MA - 1988 Comanche, LB, 4X4, 4.0 auto, Big Ton

[KJ1H]

 

 

We're buying a house, and unfortunately I need to unload my Comanche. There's plenty of good and some bad with this truck, so please read carefully!

 

I will update this post with the current mileage tonight when I can get to the truck.

 

I picked it up this past December. You can read my build thread here, and my articles about it on Right Foot Down. The paint's not great, but it's had a lot of recent rust repair. Both floorboards, the uniframe, and the driver's rear corner of the cab have been replaced.

 

 

 

The title (in hand) tells me that this is a Comanche Pioneer. It also has the Big Ton package. This includes beefer rear springs, a Dana 44 rear end, and increases the payload to 2,205lbs and towing capacity to 5,000lbs. There is no trailer hitch, but there is a beefy custom made rear bumper. I had planned to attach a receiver to that.

 

All of my spare parts are included. I've installed a brand new front bumper, and a replacement passenger door from an XJ was installed before I got it (still have original door). The driver's door could also use replacement due to the usual rust at the bottom. I patched it roughly for now. Replacement front fenders for both sides are included, too, as well as all interior pieces except the carpet (I was going to bedliner the floor). Comes with new Thrush muffler, not installed. It also comes with the plastic bed liner, Leer cap, and roof racks as seen in the photos. It's wired for factory fog lights. I found some but not all of the pieces for the lights themselves in the storage bin that came with it. I was going to upgrade them anyway. No spare tire, but there is a spare wheel that you can put a tire on. This truck has the idiot light cluster, but a full gauge cluster is included if you want to swap it out.

 

The battery is new as of December, though it probably needs a charge since I haven't been running the truck (I can take care of that before you see it). I upgraded the sealed beam headlights to H4s so I could actually see at night. The automatic transmission shifts well, and the transfer case works in all positions including 4 low.

 

 

The big issue with the truck right now is the engine. I've lost the #2 cylinder. The lifters have dropped, and on top of that there's a nasty metallic tapping coming from under the valve cover.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzsEAWH6Ibw

 

I've been waiting to get it into a friend's shop to work on it together, but neither of us have had the time, and now I'm not going to have the time or money to sink into it. I already got a full gasket set (valve cover gasket is already on because the old one was leaking), 12 new lifters, ARP head bolts, and a replacement pushrod for one that bent. Oil pressure is good, and I'm quite sure the noise is coming from under the valve cover, not the bottom end. I think it can be fixed, or you can swap in another motor if you want to be sure. It will start, run, and move around the driveway just fine, but you'll want to tow it home.

 

The only other major issue that I'm aware of is that the gas tank leaks if you fill it over 3/8 of a tank. Replacements aren't hard to find, though.

 

Asking $1,750 for the whole kit 'n' caboodle. We're taking a loss, but the engine wasn't a problem when we bought it, nor did the previous owner have any idea it was going to be one. Truck is in Lunenburg, MA. Drop me a PM or email.

[rmoore1031]

Really like the truck. Wish I had the cash. Doubt you want payments on it? I'm looking for work trucks for my new to be small business. And if my friend doesn't return my 89 MJ, then that situation gets messy with him owing me money. Anyway. Nice find :)

[benjy_26]

[87Chief]

13 hours from me...  :doh: