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Hey everybody, my name is Dan, and this is my first post. I've been lurking a while now and I have to say, this is one of the best forums I've ever come across. The vast amounts of information and inspiration are very helpful to new owners. And there is a shocking abscence of bickering, oversensitivity and internet tough guys that seem all too common on other forums. With that said, it's about damn time to start talkn bout Comanches... I've had my eye on getting a Comanche for a couple years. Started seriously looking last January, had a few slip through my fingers, but finally got one in March. Got lucky and found an 87 SWB 2wd 5spd with just under 130k and completely stock. Picked it up for $1800. ;) It had some water leaks(carpet was wet) and needed tires. When I went to leave after sealing the deal, the starter stopped working. So the seller gave me back $60 for a new starter. So for the next day I had to give the starter some love taps to get her going. Turned out to be a loose signal wire. Score! Also, I forgot how much I like driving midsize trucks with a manual trans. Here she is a few days after I bought her: Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics before I started wrenching on it.. Was just really excited. I installed a tool box that I had on a couple other trucks and bought those wheels/tires on craigslist. $70 with pretty worn BFG A/Ts. But they weren't dry rotted like the tires that came on the truck, so that's something.

Well I'm starting my build. First, I must say there are many, many nice Comanche builds on this site. Lots of information and ideas to pull from. The truck is a 4X2 Jeep Comanche with a 4.0 and 5-speed. The goal is to build a reliable 4x4 truck, that can be driven daily. I'm going to start "Low Budget", and work up from there. In other words, I want to get the truck up and running, then start modifying from there. Example, I'm using the stock upper and lower control arms, however I have plans to change them out in the future. What I don't want is a 3 to 10 year build and never being able to drive it. I want it driving & 4X4ing in just a few months. Then build up from there. (its NOT my daily driver, just another hobby truck. :) ) I bought a 92 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 4X4 with Auto, for parts. The 4X4 worked, the interior is in real good shape. The list: convert to a 4X4, 5.5" lift, swap in a Chrysler 8.25 rear (longer shackles in rear) lockers front-n-rear, install Automatic, 4.7 Stoker motor electric fans redo the inside, new or rebuilt inside (rug, seats, dash,,,) under-body armor other misc stuff. I started the project with the suspension and lift. I got the lift parts from the $600 lift thread. http://comancheclub.com/topic/35519-55-600-mj-lift-cheap-high-quality-100-complete-lift/ All the lift parts came in, we started installing it. So far so good. Image Not Found Image Not Found Doing a spring over on the rear axle. Once we get the axles under the truck again, we'll pull the engine and Transmission. clean the engine bay up, paint and what not. Questions: Should I do a slip yoke removal on the transfer case? Should I put a CV joint on the rear shaft?