Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Hello Fellow Comanche Degenerates I’m excited to introduce my 1988 Jeep Comanche here on the forum! I bought my Comanche in April of 2024 and plan on restoring it to it’s former glory. I’ve been in love with these trucks for years, and when I found this one in my home state of Montana, I had to have it. It’s essentially rust-free, which is pretty incredible considering its age, and I’ve been slowly working on some odds and ends since I bought it about a year ago. It’s a 4.0L inline 6, 5-speed manual, 4x4 with a short box – pretty much the perfect setup in my opinion! The paint and body are also in great shape (for an ‘88). I’ve been taking my time figuring out exactly how I want to approach the restoration process, and I’m really looking forward to hearing advice and ideas from all of you. Looking forward to connecting with other Comanche fans and sharing the journey as I make this truck shine! If you have any tips or thoughts, feel free to share – I’m all ears! I will give you a rundown of what I have accomplished so far keep you updated as I complete upcoming projects! I also have a YouTube Channel and will be giving updates on there as well. Introduction Video https://youtu.be/SL-PyVJPCao I have been a Jeep guy for a long time. I’ve owned a TJ for 7 years and is what the majority of my YouTube channel has been based on… until my Comanche came along and dare I say… it’s my new favorite! Adam - Montana Offroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 (edited) Vehicle Info ℹ️ MJ | 4.0L | 5 Speed | Peugeot BA10/5 | Stock Dana 30/35 | SWB | 4x4 | Sportruck Color: Medium Bronze Metallic / Tan Interior Current Location : Central Montana Additional Features: Full Gauge Cluster Sliding Glass Window Vent Windows Bench Seat Built in clock Factory Turbine Wheels with caps Rust Free undercarriage Excellent Body/Frame Condition 214k Miles on the original engine Vehicle Modifications (Info From Seller) Rusty’s 4.5” spring lift Hellwig overload springs Tubular upper/lower control arms 31”x10.5r15 Cooper A/T Dynomax muffler ZJ steering linkage ZJ fan clutch 97+ XJ E-fan Big 7 electrical upgrade Volvo presure cap for coolant bottle 89 MJ ecu Kenwood stereo and speakers Cruiser valve cover mod Edited February 5 by Montana Offroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 Repairs Since Purchase Since buying this Jeep I have done the following: Replaced the radiator Added a block heater (Gets cold as #$@+ in Montana) Replaced the starter Replace the starter relay Replaced the alternator Nothing thus far has given me too much trouble (knock on wood) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 And I see you got your roll bar now too. The original paint looks pretty good on it. I think I’d consider redoing the graphics, polishing the paint, and calling the exterior good. Especially with what paint costs. For the drivetrain, maybe an AX-15 and a stronger rear axle. I’m looking forward to this build in whatever route you take it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 Modification: Yesterday was a HUGE day for me! After MONTHS of searching, some sweet talking, an 8 hour drive, and $500 I have officially acquired a Factory Sport Bar! I mocked it up when I got home that evening to see what it will look like bolted up and I absolutely LOVE it! It is in great condition and just needs a repaint. I'm still deciding if I’m going to bedline the bed of the truck so the install will be on hold for the time being. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 Acquired Cosmetic Accessories I was able to source some replacement decals from Phoenixgraphics.com in the original color I also found a company who has stick on jeep emblems that match the originals on my original turbine wheels. 🛞 These will be some exciting installs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 14 minutes ago, 89 MJ said: And I see you got your roll bar now too. The original paint looks pretty good on it. I think I’d consider redoing the graphics, polishing the paint, and calling the exterior good. Especially with what paint costs. For the drivetrain, maybe an AX-15 and a stronger rear axle. I’m looking forward to this build in whatever route you take it. Thanks man, I would love to get my hands on an AX-15 and a Dana 44 so I will keep you posted on those. Already snagged some new decals 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 My wife is a professional Photographer and got some cool shots shortly after I bought the Comanche. It was very overcast so the color looks quite a bit darker but very cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 34 minutes ago, Montana Offroad said: Thanks man, I would love to get my hands on an AX-15 and a Dana 44 so I will keep you posted on those. Already snagged some new decals 😎 Very nice! There’s at least one member who bought brand new AX-15, that seems like a very good route to go if you’ve got the budget for it. Otherwise, a local