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An XJ guy finally gets an MJ


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Long time XJ enthusiast checking in with my newest addition to the family.  Always wanted a Comanche, but haven't seen many for sale around me.  While looking for OEM wheels for my 2-door XJ, FB Marketplace recommended this old girl to me.  1989 4cyl 5speed 2wd short bed.

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Absolutely rust free on the bottom, however the floor boards have a bit of rust from the windshield leaking.  The interior had already been stripped and have every piece of interior trim in the bed of the truck.  Also have the original bench seat and the original jack/handle and a mounting clip for it that I haven't quite figured the orientation for.

 

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One of the things that convinced me on the purchase was the spare rebuilt AX5 4wd with the external slave housing and a 231 transfer case.  Also a front driveshaft and a front Dana 30.  Everything needed to swap her to 4wd other than a new rear driveshaft and a 4.10 regear on the front axle.  Even got both the 2wd and 4wd shifter boots.449726525_26310823255175764_6106376091064849511_n.jpg.c6f7b179a2157c5eb90ce7588e636c60.jpg

 

I guess I should mention she runs perfect, and was drivable when I got it but was missing 1st and 2nd gear.  More on that later.  After a bit of haggling, I got the truck and 4wd swap for $1200.  Haven't seen deals like these since before 2019.  

 

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Welcoming her home and playing around with my wheel options.  Not sure if I want to convert her to 4wd or keep her 2wd and just fix the transmission.

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Test fit the bench seat, had to bend the brackets around to get them back in position and adjusted the rod on the bottom between the sliders.  Fit well, pulled it back out to start on the rust.

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After a bunch of sanding and grinding back to metal, I sprayed some rust convert primer on the bad side for now until I feel like welding up the holes

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Before, during, and after cleaning up the seat belts as best I can.  Gonna polish the chrome whenever there are less pressing issues

 

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Got about 10% of my sockets organized preparing for the new project.  Also decided I should upgrade my safety equipment for once and bought 2 sets of high lift jack stands.  Really like the little pads on their feet for working on gravel.

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Decided to clean out my lawn mower carport so she can live inside for awhile.  We've had a lot of rain, and the water absolutely pours into the front windshield.  My other Jeeps are jealous, they've never been inside before lol.

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Skip forward a bit, pulled the 2wd transmission with ease.  Popped the case apart and the fork end of the shift shaft fell out with the tailhousing.  Guess that's why you couldn't even feel the detents for 1st and 2nd.

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I ordered another one for $85 on Quadratec, but couldn't wait so tore apart the 4wd tranny to see how she looked.  Both transmissions look pristine as far as the gears and syncros and bearings go, just a simple shift shaft break.  Pulled the 1+2 shaft from the 4wd and currently reassembling the 2wd transmission to reinstall.  She will probably be 4wd in the future, but for now I just want to get her sealed up from the elements and back on the road.  Actually kinda like the little 2.5 4 banger, so much room for activities in the engine bay.

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Found a guy on marketplace parting out a 91 Limited XJ right down the street from my house. Snagged a tan leather 3 spoke wheel, wood grain dash bezel, bottom trim piece that matches my interior and has the ash tray instead of just a blank plate.  Also found a roughed up Haynes manual.  Best part, got it all for $20! 

 

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  • 1 month later...

They can be rebuilt?! That is good to know.

1 minute ago, eaglescout526 said:

What’s good about this is both ford and GM used these buckles so they’re abundant to rebuild if your internals break. 

 

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3 minutes ago, Drahcir495 said:

They can be rebuilt?! That is good to know.

 

Oh yeah they can! The drivers side is a challenge so long the contact isn’t broke or damaged but yeah they absolutely can’t be rebuilt. 

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