Topic: 88 comanche: to buy or not to buy

[colsoncj]

Sent my mom lookin at an 88 comanche for a DD for her, (and future trail rig for her, but she doesnt need to know that yet...).  Specs:

Inline 6 (4.0L im guessing)
5spd (AX-15 same as R150 Toy tranny)
Transfer is either a NP231 or NP242....  havent checked
front axle is the wonderful vac-disconnect D30
rear is either a D35 (should be non-c-clip but dont know) or a D44 with the M-ton package... (dont know that either)

guy says 4wd doesnt work, im guessing its the stupid vaccuum system...  Says it runs good, yada yada...

What should i be worried about on this truck, and whats the easiest way to tell my mom how to tell the difference between the D30 and D44 (she is somewhat mechanically inclined...)?  All opinions are welcome!

[Ruggedjeep]

D44 on the left D35 on the right

[colsoncj [OP]]

SWEET... perfect!  Anything else i should know about this truck?

[Ruggedjeep]

Im not to familiar with comanche's but its pretty similar to XJ's i guess. The 4.0 is a non- high output and its got a closed radiator system. They love to over heat. first thing i would probably do is conver it to a open system.

[colsoncj [OP]]

is it just changing out the radiator, or is it more involoved?

From my understanding, firewall forward they are identical, firewall back, similar

[Ruggedjeep]

here you go... read away..
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/cherokee/98/12_dec/radiator/radiator.html

[colsoncj [OP]]

sweet, anything else?

[colsoncj [OP]]

Well decided not to go for it... did a thorough check on equipment... seems it has the BA/10 craptastic tranny, a and D35.  Oh well, maybe next go around.  But at least now i know what im lookin at.  Thanks guys for the help!

[Geonovast]

Chances are it's not an Ax-15.  I had an 88 Cherokee with the 4.0 and it had the Peugot BA 10/5.  I'd assume that they'd use the same with the Comanche.

[Gewehr43]

My brother has an '88 Comanche  We did a 2WD to 4WD conversion on it.

[colsoncj [OP]]

holy thread resurrection batman...

[skipnrocks]

holy thread resurrection batman...

LOL you never know what may come up from the forever dead threads!!! 

[colsoncj [OP]]

very true!

[konarider1993]

i had a manche it was an 86 with  c clip d35 and d30, 4.10s, and a ax5 transmission. It was a piece dont buy an 86, it was the first year.

[Rocksurfer]