'86 2.8L v6 with a 3.5" lift and 31x10.5s

[Jdeem35]

I'm looking to put a 3.5" lift with 31s on my comanche with a 2.8 v6. Just wondering if any of you have done it and what type of problems youve run into.  Also any ideas on the mpg that id get with it.

[Green Mesa XJ]

I'm looking to put a 3.5" lift with 31s on my comanche with a 2.8 v6. Just wondering if any of you have done it and what type of problems youve run into.  Also any ideas on the mpg that id get with it.

You’re not going to get any kind of gas mileage and the engine is gutless. It’s under powered with the factory 205 r 15,

If it is a factory 5 speed should have 3.73 ratio axels, I ran 30x9.5x15 tires for a lot of years, it wasn’t bad but the Jeep has no power at the best of times so it took longer to reach hwy speed and on steep hills on the road it struggled. It’s a carbureted engine with poor exhaust and bad carburetor.

I put a Webber carb on the first few years it was a big improvement over factory, I imagine the Edelbrock intake and decent exhaust would help.

 

Off road it’s not bad, depending what you’re running. On trails you don’t need a lot of hp. I had a blast with that old 2.8 xj, but it is what it is. 4.0 is a legend, 2.8 is under powered.

 

I do have a lift and 31s on the old xj now, but I’m also stalled in swapping out the 2.8 with a rebuilt 2.8 putting in a ax15 and 231 in place of the ax5 with 207, it also has a Ford 8.8 because it was impossible to locate a decent Dana 35 3.73 ratio axel. (Broke 4 or 5 Dana 35s until I got sick of that axel)

I wouldn’t say not to do it, but I wouldn’t have any expectation beyond enjoying a trail.

 

 

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[AMC86Kid]

I have the standard 15 inch wheels 

i would say to not lift it because you don’t have enough power for the upgrade I think it will hurt your gas mileage because the vehicle will be taller so that will produce more drag at highway speeds 

[dasbulliwagen]

With the 5 speed it most likely has 4.10 gears in the axles, at least my 86 donor truck did with the 2.8, 5 speed. It won't be too bad to drive, and you probably won't use 5th gear much anymore. Around town you won't notice much. If youre OK with all that, do what you want with it and save up for a 3.4 swap down the road.

[Pete M]

the gearing could be anything, guys.  it was 86 after all.   ya gotta check to know for sure. 

 

as to the lift, be sure to read up and buy a kit that actually includes all the parts.  just because it's sold as a "kit" doesn't mean it's complete.

 

your mpg will always drop with height and bigger tires, but it's a Jeep, no one buys it for the miles per gallon.  it's all about the smiles per gallon.

[omega_rugal]

On 6/4/2020 at 6:38 PM, Jdeem35 said:

any ideas on the mpg that id get with it.

 

none, but with that lift and tires, minus none...