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What's your 'someday' build?


johnny quest
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we've all sat around BS'n before, saying "one day, i'll  _________ to a Comanche..."

 

anything from a full restoration to a full blown trophy truck build to whatever, whats your 'someday' build? 

 

 

 

 

to start, mine would me a true SRT-MJ. Take the drivetrain out of a WK SRT, and swap them into a clean MJ donor. Clean original exterior and interior, but packs a punch off the line, and drives like a dream. I'd keep the AWD system, aiming to build the truck that Jeep should've built to compete with the GMC Cyclone.

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Great post. 

 

We'll my current MJ is my dream MJ. However, thats NOT what this thread is about. 

 

Actually, johnny quest, I've wanted to do nearly exactly what you want. I want to build a modern HEMI drive-train and toss it in an MJ. I have a ~600+ HP 426 HEMI in my RAM truck, and its insane. But drop a modified HEMI in a MJ, it would be totally bonkers! Even if it's not a 600+HP engine. Just toss in a ~400+HP HEMI into an MJ, it will fly. With the power to weight ratio, even a stock HEMI will be fun to drive. I have seen an XJ with a HEMI engine, so it fits. 

 

Also, would like to build a Baja MJ. Possibly also with a Hemi, or bossted 4.X.  

 

However, my next project is to rebuild my 78' Power-Wagon. Then, if nothing new happens, I may start building a Hemi MJ. I like to turn "thought to reality"

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We'll my current MJ is my dream MJ. However, thats NOT what this thread is about. 

 

 

This is what i'm going for. I don't want this to turn into a wish list for your current rig, (I wish i had wipers that wipe and blinkers that blink, blah blah blah)

I'm talking ultimate dream truck status.

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While I like my stroker, there's just so much you can do with the dated and super-heavy AMC based inline six. For an drivetrain upgrade I'd like to throw in a small light 3.6L Pentastar V6 with the the 6-speed auto. The only mod I'd want (at first  :yes:) is a RIPP supercharger. In a stock JK this supercharger increases rear wheel HP from 133 to 240, about an 80% increase. In the much lighter MJ, the numbers would be much better. The RIPP supercharger retains good street manners throughout the RPM range, and mileage would be significantly better. Thousands of these SCs have been installed on the 3.6, and they have a great track record for reliabiity. The 3.6 Pentastar weighs significantly less than the 4.0, and of course the MJ is a ton lighter than the JK. For the body I'd do nothing to mine except maybe lower it an inch or two and throw in some suspension mods. The existing D44 will handle the increase no problem. This thing would be a civilized sleeper / monster on the street when you wanted it, and at the same time be modernized, reliable and economical........

 

2012+jk+2.jpg?format=500w

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but that's a boring (although sadly accurate) response.  a better one is a 2.8 CRD mated to a manual trans, an atlas, and portal axles.  now that's some lowrange torque!  :yes:

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I want an MJ Truggy. There are plenty of rusted out unsalvagable MJ's in this region so it would not be killing a good one.

 

Tons,39-40 inch tires, linked front and rear

I'm almost there, minus the rear 4link...

Love it. I wouldn't mine leafs at all 4 corners either

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we've all sat around BS'n before, saying "one day, i'll  _________ to a Comanche..."

 

anything from a full restoration to a full blown trophy truck build to whatever, whats your 'someday' build? 

 

 

 

 

to start, mine would me a true SRT-MJ. Take the drivetrain out of a WK SRT, and swap them into a clean MJ donor. Clean original exterior and interior, but packs a punch off the line, and drives like a dream. I'd keep the AWD system, aiming to build the truck that Jeep should've built to compete with the GMC Cyclone.

 

 

While I like my stroker, there's just so much you can do with the dated and super-heavy AMC based inline six. For an drivetrain upgrade I'd like to throw in a small light 3.6L Pentastar V6 with the the 6-speed auto. The only mod I'd want (at first  :yes:) is a RIPP supercharger. In a stock JK this supercharger increases rear wheel HP from 133 to 240, about an 80% increase. In the much lighter MJ, the numbers would be much better. The RIPP supercharger retains good street manners throughout the RPM range, and mileage would be significantly better. Thousands of these SCs have been installed on the 3.6, and they have a great track record for reliabiity. The 3.6 Pentastar weighs significantly less than the 4.0, and of course the MJ is a ton lighter than the JK. For the body I'd do nothing to mine except maybe lower it an inch or two and throw in some suspension mods. The existing D44 will handle the increase no problem. This thing would be a civilized sleeper / monster on the street when you wanted it, and at the same time be modernized, reliable and economical........

