New owner, dumb questions

[ghendel]

Just got a 1988 comanche pioneer, only 81k original miles and zero rust. Most everything is stock aside from the back windshield. Although I owned a similar model many years ago, I am coming at this from a different place. I like the idea of it being mostly stock but I also like the look of *mildly lifted comanches. Q1: What can I tow with my bumper ball? I have a light aluminum 12' fishing boat. If I have to put a beefier hitch on it, any recommendations on brand or places to go to get this done? I have no idea how much it weighs, but not very much. Q2: can I keep my original wheels (white) if I lift it a little? Or will it look stupid? Q3: carpet kits. Any recs on brand? How about floor mats? Q4: How about toppers? Anyone have a brand they really like?

 

Being so new to the jeep world, i am wondering if there is a go-to website where people get their parts from? 

 

OK THANKS!

[dasbulliwagen]

There is no ONE go to place for parts. Most general repair parts can be had through the normal auto parts seller channels.... parts stores, rockauto.com, etc. Not to mention the multiple places for custom and lift parts. Any questions about anything specific will be gladly answered in this forum if someone has any experience with it..

 

Theres only one place to buy a new trailer hitch. krustyballer I think it is on here makes and sells them. Brandon Scarborough is his name. Scarfab is the company and can be found on facebook. The factory rear bumper is terribly weak. If truly no rust present, you might be OK, but if want to preserve this truck and its original rear bumper, Id get a new hitch.

 

For any small lift, stock size tires and wheels up to 31" are fine. 31's will bolt up with no lift with stock wheels but a couple inches aint gonna hurt it or make it look weird.

 

I can't comment on toppers. Took of the one on my truck as soon as I got it. Gave it away to a neighbor. 

[RustyRodder]

I will echo the above, no one place has all the parts.  but CC is a huge help!  Plus often times I have found that a parts store won't have the part for an MJ, but the XJ varient will work.  

Krustyballer for the hitch

With a lift, do you want 1-2"?  a 2" budget boost is easy.  31's will fit fine, maye a little rubbing.  but even a basic 235/75 will look good with that lift (in my opinion)

[Dzimm]

Welcome!  make sure to start a build thread so we can see your truck and the work you do!

 

Q1 - krustyballer like stated above.  Go to the classifieds section here and he's under vendors.  

 

Q2 - yes you can keep the wheels.  You can upsize your tires once it's lifted but that's depending on how tall you go.  If you get larger tires, you must check to ensure your bumpstops are correct to avoid crumpling sheet metal.  

 

Q3 - there have been a few threads on here about companies for them.  Stock Interiors is the only one I can't think of right now.

 

Q4 - no manufacturer currently produces toppers for the MJ.  You'll need to look around at Craigslist or in the classifieds here for leads on toppers (Iirc there is one listed here now).  There are ones specifically designed for the MJ but you can use ones from similar sized trucks.  You will need to look at dimensions when buying.

 

As for a go to place to buy, not really.  Google what you are looking for and search the forums here and it should give you some answers. If you don't find your answers, post your question and someone will know the answer.

 

If you don't know already, the MJ and XJ share basically every part from the A-pillar forward and most parts from the B-pillar forward.  Because of this, you can get parts from XJs or search Google using XJ because it will give you more results if you don't find what you are looking for when searching under MJ.

[NHMJXJ]

I'll third Krustyballer for the hitch.  I've read nothing but good things. 

 

Draw-tite made a receiver hitch specifically for the MJ and its stock bumper, but both are hard to find.  If your stock bumper is rust free DO NOT put a ball on it.

 

I have 255/70/16's (30.6") on MOAB wheels with no lift and no issues.

 

I should add … with exception of your 5 speed and no AC, our trucks are twins.

 

[gogmorgo]

The stock bumper was only good for about 2000lbs. That said I haven't seen one yet that isn't bent or rusted out and as was said I wouldn't really trust it for much. 

 

Many but not all parts are interchangeable with the same-year four-door XJ Cherokee. Basically everything from the doors forward is the same with a couple small exceptions, and the common parts are easy to come by through regular parts channels.

 From the seat brackets back the rear is almost completely different with a couple small exceptions. Those MJ-specific parts aren't so easy to find. Keeping a close watch on eBay, Craigslist, etc, is often your best bet, the classifieds on here are pretty good as well. You might also get lucky at your local wrecking yards. But no matter how you go, you're unlikely to find those parts new.

[JMO413]

Krustyballer hitch for sure.

[ghendel]

Thanks for the info so far, I am sure I will have tons of questions (as money allows)!

[ghendel]

So I am following the advice of the many, trying to pull the bench seat out and pull the carpet up. I have gotten 6 of the 8 bolts out and need a different tool to get the other two out (my little hand wrench isnt cutting it for the ones that are recessed). I cannot for the life of me, get the seatbelts through the hole in the bench seat. What is the secret? I cut off the plastic covers, they were cracked and ugly anyways, but the size of the female part is too large (and the male part, center seat). If I go for the torx bolts, they are at an unworkable angle (at least with what I have). There must be a secret.

[Pete M]

undo all the bench bolts so it can scoot forward (I used a socket with a small extension for the last 2) and then remove the seat belt bolts with a #50 torx bit.   

[ghendel]

1 hour ago, Pete M said:

undo all the bench bolts so it can scoot forward (I used a socket with a small extension for the last 2) and then remove the seat belt bolts with a #50 torx bit.   

Oh that makes sense! I have been working nights, my brain is a little foggy. THANKS!