scguy Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 I've been looking to buy a Comanche for years, it's just never happened. As luck would have it, two days after I go and buy a Sierra, my great uncle calls me and offers me his MJ for scrap price. I haven't seen it in probably 8 years, don't know anything about it except it's overheating, 2wd , 4.0 auto, long bed, and rust free. I'm going to go pick it up this weekend (3 hr drive) and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what tools I'll need to remove the drive shaft and get her on a dolly. I reckon it's a Dana 35 rear. I'd rather not have to carry tons of tools to do a 5 minute job. Thanks RD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 4 8mm bolts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
64 Cheyenne Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Be ready to wire up the DS or get a plug from HF to stick in the output of the auto trans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 5, 2016 Author Share Posted April 5, 2016 Thanks. Even though the trucks a bit rough, $350 sounds good to me for a (sort of) running, driving Comanche. I don't plan to put it on the road for a while, likely a long term rebuilding project. Like I need more of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Should be all you need in a regular socket set. Might want a wrench set too as sometimes those bolts don't have much clearance. I've found that some aftermarket bolts may be 5/16 instead of 8mm, but maybe that's just me being useless. Unless you already have the dolly, I would recommend a full trailer instead. They just pull so much better and makes for not having to worry about leaving half the vehicle on the ground. Especially a 2wd LWB if it's sagged much the rear bumper is pretty close to the ground once the front wheels are up in the air. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 you could also tow "in reverse" and keep the 2wd axle on the ground and not have to do anything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 But then you'd be relying on the steering lock pin/plate to keep it pointed in a straight line... not exactly ideal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 This is how 80% of all tow trucks carry RWD vehicles... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 $350 is way higher than scrap prices. Checked the going rate of scrap steel? That truck's worth about $20 in scrap. In any case, $350 for a project truck with zero rust is still a bargain. Looking forward to some pics of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 This is how 80% of all tow trucks carry RWD vehicles... Most tow trucks don't carry a truck for a three hour drive. And there are plenty of videos in YouTube of reverse-towed vehicles on the hook going cattywampus and smashing into things on the side of the road. If a tow truck tried to hook up to the back of any vehicle I own I would send him packing and call another company. But that's beside the point and we're getting way off topic. OP should be fine with a dolly, and all he needs to take out the driveshaft is an 8mm socket/wrench for the driveshaft bolts, and either wire to tie it up or something to stuff in the trans output. I've dollied vehicles 200+ miles at a time with a rag ziptied in the back of the trans with no issues, just the way the OP plans. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 6, 2016 Author Share Posted April 6, 2016 Thanks guys. Yep, I've been warned not to tow it backwards. It really doesn't save much work and adds a few risks. Not worth it. I did manage to get him to send me a picture. She looks rough around the edges, but not a total heap. I know scrap prices are down, but I didn't want to haggle with him much. I still think I'll come out ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocks91mj Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 go for it. you can always pass it along for the same money to somebody else if you can't find time to bring it back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 Just from the pic I would buy it for that price...looks like it has buckets.....beat the overheating problem (that would be easy) and you would have a nice ride with loads of potential :thumbsup: . :MJ 1: . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 6, 2016 Author Share Posted April 6, 2016 Supposedly the interior is pretty nice and he's throwing a bed topper on too. We'll see Saturday. If I have half as much of a good time with this Comanche as I did with my old Waggy, I'm in for a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 This is how 80% of all tow trucks carry RWD vehicles... I used to own a towing business. NEVER trust the steering lock. ALWAYS secure the wheel with something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 This is how 80% of all tow trucks carry RWD vehicles... I used to own a towing business. NEVER trust the steering lock. ALWAYS secure the wheel with something else. wrap the wheel with the belt and call it a day, ive towed a hundred vehicles like this, albeit many were junk cars, but never the less. theres no issue with reverse towing, that's also how many "heavy" trucks, ie: semis, dumps, boxes, ect.. are towed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 Oh trust me, $350 is a very fair price for that truck. I was just trying to be humorous.For $350, I'd buy that thing in a heart beat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 wrap the wheel with the belt and call it a day, ive towed a hundred vehicles like this, albeit many were junk cars, but never the less. theres no issue with reverse towing, that's also how many "heavy" trucks, ie: semis, dumps, boxes, ect.. are towed.I've yet to see that in my area. Maybe around the city, but you'll get your @$$ handed to you if you try to take that onto the highway, which the op is inevitably going to be doing. Also, many people successfully perform snatch recoveries with a chain over a tow ball. Doesn't mean it's the right way to do it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Thanks for the help, guys. Jeep is home safe and sound, pulled real good. Even managed 16.5 MPG pulling it home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Thanks for the help, guys. Jeep is home safe and sound, pulled real good. Even managed 16.5 MPG pulling it home! diesel chevy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 No, 04 GMC Sierra 4.8 gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 and you got 16mpg?! was it all downhill? I got a 4.8 in my work van, I'm lucky to get 12 empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Vans are awful on gas. Sooo much drag with that big flat rear end. Any van I've looked into has always got three-quarters to half the mpg of trucks with the same engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 even my pops 1500 ram with the 4.7 only gets 10-14mpg. surprising the chevy(gmc) gets 16+ while towing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scguy Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 I was definitely happy about it. No interstate, mostly 55 mph 2 lane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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