What if you could build a brand new Jeep Comanche?

[JeepcoMJ]

build it with a frame.

 

make it more rust proof with less pinch welds.

 

4.0 or a decent little NON-CHRYSLER DESIGNED turbo diesel. 5 speed is a standard base model option, with the automatic being harder to find/get.

 

 

 

ZERO modern day "safety" devices. screw air bags, on star, automatic parallel parking, antilock brakes, etc.

 

 

I want all power options, leather, seating for 4, a little wider body, and longer wheelbase with frame and axle ratings high enough to actually tow a god dang trailer.

[glundblad]

I am gonna get grief on this but put it on a reinforced JK unlimited frame (no unibody). I like the thought of rubber bushings. Solid axles. D30/D44. Small CRD diesel. Hemi would be optional for the folks that don't understand the benifits of Diesels. Interior has screws visible everywhere so it can be tore apart if needed. Carpet is an option.

Needs to have a Chief option like the '70's had with the indian blanket interior. Should be at the price point of a wrangler, not a grand cherokee.

[Justin_k]

Mine would include:

-A frame

-Hemi

-5 speed (AX15?)

-throw a NP 242 in there

-True duals with some decent sounding mufflers Magnaflow?

-Dana 44's front and rear with a posi rear

-Disk brakes all around

-Leather

-Power options

-Long box

-A set of floor pans and rocker panels that would not rust.

-Pre bedlined floor with removeable carpet

-'97+ interior

 

I have been thinking about this for some time :cheers:

[dasbulliwagen]

I am gonna get grief on this but put it on a reinforced JK unlimited frame (no unibody). I like the thought of rubber bushings. Solid axles. D30/D44. Small CRD diesel. Hemi would be optional for the folks that don't understand the benifits of Diesels. Interior has screws visible everywhere so it can be tore apart if needed. Carpet is an option.

Needs to have a Chief option like the '70's had with the indian blanket interior. Should be at the price point of a wrangler, not a grand cherokee.

 

Have you priced a Wrangler lately????? Aint much difference between the two. The Wrangler is The best seller right now, so they don't discount them much if any.

[Lenard]

 

make it more rust proof with less pinch welds.

 

ZERO modern day "safety" devices. screw air bags, on star, automatic parallel parking, antilock brakes, etc.

 

 

That's all i want 8)

[TheYeti1775]

Heck I would be happy if they just started building them again. :cheers:

 

 

But design wise.

 

1. Full Frame - keep width the same

2. Extended Cab option, small bench or jump seats

3. 6 or 8ft bed difference in the ext cab option

4. Dana 44 Rear

5. Rubicon package, front D44 (TJ) with locker options

6.a. Base Model is 5spd 4cyl 4x4 (no truck should be 2wd).

6.b. Engine options 4cyl / 6cyl / 8cyl / small diesel - V8 can be a special edition only. Diesel needs to be a reliable small one for what we are building to stay in the Comanche sizing. 6cyl should not be a dang mini-van engine. Bring back the tried and true 4.0L's.

6.c. Other options - Automatic / Bench or Bucket Seating / Off-road package (beefier suspension parts / no carpet)

7. Good tow rating, let me pull at least a pop-up camper or a small boat.

8. Stock tire size should be started at 31" All-terrains. Rubicon Edition starts with a 32" Mud-Terrain and full skids.

9. Rust-Proof :clapping:

10. Swing out bumper tire carrier option

 

Otherwise styling keep it the same.

[glundblad]

I am gonna get grief on this but put it on a reinforced JK unlimited frame (no unibody). I like the thought of rubber bushings. Solid axles. D30/D44. Small CRD diesel. Hemi would be optional for the folks that don't understand the benifits of Diesels. Interior has screws visible everywhere so it can be tore apart if needed. Carpet is an option.

Needs to have a Chief option like the '70's had with the indian blanket interior. Should be at the price point of a wrangler, not a grand cherokee.

 

Have you priced a Wrangler lately????? Aint much difference between the two. The Wrangler is The best seller right now, so they don't discount them much if any.

 

Yea, I own one. 2009 Rubicon.

[jeepdoggydogB]

Lots of really good info posted on this subject. For me if I want a new or modern feature I add it to my current truck, we can add better brakes, drivetrain, engine, induction, insulation, axles, and a host of modern electronics. It is looking like folks might really want a 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup like the old J20 to be rebadged as a Comanche. I totally get the diesel, but wouldn't necessarily want it in a hybrid frame unibody or a strong V-8 for that matter. I really liked the J20 because it wasn't as large as a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge in its time, and if I could get a J20 with all the goodies mentioned here I wouldn't need a 1/4 ton pickup (like our beloved MJ's) or any of the larger pickups. The J20 has an excellent frame and its size is really kind of in between the larger trucks, but yet it can take on 3/4 duties. I guess that would be what I would want in a future Comanche. :cheers:

[jteckmann]

I'd like to see Jeep make two different trucks. And given their current line-up, I think they have the means to easily do it, and there'd be a successful market for both.

