Over from the Grand forum. I've been looking for a Comanche for some time now. I want it for daily driving, hunting, light trails, etc. Everything I've found so far has been ragged out and/or 2wd. Found one today with 57000 miles only it has the 2.8. w/automatic. I'd rather have a 4.0 w/fuel inj., but I'm afraid to pass this up. I had a 2.8 in an S-10 and it was fine. There's been some nice ones on e-bay, but I'm not buying anything I can't look at first, and I'd rather not drive far to get it. Keep waiting or go for it? I know these are annoying threads, but I really am interested in your constructive thoughts. TIA, Ken:thumbsup:
Go with your gut - if you'd rather have the 4.0 wait it out. There are plenty around you just have to look really hard. I wouldn't knock on ebay too bad - there are some wicked deals to be had you just have to be savvy about it. I paid $200 for a very decent Eliminator last year, and $500 for a low-mile, rust free wagoneer - both of which I flipped for a heatly profit.
There are folks who love the 2.8, but I personally wouldn't touch one. The 2.8 and 4cyl models are a dime a dozen, as are the 2wd (as you mentioned.) Check craigslist, autotrader, cars.com, ebay, and whatever local newspaper classifieds you have - trust me, once tax season starts they will be everywhere again.
But then you can pick better or newer parts to replace the worn/weak links, and have that great satisfaction of building your own Jeep! Oh, and it's fun! :thumbsup:
Jeep on!
--Pete
For a realible wheeler with 35s or larger, I'd start with a 2wd. Unless I found a really cheap 4x4. With the 2wd there's little incentive to keep the current axle setup, and wont tie you up for a tranny/tcase options.
I'm not about to do it over again, though.
Oh yeah, apparently the 2.8 used in Jeeps is not exactly the same as the one used in chebbies. It's like the gift cousin to the chebby one.
Don't even get me started on 2.5s. Unless you don't mind never passing people.
The 4.0 is a nice blend of power, reliability and fuel milage. If you get a Renix, that is. HOs suck, never let people convince you otherwise. It also gives you a little more leeway with gearing than the 2.5/2.8.
The only difference AFAIK is the flexplate on auto equipped models because the Jeep version mates to a Chrysler torque converter instead of a GM one. The flywheel MIGHT be different in the manual trans version, but I kind of doubt it.
You do have to compare it to the RWD carb'd Chevy version. There are some other small differences in the RWD FI version - which is more like the later 3.1 & 3.4. There are major block differences in the FWD version since it is a transverse engine, not longitudinal.
Well, I believe I'll pass on this one. He wants a premium price, which I'd be willing to pay if it had a 4.0fi. So I will try to be patient. Thanks for the resources, BONKERS, I'll come across one eventually.
Whats wrong with Hight Output I have driven/ worked on both and i think they are both fine but the HO is a bit simpiler to work on seems there is less to break and less vacume lines
Whats wrong with Hight Output I have driven/ worked on both and i think they are both fine but the HO is a bit simpiler to work on seems there is less to break and less vacume lines
It's about torque. The HO is more a soccer mom version of the 4.0. That and the renix gets better milage, near as I can tell. Yeah, it's a bit funky, but you get used to it. Most of the differences won't actually break... I also make this comment because often I see guys go "Oh, you gotta have the HO" which is complete BS. 13HP ain't that much of a difference, especially when you've moved the torque peak way higher in the rpm range to achieve it. Also, don't forget that knock senor! Which isn't really that much of a plus on a stocker, but it can help with things a bit.
That and a Comanche with an HO in it seems to sell for quite a bit more.
Whats wrong with Hight Output I have driven/ worked on both and i think they are both fine but the HO is a bit simpiler to work on seems there is less to break and less vacume lines
I disagree with the easier to work on part. The HO motor has an OBD compliant computer. The renix just takes real time data and uses it. Sure, the renix doesn't store codes, but I can troubleshoot the whole Renix system with my DMM.
Found another one today. The elderly man that owns it lives in the next neighborhood and I've never seen it until today. 90 model Eliminator, 4.0 5 speed, 4x4, he's the original owner, 38k miles. The catch-Salvage title. We had a tornado here in Nov., it broke off the mirrors, put a few dents in the roof and put a crack it the fiberglass piece aroung the grill. And a dent in the door, all stuff I can fix. The insurance paid him for it. No rust, interior is in good shape, except 1 tear in the seam of the drivers seat.. If he doesn't change his mind, I think I'm going to get it. He said $2000, but I'm afraid he'll change his mind and/or get a better offer. I don't really want to give that much, but I think I can fix everything with a minimum of fuss. More good than bad. And its not like there everywhere.
go for it dude...that's a good deal for the low mileage!! Make him an offer for a little less, say 1500...since the insurance already paid him for it, he might go for your offer, you never know...
