madmax

Gogmogo: Thanks very much. I also noticed that the steering damper, which I have on my MJ, was missing in the photo. My plan is to check for balance and also check the condition of all the bushings, tre's, and ball joints, and replace the front shocks, which are quite old.

Gogmorgo--it's a bone stock 2wd Comanche. I think the shocks actually may be original as the truck was stored for many years before I acquired it.

Lee21490--Does the photograph also apply to a 2WD Comanche? Thanks for the help!

So I am going down the road at 50 mph in my 88 Sporttruck Comanche when I hit a bump in the road. The steering wheel begins to shake and continues to shake until I come to a full stop. Visually, I could not see any problems. I continued driving slowly home (45 mph max) and no further problem. What could cause this reaction?? Also, If I were to rebuild the front suspension, what exactly should be replaced or repaired? The truck is in nice shape with only 84,000 miles. Just need to figure out how much need to be done and what the cost could be for a full rebuild. Thanks for any help!

I need front liners for my 1988 sport truck, 2.5 4 cylinder. Will the 94 liners mentioned above work for me? Thanks!

Thanks!

Have seen front chrome bumper "kits" for Comanche for sale on Ebay, including brackets, bumper guards and end pieces, for $125 or so. Has anyone had any experience with these? Was wondering if the bumpers were of reasonably good quality. Thanks for any input!

Thanks for the comments. What about the leaf springs? They seem okay for now, do not look like they are sagging. Do leaf springs wear out with time and use?

I have a 1988 Sportruck in very nice, very original condition, with only 80,000 miles. It runs great, but the suspension seems a little harsh. I think it probably has the original shocks. My question is, since the shocks are 27 years old, should I go ahead and replace them, or is mileage more important than age? Also, would appreciate recommendations on replacement shocks--truck is not lifted and have no plans other than to keep the truck basically stock. Thanks!

Thanks for the comments!

Looking at a set of Jeep Wrangler Ravine wheels. I know that they will fit my 88 Comanche, but am unsure if the offset makes a difference in how the Jeep will handle. If I buy them, I plan to use normal size tires, probably something like 225-70R15. Anyone have experience with these wheels? Thanks!

Very impressive. Would love to see some pics of your hinge and sliding locks....

I removed it--a real bear to get to--and tucked the power lead back under the dash. Now I have a nice quiet ride!! The timer is a real Rube Goldberg looking thing, filled with small gears that mesh together.You would think that to save money, the manufacturer would simply have placarded the engine compartment with a notice to replace the O2 sensor at the correct mileage.

Thanks for the info. I may just remove it and save it. The truck I bought is absolutely bone stock, 77K miles, original paint, etc. (even has the original AMC branded keys) I am a little reluctant to make any serious permanent modifications for that reason.

So I have a very annoying rattle/buzz coming from my dash in my 1988 MJ Sportruck. After investigation I find the noise is coming from a very curious looking part under the dash which I have now identified as the "Emissions Maintenance Timer". My question is "What the hell is this thing????" and "Can I live without it????". I guess as another issue is whether I can find the part if I simply need to replace it. Thanks for any help!

Does anyone know if rubber bed rails can be purchased for a Comanche Short Bed? I have found a source where you have to cut and fit, but would prefer to find one designed for a Comanche. Also, has anyone had any experience with the spray on bedliners? My bed is in great shape, but was considering a liner for practical purposes. Apparently no one makes the drop in liner anymore for a Comanche. Thanks!

So I had my serpentine belt replaced last week, along with the heater control valve. I had taken my 88 MJ, 2.5L in because I wanted to flush the radiator and refilled (the water in the holding tank looked very dirty and was a little low). The mechanic recommended replacing the belt and I agreed since the records I had on the truck indicated that the last belt was changed 11 years ago. Today, I lost most of the coolant and when I stopped and checked the engine, steam and noise seemed to be coming from the water pump (which is probably the original pump as the truck only has 77,000 miles on it.) I guess it could just be a coincidence that the pump has gone out just a few days after the belt was replaced, but I was wondering if the belt can be over tensioned and cause the pump to fail? The belt seems a little tight, but I really don't know if that could make the pump fail. Would appreciate any thoughts on this issue as I am a little reluctant to take the truck back to the same place. Unfortunately do not have the time to fix myself.

Thanks very much, that's very helpful!

I have an 88 MJ Sport truck that is identical to yours, except red in color. How hard was it to convert to power steering? I would like to do that for mine.

I have found some rims that I like, they are 16X7", with the correct bolt pattern, with backspacing and offset close to the stock wheels, My question is, are there any drawbacks to going to a taller rim? I suppose I could use lower profile tires to try to maintain the same height as the stock wheels. My Comanche has not been lifted, has stock suspension. Thanks for any input

What is the proper thermostat temperature level for a 2.5L, manual trans Comanche? 160, 180, 195?? can't find the spec! Thanks!

The prices mentioned in this thread are interesting. I thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth. Last month, I was at the Mecum's car auction in Kissimmee, Fl and two Comanches were auctioned off. One was a 1988 base model, 2.5L, 4 spd, SWB. It was very nice, very original, beautiful re-paint with original color. Had 171,000 miles. It sold for $6750.00, including a $500.00 buyer's premium. The other was a 1987 base model, 2.5L, 4 spd, SWB. This one, however, had been painted over every inch of the body and bed with an orange Rhinoliner paint. I thought it was hideous, but recognize that others may have found it attractive. It had a so-so interior and I don't recall the mileage. It sold for $3000.00 including the $500 buyer's premium. (Immediately after the auction, the buyer had the truck on Ebay for a buy-it-now price of $9995.00!!) If you go to the Mecum's website, you may be able to view pictures of these 'Manches. Having watched the market for the last few years, in my opinion the selling price of Comanches is definitely on an upward trend.

Just wondering.....is it easier to change the gears in the differential housing, or simply swap out the entire differential? Thanks for all the helpful comments!!

Is it simply a matter of swapping one transmission for the other? Nothing else needs to be done? Will the bellhousing need to changed? Thanks.

Hi all. I just purchased a very nice 88 sportruck, 2.5L, with AX4 4 speed. It is a 2WD, SWB. The truck is remarkably original and clean, with only 76K miles. I am effectively the third owner, with the 2d owner owning the truck for 25 years and storing it for the last 5--10 years. I drove the truck approx 800 miles from western Ky to Jax, Fl and it ran flawlessly. Having previously owned a 1989 2.5L Comanche with a 5 speed (which was unfortunately t-boned and totaled last year) I gotta tell ya---I REALLY MISS THE 5 SPEED TRANNY!!! What I would like to know is how difficult is it to swap in the AX5 tranny? Is it a straight bolt in? Do I need to replace the bellhousing? What about the rear end, do I need to be concerned about the gearing? (I think it is a 3.55 according to the build sheet I found under the seat). Any comments, suggestions, etc., would be appreciated. I hope to get some pics up soon. Thanks!