JMR 188 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Greetings, I have recently purchased a 1992 Comanche 4X4 Long bed with automatic transmission. The vehicle is rust-free and in pretty good condition with the exception of the paint which is toast, that is normal in New Mexico. I plan on painting it and adding a 4.5 lift. I have done some research on the available lift kits and I am still undecided which route to take. I want to get a complete kit since I do not have the "Jeep knowledge" to piece something together. I was looking at the Rusty's and Rough Country. Looking through some Comanche Club write ups Rusty's seems to be a bad choice but all those reviews are several years old and was wondering if anything has changed in the past 7-8 years? The vehicle will be my DD but New Mexico does have some big washouts that I will be driving through when I go rock hunting. I will not be doing any extreme rock climbing. Any and all advice is appreciated. Respectfully, JMR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Rusty's has improved over the years. in the early days their welding and rust-prevention were simply atrocious and left a bad taste in customers' mouths. I'm still hesitant to recommend them, but I no longer tell people to run away. bear in mind that few "kits" are complete, no 2 kits are identical, and personal opinions vary wildly on what constitutes "good" (both in part quality, ride quality, or what parts are needed or not). keep reading the project and DIY threads and you'll get closer to being able to make confident decisions on what you'll need. what size tires are you shooting for? fwiw, I prefer rubber bushings for a daily driver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Pete M, thank you for your response and advise. I want to run the original “Jeep” alloy rims with 31s and I do not want to trim the original fender wells. I was also thinking about 33s but I would then have to buy new rims. What do you recomend alloy or steel rims? Once again, thank you and I will continue reading/researching as suggested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 33s give an inch more ground clearance but bring more headaches with them, namely clearance of the lower control arms and fenders and also sucking more power from the engine (unless you re-gear). 31s would make for a better handling driver on the roads. the differences between alloy and steel rims are, generally speaking, a moot point. just pick what you like best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Pete M, thanks for the advice. As soon as I get the lift and wheels I will post pictures.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 we dig pics. doesn't have to be just "after" shots. stockers are just as awesome here (even more-so to some members ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 May I suggest you study and choose parts wisely. The reason I titled my build thread 'Evolution 88' is just that, it's been a constant evolution of changes. Consider individual parts over 'kits'. And remember, one change always leads to another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zomeizter Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 +1 on avoiding the lift kits, took me a while to put mine together but in the end I got a great combo of parts for my 4.5ish inch lift, all I lack is improved steering components and the install will begin. I did go beyond the usual parts and got a Exploder 8.8 rear axle with matching 4.10 ratio for my 86er. I will be running 31" mudders on steelies but I prefer aluminum wheels anyday, I have some but tires are already mounted and balanced on the steelies so... I feel you about the heat in the NM desert, Las Cruces has customized the paint on my 'manche from maroon to a toasty rust hue on the roof and hood! Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goatman Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Keep in mind that the lower priced more "budget" lift kits are lower priced for a reason. You get what you pay for. Spring rates, shock rates, bushing material all make a difference in how nice the truck will be to drive. Also, you don't have to do any fender trimming until you go 35's with a small lift or 37's with a big lift, other than some slight trimming on the lower insides of the wheel wells where you don't even see it. These young guys seem to cut fenders before they do much of anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 Thanks to all who responded to my question. After some researching and reading of several postings on lifts, I was able to come up with the following parts list. I think I have everything covered but please let me know if I left something out or I need to add and item. Also, I will be going with the "WJ" Lower Control arms and I want to used 31 in tires. Rubicon Express Track Bar RE1660 129.10 Amazon Rubicon Express Trk Bar Brkt RE1665 61.68 Amazon Rubicon Express 4.5 Coils 83.68 Amazon Rubicon Express 2.75 X 9.5 U bolt RE1220 32.95 Amazon Rock Krawler Front Sway Bar Disconnect 121.77 Amazon RC Shk lwr bar eliminator 1088 29.95 Amazon Monroe Shocks –Front (2) 26.03 ea Amazon Monroe Shock – Rears (2) 26.03 ea Amazon Front Brake hose 88-00 C1500 (2) 14.00 ea O’Reilly Rear Brake hose 89-96 Dakota (2) 23.00 ea O’Reilly Hell Creek 4.5 lift leaf Springs HC-9745 (2 337.56 ea Hell Creek Hell Creek Transfer Case Drop kit Pt#1072 30.95 Hell Creek 1,343.32 What are your thoughts or concerns. Respectfully, JMR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 At 4.5 the Dakota hose is not quite long enough. You only need one. At 4.5 you'll want adjustable uppers and lowers. You won't be happy with Monroe. Front BPE is not necessary. No need whatsoever for the TC drop. The rest........eh.............I won't order from Bezos, that said, I want direct contact with any and all manufactures/retailers, regardless, and I do, worth a few bucks more. Summit, Jegs, Speedway, Wilwood, Fuel, Synergy, Quadratech, General spring, Ironman, JKS...........etc....... I won't order from Morris anymore as they don't list the MJ for parts on their website. And I wrote them and told them so, they don't