non-jeep junkyard treasures to hunt for

[omega_rugal]

what trucks/cars other than XJ/MJ have parts that we can use? i´m trying to make a list of such things, the one´s  have learned of

 

- Ford explorer 8.8 rear axle with disks

- Dakota with the 2.5 and AX15

- Isuzu rodeo with Vv6 and AW4

- Ford Taurus electric fans

 

any more?

[jdog]

Caddilac has taillight connectors

[eaglescout526]

Suitable B-pillar light options. 

[strictlyxjs]

Chrystler sebring convertible rear view mirror. Has built I'm map laps and is larger for better rear visibility (i have a swing out tire carrier on my xj)

[Car Enthusiast]

Does anyone use the 8.25 rear end out of a KJ? I know the perches would t work but wouldn't it be as if it was from an XJ?

[AZJeff]

13 hours ago, Car Enthusiast said:

Does anyone use the 8.25 rear end out of a KJ? I know the perches would t work but wouldn't it be as if it was from an XJ?

Yup.  A KJ 8.25 is just as usable as one from an XJ once the spring perches are changed to accommodate MJ springs.

[eaglescout526]

Oh another thing to look for is the 93-96? Camaro and firebird keyless modules.

[omega_rugal]

i want to add the Chevrolet S10 for the steering column but some say is not a direct fit

 

and Dodge durango steering boxes...

[A-man930]

48 minutes ago, omega_rugal said:

i want to add the Chevrolet S10 for the steering column but some say is not a direct fit

 

and Dodge durango steering boxes...

 

Not just the S-10, all kinds of GM vehicles from the 80s - early 2000s.  If they're different at all they would still be chock-full of donor parts; like all of them except the lower housing and the steering shaft... 

[Car Enthusiast]

3 hours ago, AZJeff said:

Yup.  A KJ 8.25 is just as usable as one from an XJ once the spring perches are changed to accommodate MJ springs.

And disc brakes

[AZJeff]

1 minute ago, Car Enthusiast said:

And disc brakes

VERY good point.  And the KJ discs are plug and play, once you adapt some appropriate parking brake cables.  

[Pete M]

10 hours ago, AZJeff said:

Yup.  A KJ 8.25 is just as usable as one from an XJ once the spring perches are changed to accommodate MJ springs.

 

it's even better than an XJ since 03-07 have disks and are a couple inches wider which will better accommodate the MJ's wide butt

[OldSch88L]

For cheapskates like me who want to spend the smallest possible amount to replace blown MJ speakers:

 

Chevy Aveo for 4X6s

Suzuki SX-4 for 5.25"

 

If you stumble upon a Ford Ranger FX4 Level II, the Alcoa wheels are an easy sell on the Ranger forums. Same pattern as the MJ, but I tried 'em but the MJ has a bigger hub, so no-go, unless maybe with spacers? I've got some, they're forged aluminum and really light. Still with the Level II it has a 8.8 axle with LSD, but instead of the common Trac-Lok clutch type, it has a Torsen. It also has a stick-shift t-case instead of the electronic knob; again, the Ranger guys will go nuts for one of those.

 

And finally, GMC k2500 4x4 rear shocks, something like a 1990, I'll have to check. According to my research, same mounting type/hardware, and are longer which would make them perfect for a lifted MJ. Only worth it at the JY if they seem in perfect shape, because even brand new, they are CHEAP!!! IIRC, the cheapest ones on RockAuto were Gabriels for like 25$CAD each! I will try it in the next months when I'll have some money; so unconfirmed for now, but research with shock manufacturers spec charts says it should work.

 

18 hours ago, Pete M said:

 

it's even better than an XJ since 03-07 have disks and are a couple inches wider which will better accommodate the MJ's wide butt

Is that what causes that ugly tuck in the rear? So, the truck is like wedge shape, wider in the rear than the front? My Ranger 2WD's specs says the track width is narrower in the back than the front which causes the same effect, so I thought that was the case on a Comanche!

[ghetdjc320]

Look for any rodeo/passport rear axle from 93+. 95+ will all have Dana 44’s. 96-97 2wd axles have 4.56 gears and are practically a bolt in for YJs aside from bolt pattern. 98+ are essentially JK axles. All years use thick cut gear sets and will have nice ratios ranging from 4.10-4.88. Most 4wd have disks and most 2wd have drums. Great little axles and easy to sell since no one seems to get that they’re all D44’s. 

[ghetdjc320]

18 minutes ago, OldSch88L said:

 

 

Is that what causes that ugly tuck in the rear? So, the truck is like wedge shape, wider in the rear than the front? My Ranger 2WD's specs says the track width is narrower in the back than the front which causes the same effect, so I thought that was the case on a Comanche!

Exactly. That’s why the exploder axles look very narrow on an MJ without some good size spacers.

[omega_rugal]

Dakota bench seats fit with some minor tweaks don't they?

[Pete M]

2 hours ago, OldSch88L said:

Is that what causes that ugly tuck in the rear? So, the truck is like wedge shape, wider in the rear than the front? My Ranger 2WD's specs says the track width is narrower in the back than the front which causes the same effect, so I thought that was the case on a Comanche!

 

we use the same axles as a Cherokee, but they don't have the same issue of the big butt. 

[omega_rugal]

do old ford headlights fit the comanches? based on visula inspection i can say yes...with some modding

[eaglescout526]

I doubt you'll need to mod those headlights. Square lights were all the rage through the 80's on a lot of stuff. Dodges, GM and Ford boasted some square bulbs in their mostly truck based line ups.

[Sir Sam]

On 9/8/2020 at 2:16 PM, AZJeff said:

VERY good point.  And the KJ discs are plug and play, once you adapt some appropriate parking brake cables.  

The KJ parking brake cables work perfectly fine with the stock bracket and adjuster. 

[Sir Sam]

Some late model vehicles have gentex mirrors with different options. From several Subaru’s I have gotten the mirrors with homelink, auto dim, compass, and outside temp. There is a higher level model that has map lights built in as well. I’m not sure what vehicle to get that from.