89 Comanche build thread

[FlexdXJ]

people hate the 5.0 because they dont have the money to afford one and like the pos chevys cause there cheap

Yeah because you can't find 5.0's in trucks all day long for $600! I hate the 5.0 because I have owned one. That said they can be built and be very mean motors but I want nothing to do with one after owning one. Also, If the 350 has been used since 1967 I don't think its really a POS.

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

do you know how many changes 350's have undergone since 1967? its not even close to the same motor it used to be.

 

[FlexdXJ]

do you know how many changes 350's have undergone since 1967? its not even close to the same motor it used to be.

I know.

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

OK...this is what ive gotten done so far. This thing is moving slow i know it, but she wont be slow when its done. i fabbed a motor cradle that works with Lakewood motor mounts, and tacked it in. ( i borrowed my hoist to a freind...so she aint burned home yet) i did my SOA swap, and got my shock mounts on, the perches are TNT customs U-bolt eliminators. Also got a couple more parts thrown at the motor. heres the pics....

Trans location

motor cradle (pass side)

Motor compartment

new perches and shock mounts

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

im going to chop that upper control arm mount and drop that arm right on top of the axle housing....maintaining the same caster angle of course. To give my jeep a bit more clearance so i wont have to bumpstop the shit out of it. The front end also is not lifted yet. but yes, it is a clearance issue right now. shes going to remain 2WD for the time being. OH and a question, the SOA swap give you how much lift in a comanche? or even better, how high does the top of the tailgate sit of the ground on a stock MJ....mine is at 53 1/2, and im curious what springs to order for the front...keeping in mind i want the front to sit about 1.5 inches lower than the back.

 

[John D]

I don't like this at all. Without plating I would be very concerned that it is going to tear away from the "frame" there. I posted pics below of the ones I built for my swap. It really wasn't that difficult and the unibody remains intact. It's just a suggestion, but I think you're headed for trouble with your engine mount design. I took my measurments to a sheetmetal place and had them put the two bends in it. It was about 20 bucks labor and material. Then with a vise, hammer and welder I formed it into what you see. The back pie shaped open part has been filled so it solid all the way. I do like the cradle design, just no the way it attaches to the frame.

motor cradle (pass side)

 

[Rev Den]

Move your lower shock mounts to the top of the spring plate.

Rev

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

im going to plate the whole frame in the engine compartment. I just have to get my hoist back and yank the motor back out to get to all of it. Im also going to build stronger upper CA mounts, and reiforce the lowers. The unibody isnt nearly strong enough to hold up. Thanks for the pic of what you did and the input. deff helps with the idea process.

why move them rev?

 

[John D]

im going to plate the whole frame in the engine compartment.

That's good to hear, had me worried looking at it.

 

[Rev Den]

less to get snagged.

Seen it happen, more then once.

Rev

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

alright, thats why i thought you were saying it. I was curious if you had another reason, maybe geometrical or something. I was looking at it today, Im also going to build an intergrated steering box brace with that frame rail plating. wheres the best place to get new upper control arm mounts, ones that i can hack up before putting them on there.

 

[macgyvr]

You did move the shock mounts up to the axle, they don't hang below like they do stock, so you have made an improvement. That's where mine are on the baby jeep and it has caused zero issues wheelin.

mac 'hangin below axle is a rock catcher' gyvr

 

[87manche]

You did move the shock mounts up to the axle, they don't hang below like they do stock, so you have made an improvement. That's where mine are on the baby jeep and it has caused zero issues wheelin.

mac 'hangin below axle is a rock catcher' gyvr

I know:

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

this jeep isnt going to see anything crazy. maybe a trail here and there. More or less building a hot rod, haha. thats why shes gonna stay 2wd for now. I just got my dana 60 front for my XJ...anyone know where to get one of those rods you slide though the axle to keep it all straight when you weld it back together....or know of a good shop that has a good deal on narrowing axles?

 

[jeepcomj]

don't weld vertical on the frame at all. you can't weld vertical on frames...it becomes a stress point.

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

alright, noted. thanks for the tip. Hey, do you got any interior peices? like, lower door frame plastic, kick panels, and the A and B pillar plastics?

 

[jeepcomj]

yes, I have those pieces somewhere In my pole barn.

I'm up in Wind Lake now, another half hour north of burlington, but a straight shot up I94

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

how much you looking to get for them? i need 97+ doors to....maybe some 3.5'' coils, 97+ header panel....you got any of that? thanks

 

[jeepcomj]

no on the doors, header, or coils.

$75 for the interior pieces.

 

[XJ-ARNIE]

what color are they and will you ship them...maybe i can swing by on sunday or monday