Krome_Dome Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Hello, all. I am going to be picking up a 1986 Jeep Comanche X 4x4 5spd 2.8l v6. I am aware these engines are under powered and suffer from oil leeks. I was just wondering of any other quirks with this truck and where the oil leek may originate from (if there is a common origin). I am extremely excited. It has almost no rust at all and any rust on it is surface rust. I've been lusting after an MJ for 3 years now and am finally getting one! I'll post pics as soon as I can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krome_Dome Posted September 9, 2014 Author Share Posted September 9, 2014 Also, the truck is already leaking oil, I just don't know where from. Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88ComancheMitch Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Check out the floor pans. Just a fyi. Even if they look fine. My carpet was wet, but I was lucky there was very little rust, and none that required welding. Looked great from above the carpet and below the cab. Catch it before its bad. With the 2.8 you're pretty limited. 2.8 is the same as a v6 camaro or fiero. Not alot you can mod on them. As for oil leaks...I have no.idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krome_Dome Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 I was looking at doing a 3.5 v6 swap as it bolts right in for the time being, then I wanted to swap in a 5 cylinder OM617 at some point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 3.5 V6? What engine is that? It's not one I've ever heard of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I think the 3.5 is the latest version of the GM 60 degree V6 bellhousing engines. For your needs though the Camaro Firebird 3.1 and 3.4 is a much better option, as they are bolt in and can use the acessories and stuff from the 2.8 to make for a fairly simple swap. I don't have personal experience with the 2.8 beyond throwing away the one the spun a bearing that came with my 86 Parts truck. But there are only a limited number of places an oil leak can come from, front and rear main seals, valve cover gaskets, distributor drive, intake gaskets, timing cover, oil pressure sender. Its coming up on 30 years old, so its probably due for all those gaskets anyways. There are a few aftermarket parts available for this motor. Swapping out the original carb with a Holley weber 2bbl should be a tremendous improvement. There used to be intakes and headers available too, not sure if they are still made though. You probably have The AX5 trans and NP207 transfer case and 4:10 axles which are fine with the 2.8 or 2.5 combo as long as they arent abused. Take a pic of your rear diff for us. There is a chance you might have a coveted AMC 20 rear axle, which would be a huge plus for you and any future improvements to power and such. Welcome to the club and feel free to ask anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86FUBAR Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Yea another 2.8 ! The more everyone hates them the more I love them ! Ya they are gutless ( why I swapped in a 3.4) and prone to throwing up their inner bits at the drop of a hat but mine served me well and put up with the abuse of a high school kid . As for leaks the 2 most common places I've found are the distributor and the intake valley , both easy fixes esp the distributor . When you get it , clean the engine off well esp down near the distributor and take it for a short drive stoping every so often to check to see where it's coming from and go from there . And yes there are some mods to improve performance and reliably though it's arguable if they are cost effective but who cares about that nonsense ! It's a jeep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krome_Dome Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 I may be mistaken but I thought the 80s Camaro had a 3.5 v6. Ill let you guys know everything you want to on saturday when I grab iyt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krome_Dome Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 @86fubar what did you have in it before? Also how much of a difference was it? Night and day or just a little bit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86FUBAR Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 @86fubar what did you have in it before? Also how much of a difference was it? Night and day or just a little bit?I had the stock totally worn out 2.8 in it , prior to swapping it out I lifted it from 5" up to 9" and stuffed some 33" swampers under it and geared it with 4.88 which the gearing itself made a huge difference ! It drove better at that point than it ever did and then I swapped in the 3.4 and then that was a night and day difference though I also installed an edelbrock intake at the same time but it was still way better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krome_Dome Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 @86fubar what did you have in it before? Also how much of a difference was it? Night and day or just a little bit?I had the stock totally worn out 2.8 in it , prior to swapping it out I lifted it from 5" up to 9" and stuffed some 33" swampers under it and geared it with 4.88 which the gearing itself made a huge difference ! It drove better at that point than it ever did and then I swapped in the 3.4 and then that was a night and day difference though I also installed an edelbrock intake at the same time but it was still way better! Dude thats awesome. can't wait to do my own swap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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