care. Shackles, you'll probably need those as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertRat1991 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 With that parts list you are just a few dollars short of a complete suspension refresh. Consider adding new sway bar bushings, front axle upper control arm bushings and front coil spring pads. All cheap parts that can improve handling if your old ones are worn and dry rotted. Add new shackles (which should come with new bushings) and that would just about cover all your rubber bits front and rear. And skip that $30 bar bin eliminator kit. If you have access to a vice and some grease you should be able to slide them in easy enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 Jeep Driver, thank you for the response. I complied that list from two very detailed postings on this site but I can readdress if necessary. Also, who is "Bezos" and "Morris"? I can see the need to direct contact and will follow that advise. Any advise on who to purchase the shackles from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 DesertRat1991, thank you for your response. As far as the bushings and coil pads, should I go with the regular rubber stock ones or should I get a different material. My truck will see off road use but no extreme rock climbing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Jeff Bezos = Amazon founder/CEO Morris = Morris 4x4 (https://www.morris4x4center.com/) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 I don't think the WJ arms are long enough for a 4.5" lift. they are stock length and work nicely with a 3" lift. RE makes some nice things. what all does their 4.5" kit include? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 mjeff87, thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 Pete M, Rubicon Express does make nice things, I just pieced together my list after reading several posting here. Maybe I should consider a 3 in lift instead. By looking at some of the vehicles on this site with 3 in lifts I think that would do for my intended use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertRat1991 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 1 hour ago, JMR 188 said: DesertRat1991, thank you for your response. As far as the bushings and coil pads, should I go with the regular rubber stock ones or should I get a different material. My truck will see off road use but no extreme rock climbing. Poly bushings will be stiffer and more durable but may contribute to a slightly harsher ride feel. Plus, they require a little bit of upkeep to keep the squeaks and creaks away. You have to keep them greased. For a retired gentleman such as yourself, who presumably might appreciate a smooth, quiet ride with no upkeep I would recommend the rubber bushings. The spring pads are so cheap that it is worth getting the OEM part. Try either of these links: https://www.moparpartsoverstock.com/p/Jeep_1992_Comanche/ISOLATOR-Upper-Spring--ISOLATOR-Upper/6912750/52000229.html https://www.factorychryslerparts.com/productSearch.aspx?searchTerm=52000229 You might have trouble finding MJ shackles with rubber bushing. The JKS shackles are popular but come with poly bushings. My IRO shackles also came with poly and I have no complaints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 1 hour ago, JMR 188 said: Pete M, Rubicon Express does make nice things, I just pieced together my list after reading several posting here. Maybe I should consider a 3 in lift instead. By looking at some of the vehicles on this site with 3 in lifts I think that would do for my intended use. Agree, going 3" creates a lot less suspension problems than 4.5". If you do decide to go 3", a good choice for rear springs would be the General Springs metric springs HERE. They will initially net you a ~3" lift in the rear, then settle down over time to ~2". Plus they will provide some extra carrying capacity and they ride nice. The difference after the spring settling can then be made up with a quality set of extended rear shackles, like the Terraflex Shackles. After you get the rear end up where you want to be, then lift the front to match. The best way to do this is with a set of OME 2930 lift coil springs. They ride and handle like no others. Even with a 3" lift, you will also need an adjustable tack bar when all is done to re-center the front axle. I used the Terraflex. I do like Teraflex products. Quality stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 DesertRat1991, thank you for the links. I do not mind the upkeep or the harsher ride, I just need something to get me out to the desert and keep me out of trouble with the "Retirement Boss" lol!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 HOrnbrod, thank you for the info. Your truck was one of many on this site that is swaying me over to the 3 in lift. I see you went with the WJ lower control arms too. What front and rear shoots do you use? Also, 31s on original alloy rims should fit without trimming or spacers on this lift correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 I keep posting this pic............0 lift, crapped out springs, 31s, no rubbing............WJ lowers. As to what others are leading you to .........keep it simple. General Spring for the rear and OME 930 for the front. If you like a crisp ride/response, Bilstein 5100s, 2-3" lift for the front and you'll have to look up for the rears. At 2-3" your soft lines (brakes) will be fine. If you swap out, consider braided SS. I like JKS for shackles and TB...........to each his own............ 4.5 on 31s looks ridiculous, and is, IMO. Look beyond Amazon, if you need Tech or replacement, advise....etc............look to those who specialize in their products, look beyond what everyone else does.....kits and soforth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMR 188 Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 Jeep Driver....Thank you for the picture and advice. Nice looking truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Thanks, this is gen III in the process of gen IV. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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