Steele Posted October 26, 2015 Share Posted October 26, 2015 Just joined the forum and am a proud owner of a 1986 with only 110k miles! This is the 2.8L carbureted (I know I hear it's one of the worse engines.) It runs strong but needs some tlc in certain areas. Just want to say that I am brand new to jeeps, and trucks period. More of a car guy. Anyways just looking for some good info, like what vendors are the best for this vehicle. So far I've seen stuff like factorychryslerparts.com and jcwhitney.com. Are these good or no? Specifically I am looking for a battery tray with supporting hardware because the battery is literally only held down with wires right now. Found one on factorychryslerparts for about 60$, should I pull the trigger on this. Also, the intake tube from the radiator cowl to the air filter housing was completely deteriorated. The only thing that was left was the coiled spring thing which I regrettfully threw away. I know I could jigger-rig up something with some sort of dryer hose but I'm looking for something better. Also looking for a good track bar and track bar mount, and engine mounts. It has about a 2in lift on it btw. Not looking to dump a lot of money right now, and not looking to do some serious off roading. Just the monthly camping trip/ hauling my dirt bike/ or just goin up to the mountains every once in awhile. Thanks for any advice in advance guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Take a trip to your local junk yard. Everything in the engine bay can be found in a similarly equipped Cherokee as they are identical up front. You'll find a battery tray from a Cherokee for $5.00 tops, You'll also find an intake tube for $10 or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steele Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share Posted October 27, 2015 Awesome, thank uou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husky410ohio Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 I replaced my battery tray with the heavy duty all steel fabricated from DirtBound off-road: http://www.dirtboundoffroad.com/jeep-cherokee-xj/accessories/optima-34-78-bolt-in-battery-tray-jeep-cherokee-xj.html This is for the optima battery which I will only use. They also make a universal steel tray too in .120 thick steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big66440 Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Awesome, thank uou Make sure you don't over tighten the bolts though, welcome to the forum :waving: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husky410ohio Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Here is a picture after I painted it and installed the tray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steele Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 I see a ton on ebay, but I just want to make sure it is compatible. What do you think of this. It honestly looks good, just leery of spending more then a few bucks on ebay car parts haha (plus I would have to get the supporting hardware): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stock-Replacement-Battery-Tray-fits-Jeep-Cherokee-XJ-1987-1994-/252110657480?fits=Model%3AComanche&hash=item3ab2f757c8:g:pkEAAOxyBC1R9-8t&vxp=mtr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steele Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 I might just buy that universal one, do they supply the bracket dealy and the bolts by chance? Also, what advantages does the optima battery give you? just more rugged? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steele Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 Sorry for multiple posts. Just wanted to update that I picked up some Gates air duct hosing from O'reilys for my intake. Looks really sturdy just hope it takes the engine heat. http://www.gates.com/products/automotive/passenger-car-and-light-truck/air-intake-and-emission-control/defroster-air-intake-hose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husky410ohio Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Both my brother and I had many batteries in our Jeep CJs. We found the optima lasted much longer due to the heat, shock and vibration in lifted and stiff shocks on the Jeeps. For the Comanche the standard battery with universal tray is ok. Not sure if the DirtBound universal tray has all the bolts. I think I went to the home Depot for the three bolts and nuts for attaching it because the existing bolts are too rusted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I've had a WalMart battery in my MJ for 5 years. I have 4 different aux. circuits on relays. All bright lights and converter No sweat. Optima's are overpriced IMHO. But if you want cool, they're cooler than a WalMart battery. A $60 battery tray is overkill (and over $$) for a "once in a while camping vehicle". If you're on a budget, go budget...if not, go balls out. Just sayin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I had a parts-store branded battery in my MJ still from the PO. I just replaced it a month ago because one of the terminals was coming out of it. Manufacturing date on it was 2006, and it still tested good, despite having sat outside last year in my truck all winter, completely dead. Pretty sure the only reason the terminal was coming out is because the PO's solution to a loose clamp, instead of tightening the bolt, was to smash the terminal with the tire iron until it started working. Bit of a piss-off, really, replacing a still-good, kinda pricier part, just because the last guy was an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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