On a Scale of 1 to 4.0, how difficult is this?

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
11/06/2018 at 14:30 • Filed to: Jeep, JOOP, wrenching

2WD Comanche pickup that “doesn’t run.” Is the 4.0-liter easy as a “first wrenching project?” I like this 2WD Jeep for reasons.

DISCUSSION (26)

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:38

The AMC 4.0litre I6s are like cockroaches. Worst case you can find a swappable engine for dirt cheap.

way2blu does a rev update > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:39

CL ad here

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/d/jeep-comanche-pick-up-1987/6722387307.html

slipperysallylikespenguins > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:40

They are pretty straightforward. Lots of room to work on things. Parts are cheap. Shouldn’t ever lose its value. Jeep 4.0 was the first engine I ever swapped on my own. Did it over a couple weekends in a single stall apartment garage.

Just noticed its a manual too. Big bonus and even simpler mechanics. Downside on the early 4.0s are the more complicated fuel injection, but it can be swapped to the newer setup.

MGS315 > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:45

Should be fairly easy and cheap to fix. As for what the problem is, Lordy knows. You might get it running in 20 minutes or you may need an engine transplant (and then hope the wrecker engine works..)

way2blu does a rev update > slipperysallylikespenguins
11/06/2018 at 14:46

Ah damn now I’m even more interested in this thing. Finding a “project” that covers the triangle of cheap, reliable, and easy to fix, has been really difficult. This might be the one.

way2blu does a rev update > Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
11/06/2018 at 14:48

That sounds awesome. I’ll be looking into this for sure.

way2blu does a rev update > MGS315
11/06/2018 at 14:49

An adventure. It’s a Jeep Thing for sure...

Just Jeepin' > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:50

I suspect it’s harder to find Comanche parts, but since it shared an assembly line with the XJ I’d wager you can use the plentiful availability of those parts to compensate, to some degree.

Go for it!

MGS315 > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:57

Hah good point. For some the adventure is off-roading, for others it’s wrenching.

slipperysallylikespenguins > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 14:58

I would pick this up if it was in Washington. It has everything I want except I would prefer a long box. This would make a killer sport truck, and they can haul some serious weight. Can be upgraded with the newer 4.0 HO parts, stroking is common to 4.7 or on occasion a 5.0. They make kits to put the gm 3.8 supercharger on it too!

They used to race them:

Kinja'd!!!

And you can put the newer XJ front on:

Kinja'd!!!

So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 15:10

Autocross it!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 15:30

The #1 thing to look out for on these is rust.

If it’s rusted out, then it’s just a parts donor to get a better one running.

404 - User No Longer Available > Biggus Dickus (RevsBro)
11/06/2018 at 15:33

Reminds me of how many times they fixed the engine in the Jeep that made Saabkyle04 famous.

punkgoose17 > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 15:38

I drooled. Go for it.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 16:12

90s Mopar in general fit your bill.

Buy em cheap, fix em cheap, once they’re fixed they are reliable.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky
11/06/2018 at 16:13

I 2nd this motion.

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 16:20

That’s about as easy as a modern “non-running” project vehicle can be.

way2blu does a rev update > So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky
11/06/2018 at 16:31

YES

This is literally the best Jeep for that.

2WD, short wheelbase, manual, lots of torque.

Censored > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 16:36

Not sure that there would be an easier (semi modern) engine/vehicle to work on. I say do it everyday and twice on Sunday. Shouldn’t be too hard to convert to 4x4 either. I’d imagine steering would swap over, then its just front axle, t-case and driveshafts away (should be able to pull these out of cherokees too).

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
11/06/2018 at 17:24

Off topic, would you consider the motor in the Mini to be Mopar? Its designed by Chrysler and built in a JV with Rover, and is high performance for its size and age.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 18:01

YES. The problem is unknowable at current. WHO CARES? It’s a 4.0. AMC made the fucking thing starting in the stone age and only occasionally updated the spark control and made it a little smaller and smoother. That is all you need to know about the 4.0 right there.

edit: WAIT. This thing was hit low. The Commanche is a unibody. Need more data and photos. That’s frame segment area and this may be unrepairable frame damage.

Frenchlicker > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 19:06

Insanely easy. The 4.0 is the first engine I have torn apart and it’s really easy. Also if you are looking for cheap rock auto has all of the parts cheap.

Jeepdude > way2blu does a rev update
11/06/2018 at 20:38

XJs and MJs from 87 and 88 have a connector on the firewall that is a bridge for all the important circuits. It is a very common source of issues, can be easily unscrewed, cleaned, and reapply some electrical grease to keep out moisture. Almost nobody knows to check this. There are also many awesome Jeep YouTubers with great info and help. Comanches are getting more rare by the day, glad I’ve got 2.

pip bip - choose Corrour > way2blu does a rev update
11/07/2018 at 04:57

hellcat conversion

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
11/08/2018 at 06:59

You mean Mini Cooper?

To be honest I did not know their engine was a Chrysler/Rover engine, it came after the era I know Mopars best. But given it was designed by Chrysler/Rover, I guess it’s at least part Mopar.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
11/08/2018 at 07:10

Yep, the 1st gen cars use what is essentially a Chrysler motor.

The story goes that BMW/Rover were in the market for a small transverse mounted engine for the Mini (Remember BMW did not make any transverse engined cars in the late 90s/early 00s). Chrysler had been developing such an engine since the mid 90s and them both struck a deal.

The engine is quite robust and powerful for its size so it fits your description of Mopar I guess.