what should i watch for ? new to jeep's. . .

AMCSportTruck · 11-03-2009, 10:30 PM

I just bought myself a 1988 AMC Jeep Comanche Sport Truck.

specs:
2.5L-I4, 4spd-DD, 4.10 gears 215/70R15 front and 225/70R15 rear.

Truck is a 2wd regular cab short bed as best i can tell.

Is there any item's I should be worried about or keep an eye on ?
thing's like what its weak point's ? / whats known to fail ?

Thanks
Mike

BLKGRANDJP · 11-04-2009, 12:06 AM

Anything plastic or rubber look for cracks. i.e. vac lines.
motor mounts. bushings and so on.
My 89 seems to like the SEA FOAM in the gas. and air intake every so often.
oh and the in dash lcd screens for the navigation system are prone to fail. :-)

TheDann · 11-04-2009, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKGRANDJP

oh and the in dash lcd screens for the navigation system are prone to fail. :-)

Pete M · 11-04-2009, 12:11 PM

some good reading here:
ComancheClub.com • View topic - What is the most important tip you'd share with MJ owners?

AMCSportTruck · 11-04-2009, 07:08 PM

Thanks much for all the info. . .

Mike

cbordea · 11-05-2009, 03:00 PM

check under the carpet for rust, make sure the battery terminals are clean, jeeps like clean battery terminals and don't run good without a good connection.

don't run it hot.

AMCSportTruck · 11-05-2009, 04:44 PM

Carpet these had carpet ? My truck has rubberized flooring, anywho i haven't looked under it tho maybe i should.

If its rusty do they make patches ? or would i have to make my own ? . . . truck didn't look rusty under neath it. . .

Mike

Pete M · 11-05-2009, 04:49 PM

There are a dozen ways for water to leak into the cab and once it's in, it rots the floors from the inside out. In fact, all of the problem areas on our trucks rot from the inside out. Rockers, floors and above the rear flares.

AMCSportTruck · 11-05-2009, 05:23 PM

Ok I will check that out.

another question they list 2 tire sizes for my truck a 225/75R15 2wd and a 235/75R15 4wd.

Will the 235's fit my truck even tho its a 2WD ? as by me the 235's are cheap n plentiful. . .

Mike

Pete M · 11-05-2009, 09:38 PM

I had 30s on my 88 back when it was 2wd. 235s should fit fine.

AMCSportTruck · 11-06-2009, 05:07 PM

I think i'm going to run the 235/75's on it then when i do the AMC V8 swap over i'm going to go with 235/60R15's on front and 235/70R15's on rear give it that lil'bit of a pro street slant to it.

But the tires aren't set in stone also been thinking about a 4wd conversion and running 31x10.50's. . .

Mike

AMCSportTruck · 11-07-2009, 02:20 PM

Say guy's how do i go about IDing the 4spd trans in the Comanche ?

Mike

Pete M · 11-07-2009, 04:49 PM

AX-4 if it's a manual trans

AMCSportTruck · 11-07-2009, 05:24 PM

Yup I searched around and found that put.

I still can't find the gear ratios for that transmission.

As I said I'm planning to repower this truck with an AMC V8.

I found that the 290 V8 makes 225hp n 300tq and has the same power curve as the 117hp n 135tq I4.

I was trying to find out what the AX4 ratios were so I could get a 4 or 5spd manual trans some what close as to not have to regear the truck.

Mike

Pete M · 11-07-2009, 05:37 PM

Nearly all manual transmissions contain ratios that are similar enough that it won't matter much. What are your choices for 4wd transmissions behind that engine? That will likely make the decision for you.

With 300 lb-ft or torque, be prepared to kiss that rear axle goodbye. The Dana 35 can barely handle a 4.0L. I blew mine up with 30" tires and street driving (only 2wd).