WranglerMangler

Found the perfect replacement E brake pedal rubber bumper at the local hardware store. I got 2 different sizes just in case. Figured I could cut down the taller one if needed, it would work but the other one (middle) was perfect. OD is basically the same. Close enough for what it is. This is the one I ended up using. Obviously don’t need an inch of thread but they didn’t have other options. I’m happy with how it came out.

Got the E brake assembly put back together tonight. Need to find a new rubber bumper for the pedal return. This one is in bad shape. Also wire wheeled and painted the metal on the back side of the lower dash piece. Just staying busy. Going after the dash tomorrow.

I usually have more build up on my diff magnets between oil changes than what’s on your magnet. I’ve also seen the blueish gray fluid come out too. Doesn’t appear to be anything too serious IMO. If your concerned, change the oil again after your 300 mile trip. Do you have a magnet in your diff at all? Usually a pretty good indicator of what’s going on in there. Shavings are ok, chunks are a problem. I always JB Weld a high power magnet to my diff covers and T case drain plug. Good luck Sir.

No, this one did not have the bleeder hole.

The second thermostat I’ve put in this truck got stuck open about a month ago. We have some cold weather coming in and I’d like to be warm on the drive into work so tonight I replaced the thermostat with a new one. I know I can pop the tabs down and reuse it, but if I have to take off the housing anyway, I’m installing a new thermostat. Ended up with this one. Made in Israel so hopefully it’s a good part.

Beautiful truck. Love the Dakota seats. Congrats on MJOTM!

Did some more muddling around today. Disassembled the parking brake assembly and wire wheeled all the rust I could get at. Took these pictures for reference while reassembling Got it all cleaned up then primered. So basically I’m keeping busy with all these dumb little things that I have always wanted to address on all of my MJs. I'm waiting for work to pick up a little and still recovering from Christmas. I’ve decided that I’m going to build a stroker engine for this truck and am going to need to get some parts together for the build. Realistically just need a crank, rods and pistons to complete the rotating assembly but don’t have the funds right now. And I still need a donor vehicle to complete the HO swap but could definitely have the engine ready to go for when I find the right donor XJ. So for now, I’m just doing all these little things that can be done for “free” and have always bugged me. Best part of not being in a rush on a build I suppose.

One thing that has really bothered me since buying my first Comanche is the unpainted under dash stuff. Pedal assembly for instance. Mainly took these pictures because it looked complicated and I wanted to get it back together right Clutch pedal was missing a pivot bushing. All this ugly rust for no reason. I wire wheeled what I could get at and spray painted the assembly. Cleaned out all the old grease then put it back together. This clutch/brake bushing kit worked for my truck. Bolt pivot bushings and clutch to slave cylinder pivot. Parking brake cable was easily accessible to lube. This is what I came up with to get lube through. The end makes it very difficult to get lube into the cable. I have a conventional cable luber and it failed to work with this style cable end. Found a hose big enough to clear the connector then hose clamped it down tight so it won’t leak. Filled the hose with lube then cycled the cable until lube came out of the other end. Much easier said than done.

Most people don’t plan on getting shot at! I know I sure didn’t but sometimes bullet holes happen. Like 4 of them, I wouldn’t have minded an ugly cyber truck to duck behind while under fire

MJ left, XJ right. About an inch shorter. 8.8 backing plates and brakes also work for the rear D44 disc brake conversion. $200 is definitely better than $300! Buy the axle for the brake parts then find an XJ or MJ D44 for that beast. 44s are easier to work on in my experience. Plus you just might get lucky and find a D44 with your proper gear ratio. Either is better than a Dana 35 and doing something is better than doing nothing at all!

Have been grinding away on all this body filler on the interior, I needed a break tonight so I pulled out the fuel pump to inspect the inside of the gas tank. When I bought the truck, I was told it had an almost full tank of 5+ year old gas. I siphoned out most all of the junk fuel and it had a terrible color to it. I have been concerned about the condition of the tank since. Pump came out fairly clean. Good sign. Stuck my phone up to the hole and snapped these pictures.. Looks good enough to me! Siphoned out the rest of the turpentine and reinstalled the pump unit. I’m basically going to use this tank as a “storage tank” for now. I like always having some fuel around for lawnmower or pressure washer stuff. Then I can justify having it full of fuel so it won’t rust while I’m working on her.

Do “high rev” lifters make a difference? Plus roller rockers? Newcomer gets his 4.0s up to 6500Rpm seems like a realistic goal? I’ll drop some money on good performance parts.

That’s what they’re for right? And look! Got a response and new member out of it too.

Awesome, you joined! Welcome. I love your truck. It’s nice to see another Comanche running around! You just joined the greatest source of information on the planet for these trucks. There’s quite a few of us locally!

Spotted this truck at a local Highschool. Not sure of the year. Didn’t talk with the owner. 2wd, 5 speed, bench seat, short bed, upside down grill

I was upwards of 10 or 12 MJs spotted last year. This is the first one this year. Handed out my last CC magnet! Down at a Highschool in Auburn, Wa.

That’s a great idea. Thank you!

Got a little grinder time tonight. I want to say I’m surprised but I suppose our wet climate in Washington state doesn’t help at all. Found a couple places in need of repair. I can’t believe how tough that seam sealer stuff is! Really grabs the grinder. It’s pretty soft between the 2 big holes, will probably end up cutting it all out.

Yes sir! Pretty sure it had to do with the master cylinder leak but will be investigating further

Most of the seam sealer material was melted away by brake fluid leaking on it through the years. Yeah hopefully I don’t have to go that far into mine. I need to stop and get a new wire wheel so I can get after it!

Got some interior work done today. I was kind of surprised by what I found. Got the wet lump of “carpeting” out and the foam dash pad. 07/21/87 on the dash pad. I always like finding these old dates throughout the truck. Passenger side floor board is looking really good. However it did have standing water on it. Not as lucky on the driver side unfortunately. Can’t imagine what is going on here… Wasn't anticipating finding all the rust in the floorboard, but I’ll get it dealt with properly. Interior is totally gutted and ready for some rust repair work. Soaked up all the water I could get with paper towels then threw a layer down to soak up anything that appears overnight.

Miles just keep adding up!

Wow. That rear end is a piece of art. Beautiful XJ.

Just fantasizing at this point.

Might still be under warranty according to the box. 23 year warranty! Are you posting your XJ build anywhere?