VagaBond Comanches

I'm the proud and fortunate new owner of Project Scuzzy. What is the norm for sharing pics and progress for an MJ that already has a build thread? Makes sense to continue here with the detailed history that Jeff has already provided. Jeff was great to work with and I feel like I have a great daily driver that was painstakingly upgraded from a 2.5 2WD to what it is today. I've had "Scuzzy" here in Denver, NC for a couple weeks now. I've been removing the decals and glue residue from previous lower panel molding with a rubber wheel on a drill. I would normally use a heat gun and razor blade, but a local mechanic suggested a rubber wheel, ($12 on Amazon). I went to a local trailer shop and they wired the 4-flat and 7-way plug that is built into the Gladiator bumper. I splurged on a BW Tow & Stow hitch and installed the $150 tri-fold bed cover that fits a 2004-2012 Colorado w/6ft bed. Next project is to install a front lift to match the Metric Ton General Springs in the back that look like about 3" of lift. I picked up a set of MJ shackle relocation brackets that will add an additional 1 1/4" of lift. I also have some longer adjustable shackles I may use if needed to match the front. What shocks are people using for front and back with about 4" to 5" of lift? I'm planning to use Raptor Liner for the inside of bed. Should I use POR 15 first or another rust inhibitor before spraying the Raptor Liner? Body panels are pretty straight and I plan to keep the truck white, so I'm planning to tackle the dents and dings myself and find someone to spray a 15/15 paint job.

I just did the AX15 conversion on a 88 SWB and used the shorter AW4 Automatic driveshaft with a SYE.

I recently converted an 88 4WD to 4WD 😂. Mine had the Peugeot trans. Bought a 96 Cherokee donor with AX15 transmission. Changed out the transmission, transfer case and crossmember. Ordered Azzy’s 4WD shifter linkage. Changed out old CAD front axle for 96 D30 with bigger new Ujoints and new ball joints. I used a shorter driveshaft from an Automatic SWB MJ that worked with the SYE. I don’t have a shop or garage and I had back surgery recently. I paid a local shop roughly $2500 for labor. Flywheel, clutch, transmission, crossmember, linkage, ujoints, ball joints, shocks, brakes, tuneup, etc. Parts/donor vehicle roughly $2000 I will never get my money back, but I have a better transmission with external slave cylinder, better 4WD shifter and better front axle.

I’m using 4” lift leafs rear SUA and truck is miles away at a shop. I didn’t do measurements before dropping truck off for an engine swap. Does anyone have a part # or shock min/max for a 4” lift? TIA

Yeah, I’ve had some good experiences buying Comanches and parts overall, but some of these people make a deal and then evidently make another deal 😡😡😡. This particular 86 XLS looked to have a lot of options, so I was hoping it had the AMC 20 axle and MT springs.

Thanks, good to know for next project. My 88 SWB 4x4 is getting an AX-15 conversion and 96 XJ D30 this week. I’m gathering parts for similar upgrades/4x4 conversion for my 89 LWB 2WD. Thanks for your answers to so many questions.

The seller agreed to price and pickup, but isn’t answering texts or calls now. Guess the search will continue.

I’ve been reading through “swap” posts, and evidently the firewall issue isn’t a huge deal (I know how to swing a mallet). Also aware that later build dates have reformed firewall. The 86 is 4x4 2.8 auto, so I guess that means it has the 700 TorqueFlight trans. Hoping it has Selec-Trac vs Command Trac. seller hasn’t responded to multiple messages after agreeing to price and pickup today 😡😡😡. Best option seems to be the 3.4 liter engine. Can I just order a 3.4 crate engine and swap all the externals over?

Instead of starting a new thread, I have a related question. I’m buying an 86 Comanche tomorrow and I may use the bucket seats from the 86 in my 88 Comanche (88 brackets are pretty rusted). I know there are some differences between 86 and newer MJ’s. Are the seat brackets/floor mounting points the same? Is there a thread/post that lists the differences between 86 and newer MJ’s? Thanks, Shane

Where are you located? My bench seat is in a base 89. I haven’t found any rips or tears, but it needs the foam replaced as it seems to sit kind of low. It’s the grey vinyl. I can post some pics when I get home in a few days. Are your seats grey?

Great information, thanks! I’m hoping I can find seats from an MJ. If not, I think Krustyballer16 makes some brackets that will allow me to use XJ seats.

Looking for a set of grey bucket seats from Comanche or Cherokee. Prefer Laredo buckets that tilt forward.

I’m doing the Peugeot to AX15 conversion on an 88 SWB and 89 LWB. I’m assuming the Cherokee crossmember is the same as the Comanche.

Is this a relatively simple swap if I get the brackets from donor vehicle? Did the floor change between 96-97? Same question for door panels and center console.

Thanks for that info.

Thanks! Pressure washed the new wheels yesterday and will get new tires when I install the new leafs and ACOS up front. Going to PA on Monday to get a Dana 44 for the rear.

I’ve wanted to get one of these for the last several years, and just recently started looking around on various sites. This one is lacking 4WD and the AX15 transmission, but it’s a low mileage, rust-free, dent-free survivor so I went ahead and picked it up. So far, I’ve been able to purchase a later model AX15 2WD transmission, and today I ordered the General Spring 5/2 leaf springs with military wrap, JKS adjustable coil spacers and Skyjacker shocks. My goal is increased payload, better handling and better ground clearance. I’m planning to go with 31” tires and will adjust the front coils just enough to accommodate the larger tires. Tomorrow I’m picking up a set of the OEM turbine style wheels with center caps. I’ve seen different reports re: increased height with the General Springs. I’m hoping for 2”-2.5” in the rear and just enough up front to accommodate the larger tires. At 2”-3” of lift up front, will I need longer sway bar links or longer brake lines? Any other items I need to consider with just 2”-3” of lift? Is so, can anyone provide a source or part numbers? Thanks! Shane

Yeah, lesson learned. Won’t make that mistake again.

Thanks for confirming that. My 3:15 hr drive to get a donor 4x4 turned into 4:30 with rain and wrecks. Then after doing my walk around, I pop the hood and I’m staring at a 4 cylinder after confirming it was a 6, 😐😐😐😡😡😡. Now I have 3:15 hrs to get back home.

Both, it’s good to have options 😁. Got my 2WD trans today and going to look at a 4x4 donor vehicle today.

Thank you! There’s a local guy that specializes in Jeeps/Comanches. A transmission rebuild is way above my pay grade 😁.

Thanks, now I just need a newer bell housing.

Can anyone recommend a place near Charlotte, NC to rebuild an AX15? Anyone near Charlotte with an external slave bell housing? Thanks, Shane

I located an AX15 transmission to swap into my 89 2WD. The seller could only say that it came out of an XJ where the previous owner was upgrading to a 4x4 AX15. The seller does not know the year of this trans, or the year of the XJ it came out of. The current owner looked for numbers stamped on the case, but said he couldn’t locate any. Pic of trans below. What is different about a 2WD AX15 vs 4WD AX15 other than being bolted to a transfer case? I understand I will need a bell housing, AX15 crossmember/mounts and a bushing for the pilot bearing.