WranglerMangler

Yeah. It got me bad, right out of high school and has only got worse over the last 20 years. This one makes #7 in my yard right now. I find them cheap enough, I can’t pass it up. I do kinda feel bad because if I only had one, it would get all of my attention, but they’re not in the junkyard or deteriorating any more or getting hacked apart by some kid so… whatever. I love them all and won’t hesitate to buy up #8

I agree with deal of the year. I still can’t believe it myself. I just really wanted to go look at the truck and really couldn’t afford it, especially right before Christmas, but I pulled out as much cash as I could “spare”just in case. He was filling a moving truck when I went to pick it up so he was getting to the point of needing it gone. I believe it helps showing up in an MJ to buy another MJ. Thanks!

Going through Facebook Marketplace recently, this Comanche really caught my eye. Unfortunately it was priced above what I could afford for another project truck. The truck remained for sale through a couple of price drops and was getting within reach of my non existent budget. I found myself falling in love with this truck the more I looked at the ad and I wanted to at least go check the truck out. The rear bumper and great body condition really drew me in, so I set up a meeting. While looking at the truck, everything was in excellent condition and exactly as described in the Ad. Interior is clean. No rust to be found anywhere and new parts everywhere I looked. The only real body damage is behind the driver rear tire. The owner had just finished installing a freshly rebuilt High Output engine but had no plans to do the wiring harness swap. He installed a HEI distributor and had made an adapter to install a carburetor. Upon first start up, the engine caught fire. They got the fire put out with an extinguisher and it caused minimal fire damage. They disassembled some stuff, including removing the fuel rail and injectors. Then just left it alone for the last 5 years. Now it’s time for the owner to move and he cannot take the truck with and was fairly motivated to sell. After a little negotiation, I struck a deal with the guy for $600. This is what I got. 1988, Sport truck, 4.0, 2WD, Peugeot 5 speed, D35, bucket seats, 239,766mi. Has barely been used as a truck. Only real body damage on her. 239,766 on the clock, not sure how I feel about the green. Cosmic headliner Cool 2 tone engine paint job. He painted all the brackets and pulleys too. Aluminum 4 core radiator with dual fans This is how I found her. Nice motor mounts 3 to 1 header The previous owner to the guy I was buying the truck from was there and she had named the truck “Ghosty”. She also asked me if I had heard of Comanche Club and said she was a member. So I told her that I would keep the name so she could keep an eye on her truck. So now that I have Ghosty home, I want to make her run. I am at the very least going to remove the intake manifold to be sure there are no rat turds sitting on the valves waiting to drop into the combustion chamber. I feel like the head may need to come off by what I am seeing looking through the fuel injector holes. Appears to be some minor corrosion on the valves. I don’t like the whole HEI/Carburetor route the PO was going with the build. My intention is to make it appear factory with a HO harness swap and back to a throttle body and injectors. I believe once she is running, it will make a solid little truck. Once running, I’m sure it will take some sorting out to get her road worthy. The fuse box has some rotted out terminals that will need to be replaced. Then it’s on to modifications. AX15, D44 rear etc. No plans on really doing anything with her until after Christmas. Hopefully I’ll have her on the road next summer. Will post as updates happen!

1988, Sport truck, 4.0, 2wd Peugeot, D35, bucket seats, wood steering wheel, custom headliner, freshly rebuilt HO engine that caught fire on first start up. 239,767 miles hopefully on the road fairly soon. “Ghosty” named by P/O. I like it so I’m keeping it.

Yes, I agree. They didn’t make it easy for us. One of the reasons I always replace the goofy fasteners with hex stuff whenever possible

For years now, I’ve had a little “Jeep tool kit” that has served me very well. For a smaller kit, it’s very well stocked. Perfect to grab for most jobs to be done on MJs or around the house. Recently the plastic case hinge had fallen apart and the top had separated from the bottom. Home Depot had a Black Friday sale on some Husky tool kits and my wife got me one for my birthday. Perfect size to be strapped down in the bed. 1/4” stuff 3/8” stuff 1/2” and wrenches. A very respectable kit for the average home owner/ weekend oil changer guy. But that, I am not. As with most everything in my life, I couldn’t just let it be. Had to make it mine. So I started cutting apart the “shelves” to make more room. This is what I came up with. The blue plastic is the bottom half of my old kit. Cut out all the wasted space and crammed it into the husky shelf. The standard deep sockets were in the top half of my old kit so their new home is in the loose compartment to the right. The 1/2” shelf organization, from the factory was pathetic. So much wasted space. Cut all that crap out and probably tripled the availability socket space. Plus threw in the cheap, trail wrench set. Pretty happy with it now. Still have some room for more stuff. I need to make a trip to the hardware store for some spray foam. I want to unload the 3/8s” shelf, flip it upside down and fill the void with spray foam. Think it will add to the strength, keep the blue case up off the bottom, and keep anything from falling in the void. Thinking about it, I almost need to buy a whole other box to gut out for pliers, torx bits, hex bits, big wrenches, screwdrivers and other miscellaneous things. THEN I’d be pretty set up for trail wrenching. Thought I’d share the trail box.

