Fryedaddy Posted January 11, 2019 Posted January 11, 2019 I've owned jeeps my whole life (Currently 40yrs). I've had CJ's, XY's, YJ's, TJ's, I own a JK now but have always wanted a Comanche. When I was 16yrs old a friend owned one and I've wanted one since. My wife passed around two years ago which sped up completing my "bucket list" items. I've dreamed of going to Moab, UT from a very young age, this is my current bucket list item. I found a MJ locally for a reasonable price with a few goodies already included. I hope to build this project over the next year and a half, four wheeling on the way ending up in Moab at some point in 2020. It has the factory dana 30 & 35 axles but I've already purchased a wagoneer dana 44 and ford 8.8 to replace the weaker axles, prob regear to 4.88 with selectable lockers.. Thinking stockish width, 35-37" tires with a long arm suspension in the front and possibly a 231 doubler or rubicon transfercase. I'm leaving the trans and engine stock for reliability.
Fryedaddy Posted January 11, 2019 Author Posted January 11, 2019 It's in fairly good shape. I pulled the carpet, trim and headliner. The floorboard was good enough, I just bought POR15 and their version of seam sealer to fix the pinholes. I also replaced the rear window for a slider unit.
Fryedaddy Posted January 11, 2019 Author Posted January 11, 2019 I've pulled the front and rear bumpers to be replaced with JCR units. I have a set of dirt bound offroad rock sliders in my shop as well as their protection panels for the bed. Excuse the mess, I sold our home and bought another. Still organizing from the move.
Fryedaddy Posted January 11, 2019 Author Posted January 11, 2019 I bought it early in 2018 and have drove it 8hrs since buying, hour at a time to see how reliable it is. I was surprised! for an 88 with 180K it runs and drives great! It did have a leak in the cooling system. I decided to switch to an open cooling system for simplicity and change to the new 97+ front clip at the same time.
MeanLemons Posted January 11, 2019 Posted January 11, 2019 Good progress! What’s the final color? Black? It look nice.
Fryedaddy Posted January 11, 2019 Author Posted January 11, 2019 I'm not sure of the final color yet. Will prob be primed black for awhile.
Fryedaddy Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 Got the front clip fitted but I’ll be hooking the bumper to a tree hopefully pulling it another 1/4”. The bottom of the header panel is held 1/4” off the bumper due to the grill guard.
Fryedaddy Posted January 14, 2019 Author Posted January 14, 2019 Bought a cheap plasma cutter on Amazon and was thrilled with what I've been able to accomplish. I've cut all the mounts off the 8.8 and dana 44. Also cut the fender opening preparing for larger tires as well.
Fryedaddy Posted January 14, 2019 Author Posted January 14, 2019 Purchased a Truss kit for both axles from Barnes 4wd https://www.barnes4wd.com/Jeep-TJ-LJ-XJ-and-MJ-Wagoneer-Dana-44-Front-Swap-Kit_p_833.html Once they arrive I'll start on the 8.8 and get it installed SOA (Spring Over Axle). I'm hoping once it's spring over I won't have to add additional lift for 35" tires.
Fryedaddy Posted January 20, 2019 Author Posted January 20, 2019 Worked on the 8.8 this weekend. Welded the truss to the axle.
Swampy Posted January 21, 2019 Posted January 21, 2019 Great progress so far and I love the motivation behind it. I can't to see what you get done maybe we can plan a trip to moab in 2020
SatiricalHen Posted January 22, 2019 Posted January 22, 2019 What plasma cutter did you purchase off of amazon if you don’t mind me asking. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fryedaddy Posted January 23, 2019 Author Posted January 23, 2019 SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018XFZUA8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share this is the version I bought. Several have very poor reviews. This one seams to have positive reviews and I can vouch.
JMO413 Posted February 10, 2019 Posted February 10, 2019 I have looked at that plasma cutter a couple times on Amazon. Good to hear it work that well. That will be my next addition to the garage I believe. Your are of to a great start on a nice rig.
Fryedaddy Posted February 25, 2019 Author Posted February 25, 2019 Routed my exhaust out the side to get it up further. It will end up being protected by a skid. I was also able to add the dirt bound protection panels and started fitting their sliders. I hope to have all the armor on by April
HokieMJ Posted February 27, 2019 Posted February 27, 2019 Keep up the good work!! Love where you have that exhaust exiting.
Fryedaddy Posted March 14, 2019 Author Posted March 14, 2019 Started having intermittent problems with no starts (turn over but not crank). Noticed it during heavy rain after replacing the radiator and front end. I replaced the ignition module, coil, distributor cap, distributor rotor and CPS. It was the CPS but now I’m having issues with it cranking then shutting off in 2-3sec. Any ideas? CPS 1.....Me 0
Fryedaddy Posted March 14, 2019 Author Posted March 14, 2019 Wow...ended up being the fuel pump ballast. Runs like a top now!!
Fryedaddy Posted March 15, 2019 Author Posted March 15, 2019 Spray can ...Matte blue ink. Just want it to match.
Fryedaddy Posted March 20, 2019 Author Posted March 20, 2019 Spray can ...Matte blue ink. Just want it to match.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now