tips on buying a comanche

[comanche13]

is there any thing you should look for that were problems with the comanche and is there anywhere rust really grows. anything else that you should mention?

 

its a 4L 5 speed long box pioneer 1989

[BLHTAZ]

They have the quirks with electrical issues of many different types, but you don't typicaly get to meet those right away ;) . Check it over for wires that look out of place or added in, cut, spliced etc, etc... Could be clues to problems that have been bandaged.

 

Rust is typically the worst in the floor boards, rocker panels (under the doors) and on the bed sides around the flares.

[500 MJ]

It its rusty enough, take a good look at the uni-frame and see if its any good or not. If its nice and crusty, there isnt much life left in the truck unless you plan on doing some major patching to the frame...

 

Dana 44 rear ends are available on the comanche as an optional "metric ton package" from 1987-89. The more desireable AX-15 manual trans replaced the BA-10 in (1989 and 3/4) 1990.

[Akula69]

If you have a willing seller, and want to take the time you can check the oil pressure (on a non-nechanical gauge remove sender and install hand gauge and run engine) to get an idea of how the engine internals might be doing. The cluster gauge should show 40-60 at idle and vary with idle speed if engine is not too gummed up.

 

Not scientific, but if you've got over 150K on the clock and she has not been gone through she might run well now but be a problem later.

 

Then the usual: Strange valve sounds, Leaks (all jeeps leak - but is it just peeing like a cow on a flat rock?), If manual trans - shifting and clutch issues, etc, etc.

 

From these forums I have noted that tire balancing, steering and control arm stuff is bound to be loose, bent, bad, or just generally needing attention in most all cases because of the age of our trucks.

 

All in all, you might get lucky and find one that has not been dogged and taken care of. Generally, if you find one that has had the issues addressed it will be substancially higher in price..bring the information on your potential buy here and persons more expert then I can help you further.

[mjeff87]

If manual trans - shifting and clutch issues, etc, etc.

 

Also if a manual tranny, take a peek under the dash at the back of the clutch master cylinder for leaks. If it's leaking, it will be dripping down directly on the fuseblock, and will eventually trash it and all the fuses in it. Make sure the fuseblock is in good shape....pulling the interior harness to install a new one is not fun.

 

Jeff