Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Impact on February 25, 2007, 10:30:50 PM

Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Impact on February 25, 2007, 10:30:50 PM
As I have been out on the prowl for finding a Comanche.... I have come across a 92 4L HO/Standard 2wd short box with HIGH milage and a factory long block with about 75,000 k's (Original owners daughter). She (not the daughter..lol) is no beauty queen with what seems to be some rust (Mostly surface) and a couple dings on the bumper/box and also the carpet interior needs to be pulled out.
My question is how hard would it be to pull the trannie/front axle from a cherokee and swap it into the comanche? Will this standard trannie hold up to 33's or even 35's? Is the front axle on 96 to newer Cherokees high pinion? Any tips?
Thanks
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Giffer on February 26, 2007, 06:08:31 AM
why are you giving up the look for a 4wd?? its sounds like this jeep isnt all that worth it or even what you are looking for? maybe im wrong and the projet is half the fun, but if you start off with something you dont really want then the end project you are usally not as happy with
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: cotaman on February 26, 2007, 09:38:20 AM
the 2 wheel drive versions of the mj, xj, zj, and wj share the same unibody with the 4 wheel versions and the non drive front axle mount the same way as the for wheel drive axle, so for the most part it is a bolt in affair to convert a 2 wheel drive to a 4 wheel drive.  it is generally the best if you can have the donor vehicle to get all the little parts from.  but the minimun you need are the tranny, transfercase, front axle, both driveshafts and the all the hardware that goes with it.  i am sure someone has done a right up about it somewhere.. just do your research before you start.
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: cLAY on February 26, 2007, 10:02:13 AM
Yes its farily east to convert to 4WD if you have a donor rig as you'll need the tranny/t-case, driveshafts, diff, steering, shift linkage.....

I don't think that the interior bezel pieces are compatible between XJ/MJ nor willthe rear driveshaft.

From what you described the MJ doesn't sound that great so unless its really cheap I'd keep looking.
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Impact on February 26, 2007, 10:50:04 AM
Sorry I just realized that I meant swapping the transfer case and front axle not the trannie and front axle. I was wondering if the stock standard trannie would work though..... Sorry bout that.
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: NS-jeeper on February 26, 2007, 06:56:56 PM
There's an going to be an article on this in a future JP mag. As they are currently doing this exact 2wd to 4wd switch in an MJ. But Who knows when that will exactly be?
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Impact on February 26, 2007, 08:46:36 PM
Ya I know about that but JP seems to take their time some times when they are building things up.... I thought that they had already finished that project? They also use the higher end quality aftermarket equipment (I would have to get another 4 jobs working at the local 7/11's lol) that I can't really afford and I would like this project to take some quality time putting it together.
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: cLAY on February 26, 2007, 09:00:07 PM
No you can not easily use the 2wd tranny, you'd have to swap over the tailshaft from the 4wd tranny in which case you may as well use the 4wd tranny.
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Gearhead on February 26, 2007, 11:06:53 PM
Some reading here......

http://comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3447

http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=21367

That took about three minutes to find .
Title: Converting a Comanche 2wd to 4wd
Post by: Impact on February 28, 2007, 11:11:02 PM
Thanks for the extra reading. I started to drool when I saw some of the pic's.....lol. I will have a good read through of the sites when a get a day off. Thanks