jeepdoggydogB

Thanks Motion and John i'll keep in drawtite in mind! BTW Motion what type of bumper is the one you are showing it looks like an interesting solution.

Excellent work! :bowdown:

Thanks fellas- Considering what I use my truck for having the winch location flexible is a major consideration very little modification, major flexibility are all positives. The only downside I could find is lifting the 100# winch to connect it to the reciever, and losing the front skidplate, but other than that all good qualities. If I were to go the front hitch route does anyone have any suggestions as to the best one? I like the hidden hitch, but it doesn't have any tow rings like the draw tite.

Hello Folks, Since the departure of my 1998 Wrangler with its Warn M8000 winch I have been pining for a winch for my MJ. There are two choices that I am considering: Going with a front trailer hitch http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-1991_jeep_Comanche.htm Or a Winch bumper like the detours backbone http://www.detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php Both solutions are close to cost neutral after you add all the accessories to the front trailer hitch. My family has alot of property and I used my old Warn to pull heavy trees and debris, abandoned engines and other heavy objects. I also light four wheel (I do not rock crawl with my Comanche or otherwise beat it up) my truck and have been hesitant to take it on trails I think I might get stuck on. At 50 years of age my aching back is reminding me of the days when I let the winch do some of my monthly chores for me. The last straw was trying to drag an old Ford truck motor up a ravine and get it into my bed to take to the steel mill :ack: . Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Joe, which pinion yoke are you using? The OEM one with the u-joint straps or the HD one that uses ubolts instead of the straps? The OEM yoke that came with the axle I bought had some slight grooves around the seal surface (that's why it's leaking I'm sure), so since I have to replace it I went with the stronger ubolt pinion yoke. AAARG. Should have done it the first time. Don, You are correct, went with the HD that bolts as I had to replace the driveshaft as well when I went SYE on the front. Haven't had any issues since then, but this axle did cost me way more money than I wanted to pay. :ack:

Don,I used the Timken seal, if it means anything after all the B.S. I went through (as you have) with seal leaks and bent axles, this was the last seal or anything else for that matter I had to replace on my Dana 44. :banana:

Hello Don, From my recollection you are correct, but I couldn't recognize side A as much as I remember side B in the pics. :ack:

:bowdown: Great writeup, I hope I never have to use it. I have been dreading having the heater core or evaporator dying as I have heard what a PITA it is to replace them.

I can remember my Pinewood Derby to this day from 1970, your son will never forget this event! The AMX you and your son devised is ingenius! I wish you both many many happy memories!

That's what I ended up doing Jeff. Tied them down on the axle in about the same spots as the tabs were on the 35. Noticed a couple of drops on the floor this morning under the diff. Looks like the pinion seal is leaking...........AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGG. :headpop: Don, You are having the same luck as I did with my Dana 44, like I have said if I had to do it over again I would have gone with an 8.8 and whwwl spacers and call it a day. :ack:

Don, Confirmed there is tabs and hardware mounted on the axle tubes, I can shoot a pic later. I am keeping an eye out on your auction as well! :cheers:

I will look at mine, I seem to recall tabs last time I was under there. My stock backing plates were rusted bad (Ohio truck), and some one had welded washers over the holes. :banana:

I was thinking in the $1,200 to $1,500 range would be more reasonable.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2195411027.html

Don, That's odd, its been installed on my 1991 since April of 2010 which came stock with the Dana 44. :eek:

Welcome to my D44 world Don, after all the leaking axle seals I found out one of my axles was bent. instead of the 250 shipped I just went ahead and picked up the Chromoly axle kit for about $400 shipped. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=22789&hilit=alloy At this point with the HP of a stroker, and knowledge that stock engines are bending D44 stock axles the alloy usa axle kit at $340 might not be a bad investment. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ALY-12135/ :cheers:

Hello Don, No drain plug on mine either. :cheers:

For whatever reason, I had always associated fan clutch issues with overheating in trafic.

I can't say for sure, but has "stop leak" been used on a long term basis to deal with radiator system leaks? My family owns Nissan dealerships in the area here (not that this is just a Nissan issue), and we have found those that used stop leak over a prolonged period gummed up their radiators and water pumps causing eventual over-heating. After flushing the system I recall one of the Technicians mention the heater wasn't working unless giving the vehicle gas. Replaced heater core (clogged with stop leak), and problem solved. One of my favorite past times of working at the dealerships was listening to war and horror stories about car repair jobs the technicians had. By today's standards those technicians were and are dinosaurs, but I sure learned a lot from them.

There was wooden little wooden truck that resembled a Jeep pickup . http://www.buysellcommunity.com/sale/GTEYSQBT/ You might be able to do a little cosmetic work to it, or ask the seller to make one for you.

Happy Birthday Pete and thank you for all your hard work here! :jump:

Don, A Dana 44 for a Comanche out here with good brakes can fetch $300 or more, I think it is a good deal for you. If my MJ didn't come with the Dana 44 (when you start hitting $300-$400 range) I would just get the 8.8. I don't want to start a 44 VS 8.8 war, but my 44 has required some investment. I have had chronic axle seal leaks, until I bought the Alloy Usa Chromoly axle kit. I am not knocking the 44 just letting folks know my experience. You recently sold NOS Comanche tail lights for over $500, why don't you look at it as buying one NOS tail light. ;)

There ain't no logic in Jeep addiction! :clapping:

Well Wade looks like you have 3X more projects and money to spend. ;)

Don (hornbrod) has an excellent writeup on this very mod. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5840