Hello from a newb in Louisiana

[mjnewb]

Finally joined and wanted to say hi. I just got a 85 lwb 2wheel drive. Truck was free with no possible way to get a good title. So i guess its gonna be a mud truck. Ive looked around a bit and am wondering if i should do a front leaf spring conversion or just do the long arm. If anyone needs parts let me know. I gonna pull motor and trans tomorrow. Truck is in great shape with perfect red interior. Sadly it will never be a street legal truck again. Well i guess I will go poke around a bit and figure out the lift I want to do......

[mountainman]

Some pretty solid avenues online for getting the truck titled again if thats what you want.

ITS titles, and the way through vermont DMV... etc. do some hunting. Can prob get a title in a month or so quite cheaply.

[dasbulliwagen]

Welcome to the madness. Sounds like a nice tuck, and I agree with trying to find a title... there are ways to do it.

 

And... just so you know. Your truck is most likely an 86 model. There were no 85 model Comanches. 86 was the first year and they were long bed only. There were three engine choices available in 86. The 2.5 4 cyl, the 2.1 4 cyl Diesel, and the 2.8 GM V6. Which engine does your have? If it has the 2.8 V6 and its bad, there are other bolt in options to replace it that are better, like the 3.1 or 3.4 GM V6 from a Camaro or Firebird. They have the same block, and all the 2.8 parts will transfer over making it almost a direct fit, though I think your 2.8 flywheel or flexplate would need to be neutrally balanced.

 

Again, Welcome, and don't be afraid to ask ANY questions.

[mjnewb]

Here is the rest of the story. I work for a towing company. This truck is a theft recovery. It sat on our yard for over 6 years. The insurance company paid out on it to the original owner. The vin numbers have been removed. I talked to state police and dmv here. State came out and looked at it and said if I wanted to register it I would have to go through a process of verifying vin numbers on frame, cab, engine and such. Then its getting all the lights, turn signals and such working again. Frankly after stewing on it for a few days I gave up. The truck is in perfect visual condition, but the wiring harness has been cut out and steering is broke. The v6 is locked up and I'm sure the trans is junk due to the black syrup on the dipstick. So it out with the old and in with the new motor. Its just gonna be a trail truck and mudd boggs. Its the only way I can keep it alive. If anyone needs any small parts just let me know. I'm pulling motor and trans today. I will post pics tonight after i clean it up.

[jimoshel]

Any rust free MJ is worth a little trouble to keep on the road. There's way to many rust buckets out there to make mud boggers out of to go usimg a rust free one. Find a rust bucket with title, or even a wrecked one, and start switching parts. The dash, with VIN tag attached would be a good place to start. :wrench:

[shelbyluvv]

What is the last six of vin number on your truck? I have one of the earliest produced trucks and mine is 003550. Is yours earlier than mine? My truck was built in 9/85 and put into service in 10/85. My truck is still a 86. I think yours is too.