 

2012+jk+2.jpg?format=500w

Funny thing is I have had both these plans so one of these is what I would be doing but since I already have the WK SRT8 rear axle and Brembo brakes (still working on the front brakes)

in my current MJ I would do it again for the supercharged 3.6 if I go that way...

Ahh to dream now where is that Lotto ticket...

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my old dakota, restored with a twin turbo V8 mated to the 5 speed with a 242 for all wheel drive (with the low range removed for less weight, if that's doable) upgraded disk all around, lowered an inch or two and maybe a slight improvement to the sound system.

 

turn it into a nice sleeper that can hold its own against a newer anything :)

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My someday build doesn't include a Comanche. I guess I've already built my dream MJ, owned and wheeled it for 10 years, now it's time to move on.

 

This is my someday build, with a fuel injected big block.

hrdp_0911_01_z%2Bfactory_five_33_hot_rod

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Great question. I just joined this forum and I have yet to own a comanche but I really want one. so my 'someday' build starts with obtaining a '91 or '92 with 4wd, shortbox, 5 speed manual, 4.0 I6, Preferably an eliminator (Assuming I'm correct in thinking that is the most off-road ready trim). I am a big time auto enthusiast, all my life I've strived to learn everything about all vehicles. However my knowledge does not extend to knowing how to work on vehicles (yet). It seems like the comanche is cheap and easy to work on though after browsing these forums(not only is it the best looking pick up ever made I think it's ludicrous how capable it is for a 25 year old vehicle. 2200 lb payload on the long bed is utterly ridiculous when you consider the fact that for $40k+ your ram/silverado/f150 still isn't rated to haul that much weight around). Generally speaking you all seem to know your stuff and have the skills necessary to install and remove your own parts and to know which goes best for what purpose etc. I want to 'someday' end up in a Comanche with the right factory specs [i6,4wd,SB,Manual,offroadpackage]. If I am lucky enough to find one and am able to purchase it then I'd already made plans to replace all bulbs with LEDs, add an LED light bar on the roof, some blackrock series 908 wheels in a matte black finish, a set of this forums recommended all terrain tires and size of said tires and would want them to have good traction in the thickest mud but also to cruise through soft sand with no issue I assume increasing size and width of the tires would mean I'd have to change up the gear ratio and possibly fit new axles[Would definitely want to get ones with locking diffs.  Higher rated Dana, perhaps a Dana 44? idk. I'd love to paint ones exterior in a semi-gloss white finish, spray in bedliner, Quality winch up front with custom off road bumpers front and rear, a lift kit, probably 3-4 inches. I would definitely want a modern, reasonably priced suspension set up that would allow the truck to remain composed at high speed with rapid changes in surface and production-truck-ruining moguls. (any suggestions? as most of you know the raptor is famous for doing just that and I bet with the right setup the comanche could do it much better!) full skid plates, and maybe a supercharger and a stronger cam for the power tech straight six for extra grunt and I imagine a great sound! Don't need advice on the exhaust system I'd go gibson all the way!. Lastly to avoid another near fatal accident I'd also have to install an offroading purposed roll cage. I've only owned one vehicle before and never got the chance to modify it or work on it so forgive my ignorance on the subject that everyone here seems to have their PHD in haha jk but you guys clearly know your stuff well enough to build these beautiful custom MJs i've been seeing. As far as I know the things I listed are enough to do some serious offroading minus maybe intense hill climbs and rock crawling. Also was wondering if the MJ is prone to frame damage when driving at a high speed offroad like the Raptor is famous for disappointing buyers and if so what's a good way to strengthen it? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers my questions/responses. Wasn't planning on posting anything until I saw this topic and it's such a good subject that I couldn't resist. I wanted to learn more about the comanche first and how to improve its capabilities without sacrificing every day usability and reliability.  I guess I can conclude by saying that I want to improve my future comanche's ability to blast through mud, sand, snow, dirt etc etc. there's really no place in Massachusetts to do any super hard core rock crawling nor would I trust myself to take my daily driver into terrain like that haha so thankfully I don't know what I'm missing there and have no need to spend the extra cash. People look up the wheels I included as part of the build.. they'd look badass on an xj or mj. 

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Great post. 

 

We'll my current MJ is my dream MJ. However, thats NOT what this thread is about. 

