Skool me on the Jeep Comanche

Been looking for another project since I'm growing tired of cleaning up mud. I want back on the asphalt but the buy in for an older car ('70-'74) is over my budget even for a roller. I'm also not interested in another D series or I would just buy Dragula's and be done with it.
Wikipedia states these are unibody with a removeable bed? Curious to see that. I want to install a small block, not sure on tranny. I seen one years ago on a drag strip somewhere. Thought it was kinda cool.
A Craigs search doesn't find very many especially 2wd. Found this semi-local, a little more than I would like to spend but I want rust free.
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/4291439851.html

Recently sold my '90, 4wd.

Seems like most here are 2wd, fairly easy conversion to 4wd, front suspension, steering, etc is same either way, the 2wd uses a tube axle.

"Unibody" is sort of a misnomer, they do have a cab welded to a stamped, heavy gauge sheet metal frame, the rear section is boxed same material. I HAVE seen a few rusted badly and folding in the cab/rear frame area.

Beds are bolted on, with the gas tank hanging from the bed ...tank needs dropped to remove the bed (at least un strapped).

Pretty much everything from the doors forward is interchangeable with a Cherokee, and that includes the doors, they are same as 4 dr Cherokee.

Floors are probably the most rust prone area, my theory is that it is due to the predominance of rubber floor mats in them, trapping any moisture.

Commonly leak around the heater air inlet at the cowl,(outside water) and rear window in mine had a leak.

I really enjoyed mine, preferred it to the D150, to the point the Dodge just sat, getting no love.

Depending on what your needs are, the 4.0 is preferable, with the great working AW auto trans.

Gas mileage isn't great, even tho fuel injected, if you get 20 you are doing very well. I have had 3 of these motors in different XJ/MJs, they are good motors tho. I currently have a XJ Wagoneer with a LT1 efi from a '93 Z28, actually gets better mileage than the 4.0s did.

Comanche specific parts are somewhat hard to find, and there is a split at the '90-91 years, as the newer ones are the "HO" motors, the older ones are generally called "Renix" models, after the injection supplier. All of mine have been renix, and honestly have good power.

Every one I have had experience with has had it's own set of problems. Some are common, some peculiar and hard to track down. It takes a little getting used to. Small radiators, cooling system air pockets, poor grounds (many),the fact that Jeep especially in the renix years (87-90, generally) was getting parts from many suppliers doesn't help.

Tail lights are specific, and usually hard to find. Fuel pumps are in tank, and available, but the gauge/sender is not avail new, different years different pumps (renix/HO).

Steering when right and tight is good, suprisingly fast, good feel.
As I understand (and I may be wrong) the steering box is what borgeson starts with in the fast ratio mopar box they are selling, and if that is the case I recommend the box.

WOW, did this get out of control! Didn't mean to be so long ... I WILL have another, only sold mine because I HAD to to pay taxes.

Comancheclub.com is THE BEST source to check, lots of good people, lots of good info, sort of like Moparts ...

Just re read your post.

That is a GREAT starting point, any way you want to go ... no body work, tolerable paint, most likely no rust ...

The up front money will be saved on the other end, though I would be looking to buy it cheaper. In your part of the country I would think most people would be looking for a 4wd, that may be in your favor.

Here, a more or less similar one would be around $1500, but might (probably) have floor rust and bad paint ...

Wiring harness can be a nightmare ...

Tach/gauge dash is a plug and play ...just requires the proper senders.

Sold my 4wd for $2200, no quibbles, but it needed sheet metal replaced due to dents ...

hey red, I have looked under the hood to see that LT1 engine and all I can say is wow! it is in there.

piglet just scraped his jeep stuff but I kept all the ax-15 5 speed/241 xfer stuff down to the drive shafts..missed the pedels though.

I will have take the 440 truck up and trade Jim a ride in it for a ride with the LT1 someday.

yep a 2x gasser jeep sure would be kool

I have saw them at the track running in the 7s 1/8 mile but no daily driving those jeeps.

Oh, and the grille center piece on the blue truck is up side down ...drives the CCclub guys nuts ...

I'll take you up on that Mike! Too cold for the bike today, maybe I should ride over your way in the Jeep ...

the bigger tires have killed off some tho ...

The guy that bought my old 88 comanche has been trying to sell it its a longed 4wd 4.0 automatic has a dana 44 rear in it and is rust free . has buckets and console and low miles 80 to 90 thousand i think he said $2200 I can get you his number if interested ,

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I currently have a XJ Wagoneer with a LT1 efi from a '93 Z28, actually gets better mileage than the 4.0s did.


Comancheclub.com is THE BEST source to check, lots of good people, lots of good info, sort of like Moparts ...

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Thanks everyone for the responses. That LT1 looks like a good fit. I'll hop on that site today.
I'm looking for a 2wd short bed, rust free, doesn't have to be running, doesn't necessarily need a title. I don't plan on street driving as I have enough vehicles registered and insured, just ask my wife!