for months.

It will be a daily driver/show/work truck. No different than any of our old vehicles. They are meant to be used. I will I’ll get some pictures of the engine compartment next time we are out there.

He just likes trannys