New To Me Mj

[Dando]

I very recently bought this 1990 2wd 4.0 AW4. It only has 100k on it, runs great and the best part is it appears to be rust free. I currently DD a 1995 4wd XJ, it's just really falling victim to ohio rust, so my current plan is to take the 4wd components out out of the XJ and swap them to the MJ. I have researched extensively yet but it seems like all that is involved to swap transmission, transfer case and associated linkages, front shaft, and front axle (not sure if that means steering and suspension parts need to be swapped, would love to keep as many MJ steering and suspension parts as it looks to be in better shape). I am interested in any info any of you have on improvements and parts that I can swap out of the cherokee or even junkyard XJs other than the 4wd parts, creature comfort parts essentially. Here are pics of the MJ and then the current DD and future parts donor XJ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Strokermjcomanche]

You bought that off daveys that's a nice clean truck even the factory fogs are in good shape . Where do you live I'm in austintown

[Dando]

I did buy it off daveys, Drove down when he opened on Friday morning loaded it on the trailer and brought it home, as soon as I saw how clean it was it was a done deal for me. I am located in northfield.

[Strokermjcomanche]

I'm originally from Akron nice to see you wanna keep it as original except 4wd as I was gonna do if you need something let me know

[Dando]

Funny you mention akron, I lived there for almost 10years during my youth. good to know there at others into Comanches that are semi local.

 

So I'm still getting all my info sorted out and waiting for the state inspection before I really start swapping parts over. I am planning on leaving the renix engine in the comanche but using the trans and such from the XJ. My question at the moment is what external engine parts can be swapped over from the HO to the renix? I ask because on the XJ in the last year it has got a new water pump, alternator, thermostat housing, valve cover with reusable metal impregnated gasket, power steering lines, etc.

 

Also when swapping over the front axle from the XJ, will I have to swap all the steering components over as well? (Tie rod, tie rod ends, track bar, sway bar, end links, stabilizer etc?) most are less than a year old on the XJ but if I could reuse what's on the MJ and save that time and then save the XJ parts are spares and future replacements that would save me some hassle.

[Strokermjcomanche]

2wd and 4wd steering is the same your good the links / arms are the same also but I thing the brakes will be different though

[Dando]

Just replaced the driveshaft u joints, valve cover gasket, ccv parts, changed oil and trans fluid, it seems like in the 100k mi the truck hS no one ever thought to change the oil. Tons of built up sludge under the valve cover, ending up spending an hour scrapping and vaccumming out the large pieces, it was so bad that both orifices had to be cleaned out with a chisel and hammer. On suggestion of a old car guru I know I subtracted one qt of oil and supplemented a qt trans fluid with plans to change weekly until it cleans up a bit more.

 

Also I took some pics of the under body while I had it up on the lift, here is how clean this truck is:

 

 

 

 

 

[Dando]

So after taking awhile to get some parts together, I plan on swapping out my steering column. I currently have a busted column shift column in the MJ now. I will be swapping in a column from a 91 5speed. And I have grabbed the half console, tunnel plate, floor shift assembly, shift cable from handle to trans all from the same 94 XJ from the junkyard. Plan on doing the swaps in the morning, anything I am missing ?

[Strokermjcomanche]

What's a matter with the column? I think you got all the parts you need covered

[Dando]

The column was completely missing some parts when I received it. It needs some washers and an upper steering bearing. Otherwise it is a repairable unit. It was simply easier for me to get the floor shift parts than it was to get the bearing. And after I swap in 4wd down the road I will have to install the shift lever in that space so I would have converted it then anyways.

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/41815-steering-wheel-slop/?do=findComment&comment=423393

[Strokermjcomanche]

I have a mini console in mine just for the4wd shifter . There are two separate plates one for tranny and one for 4wd I'd be interested in the column if your sellin maybe we can horse trade if you need something I have your only an hour away

[Dando]

I am more than open to trade off the column shift column after I pull it out. Send me a pm if you really interested.

[Strokermjcomanche]

Pm sent

[Dando]

So I haven't got much done lately, but I did get to change the distributor cap, wires, plugs, rotor, replaced the vacuum harness with one I got from rockauto. Changed the air and fuel filters. And mounted the half console , shifter plate and shifter for the floor shift, still waiting for the correct floor shift cable to come into the part store though.

 

This is what I found when I pulled the air filter. So as a reminder pull your air filter and clean and change you ccv system.

 

[Dando]

Cleaned up my tail light lenses today.

 

Before I did anything:

 

 

After sanding and the right side has one coat of clear:

 

 

Finished product:

 

[Dando]

Empty Post

[Dando]

Added this to the MJ today:

 

[1987Comanche]

Looking good.  I see you currently have the 3 wire VSS in the NP231.  What are your plans for the speedometer? My donor T-case is from a '96 XJ and also has the 3 wire VSS.  From what I can tell the 2 wire setup from the 2WD AX-15 will drop right in.  Is it the same deal with the mechanical speedo on your '90?  Also are the 2WD and 4WD AX-15 trans to X-member brackets the same?

[Dando]

With the speedo, I have the electronic pieces in there just so I don't have an open hole. My mechanical speedo does seem to hook up just fine it just simply isn't long enough to reach the transfer case. I plan on finding a speedo cable from either a 4wd XJ or MJ and then it should bolt right in.

 

And for the ax 15 crossmember brackets I actually have no idea as I actually have an AW4 in mine. Although if it helps the aw4 seems to be the same regardless of it being 2wd or 4wd.

[Dando]

Front axle from the 95 XJ, pic taken before degreasing and pressure washing. The axle is currently sitting in the bed of the comanche waiting for the weekend to install.

 

[Dando]

Just wanted to update will post pics tomorrow when it's day light. 4wd swap is almost finished, only part left to swap over is the actual in cab 4wd shifter.

[Dando]

Started on the body work, taking longer than expected. Thankfully the body is rust free and pretty much straight, I'm just taking my time and making it smooth.

 

 

 

Getting closer but still not right:

 

Still got some more work ahead:

[Dando]

Swapped to my HO engine and kept the management systems all renix. Before swapping in the engine got new gaskets (oil pan, Rear main etc), new oil pump, timing chain.

 

Took just shy of eight hours start to finish.

 

 

 

 

 

[Dando]

Changed the shift linkage to simplify it and because I forgot to remove a few parts before sending the XJ to the scrap yard.

 

 

 

 

[Dando]

Built a headache rack for the truck, your thoughts?