 

The first would be that "Nukizer" concept they showed off at Moab. Perfect as is. Base it on the JK Unlimited frame, keep the updated Gladiator styling. Have the same trim levels as the Wrangler - entry level Sport up to loaded out Rubicon. Have the soft top as an option. And have 3 available engines - the V6, the 2.8 Diesel, and the Hemi. It would be a serious off-roader that made all the Jeep purists proud. And since it's not full-sized, it wouldn't compete with the Ram and it'd have it's own niche. I'm dumbfounded as to why they aren't already building it.

 

The second truck I'd like to see them make is a true light duty compact. Probably base it off the Liberty or (gasp) even the Patriot. Available in 2WD or 4WD. 6' bed, has around a 1K payload or can tow 2K-3Klbs. Base 4cyl with the V6 or hopefully an economical diesel as options. Good road manners, suitable for light off-roading. Gets high 20's to 30mpg. A base model starts off with a budget price: <$20K

 

I know it sounds blasphemous to suggest that Jeep make another "softroader" (but remember, I'd also have them be building the Nukizer to fill the off-road market). But, as much as I like to joke about the Patriot, truth is that it's 4WD capabilities are more than enough for 95% of the market. There are a lot of people that just need a plain utility truck - something that can be an economical DD during the week, spend the weekend fetching supplies at the hardware store, and handle the occasional camping/skiing trip. This used to be a market that was well served, but the options have dried up over time. The Ranger, the Toyotas, and the Nissans - they've all gotten bigger, bloated, and more expensive. There's almost no difference between them and a 1/2 ton full-size truck anymore. I honestly think that if Jeep could recapture that segment, they'd make a killing. Not to mention the mass quantities they could sell as a government, fleet, or rural delivery vehicles.

[75sv1]

It depends if you are looking at something that would be production or what I would want. There is a bit of difference. Now for production, and what I would want to is a larger door size. The 2 door from the Cherokee would be nice. I like the 4.0L. I don't think it would make production. If it did (say like GM's I-5), then it would be a cross flow head. That would also get rid of the cross over pipe. I think that chokes off some HP. So, for production an I-4, an I-5, I-6 or V6, possibly a small V-8. I like the Ecco boost concept of Ford. Also, a 4cyl diesel. Cummins of course, but smaller than the B4T. There are 7 different 4 cyl diesels in Cummins line up. It would sit higher. I like the dimensions of the Ford Ranger. The Comanches need to sit a bit higher like the newer trucks in this class. I used a Ranger Splash a few months ago. I was surprised at the room in its cab.

Keep the 6 ft bed and 7.5 ft bed. I like the Ford 8.8 axel and disk brakes. I do like the Jeep 2500 front end. I have an NV3550 in mine, so one of those or the 6-speed. Of course for production it would need an auto. The present one does good. I'd also put in an auto trany cooler and a P/S cooler. An oil cooler too. Hey, my MB 240D has one.

The front axles a Dana 44, but more like the one in the Waggy. Maybe without the lock outs. I'd also like a Dana 300 transfer case with 4:1 gears. Maybe a Klune gear reduction, too.

The mirrors off the latter Cherokees and the power doors. Also, the stereo system setup. I think the build I am doing will come close. Just not the streatched cab or the diesel engine.

Tom

[Sir Sam]

5. Rubicon package, front D44 (TJ) with locker options

 

JK dana 44 is a much better unit than the TJ d44.

[JeepcoMJ]

5. Rubicon package, front D44 (TJ) with locker options

 

JK dana 44 is a much better unit than the TJ d44.

 

bull. it's wider, with no change in axle tube diameter. geometrically, it's weaker because there is more leverage against the differential housing.

 

 

trussed (properly), yes it's stronger than a stock tj44 up front. stock...nope, not a chance.

[Sir Sam]

5. Rubicon package, front D44 (TJ) with locker options

 

JK dana 44 is a much better unit than the TJ d44.

 

bull. it's wider, with no change in axle tube diameter. geometrically, it's weaker because there is more leverage against the differential housing.

 

 

trussed (properly), yes it's stronger than a stock tj44 up front. stock...nope, not a chance.

:shake:

 

JeepcoMJ:

Wider = weaker.

[TheYeti1775]

5. Rubicon package, front D44 (TJ) with locker options

 

JK dana 44 is a much better unit than the TJ d44.

 

bull. it's wider, with no change in axle tube diameter. geometrically, it's weaker because there is more leverage against the differential housing.

 

 

trussed (properly), yes it's stronger than a stock tj44 up front. stock...nope, not a chance.

:shake:

 

JeepcoMJ:

Wider = weaker.

Also the fact if you look at my list I said keep it the same width. Hence the TJ D44 fitting right up for it.

[Sir Sam]

Also the fact if you look at my list I said keep it the same width. Hence the TJ D44 fitting right up for it.

 

And if you look at my list you'll see I said a narrowed JK d44.

