James92

==================================== 1992 Jeep Comanche Build Thread ==================================== Model: 1992 Jeep Comanche (Base) | Built: 01/23/92 Drivetrain: 4.0L | AX-15 | 4x4 | Short Bed | Dana 44 LSD Rear Background: Hey all! I've been meaning to start this for a little while to document the progress on my Comanche. Growing up in New York, my family always had Jeeps — a 1995 ZJ 5.2, 1998 ZJ 5.9, 2002 WJ Overland 4.7HO, 2007 WK 4.7, and now a 2018 WK2 Hemi. While the Grand Cherokees are great family trucks, I was always obsessed with the boxy styling of the XJ. And as a big fan of small pickup trucks, the Comanche was the obvious dream rig. Unfortunately, in NY, MJs have been off the road since long before I had a driver's license. You just don’t see them - rust and time took almost all of them (as most of you are very familiar with). I looked on and off for a few years but eventually gave up. Then I moved to California. The cars here are incredible. No rust, clean frames, and original paint everywhere. How is that possible? People out here don’t know how lucky they are. With new hope (and a better climate), the MJ search began again. I’ve had too many project cars I was only half-invested in because they weren’t exactly what I wanted. This time, I promised myself I’d hold out for the right one, something I could build and keep long-term. The target: a 1991-92 Comanche short bed, 4x4, 4.0L, 5-speed. Turns out that spec is rarer than hen’s teeth. Once again, I figured it wasn’t going to happen. Then one random Sunday evening, I opened Facebook Marketplace, and there it was. The exact truck I’d been dreaming of. I couldn’t believe it. I messaged the seller immediately, and by Monday afternoon I was there with cash in hand. One quick test drive later, I was totally sold. It's a base model MJ that I picked up in very solid shape. It's almost completely original and very clean. It even still has the factory rubber plate under the engine bay! There isn't any major body damage, the worst thing is a couple minor door dings. The Carfax shows it never left a 20 minute drive from the town it was sold in! The original owner checked off some great options, especially the factory Dana 44, 3.07 LSD, and A/C. My plan is to keep it reliable, useable, clean, and enjoy it. It's been a blast to drive so far. I took it up the Sonora pass (pictured above) at 9600' elevation and it didn't skip a beat. The 3.07s are great for highway driving, and the truck cruises easily at 70. ========================== Completed Work ========================== ✅ Krustyballer Tow Hitch powder coated and installed ✅ Rear bumper straightened + powder coated ✅ Spare tire carrier installed ✅ Single DIN Android Auto head unit with backup camera ✅ Replaced bent up front bumper with junkyard unit ✅ Rear main seal replaced (fun...) ✅ New sway bar end links and bushings ✅ Fixed play in tilt column ✅ New cat-back exhaust with SS Magnaflow muffler ✅ Fix seat mounting brackets ✅ Coolant Flush ✅ Transmission Fluid Change ✅ Replaced cracked fender flare ✅ Replaced cracked exhaust manifold ✅ New valve cover gaskets ✅ Power steering pulley replaced ✅ New lower radiator hose ✅ New O2 Sensor ✅ New Heater Hoses ✅ Fresh Transmission Fluid ✅ Front & Rear axle fluid changed with lube locker gaskets ===================== 🔧 In the Pipeline ===================== 🧰 Transfer case fluid change 🧰 Fix broken odometer 🧰 Redo headliner 🧰 Fix water leaks in cab 🧰 Install carpeting 🧰 Replace transfer case output shaft seal =========================== 🙌 Thanks for Reading! =========================== I'll try to keep this thread updated as I knock stuff off the list and I'll be posting more pictures below. Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated!

Ah, thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to do some digging. Wow, that's an interesting idea. I'll have to dig into it. Thanks!

I bought some to use on my fender flares a month or two ago and haven't gotten around to it yet. I saw some reviews that applying it can be iffy and leave streaks. Have you used it and had any issues?

