General maintenance and rear-window glass question

[Wallace]

Hi all, just joined, and this is my first time posting! I've read-through a lot in the forum, however. I recently purchased a 1986 Comanche, 2.5L I4, Manual Trans, 4 x 4, long-bed, 130k miles. It's in pretty good shape. Doing some preventive maintenance, etc, but really I want to restore this thing to its original splendor. I have two, sort of general and unrelated questions:

 

1. I'm about to change the spark plugs out with some new Champion copper plugs. Was going to change the spark plug wires too -- does anyone have experience with 7 vs 8 vs 10mm wires? Does it seem to make a difference in HP? Any tips to make this thing sing are appreciated!

 

2. Next, I was thinking of buying new, rear-window glass. Right now I have, what I think is the original glass, but someone seems to have re-installed it and done an absolute hack-job. The whole situation is pretty beat-up. Anyone ever purchased this? A little pricey, but looks nice and new, and maybe actually fits well? Any tips for this process also appreciated!

[Pete M]

1:  you're unlikely to be able to tell the difference in wire size with the seat-of-your-pants-dyno, but do avoid buying cheap wires.   cheap wires increase the chances of arcing.  If you really want a smile on your face, re-gear the axles.   right now you have 3.55 gears.  but it's complicated because you don't have an overdrive plus the dana 35 is not worth throwing your money at, so that needs a axle change too.  it's a slipper slope.   

 

2:  that's literally the only rear window available new.  they are... ok.    if you intend on tinting it, be sure to do that while it's still out of the truck.   

 

be sure to start yourself a build thread 

[ghetdjc320]

Somewhere I posted a thread on installing the CR Laurence rear window in my 91. There are some tricks to it but it can come out super clean with effort. 

[Wallace]

Haha, ahh thanks guys! I understand what you're saying about the wires. I'll try not to over-think it, but will also avoid cheap wires. And cool idea about re-gearing the axles! I'm trying to keep it fairly stock, but little performance/etc upgrades are tempting. I'm really sucked-in to this thing already...very exciting!

 

Thank you also ghetdjc320, I'll have to look-around and see if I can find your old thread!