Tentrax_Brent

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-Jeep-Comanche-/154618012330?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

I haven’t mounted these tires on the Comanche yet, still in the planning stage. I had them on another Jeep running 22-24 on the street, 12-15 offroad.

The stock springs are in pretty good shape actually, so I’m torn between SOA and lift springs. It also seems there aren’t a ton of MJ lift spring options out there (for the rear). Going to use a 9” out of another Jeep, but no discs....it’s on the list!

That’s quite a statement!! Great to hear since I wouldn't expect AAL to give the best ride.

That’s great advice, thanks! It would be awesome if I could find a revalving kit to match the Comanche weight. I’m not even sure if the length of those shocks is going to work, but fingers crossed.

As mentioned in another thread, I’m looking at options to build up an MJ for overland/camping-type work. All these guys in shiny Toyotas want to bomb down forest service roads and I’m usually rattling my teeth trying to keep up. So, without getting insane (no $$$$ bypass shocks or super custom suspension), what’s my best shot at getting a smooth ride on dirt/gravel at moderate speeds? Tires: I’ll be running 32-33ish tires. Front suspension: Metalcloak progressive springs seem like a great spring option. And I’ll likely have some sort of 3-link. Should I stick with rubber bushings over heims? Rear suspension: SOA is easy and keeps a fairly flat stock spring. Or is there a better stock height spring I should use? There will be a decent amount of load on the rear most of the time (bed rack, tent, etc). Shocks: I have a set of YJ Bilstein 5100’s I’d like to try and fit. I wasn’t super impressed with them on the YJ, but that suspension was super stiff anyway. What else should I consider?? Thanks!!

Great feedback, and I did read your other post, so thank you! You have a really good point about the repaint taking away from the originality. One of the reasons I bought this Jeep is because the repaint was reflected in the price and I got a pretty good deal on it. Hmmmmm.

Well I shouldn’t have waited til midnight if I was going to reply to everyone. But thanks a ton for the input, that’s just what I was looking for. Here is some info I purposely left out that is really making this tricky... - I have another MJ that is much nicer. It’s an 88 and needs the AX-15 out of the red one. But....it has 186k miles. - I have a set of decently built 4.56 axles (D30, 9”) with ARBs sitting in the shop. - Since I’ll use it for business, I want it to look clean...so any cheaper vehicle I find would probably take more body/paint work than I’m interested in. I think the 95k miles is really my hang up. I wish it had more miles Whatever happens, if I come back in a year and start talking about one ton axles, molesting the body, and drivetrain swaps, please stop me.

I think this is what actually has me stumped and actually considering building the Jeep. Some of the higher priced vehicles I’ve seen lately have been modified and modernized somewhat.

Ok that’s fair I think the sunset and super clear day were working against me. In real life I’d say it’s bright-ish red.

I live in Asheville, so no shortage of beer. Also spent several years in Seattle. But, still, I can’t get enough of NE IPAs every year when I visit NH and VT. Hill Farmstead, Fiddlehead, Stoneface...mmmmmmm

Picked some of this up at the end of last year in Asheville and actually really liked it. Pretty cool it’s made with coffee from Dynamite Coffee, a local roaster with a very good guy as the owner!

I’d like to get the group’s thoughts on the value of modified MJs. I bought a pretty nice 89 Eliminator, 1-owner, 4.0, 5-spd, 95k miles. It’s very straight, clean, excellent condition except the repaint is maybe a 7/10. Factory buckets, I have the original wheels, totally unmolested except for the current wheels on it.... I would like to build an MJ as an overlanding vehicle to showcase products and use for business-related shows and events. Also just use it as a cool platform for camping with a rooftop tent. It would be fairly mild with 33’s, 3-link, bumpers, 4wd conversion. I also would likely do a 97+ exterior swap (I like the older interior style too much and it’s in great shape). No sheet metal cutting or body modifications. Finally, to the point...how does the market treat Comanches modified like this (mild build with 97+ front end)? I know it will appreciate well in its current stock state, especially with under 95k, but would the value still be decent modified?? Or do I find yet another truck in worse shape to build? Also, I know it’s my truck, I can do what I want with it, blah blah. But I don’t want to ruin a nice (mostly) original truck and you guys always have good insight!!

I was able to do it on mobile! Just wasn’t able to find it at first

Thanks a lot!! I’m overdue for a visit to Eastern NC!

Interested in a SWB bar

Thank you very much!!

1989 Comanche Eliminator 4.0 / AX-15 / 2wd Current Location: NC, I’m looking to buy! Would love to see some of the build specs, will the VIN identify axle ratio?

Thank you for such thorough responses!! Definitely sound advice and some very good points to think about. I’ll keep the group updated

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the input!! Excellent points all around, especially the fact that no “normal” person will buy a truck that is not running well...and it will probably sit a while as-is at that price. I’ll probably throw a low offer down, see if it sticks, and keep looking!!

Thanks for the education on the CCV system 👍🏼 So currently here are the symptoms that may suggest the most serious engine issues: 1) High volume of smoke/air coming out of the oil fill cap and CCV hose going to the air box when running. The smoke is visible and fairly high velocity. 2) Gas smell and “thin” feeling oil on the dipstick. 3) “Bubbling” in the overflow bottle...but after comparing to my running 88 4.0, this may just be coolant pouring into the overflow bottle. I’m still learning about the Renix engine differences, all my previous Jeeps have had HO engines with an open coolant system. 4) Engine dies with more than about 10% throttle while driving. Since the fuel pump and filter were recently replaced, I’m thinking this might be vacuum related. Any thoughts on numbers 1 and 2? Seems to point to ring issues and lack of compression...but also could be related to the Jeep not being operated much the past several years.

Oh man, this is what most $1500 Comanches look like around here... https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/733085310622982/

The CCV tube from the valve cover to air box was definitely pumping fumes and smoke into the air box, so it sounds like a bad CCV valve or way too much blow-by? The air filter was completely saturated with oil. $1500 sounds like a reasonable deduction to me. I’ll see if he minds me checking compression, though I’m still concerned about the head gasket. Thanks for the multi-MJ warning! My YJ is already starting to get worried...

I promise I know how to use the internet... Is there a way to add a signature on the mobile version of the forum??

Thanks a lot!! That truck is exactly what’s causing me to look for a second...I can’t bear to modify it at all.