Quite the transformation cosmetically, Good job. Good luck with the Transmission rebuild. It’s amazing what gets left behind. Have no idea about the laws in your state but you should be able to get a title some how? Ironically I was a motorcycle mechanic, Tow truck driver and now an equipment operator. Keep the updates coming!

I took apart the throttle/gear selector controls and lubricated the control cables. They seemed to be gunked up with old, hard grease. My cable luber wasn’t big enough to work on these so I had to get a little creative. Taken apart control box Propped the cable up to the sky and found a hose big enough to let the cable move on the inside. Filled it up with WD40 Went to the engine side and pumped the disconnected cable end with some pliers and watched the WD40 work it’s way down. Finally got bubbles out of the engine side, moved onto the other cable. Greased all the moving parts inside the control box, put it all back together and moved onto the next repair. These engines have these little plastic rollers that basically have a rubber hose wrapped around them that control the throttle and timing and are pretty precise. Over time, the rubber hose rots away and just leaves the little plastic roller and a new, big gap to throw off your timing and throttle control. Both of my little “hoses” were rotted away and I had got new ones down at the local boat shop. Replacement is pretty straight forward. They’re only retained by a washer and O ring. Unfortunately, the rollers can be upwards of $40 ea. New roller And investigating further, I’m starting to think the wood in the transom is rotted. Not sure how I’m going to go forward with that. I’ve been reading about it and it seems to be a problem with Livingstons. People are saying the Fiberglass is strong enough to plate the Transom inside and out with Aluminum plates but I’m not too sure I like the idea of just letting the wood rot away in there. Don’t know, time will tell. Might just replace the Hull. Any input is welcome.

