00DakotaR/T Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Howdy all. I have been “lurking” around this forum for almost eight months now. I have gotten a ton of info from this page for picking out a proper rig, to figuring out what my minor problems were. I guess seeing how this is supposed to be an introduction, I will introduce myself I picked up my Comanche the weekend before I headed down to SEMA, the other rigs I have, are a 2009 Challenger T/A, 2000 Dodge Dakota R/T, and a 1965 Polara with a 383, set up for mild bracket racing. I have had an infatuation with Comanche’s, since my buddy in the Marine Corps let me drive his Comanche Chief around. We had fun in that truck, and I had a blast when we did a road trip from Texas to California in his 4.0 with a 5 speed. Then loading up a U-Haul with all my belongings and rolling up to Washington State. Going up the grapevine, we had a max speed of 30MPH, and were getting passed by loaded semi-trucks. As a money grabbing scheme back then (I probably only made an extra $50) we took the truck to the gravel pit and loaded it full of gravel. I think he still has the 9,975lbs scale ticket. We both thought we were going to break the leaf springs, but that little truck held on for the trip. The rig I have is a 1987 Comanche long bed (wanted a short bed) painted gun metal grey, with a black hood and black cab top. I couldn’t say no to this rig once I saw all the great things about it. The body is 95% straight, it has an owner installed bed liner, a truck box. Came with a painted to match canopy, and to top it all off, it has the full drivetrain from a 93 Grand Cherokee. 5.2L V8. It also has the interior from a 95 Grand Cherokee. Since the guy was just a tinkerer, and wanted to move on to another project, he was generous enough to give me 2 other sets of stock Jeep wheels, 2 sets of fender flares, and another driveshaft. I was able to get all this fun stuff for $1800. Since I picked it up last October, I have pretty much used it as a daily driver, and only had minor issues, where this page was able to help me out fix them. I plan on turning this into my wheeling truck in the future, but for at least the next year it looks like it will be the daily driver. Once I get the chance though, I need to lift it up at least 2 inches, if not more. The Catilic Converter will need to go soon as well. I have a Dakota gas tank to put in the proper location (it has a Grand Cherokee tank in the rear, waiting to catch it on a curb one day). I also need to lighten up the tint, and get rid of the plush Grand Cherokee 6 way power seats, they sit about 3 inches higher than stock. For far future mods, I would like to get a newer Cherokee front clip, and get a short bed on it. It will also need an external cage for the cab (I want to protect the rig and myself) and some nerf bars. If I’m not tired of the rig by then, hopefully beef up the fairly weak (for a V8) 5.2 and place a built 5.9L. Now it’s time to see If I can post up some pics. 100_0030[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr 100_0036[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr 100_0032[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr 100_0035[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr 100_0034[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr 100_0038[1] by 00DakotaR/T, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H3RESQ Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 That is a very cool and unique truck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I seem to remember that truck on craigslist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turboxr Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 ZJ dash? It fits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jons87mj Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 i like the look of the zj dash :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00DakotaR/T Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 The ZJ dash does fit, and I have to commend the previous owner, he did a great job on putting this truck together, minus a few odds and ends. But I doubt if I would have put it together it would look as good. As for the dash, he cut it down so it would fit, and massaged the front to fit the windshield better. The only issue, and a big one here in WA where is is awalys raining and cold. I have no defrost at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 No defrost sucks here in the NW. Mine works and sometimes still isn't enough to keep the windshield clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsinister Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Welcome, where in Wa are you? Gig Harbor here. Seems to be a lot on this forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00DakotaR/T Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 Welcome, where in Wa are you? Gig Harbor here. Seems to be a lot on this forum Other side of the Bridge, Tacoma here. I found it funny, after I picked up this awesome beast, I have spotted a ton of Comanches all around. I can't wait to take this out to Tahuya next year once it becomes a wheeling rig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroader461 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Wow....that thing looks awesome...ZJ dash issomething i didnt expect to see LoL :clapping: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H3RESQ Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 I seem to remember that truck on craigslist. You did, I actually called on it....but was already sold. Now I know were it went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H3RESQ Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Welcome, where in Wa are you? Gig Harbor here. Seems to be a lot on this forum Other side of the Bridge, Tacoma here. I found it funny, after I picked up this awesome beast, I have spotted a ton of Comanches all around. I can't wait to take this out to Tahuya next year once it becomes a wheeling rig. I'm in Olympia, throw me a pm if you decide to take it out. I don't go to Tahuya much but frequent Evans and Naches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Thanks for posting pictures of this truck. I think it looks great. I bet it is even more fun to drive :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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