Ah, fun time. I just did mine last weekend! Nice job

Auto and Truck Bumpers https://www.atbumpers.com/ (510) 881-1886 Turnaround is ~4 weeks, including the powder coating. I called him and he gave me a cell number to text a pic of my bumper to, then gave me an estimate.

My odometer works for the first few miles when you start the truck, then stops counting. It varies, but sometimes it'll work for 3 miles and other times for 20 miles. The speedometer and tach work fine. The trip odometer tries to turn, but ultimately doesn't get anywhere. Any ideas? I havent taken the cluster out yet, just trying to get some ideas of what to look for. Thanks!

Thanks!! Yeah I'm a big fan of the stock bumper. None of the aftermarket ones do it for me. The $350 to straighten the bumper I was okay with. I was planning on either painting it, or I have a friend who would've powder coated it for a little cheaper. So the extra $275 I was not a fan of... but whatever it's done now. And man it looks so much better now, especially with Brandon's hitch underneath! Huge upgrades to the rear of the truck. I also snagged a spare tire carrier and installed a spare under there, and a new catback with shiny chrome tip :) Being in the bay area definitely adds a little to the price. But, it also means I was able to find a shop within ~45 minute drive that actually specializes in bumper straightening and re-chroming (mainly on 40s and 50s cars), and didn't need to deal with shipping it. So that's a plus. Too bad about yours! It looks very clean otherwise. This guy would definitely be able to straighten it. I'd be happy to share shop details if you're interested. It certainly would be nice if someone made OEM style bumpers...

Haha definitely going to need to avoid scratching it! This is almost too nice for me to be trusted with... Ah, thanks for that. That makes me feel a little better about the whole thing! It does looks pretty darn good in the daylight.

Hmm I'll keep an eye out at ace next time I'm there. Thanks for the tip

Thanks guys! $350 to straighten it, $275 to powdercoat. Definitely a lot more than I wanted to spend. But it looks great.. I'm going to keep telling myself that to justify it.

Well, I decided to have the bumper straightened by a local shop. I asked for a quote on powdercoating, but they just went ahead and did it without telling me.. oh well. A little more expensive than I wanted, but it came out very nice!

Thanks guys. Heater hose is a good idea. I have been using my foot to stop the aggressive swing as well. I guess I'll just keep doing it! Haha

@watchamakalit Sweet! That looks great. I'll pm you. Thanks!!

Oh great!! Thanks a bunch!

Oh, also, I'd be very interested in a stock jack kit. Mainly the tire iron. I'm putting a spare tire under my bed now and realized I have no way to actuate the rod to lower the spare! Thanks!

@watchamakalit Yep! The carpet panel in the back of the cab. And the side molding I'm referring to is actually pictured on the first post in this thread. Thanks!

@watchamakalit I'd be interested in a gray carpet panel and side molding pieces. Particularly ones with the silver stripe. I'm missing driver and passenger door, and driver box side. Thanks!

My e-brake goes up with an aggressive whack when I release it. Is there supposed to be a rubber stop here? It looks like there is a hole for one to mount. Anyone know where I can get one that'll fit? Thanks!

Its a Pick n Pull. Once a car is in the yard, they refuse to sell it. Against CA law or something.... I've tried a couple times

It was definitely a shame to see it in there. Whoever scrapped it clearly didn't even try to sell it, because someone definitely would've snapped it up. It was a typical CA truck, totally rust free. I grabbed a bunch of parts on it at least, so it won't go completely to waste. Sad sight though

It was a 2wd

Dang this actually has an AX15 in it... the temptation to pull is strong.

Wish I had space for the bed! It's pretty straight and totally rust free. I'll grab the interior trim pieces. I don't exactly need them, but good to have as spares. If anyone does need them, let me know. I'm debating grabbing the bench. I have buckets that I like, but I'd hate to see this bench get scrapped.

Yes I did grab the VIN. It's an 89. I'll post it in the registry later, if someone doesn't beat me to it.

Moss Landing. Bit of a drive but I got up early and sent it.