We recently got a non running 1988 14’ Livingston Runabout with a 40hp Evinrude outboard from relatives who are moving soon and doesn’t want to take the boat with. They had owned the boat since 1996 and it has hardly been used since they owned it. Upon getting the boat home, I went through the carburetors on the 40hp Evinrude outboard engine, removed the lower unit to inspect the water pump impeller and found a brand new impeller, replaced the spark plugs, hooked up a decent battery and mixed up some fresh fuel, the engine started like it had been in the water yesterday. I put 15-20 minutes of run time on the engine with muffs in the yard and determined it was ready to be lake tested. We put the boat in the water and she ran flawlessly for close to 2 hours, going through the motions, full speed to idle, reverse to idle, back up to full speed. Just checking things out, making sure everything was functioning properly. 1988 40hp Evinrude Top speed: 25mph WOT Cruising speed: 18-20mph 3/4 throttle My 9 year old daughter wanted a go at driving. She did great for her first time as Captain. Pulled the boat out of the water, got it home and decided we were done boating for the winter. I “winterized” the engine and threw a tarp over the boat. A couple of days later, cruising through Facebook Marketplace, I found a guy selling an old beater boat that had a great looking 1994 Evinrude 48SPL (50hp) on the back. He had it posted for $500. I sent him a message about the boat and before I could make him an offer in the conversation he told me that he would take $100 and really wanted it gone. So I set up a meeting time and made the 2hr one way trip to go get the boat and trailer. Luckily the tires held air and are actually brand new. Still had the rubber tits on the tires and the rubber is still soft like they hadn’t been sitting for years. The trailer that came with the boat is a significant upgrade from the trailer I have now. Heavy duty 1/4” steel C channel frame with a surge brake set up installed. Trailer does need work but not much. Will take some creative doing to get the Livingston on there but I’m sure I can do it. The new trailer New tires I got the boat home fairly uneventfully ( I did run out of gas stupidly but luckily had a can in the back with just enough to get to the next gas station) and started on the process of making her run. Pulled the carburetors off the engine, cleaned the carbs, gave everything a good looking over and added fresh gas. Went to start the boat and it didn’t come with a key! Didn’t even think to check until now. Lol. Luckily the local boat shop had a new ignition in stock for my set up. This picture was taken just to note wire orientation before trying to replace the switch. Was a fairly busy ignition switch actually. New ignition switch installed, new fuel, and freshly cleaned carbs, the “new” engine fired right up. Almost like it was on the water yesterday. Lol. And again, I put 20-30 minutes of run time on the engine in the yard on muffs and determined she was ready for the water. These are the plugs that came in the 48. Looks good to me! Unknown hours I have not removed the lower unit on the 48 yet to inspect the impeller but plan to do so before it goes back on the water. Want to have a new one there for replacement and keep the old used impeller as a spare. Luckily, the old crappy boat had a decent battery in it that I was able to charge so I didn’t have to use a Comanche battery this time around. +$100 lol Went and put the boat back in the water and ran it for about 2 hours with the “new” engine. Same as before, through the motions, full throttle to idle, into reverse, back to idle, check trolling speed, back to full throttle/ cruising speed. Engine ran flawlessly. I removed the top cover after a long full throttle pull and over 30 minutes of continuous running just to feel how hot the cylinder head was running. It wasn’t even hot enough to warm my freezing hands. Was pleased with that finding. Beautiful but freezing day. Lake Sawyer, Black Diamond, Wa Mount Rainier in the far background. 1994 48SPL, Top speed: 30MPH WOT Cruising speed: 22-25mph 3/4 throttle While loading the boat after testing the 48, I was winching the boat onto the trailer and I ended up breaking the Bow eye. Admittedly I could have had the trailer backed in the water further but I sure wasn’t cranking on the winch THAT hard. Would rather have it break now than when it’s moored up overnight in the ocean! I went and bought a new Stainless Steel 3/8” U bolt for the repair. In the back, I reinforced the tie down points a little bit as well while I was at it. Plan on dragging kids behind this boat on a tube and don’t need U bolts pulling through the transom! Replaced the washers with a piece of Aluminum flat bar then capped off the stud with an acorn nut. I may cut the studs down but I want to build my crab pot holders first and may use the studs for support. Gaining speed was one of my main goals for the swap, plus I can’t ever just leave stuff alone for whatever reason. But one of my pet peeves since I was a kid is a beat up engine cover on a boat engine. Don’t know why, just drives me crazy. Think something so important as a boat engine should have the respect shown it deserves. And if a person can’t keep the cover clean, I can imagine how the rest of the engine has been treated. The 48SPL was in so much better shape cosmetically than the 40 horse that I had to take a chance for $100. The undamaged propeller on the 48SPL made it worth the $100. Plus whatever other parts I could have scavenged. So now that we have another decent running engine on the back of the boat, the rest of the boat needs to be address. The current wiring situation is horrible. The entire boat needs to be re wired. Bad picture but shows the mess. I’m planning on throwing away everything electrical and starting over fresh. We will spend hours in this boat at a time so I plan to make it as comfortable and reliable as possible. I want to install a basic sound system with a Bluetooth receiver, cup holders, Crab pot holders, Crab pot puller, Tach and hour meter, get padded seats for the kids in the back, build in a “glove box” in front of the passenger seat and have the Bimini top reupholstered and extended so it covers the back seats. I have already found and purchased a Davit, now I just need to get the motor my friend has for me. Plus get the boat mounts too. I have until the end of July to get everything ready so I have some time still but it goes fast! I’ll post as the updates happen.

My stickers arrived! Thank you. Very good quality. Will be happy to represent for one of my favorite YouTube channels up here in the PNW. Glad to see the XJ in your Thanksgiving video too. Keep up the awesome adventures!

I agree with disliking any body related work that takes more than a 3lb sledgehammer to complete. Good luck.

I’m still adding to it as we go! Usually when I’m gearing up to go to a part out, I’ll actually go out and look at my truck and write down a list of things I want to target first, then get what I really want or need, then turn to the master list to see if there’s anything I over looked. Good luck, happy scrapping!

I’m very happy with the investment. Lol. Bumping from 40hp to 50hp on the cheap! Really more of a Yamaha outboard guy but dang, $$$$. Evinrude is my 2nd choice for sure. Almost enjoyable to work on too.