 

Actually, johnny quest, I've wanted to do nearly exactly what you want. I want to build a modern HEMI drive-train and toss it in an MJ. I have a ~600+ HP 426 HEMI in my RAM truck, and its insane. But drop a modified HEMI in a MJ, it would be totally bonkers! Even if it's not a 600+HP engine. Just toss in a ~400+HP HEMI into an MJ, it will fly. With the power to weight ratio, even a stock HEMI will be fun to drive. I have seen an XJ with a HEMI engine, so it fits. 

 

Also, would like to build a Baja MJ. Possibly also with a Hemi, or bossted 4.X.  

 

However, my next project is to rebuild my 78' Power-Wagon. Then, if nothing new happens, I may start building a Hemi MJ. I like to turn "thought to reality"

Seems like a neat idea, but do you think a 3100 pound quarter ton pickup would hook that power up with a 5.7 - 6.4 hemi on its' nose? Hell I can see someone engineering the crap out of one just for the sake of doing it by maybe re-positioning heavier components towards the rear axle until your @ like 56/44 WD, then maybe add a bed wing and you've got a Syclone killer.  OR you could mid mount the hemi somewhere behind your seating position nestled into the bed or something wacky and creative :).  unfortunately I already posted my dazed and confused response to this thread that was mostly asking questions but I liked yours and johnny quests ideas as well. If it were me though I'd drop something lighter than the stock 4.0, like the SRT-4 from the SRT neon dodge made around 10 years ago. although I'd beef up the cam big time and either add more powerful twin turbo or massive supercharger on it, it'd go from 220hp @5100 to easily 400+hp and it'd rev to over 7k most likely. With that you've got potential for a 50/50 WD jeep comanche lmao the ultimate sleeper. I'd like to know how you'd counter the weight imbalance if you were to drop a hemi into a comanche. besides sand in the bed haha that doesn't count!

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jeep.comanche1992

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find the Comanche your looking for. They are rare and can be unique rides. Sounds like you know what your looking for.

 

 

I do agree about the added weight on the front, with a HEMI engine. The modern Hemi engine is actually not that heavy, maybe ~200# at most over a 4.0. If I was going to do it, and had the extra money to make it happen, I'd go with an alumn block Hemi. I'd relocate stuff the rear, like the battery. I actually moved the battery on my current MJ to the rear, under bed. I would go with lighter stuff in the front, and add heavy stuff the the rear, like a heavy off-road bumper. I don't think I'd get 50/50, Id be happy with 60/40 or so though. 

 

If I was going smaller engine, I like your SRT4 solution. That engine can be very peppy. I personally like the twin turbo V6 used in the Dodge Stealth. I owned a car with the 3.0, basically the same engine, less the boost. That car hauled @$$, I wanted to build it up. But sold it. I don't think a 3.0 will fit between the rails of an MJ though, its a wide engine.

 

That brings up another Hi-Power MJ Issue, Frame. I don't think the MJ frame will handle high torque for long. (Thats why your SRT4 engine may be a better real life solution). The hard launches will eventually crack the folded sheet metal frame. 

 

On the Raptor, I have buddies that own Raptors. I'm not a Ford guy, but Ford hit a home run with the Raptor. One of my buddies just drives around, like a car... lame :)  However, my other buddy, he just got back from Baja with his Raptor. Anytime you push a truck to its limits, your bound to damage stuff. He told me stories of how Raptors wore breaking front rotors, shocks, and so on. The frame issues, mostly guys who watch class 5 racing on Sunday, then go out and try to jump as far as they can. When properly built, a raptor will handle jumps better, but its still not a plane :). My buddy jumped his Raptor, came down noise heavy, and bulldozed the ground with his bumper. His bumper is now in the bed... 

 

They sell frame stiffeners for XJ's that fit MJ with some mod's. 

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a stock 5.3 is about 100-150 lbs lighter than a 4.0, and with stock internals, can put out 1300+ hp with a twin turbo setup......just sayin. shorter block means it can be set back just a little bit further, and if you feel like cutting into the firewall, it can be set back even more...

 

 

 

 

:brows:

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That brings up another Hi-Power MJ Issue, Frame. I don't think the MJ frame will handle high torque for long. (Thats why your SRT4 engine may be a better real life solution). The hard launches will eventually crack the folded sheet metal frame. 

 

 

 

Any engine swap that even slightly increases the HP should come with a plated frame. Even a stroker inline6, depending on the use of the truck. 

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