Requesting some advice

[BebopComanche]

While doing my daily search for a Comanche today, I came upon this: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/4703895970.html

 

I plan on giving the guy a phone call tomorrow. But I wanted to see what you knowledgeable folks think. The body looks solid, although closer inspection will obviously be needed. It has the transfer case I want as well, and the price is low for what it is. The engine isn't what I want, nor the transmission, but is that enough to be swayed on a truck that looks solid for the price? Hopefully I can either get what's in there working until I can get the engine and transmission combo I want, or if I can't get it running, just wait until I swap in what I want. I normally wouldn't look twice at a Comanche with these options, but it's hard to find a solid one at this price, so I feel somewhat swayed. What are your honest opinions on this one?

[Eagle]

Negatives: Aftermarket rear bumper. Aftermarket dual exhaust. Rust showing through the lower body panels, especially the passenger door.

 

Positives: Sliding rear window. Tow mirrors (if you like 'em). 7" wheels, not the base model 6" wheels.

 

However, I'll guess it does NOT have the transfer case you want. The Selec-Trac for model year 1986 was not the NP/NVG242, it was the NP228 or NP229. That was a VERY different animal.

 

I find it difficult to believe that anyone would have the cajones to ask $1000 for a vehicle they don't even know will run.

[BebopComanche]

I did not know the transfer case for the 86 model was different from the other years! Thank you for the essential information Eagle. No reason to buy this now I guess, especially since what I thought was dirt and mud in rust. I can see bubbling too, now that I take a closer look.

[dasbulliwagen]

That truck has a lot of options on it. The 2.8 sucks, The A904 trans is OK, the NP 228 transfer case is vacuum actuated and can be a nightmare if neglected but could be ran in 2wd, 4wd full time, 4wd part time and 4low. I had one of those grenade on me just putting down the road at 30MPH in my old Grand Wagoneer. I replaced it with and NP208 and sold it. The next owner said he removed about a mile of vac lines from it just cleaning stuff up underneath. I have an 86 XJ Waggy parts truck that has all those option as well.