🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Comanche

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

XJ (shared platform with Cherokee)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A compact pickup truck based on the popular Jeep Cherokee (XJ) platform, offering Jeep's renowned off-road capability in a utility vehicle format.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup

Unique Selling Points:

Unibody construction (shared with XJ Cherokee) for lighter weight and better ride, available 4x4 system, strong off-road heritage, unique utility for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Diagnostic, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Component Overhaul, Maintenance Schedules

Pages:

Extensive (specific number not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L AMC 150 I4, 4.0L AMC 242 I6, 2.1L turbodiesel (Renault) - including diagnostics, overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system

Transmission:

Aisin Warner AW-4 (automatic), Peugeot BA-10/5 (manual), NV235 (transfer case) - including service, overhaul, and troubleshooting

Drivetrain:

Front and Rear Axles (Dana 30, Dana 35), drivelines, U-joints, differentials - including inspection, repair, and fluid specifications

Suspension:

Front (leaf spring solid axle), Rear (leaf spring solid axle) - including shock absorbers, leaf springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum - including hydraulic system, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake pads/shoes, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Power Steering System - including pump, hoses, steering gear, fluid types, troubleshooting

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, gauges, accessories, fuse block, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, chassis lubrication, rust prevention, panel alignment

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, battery maintenance, spark plug replacement

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly, assembly, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement, bearing replacement, gasket replacement

Transmission Service:

Fluid changes, filter replacement, torque converter service, seal replacement, complete transmission overhaul

Brake Service:

Pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement (shocks, springs, ball joints, tie rods), alignment procedures, steering gear repair

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Typically PDF, but can be printed

Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and clear text (assuming original source quality)

Binding:

If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use in a workshop

Paper:

If printed: Durable, possibly glossy paper for workshop conditions

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L I4:

AMC 150, 115 horsepower @ 4600 rpm, 190 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm (approximate)

4.0L I6:

AMC 242, 173 horsepower @ 4700 rpm, 220 lb-ft torque @ 3250 rpm (approximate)

2.1L Turbodiesel:

Renault J8S, 85 horsepower @ 3750 rpm, 132 lb-ft torque @ 2750 rpm (approximate)

Acceleration 0 60:

Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically 10-14 seconds

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all gasoline engines

Engine Oil:

API SF, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for exact spec and viscosity based on temperature)

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

Peugeot BA-10/5 (5-speed)

Automatic:

Aisin Warner AW-4 (4-speed automatic)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac part-time 4WD system with NV235 transfer case

Aw-4:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec, equivalent to Dexron II/III)

Ba-10/5:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

119.4 inches (standard bed)

Length:

180.7 inches (standard bed)

Width:

71.5 inches

Height:

65.8 inches

Bed Length:

6 feet (standard bed)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3800 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Tests:

Limited data available for this era, but generally considered robust for its class due to unibody construction.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes; Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels only for some models.

Restraints:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts for front occupants), no airbags standard in 1987.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls.

Assistance Features:

None (ABS available on rear wheels only on select models)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), refer to manual for specific conditions

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Tune Up:

Spark plugs every 30,000-60,000 miles, distributor cap and rotor as needed.

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3

Common Problems:

Rust on unibody structure, aging electrical components, exhaust manifold cracks (on 4.0L), heater core leaks, clutch wear on manual transmissions, rear main seal leaks.

Diesel Engine Issues:

Glow plug system issues, turbocharger wear, injection pump reliability (Renault diesel).

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Built on Jeep's legacy of rugged, capable off-road vehicles, the Comanche brought this reputation to the compact pickup segment.

Development:

Introduced in 1986 as a direct response to the growing compact truck market, utilizing the successful XJ Cherokee platform. It aimed to offer a blend of utility, capability, and a more refined driving experience than body-on-frame competitors.

Production Years:

1986-1992

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability:

While not a direct award winner, the Comanche's shared platform and drivetrain with the highly acclaimed XJ Cherokee meant it inherited a strong reputation for off-road prowess.