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Opinions for Comanche Noob


Rhino8541
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I would like ya'lls opinion on this truck.  I don't know much about Comanche's and would like your help.  I have a 79 Bronco with a 460 that I would be getting rid of to try to get this if it is worth it.  I would like something with a working A/C but also very capable off road.  I don't want to lose the capability and brute strength of my Bronco, but it's a huge vehicle!

 

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/4972135501.html

 

Also, is that the AMC inline 6 engine that i supposed to be very good?

 

Anything you guys could suggest would be great!

Thanks!

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Since they called it a Cherokee in the ad, I'd wonder what other areas their attention to detail is lacking in. Like the lift. Although I'm ALWAYS wary of previous owner modifications.

 

Not worth 9k even in the seller's most fantastic dreams. I always get a chuckle out of people saying "I've got 13k in it, it's a steal at this price!"

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The truck seems to be built with fair to good quality parts. But, there is absolutely nothing special about it besides the D60 rear axle and the built D30 up front. The truck may suit your needs as an off-road truck with AC, but I agree with the others the price needs to be slashed by 50% to even look at it.

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Dana 60 rear with a Dana 30 front... Speaks to me of aspirations and budget not coming into line.  My opinion = keep looking.  You could buy a good condition truck for a third of that, and then build it how you want to.

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If he's not sure he's going to sell, why the hell does he have an ad on craigslist?

 

I think this one's even more into "cut up chopped up POS" territory - and it has a D30 front end on 37s? That seems like it's pushing it a little bit to me.

 

EDIT: I stand corrected. Even though it's ugly, according to the members below it's built with high quality parts including the front axle shafts.

 

To answer an earlier question you had - the 4.0 is indeed the AMC inline six. 1987-1990 and 1991-1992 had a few differences, but both are bulletproof. The drivetrains on these things as a whole are pretty much unkillable.

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#1. A Pile of...you add the substance of your choice. I doubt the suspension works at all with 8" of lift and short arms with no drop brackets. I am running that with 5.5" and I don't think you can squeeze 2.5" more out of it. There is nothing special about that truck. Notice that awesome off road machine has not one off-roading picture posted for it?  Big whoop a D60 rear. It still has the D30 front end so .... That is a $2,000 truck and only if you want a trail beater. To ask  $9k that guy must be visiting Heisenberg in the desert out there.

 

#2. Now you are talking. The front axle shafts on that alone are about $1,200 IIRC and are a great upgrade.  It also has a good truss for the front axle...looks like an Artec. I would still stay around 35 on the tires but he is not the only one doing 37's on a well built D30 high pinion. The pictures show it works well on the trail where you want it to go. It has usable upgrades like the open coolant system. Someone who knows something built this truck. #1 just threw parts at that one.  I may not go $6,800 but it a much better buy than #1.

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^Agreed with #2.  Definitely a better built truck, but I would still keep looking.  Buying somebody elses "prebuilt" rig can often lead to headaches.  Unless they can prove the work was all done by somebody reputable, you may be in for more headaches.  At least that one has some good parts on it, but again, you could get a near stock truck cheaper than that, and do your own upgrades and build it how you want.  

Unless you want somebody else's trail beater that is.  In that case, pay close attention to what mods have or have not been done.

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That one isn't bad.  Might want to verify it's not the 2.8 V6 though, otherwise it looks like a nice truck for the money.

Honestly, the one in Georgia would be worth traveling for.  Fly in, drive it back!

 

I think it's too nice for what I want to use it for.  I'd hate to bang it up!

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Paid $100 bucks for my 88 Chief....

$500 for the 87

Got probably $3K in the Chief, $7K in the 87...

$6,7,8K dollars go a loooonnnnggggg way in building a truck.

Suggest a cheap truck, build, learn as you go, that way you aint buying somebody elses pipe dream and head ache.

You also get the privilege to build what works for the most important person of all.....you.

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The 

 

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4971579500.html

 

This seems to be pretty clean.  So you guys would recommend getting a more "stock" comanche first, then building it to my specs?  How's that for a base?

Although he has it listed as a '96 it is an '86. It has what is to most the least desirable MJ engine ever: the 2.8L Chevy V6. No power whatsoever and poor longevity. It is also a LWB which has its disadvantages for a 'wheeler in that the extra rear length decreases departure angle. Those tires on an early 260-joint D30 is not an ideal situation either.  That is important in rocks. It looks decent but that would be lucky to bring $2-2.5 K around here. 

 

Buy a beater for cheap and build it. I did and I have way less than the asking price of that '86 in mine for a capable wheeler including new 32" mud terrains, a new winch and front bumper, and a 5.5" lift. I have posted it before but for example here is mine. Although it has some body issues it is daily driver dependable, drives and rides decently, and is capable off road. $400 purchase price + about $2,200 in mods that can be done one at a time to spread out costs: 

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Thanks for the replies everyone!  You guys have been extremely helpful.  I think I am going to run what I have for a little while, and get a better feel for they type of wheeling I enjoy the most, then build a rig from the ground up to fit my needs.

 

On that note, if I do end up with a Comanche, or even cherokee I guess for that matter, what would be the "best" starter?  Specifically, year, engine, etc. to build into a great off roader?

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  • 2 weeks later...

Most any years of either are doable, but I would suggest staying away from any with the V6. For that matter, even the 4cylinder is a better choice. HOs are probably better....matter of opinion, really they are, but a Renix is ok, just that it has older engine control system. Either are ok in my book because both are computer controlled and fuel injected. You just have to know how to use a multimeter to troubleshoot the Renix system.

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