tech school might be able to rebuild one for you very inexpensively. The gold on gold is going to look fantastic! The Mrs did very well on the photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 1 minute ago, 89 MJ said: Very nice! There’s at least one member who bought brand new AX-15, that seems like a very good route to go if you’ve got the budget for it. Otherwise, a local tech school might be able to rebuild one for you very inexpensively. The gold on gold is going to look fantastic! The Mrs did very well on the photos I'm trying to get my hands on another Comanche and steal it. It’s a ‘91 with so it’s got the goods and only 145,000 miles 🤞 we are in negotiations so wish me luck! Thanks for the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 3 minutes ago, Montana Offroad said: I'm trying to get my hands on another Comanche and steal it. It’s a ‘91 with so it’s got the goods and only 145,000 miles 🤞 we are in negotiations so wish me luck! Thanks for the advice! Now we’re talking! Hopefully it works out for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Great score on the sport bar, looks like it came with the optional light adapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 1 minute ago, fiatslug87 said: Great score on the sport bar, look like it came with the optional light adapter. Oh wow! I just figured someone rigged that up, that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 You need one of these for your shifter boot. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093E8SRG/?coliid=I2W9KHMG566CPS&colid=3LRN1JNOTR7H2&psc=1&ref_=_sed_dp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 3 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said: You need one of these for your shifter boot. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093E8SRG/?coliid=I2W9KHMG566CPS&colid=3LRN1JNOTR7H2&psc=1&ref_=_sed_dp Good eye but I actually have an extra from my TJ, what I need is a new boot because this one is all tore up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 22 hours ago, fiatslug87 said: Great score on the sport bar, looks like it came with the optional light adapter. I’m curious where you found this literature. I can’t find anything on it. I’m always interested in seeing cool or rare factory options 😮 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 It’s in the Mopar Accessories catalog dated September 1991. If you haven’t come across this thread yet take a look. https://comancheclub.com/topic/55379-looking-for-your-comanche-literature/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 18 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said: It’s in the Mopar Accessories catalog dated September 1991. If you haven’t come across this thread yet take a look. https://comancheclub.com/topic/55379-looking-for-your-comanche-literature/ 😮 I haven’t but I know what I’m doing the evening now, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Mistress Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Nice looking MJ. Do you need mounting brackets for the Sport bar? I've got set not going to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 1 hour ago, Red Mistress said: Nice looking MJ. Do you need mounting brackets for the Sport bar? I've got set not going to use. Thank you! The bar only had the plates. Is it one of the reproduction sets they sell on here or original? What do you want for them? 😃 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 4 Author Share Posted February 4 So as @fiatslug87 pointed out, it appears that my Sport Bar came with an optional factory light adapter. Anyone else ever seen this? I would love to see some other Comanches with these 4 light set up. I hadn’t decided if I wanted to do lights as of yet but I would love to see what my options are. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 I know at least two people on here have had them. I couldn’t find one so I made one out of 2” angle iron that I bent to follow the angle of the light tabs, closed off the ends then had it powder coated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 1 hour ago, fiatslug87 said: I know at least two people on here have had them. I couldn’t find one so I made one out of 2” angle iron that I bent to follow the angle of the light tabs, closed off the ends then had it powder coated. Looks great! I may end up doing something similar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 I don’t have one, but in terms of lights, I think Hella 550s look about right up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montana Offroad Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 41 minutes ago, 89 MJ said: I don’t have one, but in terms of lights, I think Hella 550s look about right up there. You’re right, those would look good! I’ve got my eye on some NOS Marchals on EBay but if I go with 4 lights the Hella’s are “hella”va lot cheaper 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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