randimal Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 I'm new. I posted on the Yahoo group. I thought I should try here as well. I haven't started my project yet, but I already have most everything I need since I have a built XJ. I just need to find the MJ. Question. If you were starting from scratch, what model would you buy? Thanks. Here's the post from the group. *********************** Hi there, I'm new. I don't have a Comanche at the moment, but I have a built XJ with a 6 inch lift, 32s, 4:10s, SYE, Drop brackets, ARB Bull Bar, Armor, etc... But its engine is fairly dead at the moment. I actually have a Samurai for mild off-roading, and I have an old pickup truck for hauling. I decided I could basically trade in the truck and part out the Cherokee and build a pretty nice Comanche to do the job of both. That way I could tow the Samurai and my wife or friends could wheel the MJ. My plan is to TRY to find a short bed 4.0, Auto, 4x4 (or not) with a decent engine. These seem to be pretty rare. The long beds are easier to find, but don't seem like they would work too well off road. I'd like to find a stock rig so I could use all of my previous XJ investments. Are these things as hard to find as they seem to be? I need auto more than anything so my wife can drive it. Plus my XJ is auto and I like it. Transmission swaps sound pretty nasty. I doubt anyone on here has a stock rig but I could always ask. The prices seem to vary too. I've seen running rigs from 500 to 6000. Kinda wierd. Well, let me know if you have any info for me. Time is on my side. I'll find one eventually. Randy (Seattle Area) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Just get a 2wd and swap all the crap over from you XJ. It's easier in the long run. Maybe. Other than the rear driveshaft. And if I was starting from scratch, I'd be looking for a solid cab and that's it. Everything else just gets in the way and would drive the purchasing price up. Although, parts can always be sold off... But my idea of a rig differs from yours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 :agree: I have wheeled my LWB MJ at Tellico, and Paragon, and hopefully soon Harlan KY here is the same DB setup on my rig when it was On 33 all terrians and still my DD here is when it was still my driver, but no my DD. It was on 33 MT's with a terra flex long arm setup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 The shortbed MJ has a whopping 12" more wheelbase than an XJ. A longbed only has 6" more than that. The departure angle is the real bummer for the LB, but it's helped by fabbing a better bumper that doesn't hang down so low. Rocker guards are very important for all MJs. The big choices to make are long or short bed, auto or manual, A/C or not and 4.0L or 2.5L. Those are the hardest swaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feerocknok Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 If you want to tow your Sami with it, I'd suggest a LWB. Avoid French transmissions. I don't know the years that they were used, but everyone else on here does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Not to long ago we had a discussion on towing with an MJ. Lots of good info there. http://comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1546 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randimal Posted August 9, 2006 Author Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thanks guys. You rock. Some more comments below. About the LB...I'm still considering the LBs, they a lot easier to find. If I get one, I will fab a bumper right away and do the quarter panels while I'm at it. I'm tempted to bob it, but probably too much work for the benefit. What worries me a little is that we have a lot of trees out here. Some of our trails have long stretches winding through trees. I'm afraid I may need to grease the bed to get it to fit through. Plus a bit more chance of bottoming out. I guess I could get a 10 inch lift. (c= But I do know a guy here with a long bed comanche and he has done all the trails, so its mostly just paranoia on my part. If I find a really nice long bed I'll probably get it. About the Tranny...I need an auto and I want an AW4. I'm not sure if they made any other autos. I know there were some Pugeots, but they were manual. About the 2wd...Custom driveshafts are a little spendy (I have a NP242 with SYE). But if I get a good deal, I may pick up a 2wd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I paid $30 to have my 2wd driveshaft shortened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oizarod115 Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 picked up a 4x4 manual 4.0liter with no rust (knock on wood) in north GA for 1400. yeah its got the pukegoat but hey. its got whatcha need. just look around. this forum gets a LOT of FS ads for comanches. check for solid floorpans, seem to be what everyone hates bout their manches. ive got a shortbed and i DEFinately notice the difference in length from driving my mom/brothers XJ's wayy longer. i think either way you're gonna notice the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 check for solid floorpans, seem to be what everyone hates bout their manches. :dunno: :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randimal Posted August 10, 2006 Author Share Posted August 10, 2006 Looks like you got the "transmission maintenance access panel" option. I think that came with all Pugeots for the recommended weekly maintenance. (c= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 About the Tranny...I need an auto and I want an AW4. I'm not sure if they made any other autos. I know there were some Pugeots, but they were manual. All 4.0 autos came with AW4s. Rest assured. But, if you pick up a 2wd and convert it, the 2wd AW4 is of no use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randimal Posted August 10, 2006 Author Share Posted August 10, 2006 OK, so 2wd AW4 won't work....If I find a 2wd with AW4 and I swap in my 4wd AW4, do I have to bring my computer and wiring with it? I don't know if thats difficult, but it sounds nasty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Nope. Just plug and play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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