my '88 Comanche

[88pioneer]

Front progress:

UPS brought the rear springs. Look pretty good, Thanks to the guys at HellCreek. Top notch service.

 

[88pioneer]

Here's some uphill pics of it sitting on B/S 265/75R16's and the soft 8's I'll most likely be running. The tires don't look that big in the pics but on the truck they look huge.

The Bridgestones are temporary, I've been looking at tires all week and I've got it somewhat narrowed down. Side view of the 265's:

 

[ncgamedog]

ever get your rear springs installed?

 

[88pioneer]

I'm working on the brakes right now, plan on installing them Monday or Tuesday.

 

[88pioneer]

A few updates from the last week or so...

Installed the new wheel studs I picked up today. Bought the ones for a '97 ZJ, ended up about a half inch longer than the stock 8.25 studs.

 

[88pioneer]

I've been sidelined for most of the last week waiting on parts. I ordered a set of SS brake lines for the front and rear, but I wanted some for the rear calipers as well. I found what I needed at Summit Racing. Earl's brand right length, right ends everything except they are out of stock til Dec. 1...then Dec 7...now Dec 12. I canceled the order and tried to figure out how to use the rubber lines I have. Most of the rear disc conversions I've seen online have either left the line dangling or welded the bracket to the housing. I wanted to do neither, so here is what I came up with. I reversed the lines from left to right and mounted them with the loop the bottom. I then ground the mounting tab to fit. Not what I wanted to do, but the loop is a good inch above the housing bottom and should work out OK...

The hard line installed. Still needs to be tweaked a little, but you get the idea...

Clearance shot. I shouldn't ever be an issue...

 

[88pioneer]

After drizzling rain all day Monday, today turned out pretty nice. I got inspired, so my son Jake and I yanked the old D35 out. A before shot...

Here's a couple shots of the factory 'load sensing valve'. I plan to bypass this and run a XJ proportioning valve until I upgrade to a dual diaphragm booster and newer model master cylinder. Then I'll switch it out for a ZJ 4 wheel disc unit.

No more D35, or much of anything else...

A forgotten part. The shackle bushings are shot, gonna have to order some tonight. Scrounged around a little and found an Energy Suspensions part number (2.2111G), be here in a few days.

Last stop for the old D35.

I hopefully will have all the parts together for the 8.25 install after I finish my 8 day stretch at work, that begins on Thanksgiving day. Now if I can only make up my mind on a diff cover.

 

[blackknight_4x4_]

looks good man

 

[ncgamedog]

updates?

 

[88pioneer]

After my 8 day stretch at work, I ended up with just two days off before heading back this morning. I did get the rest of my parts together for my rear diff. Even managed to find some e-brake cables at the Pull a Part. So far the biggest PITA has turned out to be the rear shackles. They really did not want to come out. Ready to install:

I narrowed my diff cover choices down to either Ruff Stuff Specialties or Riddler Manufacturing.

I got the Riddler. The cover came unfinished, so I painted it the same cast coat gray as the front and highlighted the logo:

I like the way it turned out:

With the exception of the parking brake cables, all done and waiting for a day off to install. Later this week I hope.

 

[88pioneer]

I spent today putting in rear diff, other than the cold it went pretty good. I intended to pressure wash the wheel wells and the underside of the bed etc., but 35 degrees and water don't go well together. I did the wheel wells and revised my build plans. The new plan is to get the Jeep back together enough to drive it into the basement then finish up the rear in there and out of the weather.

Before...

After...

 

[88pioneer]

A few more pics.

The Hell Creek springs both sides...

from the side...

Rear view, no shocks yet...

 

[mmcj7]

Man thats 1 cool build. I like the details and how clean everything is. I want to post a build but after seeing yours I 'm almost ashamed to I guess I could show how nasty it is before I start. Hats off to a great job!

 

[88pioneer]

Man thats 1 cool build. I like the details and how clean everything is. I want to post a build but after seeing yours I 'm almost ashamed to I guess I could show how nasty it is before I start. Hats off to a great job!

Thanks, I appreciate it. My wife laid down the law after my last ATV crash that I needed to find another/safer hobbie. The MJ is just getting the attention I used to give the ATVs and bikes. It's the new toy. You should see my 2 XJs, especially the '89 limited with 321k and a 3" bastardized lift.

 

[88pioneer]

I spent today buttoning up stuff on the MJ so I can move it inside. I got the tires and wheels on and got a chance to take at the stance. It sits a little higher in the back, but it's a truck.

The 32's are looking kinda small...

 

[88pioneer]

Oliver's Drive Shaft Repair

Another opps on my part, the snout on the 8.25 is an inch longer in the front than the old D35. Oliver's shortened DS up for me, installed 2 new u joints and had it back to me the next day. Excellent service.

 

[ncgamedog]

any updates for the new year?