Market Position:
The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was a compact pickup truck built by Jeep from 1986 to 1992, sharing its platform with the Cherokee (XJ). It aimed to capture a share of the growing compact pickup market, offering Jeep's renowned off-road capabilities in a truck format.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, and Toyota Pickup.
Key Features:
Known for its unibody construction (unique for trucks at the time), ruggedness, off-road prowess, and available 4.0L inline-six engine.
General Maintenance:
Comprehensive coverage
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides
Engine Service:
Complete engine repair and service
Transmission Service:
Complete transmission repair and service
Brake System:
Detailed brake system service and repair
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes all electrical wiring diagrams
Electrical System:
Comprehensive electrical system diagnosis and repair
Suspension:
Detailed suspension system service and repair
Periodic Lubrication:
Coverage of all lubrication points and schedules
Steering:
Complete steering system service and repair
Cooling System:
Detailed cooling system service and repair
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Complete fuel injection and fuel system service
Emission System:
Emission system diagnosis and repair
Engine Control System:
Engine control system diagnosis and repair
Chassis Body:
Chassis and body repair and maintenance
Restraint System:
Restraint system (airbags, seatbelts) information
Axle:
Axle and drivetrain service
Page Count:
Not Specified
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Options:
Covers 2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6, and 4.2L AMC I6 engines
Transmission Options:
Covers manual (AX-4, BA-10/P) and automatic (TF-904, AW-4) transmissions
Drivetrain:
Detailed information on 2WD and 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) systems
Suspension Types:
Covers solid front axle (Dana 30) and rear axle (Dana 35) suspension components
Brake System Details:
Covers front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including ABS components where applicable
Fuel System Details:
Covers carbureted (early models) and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) systems
Electrical Components:
Coverage of ignition, lighting, charging, starting, and accessory systems
Engine Overhaul:
Step-by-step engine disassembly, rebuilding, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for manual and automatic transmission rebuilding
Brake Service Procedures:
Includes pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper servicing, and bleeding procedures
Suspension Component Replacement:
Procedures for replacing ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks, and bushings
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms and diagnostic routines
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring harness testing procedures
Maintenance Tasks:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Options Detailed:
2.5L AMC I4 (125 hp, 150 lb-ft torque), 4.0L AMC I6 (173 hp, 220 lb-ft torque), 4.2L AMC I6 (112 hp, 210 lb-ft torque)
Engine Variations:
The 4.0L inline-six became the most sought-after engine for its power and durability.
Fuel Delivery:
Early models utilized carburetors; later models featured Renix or Chrysler electronic multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) systems.
Standard Transmission:
Typically came with a 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Peugeot/Citroën BA-10/P or Aisin-Warner AX-4).
Optional Transmission:
Optional 3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite TF-904) and 4-speed automatic (AW-4) transmissions were available.
Transmission Features:
The AW-4, sourced from Aisin-Warner, was known for its electronically controlled shifting and robustness, especially when paired with the 4.0L engine.
Wheelbase Options:
Offered in two primary wheelbase configurations: 113.9 inches (Short Bed) and 124.9 inches (Long Bed).
Bed Length Options:
Available bed lengths of 6 feet (Short Bed) and 7 feet (Long Bed).
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,800 lbs, depending on configuration.
Infotainment Features:
Basic factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. No advanced infotainment features typical of modern vehicles.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to the driver's skill and the vehicle's mechanical capabilities; no electronic driver aids.
Connectivity Features:
No factory connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months for conventional oil; consult manual for synthetic oil recommendations and specific engine types.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or as per manual, depending on transmission type and driving conditions.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles for traditional coolant; consult manual for extended life coolant (ELC) intervals.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most engines. Verify specific engine requirements.
Transmission Fluid Specification Auto:
ATF+3 (or equivalent) for TF-904; ATF+4 (or equivalent) for AW-4. Verify specific transmission.
Transmission Fluid Specification Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended for manual transmissions.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Rust (especially floor pans, rocker panels, and unibody frame rails), electrical gremlins (especially with aftermarket additions), cooling system issues (radiator, water pump), AMC engine oil leaks (especially rear main seal on inline-six), and potential transmission issues on early automatics.
Part Number Example Oil Filter:
Fram PH8A or equivalent (for 4.0L/4.2L engines), PH3614 or equivalent (for 2.5L engine). Verify with parts catalog.
Brand Heritage:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for robust, capable off-road vehicles, a heritage the Comanche sought to leverage.
Model Evolution Summary:
Based on the popular Cherokee XJ, the Comanche offered a truck bed. It saw minor cosmetic and mechanical updates throughout its production run, with the major evolution being the widespread adoption of fuel injection and improved powertrains.
Production Period:
1986-1992.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Recognized Attributes:
The Comanche is often recognized by enthusiasts for its unique Jeep heritage in a pickup truck format, its off-road capability, and the legendary durability of the 4.0L inline-six engine.
Ownership Satisfaction:
High owner satisfaction among enthusiasts who appreciate its ruggedness and off-road prowess, despite its age and potential maintenance needs.
