Where to Start.
I have been chasing The Jeep Comanche 4x4 down since I have owned 5 Jeep Cherokee's from 88 to 95 because I have always wanted one. It has taken 10 years to get my hands on this Comanche and I ain't letting go.
Year: 1986
Make: Jeep [AMC]
Model: Comanche
Trim: Custom
Body Style: Pickup Truck
Transmission: Ax-5 [Asian Warner]
Engine: 2.8l v6 [GM]
Drive: 4wd
Made In USA: Toledo, Ohio
Historical: Titled in Oregon State with 155,557 back in 2017.
Current Miles: Exempt
Current Miles that matter to me: 183,779 in 2020.
Replaced:
Carburetor: Rochester Varajet 2se 2 bbl
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Engine Oil 5w-30
Coolant
Brakes: Front & Back
Needs:
Corner lights replaced
Tail lights replaced
LH Driver Door Handle [Outter] replaced
Key Locks Replaced
Paint/ Minor Body Work
Radio/CD player needs to be installed
Door Speakers needs to be replaced
Windshield
Transmission Swap
Engine Swap
Transfercase Swap
Bench Seat to Bucket Seat Swap
Wire Harness Swap to 91 - 95
Lift
bigger tires
re-gear/swap axles
So one of my best friends bought a Comanche that was sitting at motel where I live close too. He did all the proper restore stuff to this old girl. But drove her into the ground. About six months later I received a call stating that he wanted to trade of he would take $800.00 for this busted down jeep in his yard. I didn't think anything of it. Until he called and asked me to come over... So I did. Next thing I know is We're talking about mods to happen in the future for his 86-MJ if I buy it from him.
He tell's me what he wants for it so I gave him $400 up front and told him that I have a amp/subs sitting in my jacked up XJ that I will trade him for this old truck. It wasn't until today 8/25/2020 when I get a call saying that he wanted it off the property and I could pay an extra $40 to have him tow strap it down the highway to my house.
I am a Jeep guy, my instant answer was simple. "No"." I will be there with the parts needed and I will drive it home". Well, guys I did just that. I drove this MJ 120 miles to my house in another small town with a limp clutch. And parked it in the driveway.
I have yet to get it into my name and would like to register it here so, I was asked to do this off the facebook page. I love this rig. But the engine and transmission has to go. 2.8l v6 with a Ax-5. I am not a fan. Some help and tricks would be nice most of my other rigs run a 242 L6 Chrysler and Ax-15's I have read a lot and I would like to give this old girl a run for my money. This rig has some problems like the clutch is very touche so to speak.
Not sure if there is air in the hydro clutch but I have to put x amount of weight on the clutch and put it to the floor. I have to push/pull the stick to get the truck into 1st, 2nd, 3rd but 4th is pretty easy. I can't get her into 5th gear. Reverse works. She has an issue with dying if I remove my foot from the accelerator. But that can be adjusted on the carburetor. Interior is almost all original it's a maroon red with black dash bezel. The shiftier boot housing is grey so it's not original. I am currently waiting for the Historical records to come from Oregon. It does have a dealership hidden winch in the front bumper. Yes, it does work. I was surprised as much as you guys.
This isn't a hard project to replace parts and put it back on the street/trail. Most of the hard stuff is done. Besides this isn't work to guys like us. We do this because it's our passion. I always told my brother that I would own a Comanche. Too bad that he passed away in May of this year. He would of been excited to ride in this rig. It was a dream to drive this down the hwy in my town. I have yet to give this thing a name and will be doing so after I drive her around. I will try to keep an update on what happens.