Big Blue - 88 Money Pit!

[Ls2xjcomanche]

Finally getting around to making a build thread of my MJ that I purchased in Feb. of 2017. CC has been an excellent resource for finding those hard-to-find parts as well as information, with VERY knowledgeable and helpful members that have made owning/building this Comanche an awesome experience! Prior to picking up my 88 Comanche, I had owned two XJ's (currently just one), so I was somewhat familiar with Jeeps and the 4.0 motor. However, I wasn't really sure what to look for as far as year, model, drivetrain, options, etc. I just knew that I wanted a Comanche. After a couple months, of surfing Craigslist I found one that was worth checking out. I had my friend test drive it, because at the time I did not know how to drive a stick. After riding in it for a few miles, I decided that I had to get it, and purchased it on the spot. Here are a couple pics once the comanche made it home! I'll add more pics and info of stuff that's been done to it over the past few years soon!

[Ls2xjcomanche]

I really wanted a Comanche specific topper and after looking for a few months came across this one for sale in California. I bought it and had it shipped to Washington even though I wasn’t a fan of the way it looked, it came in handy to have.

 

[Pete M]

are you going to paint the topper? 

[Ls2xjcomanche]

13 hours ago, Pete M said:

are you going to paint the topper? 

I sold that topper and bought another one I found off of CL in Kentucky. Shipping was crazy, but worth it. I wanted a Leer Fiberglass Canopy. I plan to get it painted to match sometime next year. 👍🏽

[Pete M]

that's a good choice   I really like mine!

[Ls2xjcomanche]

What it looks like on my MJ!

[Pete M]

painting to match or painting to contrast?

[Ls2xjcomanche]

11 minutes ago, Pete M said:

that's a good choice   I really like mine!

Yes I love it, the previous one hand more headroom, but just didn’t look right to me! Like it when the topper is even with the cab.

 

I preemptively purchased a long bed Leer Canopy when one popped up on CL. 

 

 

[Ls2xjcomanche]

6 minutes ago, Pete M said:

painting to match or painting to contrast?

 

Painting to match. Do you think a contrast would look good? Ideas for colors?

[Pete M]

both ways will look great.  If I went for contrast it'd probably be boring ol' black. 

[thecodemonk]

...wait, where in WA?  and how in the world do you find these things?!

...also, do you already have plans for that long bed topper? >.>

[Ls2xjcomanche]

2 hours ago, thecodemonk said:

...wait, where in WA?  and how in the world do you find these things?!

...also, do you already have plans for that long bed topper? >.>

Tacoma area... I spend way too much time on Craigslist lol!

 

I do have plans for it, but I recently bought a long bed comanche and I might be selling the topper that is currently on it once it gets shipped up here. 

[thecodemonk]

Nice!  You are collecting all sorts of great toppers.  If you do, let me know!  Tacoma isn't too far a drive for me and I think I could talk the wife into it...she loved truck topper camping when I had a full sized truck.

 

So...tally is that you have two MJ's now?  A SWB and a LWB?

[Ls2xjcomanche]

5 hours ago, thecodemonk said:

Nice!  You are collecting all sorts of great toppers.  If you do, let me know!  Tacoma isn't too far a drive for me and I think I could talk the wife into it...she loved truck topper camping when I had a full sized truck.

 

So...tally is that you have two MJ's now?  A SWB and a LWB?

 

Thanks! I’ll message you if I decide to sell one of them. They do come in great for camping.

 

Yes I have one of each.

 

 

[thecodemonk]

One of each is awesome!  Got different plans for each?

[Pete M]

yeah, what's the plan for the new one? 

[Ls2xjcomanche]

On 10/8/2019 at 7:29 PM, thecodemonk said:

One of each is awesome!  Got different plans for each?

 

Long term goal for the SWB is a 4BT swap but don’t foresee that happening anytime soon.

 

The LWB I would like to do a small lift and 31’s or 33’s. Primarily being used as a camping rig.

[Ls2xjcomanche]

After owning my Comanche for a roughly a year, the transmission and rear differential went out. I purchased a Dana 44 off CL and an AX-15 from Novak. Since the rear axle and transmission swap, haven’t had any issues. The AX-15 is way beefier the BA/10 that was in it prior.

[Ls2xjcomanche]

Had the shop install a slip yoke eliminator, a 2 Low kit in the T-case, Adam’s driveshaft, and a Hurst short shifter while they were doing the transmission and axle swap. 

 

 

 

 

[eaglescout526]

23 minutes ago, Ls2xjcomanche said:

 

Alright. I’m curious. Is that a vent relocation and well, I can’t tell. It’s an AC control deck but i don't know where from. Looks GM. 

Care to tell?

[Ls2xjcomanche]

On 10/10/2019 at 5:55 PM, eaglescout526 said:

Alright. I’m curious. Is that a vent relocation and well, I can’t tell. It’s an AC control deck but i don't know where from. Looks GM. 

Care to tell?

I’m not sure that’s how it was when I got it. The PO installed an aftermarket AC system in it.

[Ls2xjcomanche]

So I have some good and bad news. My new comanche finally came in tonight, but my other comanche broke down while driving home. I think it’s a bad fuel pump or fuel filter not sure yet. The tachometer also randomly quit working. 

[Ls2xjcomanche]

I had the bed rhino lined, forgot to take a before picture but it’s a night and day difference!

[thecodemonk]

Wow, that looks really good!!

[Ls2xjcomanche]

On 11/4/2019 at 9:37 AM, thecodemonk said:

Wow, that looks really good!!

Thank you!