MJ CUCV

[Crash_AF]

So, I managed to stumble across an 89 Comanche for $600, so I decided to pick it up and build it into a daily driver. My last Comanche started much the same, but peer pressure after an axle swap got it onto 35s and way beyond daily status. The goal for this one is for it to be on 31s, running 3.73 gears, and basically set up for mild wheeling if I decide I want to go out somewhere with it.

 

The base truck is a base model 4.0, 5 speed, 2wd with AC as basically the only option. It was originally from Michigan (or at least, the Great Lakes area, and migrated to Colorado back in the 90s with the original owner. I got it from the second owner, who picked it up for a song about 13 years ago from the original owner's family when he passed away and nobody wanted it because it was 2wd.

 

Upon inspection, the truck has some surface rust in the belt line, but the underside looks good with no rot-through. This is probably due to the fact that it was Ziebarted, I've found the plugs throughout the truck, and it even has a pair of Ziebart running boards.

 

The biggest problem for me is the aftermarket sunroof that has been added, I'm not sure whether I want to get it welded closed, or replace it with another one that doesn't leak. First priority will be to pull the carpet and find out if the floors are rotted on the inside.

 

As far as the CUCV part, for those that don't know, they are the military Blazers and Pickups that the Army used throughout the 80s. My plan is to make a mini version, painting this one desert sand, adding a Tomken Machine brush guard (since they look similar to the CUCV unit) and some stencils to look like a military truck. Might even get one of those canvas tops for the back from Softopper. 

 

One of the amusing things is that this truck has the Cordovan interior, which the CUCVs in the military have a maroon interior as well, so it should go well.

 

So, the planned recipe is as follows:

4wd conversion

30 front with 3.73 gears from a parts TJ I have (Yes, it's low pinion, it's not a big deal right now and is 'free') RE 4.5 coils in the front along with some short arms. Probably going to get an Iron Rock track bar

Dual diaphragm booster with master from a later XJ, WJ dual piston caliper swap with knuckles and steering from a parts WJ I have 

Chrysler 8.25 from a Liberty with matching gears and disc brakes, maybe a limited slip. Spring-over. Might use some Cherokee shackles to drop the rear if it's too high, we'll have to see how sagged the stock springs are

NP242 transfer case with a SYE (Craigslist find)

AX15 with external slave (from same parts TJ)

Bucket seat swap from my parts bin. A friend built an MJ about 10 years ago and put suspension seats in it, tossing the stock buckets with tracks, so I snagged them. They're even the right color.

Full gauge swap

Rubicon Moab wheels from a TJ. Managed to score them from CL for cheap in good shape. Going to wrap them with 265/75 Yokohama ATs

 

Anyway, hope people enjoy it. We'll see how it turns out in the end.

[Crash_AF]

First order of business was to straighten out the mess under the hood that the previous owner made of the CCV system. He had run a piece of heater hose from an aftermarket elbow shoved into the front hole to the back of the air cleaner, and completely ignored the rear line and fitting. In addition, the valve cover was a mess, half the bolts were less than finger tight, and it leaked oil from the back of the motor like a sieve. I picked up the NAPA emissions hose sets and a new rubber valve cover gasket, along with the o-rings for the oil filter adapter. 

 

When I pulled off the valve cover, I found that evidently it was a quaker state engine, because it looked like someone had dipped it in Hershey's syrup. Scrubbed out the inside and outside, did Cruiser's mod to the tubes and put it all back together. Completely spaced getting a 'before' pic, but I'm sure you've seen what I'm describing... 

 

Painted and installed the valve cover, 'torqued' it down in the head pattern to the value of 'snugged plus half a turn'. 

 

Next step is the oil filter adapter. I'm debating the HO adapter swap to get the standard oil filter threads since I'm pulling it off anyway, but not sure I want to wrestle one off in the junkyard.

 

So far, the puddle went from about 3" around after parking to a puddle the size of a quarter, so I think I'm on the right track.

 

Anyway, here's the progress thus far.

[Pete M]

that truck is going to be soooo different once you're done!    tiny tires, running boards, bench and a 2 spoke wheel just scream boring old-man truck.  I'm sure it can't wait to start its new life as a real head-turner.   

[JMO413]

Cave wait to see it come into it's new life!

[Crash_AF]

Been busy at work which has cut into my Jeep time, but still gathering parts. Managed to score a good pair of the carpeted Jeep floor mats from an 88 baby Wagoneer that was being parted at the local Jeep place. Also got a good passenger fender for $40. 

 

My pull-n-pay run netted me a 97 booster and master, complete 05 Liberty 8.25 with discs and 3.73s, a pair of 97+ mirrors, door window rubber, and a 97+ fan for $170. 

 

And finally, my tires came in from Amazon, so I had to mount them up and take a motivational pic... LOL

 

Hopefully soon this won’t be a ‘cheater pic’

[Crash_AF]

So I finally got to get some more work done on the Comanche. Got the front springs and upper control arms on, along with the new track bar. Also sanded on the rust and hit it with some black rust eater stuff to temporarily cover it up.

 

Found out the guy I bought the lift stuff from didn’t include the lower arms, so I’m on the hunt for a good used pair or I’m going to pull the trigger on some new ones by the end of the week. 

 

Got it the coil plates off the rear axle, need to get more of that done soon so I can make the rear match.

 

And now, pictures.