Actually hauled something more than Firewood recently, found a junk boat on Facebook Marketplace that had a very clean, low hour, Evinrude 50hp outboard on the back that the guy claimed was a runner, so for $100 I had to go get it. It took some convincing to make my wife realize that we needed this junk boat in our yard for a while but eventually, she came around. Cap Sante look out Anacortes, Wa Some pictures of Minche in LaConnor Wa. Stopped for breakfast. Cool old town, if your ever driving by, it’s worth a stop. Only picture I got of the boat in tow. (It actually moves more than firewood!) Upon getting home and checking things out further, the trailer is actually really heavy duty and has brand new, still soft tires on it, and a surge brake set up as well. Does still need some work but is a big upgrade over my current trailer now. Cleaned the carburetors on the outboard and it fired right up with new gas after installing a new ignition. Didn’t come with a key.

I’m jealous of all the off road miles you guys get to put on your MJ. My wife and I watch your videos as soon as you guys post. Hopefully when our kids grow up and move out, we get to go on some adventures like you guys get to. Really liked your Nevada videos!

I would love to have a few of your guy’s stickers. Sign me up! PM sent.

Here’s the real question though, Do you guys wave at them when crossing paths? The “Jeep wave”? Most people that drive these seem to be unaware that the new “Gladiator” isn’t the first truck Jeep produced. In my experience, Jeeps with round headlights do not wave back (the newer the more true it is) at an MJ and I have stopped even trying. Most people that drive XJs are oblivious as well. Unless it’s fairly modified of course. Side note: I am glad the “Gladiators” are fairly popular now, so we can beat on them in 15-20 years when they become affordable to us commoners. I call a Diesel one! This is how we are seeing “Gladiators” in the Seattle area too BTW. I'm not parking next to either of these, even if just for a picture.

Heck yeah! I always look forward to your guy’s new videos. Loved the fire lookout you stayed in recently. Subscribed and like all videos! Haven’t seen the XJ in a while!

Figured these need to be seen. My friend and I always send pictures of sketchy or funny trailer sightings. These are all I can find for now. One other 2” ratchet strap running through the forks. Cool Range Rover Copper with a Crapper Sheriff with a $hitter This is my Ford towing my friends Chevy over Snoqualmie pass. Had to get a picture. (Ironically the Ford blew a power steering line after drop off) Toyota RAV4 with quite a load Seems like people are using RAV4s as tow vehicles. $$$$ Lots of boat for an S10? This Colorado had 5 big Samoan dudes in it, fuel transfer tank in the back, and the trailer/roller. It was actually keeping up with me getting onto the highway, I wasn’t pinned, but was surprised by his keeping up with my pace. At the RV dealership: What’s the biggest trailer my truck can tow? RV salesman:

Love the Red interior. Appears to be in fairly good condition and mostly there? I’m sure the truck really likes her new home as well. Looking forward to more posts!

Finally got around to getting my melted taillight and harness fixed thanks to saveevryjp1998 for the parts! The new harness had different color wires than the existing harness so it took a little figuring to get it all wired correctly but it all works now.

It’s been a while since I’ve had to do anything to CommuteChe. She is trucking along happily, doing the daily grind. Luckily, I switched job sites to a much closer location and we are only commuting about 20 miles per day, not the usual 100 miles per day, we have been doing the last year+. It sure has been nice not driving through a half a tank of fuel per day. I did recently take off the “lowering kit” to better prepare the truck for winter. Put the stock coil springs and shackles back on. I do need to make another set of sway bar end links to work for the taller stance. Have been running without a rear sway bar for the last couple of weeks.

Heck yeah. Good save. This truck is awesome. Hurry up and get her on the road! 23 years of time to make up for. Keep posting! Would love to see some interior and engine bay pictures, And some pictures of “the loot” any extra rear D44s? 2, 242s is a good come up too. You may want to remove the fuel pump or entire gas tank depending on how much gas has been sitting in the tank for 20+ years. Usually pretty easy to remove just the pump in my experience, then you can have a look into the tank to assess the next move. Good luck

Last time I was over cutting firewood, I left behind a nice 30’ section of really good, dry wood that was on my mind all week, I was picturing someone else over there cutting on my log, so I had to go get the rest today. It sure was a beautiful day. Worth the 140 more miles racked up on the Odometer. My daughter came along too. Always nice to have company. Once we broke above the socked in Pacific Northwest rain clouds, it was actually a beautiful day. We were searching for a camping spot, for next summer and found this place. Pretty cool with the creek running through. Basically across the street from the campground is where we load up at. Got the rest of the log I was worried about, plus another little bit as well to finish off the load. (This has become my picture taking spot if you haven’t noticed yet. Lol.) I don’t just keep posting the same picture Driving home was almost as beautiful as the way over. Mount Rainier

Ooh that would be cool. I would happily send it to him.