ColManche87 Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 Let me break down the title... or skip down to the pictures for the truck! Jeeps are part of our heritage. We all got into the Jeep culture for different reasons but what’s ubiquitous is the utility and potential for a Jeep to defy roads and look great doing it. Growing up, I learned and became fascinated with how Jeep Willys were sold to Colombia after WW2. These Jeeps, called Yipaos (“Jeep-Ow-s”) were utilized by farmers in remote areas to transport their agricultural goods - and often groups of people - to surrounding towns. These trips were often treacherous and at high altitudes, while carrying impressively loaded cargo. Mules were most commonly used before the Jeep revolutionized accessibility and transport for rural Colombians. Links to more about this history: https://www.pikipikioverland.com/the-story-of-willys-jeep-colombias-beloved-metal-mule/ https://nomadicniko.com/2016/03/18/jeeps-in-colombia/ Now MacGyver, though before my time, was another cultural icon I grew up with. My family left Colombia and their livelihoods behind because of the violence and conflict of the 90’s. Work for them in the U.S. meant fixing up houses, cars and other odd jobs until they got settled and started businesses of their own. If anything needed repair, my uncles and grandpa knew just what to do with what was available and a handful of variations, in case the first attempt didn’t work. They were commonly referred to as “Colombian MacGyvers” for their resourcefulness and adept problem solving. Though I strive to attain that level of ingenuity, I’m still building up the knowledge, skills and tools. I try to use what I have on hand whenever possible - sometimes it sticks! And Finally, Bravo, the name of the truck. With the birth of my son in 2020, I started to think about what knowledge and skills I’d like to impart to him. The top three were faith, self-reliance, and his heritage/culture, so... the ability to pray that the Jeep works in Spanish after wrenching on it! If it doesn’t, we continue troubleshooting until we get it. If it works, ¡Bravo! So now, the truck... I picked up a 1987 Jeep Comanche Laredo with 96k miles not knowing until I left that the odometer didn’t work. I was told it was a parts truck but the PO didn’t want to scrap it, so he got it running and put it on Craigslist. I picked it up for $2100 with some extra parts and drove it two hours home with some death wobble and funny looks as we drove through Cleveland. Not sure how many miles are actually on it but I’ve had no serious issues and will likely keep it as is except for Cruisers tips. Open to suggestions though and there’s no shortage of ideas on CC, so we’ll see. Has a 4.5” lift, dropped pitman arm, adjustable track bar and “longer” solid LCAs. Rear leaf springs are near flat, one side has two cracked leaves. The body has some pretty sizable dents and rusts in the typical spots but the bed must have had a cap or cover. The frame was solid except for a small patch on drivers side bed rail and where the steering box mounts. Rusty floor panels were partially patched and It sounds like I have a vacuum leak, most likely the duct taped canister or brake booster. The brakes are squishy too... after pushing the pedal halfway or so, it engages and the whistling sound goes away. Maybe air in the system or a small leak somewhere? My goal for this truck is to pass it down to my son and make it mostly reliable until then as time and money allows. I use it for landscaping and short trips to the junkyard. I would like to road trip it around the Great Lakes but all in good time. I appreciate the knowledge of this community and willingness to teach others. Looking forward to contributing my experience on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse J Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 looks like a great start. Make sure you flip the grille the right way it's upside down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiNi Beast Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 1 hour ago, Jesse J said: looks like a great start. Make sure you flip the grille the right way it's upside down don't be a jeep snob. You rock that grill how you want. Looks great times being had. ENJOY the time. Appreciate you sharing your experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdog Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 Always enjoy a good long bed, welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse J Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 23 hours ago, MiNi Beast said: don't be a jeep snob. You rock that grill how you want. Looks great times being had. ENJOY the time. Appreciate you sharing your experiences. fair enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColManche87 Posted May 14, 2021 Author Share Posted May 14, 2021 I had some some welding done to the frame and reinforced where the gear box bolts up. It made a huge difference in steering now that the bolt wasn’t prairie dogging the rail. I picked up a set of 35” mudstars on Tj Rubicon rims a while ago and thought they might look good on Bravo now that he’s a bit sturdier. Acceleration, braking, steering aren’t great... but it makes me happy A lot to go before I can run these full time but I might keep them on for motivation ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColManche87 Posted May 17, 2021 Author Share Posted May 17, 2021 Cleaned the inside of the cab and topped off some fluids while the little one watched from his blanket. Only a couple months ago he was spending more time dreaming than awake. They grow so quick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scaleless Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 11 hours ago, ColManche87 said: Only a couple months ago he was spending more time dreaming than awake. They grow so quick! Watch out, it might not even feel like a few more months before he's driving that Comanche! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColManche87 Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share Posted May 22, 2021 On 5/17/2021 at 10:08 AM, scaleless said: Watch out, it might not even feel like a few more months before he's driving that Comanche! Not the Comanche but... 😳 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColManche87 Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share Posted May 22, 2021 Bought a Leer Macho for Bravo. Older gentleman was nice and also had a 1986 Comanche for sale (will post in classifieds) that looked pretty good. The cap is just slightly too long and the truck bed light off the cab threw me off when I was positioning it. A little cockeyed for now but we’ll figure it out! I know I just got it but for the right price, would be willing to let it go haha. Looking to at least cover gas and time ($250?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted June 6, 2021 Share Posted June 6, 2021 if it keeps your bed dry, then it's close enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColManche87 Posted July 1, 2021 Author Share Posted July 1, 2021 On 6/5/2021 at 11:15 PM, Pete M said: if it keeps your bed dry, then it's close enough Never thanked you on here for stopping by with those leaf springs.. and the ratchet strap So thanks! Hope to see you at the All Breeds show in PA this month with the leafs installed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 1, 2021 Share Posted July 1, 2021 3 hours ago, ColManche87 said: Never thanked you on here for stopping by with those leaf springs.. and the ratchet strap So thanks! Hope to see you at the All Breeds show in PA this month with the leafs installed you are most welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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