Buying an 89' Comanche

[Stewart44]

Going to take a look at a 1989 Comanche long bed. 4.0, 4x4, manual ax15, np231. 160k miles. Frame looks solid, minimal rust, body solid as well. 

 

Seller is asking 5k. Is that a good price?

 

What should I keep an eye out for on these trucks? I've been reading up on them, nevertheless, I'm far from knowledgeable on them.

 

I'd like to turn this into a daily driver. Once I go through it all and replace anything that's a bit worn out, would you consider it a solid daily?

 

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[89 MJ]

Seems like a reasonable price. Make sure it’s actually got an AX-15. 89 was the crossover year for that transmission. Make sure the floors are solid, the unibody is solid near the leaf spring mounts, and then just make sure it isn’t a cobbled together mess. 

[Pete M]

it's an old truck so everything is dependent on the previous owners and how well they cared for it.    I just recently got done with a basket case of an MJ that suffered from horrible previousowneritus.   

[Stewart44]

1 hour ago, Pete M said:

it's an old truck so everything is dependent on the previous owners and how well they cared for it.    I just recently got done with a basket case of an MJ that suffered from horrible previousowneritus.   

Is there anything I should keep an eye out for that'd tell me if it's been neglected?

[Stewart44]

8 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

Seems like a reasonable price. Make sure it’s actually got an AX-15. 89 was the crossover year for that transmission. Make sure the floors are solid, the unibody is solid near the leaf spring mounts, and then just make sure it isn’t a cobbled together mess. 

I'll take a look at these. Thanks!

[87MJTIM]

Do you have or can you get pictures for us to view.  Many members can spot/identify issues/problems for you to consider.

 

"A picture is worth a 1,000 words."  I sure we can exceed the 1,000 word limit.

[Salvagedcircuit]

5 hours ago, Pete M said:

I just recently got done with a basket case of an MJ that suffered from horrible previousowneritus.   

Hear, hear!

So many stories of previousowneritus I lost count

[pizzaman09]

Compared to what I paid for mine with another 100k miles on it, yours sounds like a great deal.  Mechanically these trucks are pretty solid as long as the cooling system is functioning, they are pressurized.  Electrical challenges many of these trucks, but everything is well documented here and is fixable if there are issues. 

 

Some photos would be awesome to help us spot things that may be out of place.

[Stewart44]

13 hours ago, 87MJTIM said:

Do you have or can you get pictures for us to view.  Many members can spot/identify issues/problems for you to consider.

 

"A picture is worth a 1,000 words."  I sure we can exceed the 1,000 word limit.

Just posted them! Thanks

[Stewart44]

1 hour ago, pizzaman09 said:

Compared to what I paid for mine with another 100k miles on it, yours sounds like a great deal.  Mechanically these trucks are pretty solid as long as the cooling system is functioning, they are pressurized.  Electrical challenges many of these trucks, but everything is well documented here and is fixable if there are issues. 

 

Some photos would be awesome to help us spot things that may be out of place.

I think so too. I'm in New England. Most older trucks are rotted or wicked scaly underneath. He states the gauges aren't working, but I can't imagine it will be a problem getting that sorted. 

 

Pictures posted👍

[87MJTIM]

Is that a YJ tcase shifter?  Does the tcase appear to be clocked up high?

 

The exhaust pipe seems to end at the tcase, then the tail pipe hangs over the rear axle.  Kinda strange.

[89 MJ]

I'll start by saying that the the body looks pretty decent. I'm not sure what's up with the primer though. You should try to get an answer on that.

 

That MJ most definitely has a YJ AX-15, like Tim said. The transfer case is clocked differently and the shifters are not MJ/XJ units.

Looks like you might have some front end work to do if you get it. Looks like the tires are cupping pretty bad on the inside edges. I'm also seeing front lift springs and an add a leaf in the rear with a new track bar and sway bar end links, so maybe the suspension issues are already fixed. 

 

I'm also very curious as to what is up with the spots I have arrows pointed to. The one pointed to the floor looks like a poor repair, but its hard to say. Those plates on both sides should not be there. Definitely check to see if rust is under there. I'm also seeing another spot right at the top of the picture along the "frame". I'm also curious as to why the passenger side floor is silver when nothing else is. 

 

 

 

With all of that said, if it is a running and driving rig without rust or very minimal rust, I would say its a fair deal. Not a great deal, but a fair one. 

[pizzaman09]

The rear axle appears to be mounted farther forward in the wheel well than it should be. 

As stated, if it runs well and drives fine, it's a decent deal.

I'd say it's a 4x4 conversion from 2x4 because there are no factory 4x4 badges and the front suspension has quite a few new looking parts.  Nothing wrong with that, a 4x4 conversion is simple on these trucks as there are no chassis differences between a 4x4 and a 2x4.

[87MJTIM]

48 minutes ago, pizzaman09 said:

I'd say it's a 4x4 conversion from 2x4....

 

pizzaman09 is correct; most likely a 4x4 conversion with parts from a YJ.  I looked at the transmission shifter again.  It is a YJ gear selector - longer and more vertical (either that,or it's happy to see you).