Found another one today. The elderly man that owns it lives in the next neighborhood and I've never seen it until today. 90 model Eliminator, 4.0 5 speed, 4x4, he's the original owner, 38k miles. The catch-Salvage title. We had a tornado here in Nov., it broke off the mirrors, put a few dents in the roof and put a crack it the fiberglass piece aroung the grill. And a dent in the door, all stuff I can fix. The insurance paid him for it. No rust, interior is in good shape, except 1 tear in the seam of the drivers seat.. If he doesn't change his mind, I think I'm going to get it. He said $2000, but I'm afraid he'll change his mind and/or get a better offer. I don't really want to give that much, but I think I can fix everything with a minimum of fuss. More good than bad. And its not like there everywhere.
Damn man, its an ELIMINATOR with a 5SPEED and 38K on it!! Why are you sitting here asking us if this is a good deal or not? Go to the bank, get the 2grand if you have it, go to his house and tell him you have 1500cash in hand that says the truck is yours. If he says no, go up from there.:thumbsup:
Damn man, its an ELIMINATOR with a 5SPEED and 38K on it!! Why are you sitting here asking us if this is a good deal or not? Go to the bank, get the 2grand if you have it, go to his house and tell him you have 1500cash in hand that says the truck is yours. If he says no, go up from there.:thumbsup:
I'm not asking!-he wants to think about it a week, also other people are wanting it. It may turn into a bidding war. I have the 2 grand, I would have layed it down, if he didn't say he wanted to wait. Also I called the courthouse, and they told me that a salvage title requires that everything that the insurance wrote up on the vehicle has to be repaired before it can be returned to the road, even dents. And this Jeep is completely road worthy except for the mirrors-wierd, but I guess its for peoples protection. I hope I'll be a legitemate member of the MJ forum by weeks end.
He didn't think he was getting his moneys worth. He claimed to get 4500 from the insurance co., and still thinks he should get another 4 grand on top of that with a salvage title. What a flake.
I'd give him my number then, and tell him if he changes his mind on the price to give you a call. Since he's in your neighborhood, just keep an eye on it. If it's still around after a month or more, might be worth refreshing his memory that you're still interested.
Not to sound morbid or anything, but if the guy is elderly, he may pass away and his heirs will be left to deal with his estate. They're more likely to be interested in liquidating his stuff quickly and may cut you a better deal. Great bargains can be had at estate sales.
He's not as old as I thought, his parents still live on a farm down the road. Their house was wiped out by the tornado that came through here in Nov. He's having their house rebuilt now and his sustained alot of damage also , and he's pretty stessed out. I'm going to let him chill, he has my number. He says he'll turn it into a farm truck. It can't be licensed for the road with the salvage title. Seems a waste. Anyway, I couldn't get straight answers on what is required to license it, so I don't know if I want to fool with it.
My street Mjhas a slvage title, that that much work to get it registered. It just has to pass your states safety inspection given by a licensed facility, or a state trooper (at least in the state of VA).
Just to et you all know, look at the original sticker price of these trucks, it just seems unreal how much money they are fetching for being as old as they are.
I looked at an '88 last year. Guy wanted $1500 I think. It had the 4.0, had 110k, but the body and bed were trashed. The inside didn't look much better. It needed a lot of work. I'd still like one myself.:thumbsup:
With the old guy, just remind him from time to time that you still want it. My father-in-law did that with a very wrecked classic. It took him almost ten years, but he finally got the car when the guy needed some cash. Although funny thing, after the car was restored, the guy claimed he got ripped off.
I'm going to let him get things in order, and then remind him, I don't want to give up on it. But, in the meantime, I'm re- considering the 86 I found, don't want the 2.8, but I want this for my son who will be driving next year, I'm not really looking for a rockcrawlin' project.
Found a 90 Pioneer pretty close, at a FORD dealer, asking 3950 for it. After seeing the pics, I can't even make an offer 1/4 of that, it would need a complete rebuild. It's really a challenge finding one of these, I'm always a step behind. It's turned into a game, I will win!:laugh:
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Jeep Enthusiast Forums
18.5M posts
726.8K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to all jeep owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, engine swaps, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!