md87 Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 This is my 1987 4.0 2wd Comanche I recently purchased. This is how I bought it: Here's the bed after applying a liner: I also bought a 1999 Cherokee 4.0 4wd 180k to do a 97+ conversion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Old engine coming out: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88whitemanche Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 The xj has 3.07 gears? Is it manual or auto? Auto has 3.55s unless it's been swapped out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted July 15, 2015 Author Share Posted July 15, 2015 The XJ is a manual. Based on the tag on the axle, unfortunately it has 3.07 gears, but I'm planning on regearing anyway. Tearing the XJ apart: Fixing some rust in the Comanche. Plan on cutting pieces out of the Cherokee to patch it up: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 After those photos, I fixed the floor and lined it. I spent a bunch of time getting the firewall ready, but then basically did nothing for about 5 years. I recently got the motivation to continue working and just about have the engine compartment ready. I got the dash bolted up, but when I turned it on, the instrument cluster was not working correctly. I spent about 3 days checking the wiring, grounds, and anything electrical before I realized that the two connectors going to the instrument cluster had been switched somewhere along the way (I have no idea why). Anyway, my instrument cluster works fine now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 how is it even possible that you can even switch those? I would have thought they'd be quite different plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 They're the same type of plug, but I have no idea why they were switched. I mounted the XJ gas tank under the frame rails behind the rear axle. It sits a little low, although it seems similar to the YJ/TJ/XJ mounting location. It will work for now, but I may have to do a gas tank skid for safety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 what about replacing the stock X crossmember with a more traditional style (maybe both in front and behind) and then you can raise it up a few inches? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted October 18, 2020 Author Share Posted October 18, 2020 I may try that in the future, but I'm trying to get it working as quickly as possible right now. Finished getting the TNT belly pan installed for the eventual long arms. Next step is probably to finish up the few things needed to try to start it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted April 20, 2021 Author Share Posted April 20, 2021 Took it slow over the winter getting everything hooked up. Unfortunately, it wouldn't start when I tried it. I thought I had a ground/fuse/relay/other electrical issue and spent time troubleshooting, but it turns out the fuel pump was just bad. Would've saved me a lot of time if the guy I purchase it from had mentioned that... Anyway, I replaced the fuel pump and thankfully it runs. Some of the smoke in the video is from the exhaust (only have the headers on it right now), but some of the smoke is from the serpentine belt as it turns out the alternator is seized. I'm hoping that had something to do with the sparks as well, but I guess I'll see once I replace the alternator. 1973853373_April182021.mp4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 22, 2021 Share Posted April 22, 2021 it's alive!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted March 28, 2022 Author Share Posted March 28, 2022 I've been making some slow progress. I replaced the alternator and serpentine belt, so now the engine runs fairly smooth. I notice a slight whine after it's been running for a few minutes, but I'm putting that on the back burner. I started on getting the interior together, but then realized I should address the tail light harness before getting everything in place. I pretty much just need to grab some wire to extend the Cherokee harnesses to finish that up. I'm using Dodge Dakota seats and the center console is out of a TJ. I had to do some trimming on the underside of the Cherokee dash (and reformed the front of the console a bit with heat) to get the console to fit properly. I was getting a bit tired of working on the electrical and interior, so I decided to finish up the long arm installation. Removing the lower control arm brackets was not too terrible. I think I'll have to do some readjustments, but I'm happy with how it turned out. This is on 6.5" lift springs. I have not tried lifting the MJ by the axle yet (just did some slight compressing of the springs). I'm looking for a handbrake and boot combination (self-contained) if anyone knows of one since the XJ one won't work with the TJ console and my MJ foot parking brake isn't operable (although I may try to repair it as a last resort). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWheeler331 Posted March 28, 2022 Share Posted March 28, 2022 Coming along nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted April 3, 2022 Author Share Posted April 3, 2022 I installed the Boostwerks shift linkage for the NP231. Seems to be pretty decent (ignore the green paint.. .that's all I had available). The hardest part of the installation was removing the link from the transfer case. I also bought a Ford 8.8 that will be going in the rear end: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 8, 2022 Share Posted April 8, 2022 love this build! that interior is going to be one of a kind for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted May 7, 2022 Author Share Posted May 7, 2022 Got the Ford 8.8 installed. Next step is steering linkage and then finishing the brake lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted May 7, 2022 Share Posted May 7, 2022 beefy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
md87 Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 I recently installed an Iron Rock Off Road track bar and CavFab steering kit. Looking at the below picture, I think I may need to move my axle a bit to the driver's side, but will have to check. The CavFab steering kit is beefy, but I had to buy a heim joint with extended threads for the drag link. The two that came with the kit were not long enough (probably due to my lift height). Although I like the quality of the CavFab kit, I am disappointed by the lack of written instructions. The only instructions are in the form of a Youtube video. While it may be a simple install, with steering components, I think it is negligent not to include detailed installation instructions, including the minimum amount of required thread engagement. Before I bought the extended thread heim joints, I only had about 1/4 inch thread engagement (and am glad I checked it). With that little amount of thread engagement, my steering likely would have failed. I also installed brake lines and took it for a test drive around my property. Unfortunately, I assume I have air in the lines despite bleeding them since the pedal goes to the floor, so I only used first gear in 4L (no rear driveshaft either). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 yeah, 1/4" is not enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now