FigurativeGarbage Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 1986 Jeep Comanche. 2.5L/ 4 Speed Manual/ 4x4 / Front axle / Rear axle / Wheelbase Belfair, Washington Gf got an electric vehicle, sold my 2017 Outback and bought this for my various house projects and hauling kayaks, etc. Figure I'll make some upgrades when I have the time and money. Like anyone else with an '86, I'm interested in swapping the 2.4L for a 3.5L from a Camaro. Doesn't need to dominate boulders or go to shows, but I could be a little more fun. Previous owner had some mechanical knowledge. He used this to haul his motorcycle. It had a custom-made ramp bolted in. I removed it. He installed a fan, but the wiring needs to be redone (close to belts, dangerous). I paid a mechanic for some differential work and install a new bolt for the passenger seatbelt (missing when bought). I believe he replaced the exhaust and replaced much of the interior from a Chevy....Silverado? Missing speakers, nonfunctioning stereo, missing dome lights. Not going to lie, I don't have experience working on cars, but that's why I'm here. I'm fine hiring a mechanic for things I don't have time, money, or confidence in, but it's fun learning new things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 the 2.5/4spd usually came with 3.55 gears which is the prime reason why she feels super sluggish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White_Comanche Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 15 hours ago, FigurativeGarbage said: Not going to lie, I don't have experience working on cars, but that's why I'm here. I'm the same boat you're in. I bought my 86 Comanche late last year and I didn't know jack. The guys on here are extremely helpful and I've been learning a lot. I find working on my MJ incredibly enjoyable. You might be pulling your hair out from time to time, but you're also learning too. Overall it looks like a nice clean truck. Like the red/black interior. Seeing a few exterior shots showing the whole vehicle will be cool... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FigurativeGarbage Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 As requested, a photo of the truck from a distance. Only had one with my butt obscuring it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FigurativeGarbage Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 On 8/17/2022 at 5:42 AM, Pete M said: the 2.5/4spd usually came with 3.55 gears which is the prime reason why she feels super sluggish. Is there an easy solution beyond replacing the trans? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 it's even worse. you really want the 4.10 geared rear axle that the 2.5/5spd trucks got, but you need the 5spd to go with it because 4.10s really need that overdrive gear you currently lack. but then with bigger tires you should probably jump right to 4.56 gears. but the dana 35 is a weak axle and a poor choice to spend that much coin on, so you'll want to grab a better rear axle (8.25/44/8.8/etc) and re-gear it to swap in. but then you'll have to re-gear the front axle to match. oh and the rear shaft will need to be shortened one inch to accommodate that bigger rear axle. and at this point doing an engine swap instead is looking pretty comparable in costs, but then you're still stuck with a non-overdrive transmission... 4x4s are a slippery slope of cash expenditure. as the saying goes, "Jeep: Just Empty Every Pocket". Keep reading and learning and I'm sure the path forward will become clear for your particular needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FigurativeGarbage Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 8 hours ago, Pete M said: it's even worse. you really want the 4.10 geared rear axle that the 2.5/5spd trucks got, but you need the 5spd to go with it because 4.10s really need that overdrive gear you currently lack. but then with bigger tires you should probably jump right to 4.56 gears. but the dana 35 is a weak axle and a poor choice to spend that much coin on, so you'll want to grab a better rear axle (8.25/44/8.8/etc) and re-gear it to swap in. but then you'll have to re-gear the front axle to match. oh and the rear shaft will need to be shortened one inch to accommodate that bigger rear axle. and at this point doing an engine swap instead is looking pretty comparable in costs, but then you're still stuck with a non-overdrive transmission... 4x4s are a slippery slope of cash expenditure. as the saying goes, "Jeep: Just Empty Every Pocket". Keep reading and learning and I'm sure the path forward will become clear for your particular needs. Fantastic information, even if more difficult than I hoped. Thanks, Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 3 hours ago, FigurativeGarbage said: Fantastic information, even if more difficult than I hoped. Thanks, Pete. If you like working on Jeeps, it's fun! if you just pay a shop, it's a tough, expensive cookie to swallow. but on the other hand, there's nothing wrong with leaving it stock. It'll never be a rocket ship, and that's ok. It's a old Jeep, not a vette. if you haven't read it yet, this thread is a great read: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Ahhh crap. Didn’t mean to read this post. I’ll get. A build sheet when I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted September 1, 2022 Share Posted September 1, 2022 Build sheet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted September 2, 2022 Share Posted September 2, 2022 *ZZ -ZZ AJC CENTER CONSOLE PACKAGE BAC 75 AMP ALTERNATOR BCQ Battery CGX Head Restraints-Outboard Seating, RR DDQ Transmission - 5-Speed Manual EPD ENGINE - 2.5L I4 TBI GAS GAC ALL WINDOWS - TINTED GLASS GFD SLIDING RR WINDOW HC0 All Vehicles W/O Air Cond HCC HEATER W/UPR LEVEL VENTIL - TYPE II LAP FUEL ECONOMY SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT LMA HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MDA FRT LICENSE PLATE ATTACH REQUIRED NAE EMISS CONTROL TESTING LABEL NFA TANK - 23 GAL FUEL NMB ENGINE COOLING - STANDARD DUTY SBA POWER STEERING TBG SPARE TIRE - COMPACT WJD WHEELS - 15 X 7.0 STYLED STEEL Build date 6/27/86 Body code JL62 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FigurativeGarbage Posted November 27, 2022 Author Share Posted November 27, 2022 Update: idle was getting pretty rough and eventually the truck stopped starting about a month ago. My mechanically inclined neighbor is helping and we found the fuel was contaminated with rainwater (assumed). What he pulled from the tank wouldn't light on fire. He's been tinkering with the TBI. He suspects that the ECM might be fried. I am fine ordering a new one to try it, but he suggested something I'm not sure about: replacing the TBI with a carburetor. Take out the sensors and simplify things a bit. Based on what I've read so far, I don't think I'll go that route. I haven't found much info on a TBI upgrade. On a better note, he happens to have a 3.4L '94 camero engine. We will also work on some sloppy wiring, adjust the squealing timing belt and take out the random aftermarket fan and replace it with a clutch fan. I'll post a photo from under the hood tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted November 27, 2022 Share Posted November 27, 2022 You probably should make your own build thread as hardly anyone is going to read the registry for updates. That being said the 2.5L TBI is really easy to work with. A lot of it is simply going to be probing sensors to ensure they’re within spec of input and output voltage and cleaning the grounds as they are notorious for making the readings to the ECU screwy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FigurativeGarbage Posted November 27, 2022 Author Share Posted November 27, 2022 Will do. Thanks, man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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