 

Plus, I said it first. :yes:

[neohic]

I was thinking about this today. I guess I think of more what would it look like rather than what should it offer. Sure it'd be awesome to see a little diesel and solid axles and all the good stuff. Take a look through what Chrysler has to offer between the frame of a JK (which they use for a platform for awesome concepts already), the axles from a J8, and the CRD equipped vehicles and I think something could come to life. Drivetrains are swappable as are body modifications to make exactly what we want to see. Obviously, if a new Comanche were to be produced it probably wouldn't have the classic lines that we all know and love. But what could it look like? I like the idea that a slightly stretched wheel base of a JK Unlimited, the majority of the sheetmetal lines of a Liberty, and some magic fairy dust to make it all go together right would make for a real handsome love child.

 

 

... and offer it in lots of crazy '80s color schemes!!!

[HKB3]

Full frame

D60s F/R high pinion air or electric lockers

4bta

NV4500

Long Arms

35" tires

Blah, blah

Actually I'd just be happy with a brand new 1991/1992 MJ

[jakeWI]

either 4bt or 4.7 stroker, ax15, 44 front and rear, late model XJ style, extended cab. 6.5" long arms, 33 KM2's,

E-Locker front and rear

[87Warrior]

Ben, that is quite a rendering. If that thing showed up on a dealer lot with a few neat features, it would be in my driveway as soon as possible.

 

I think a new Comanche would actually sport the front clip of the JK. I would like to see a Comanche rendering with the new Grand front end.

[neohic]

... I think a new Comanche would actually sport the front clip of the JK. I would like to see a Comanche rendering with the new Grand front end.

 

Probably true, but if Jeep were to produce a vehicle with a previously used name, then the least they could do it change up some sheetmetal to something more familiar. I like the lines of the Liberty. The front isn't too far off either. Just bring the headlights down a little, put a separation between the headlights and the indicators, and throw a corner marker on the fender flare to keep things legal. I'll admit that I really don't care for the Liberty's oversized front flares, but I was thinking more off of what could be done with what they already produce.

 

As for the Grand front end... we'll see on the next rainy day I get.

[my86mj]

exactly as they were offered in 86 except with every option from trannys to t cases to axles to motor and yes v8 and boost is an option because i think smackin a tuner down in my farm truck would make me laugh uncontrollably

[johnny quest]

id be ok with one of these:

 

SRT8-MJ

[mpace6a]

For a new truck, I'd say the 97+ front end, and do like they did with the xj's in 97 and "soften" the body lines, smooth em out and what not.

As far as engines, Medium size v6 like the 4.3, small v8, and 4bta as options.

LIft would be standard, i don't much like the stock ride height. maybe offer something with a 2-3" lift over what was stock with 31's, and then a 6" lift with 33"s for an off road package. Towing package option with D44's all around. IN an offroad package add lockers as an option front/rear. 4x4 standard with the 242 tcase 4spd auto, 5spd option for v6/v8, and a 6spd option for the diesel.extended cab similar to the s10 with a 6.5ft bed, or standard cab with the 7 foot bed as options. solid windows, not the vent windows we see pre 97. keep the interior the same, but with the 30-20-30 style seats with a folding console, or buckets with a solid console. personally i would keep electronics to a minimum as i am not a fan of them unless they, and their wiring is simple.Also Have a "hidden winch" option behind the front bumper as well.

[Dadinator]

OK.

I'm going to try to be reasonable. Given the constraints of the OEM's...

 

I'd start with a lightweight true framed truck. Single Cab, modern 4 cylinder 2wd manual transmission standard. 6ft bed. Very few options should be an inexpensive truck.

A V6 model would be available with Chryco's new Wrangler engine. Also some sort of small diesel would be available.

Optional Automatic transmission. Optional 7 ft bed.

 

I would offer a extended cab as an option with a 6 ft bed.

 

There would be a metric ton / towing model with the V6 as standard with heavier springs and axles similar to the metric ton option in our comanches

The diesel as an option.

 

4x4 would come standard with more ground clearance and larger tires standard.

 

No Push Button 4x4 crap that manufacturers use now. Manual linkage.

 

There would be an off road package that came with lockers front/rear, greater ground clearance and even larger wheel/tire package and some factory lightweight skidplates, tow hooks.

 

 

Options would include: upgraded stereo, sunroof, leather seats, power windows, locks and seats, remote entry. Sliding rear window, bed liner, roll bar with lights and/or toolbox. Maybe an integral toolbox for the roll bar option.

The 4X4 models would have the additional options of: rocker guards, and a front winch.

 

 

A 4 door crew cab would be available, probably with a 4-5 ft bed. (Not my taste, but would probably sell)

 

My choice would be the extended cab 4x4 with either the V6 or the diesel (Depending on the price), manual tranny, off road package/with the metric ton / towing package. Roll bar w/lights, toolbox that integrated, sliding rear window, bedliner, rocker guards and front winch, sunroof and upgraded stereo. If all that came in a package with the power windows and locks, I'd take them, but not needed.

 

I would pass on leather seats, power options.

 

As far as styling, I like the Nukieser a lot. It would have real round headlights and a jeep looking grill. I would not have the JK's plastic fenders and bumpers, though. Plastic flares are OK, but not the whole fender like the JK's. I also like the Brute a lot as far as styling.

[mpace6a]

Now we just need to make a list of all the mutual wants, send it to jeep, and tell them its a must have!