Positioning:
The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was a compact pickup truck produced by Jeep, a division of Chrysler. It shared its platform with the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and was designed to compete in the growing compact pickup market, offering Jeep's legendary off-road capability in a truck format.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody, and Mazda B-Series. The Comanche distinguished itself with its unibody construction (shared with the XJ Cherokee) and robust 4x4 systems.
Distinguishing Features:
Unibody construction (shared with XJ Cherokee), available 4.0L inline-six engine, Quadra-Trac and Command-Trac 4WD systems, coil-spring front suspension (later IFS) for a smoother ride than body-on-frame trucks, towing and payload capabilities.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, drive axles, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent front suspension - IFS), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power steering)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, paint
Climate Control:
HVAC system, including operation, diagnosis, and repair of heating and air conditioning components.
Fuel System Components:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions control system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and emissions control devices.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, fault codes (OBD-I for later models)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component testing
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, headlight aiming
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul instructions, including torque specifications, piston ring gap, bearing clearances, and valve train setup.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions, including disassembly, inspection of components, and reassembly specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, including common failure points and their remedies.
Digital Format Details:
Likely a searchable PDF for ease of navigation and printing. High resolution scans of original factory documentation.
Print Quality Notes:
Original factory manual quality. If digital, will be clear and legible. High quality scans are essential.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format). If a printed version is offered, expect professional binding.
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format). Original manuals typically used durable paper stock.
Engine Options:
2.5L AMC I4 (4-132), 2.1L Renault Turbo Diesel (J8S), 4.0L AMC I6 (4.0L High Output)
4.0L I6 Hp Torque:
Approx. 173-182 hp and 220-225 lb-ft of torque (depending on year and specific configuration)
2.5L I4 Hp Torque:
Approx. 110-121 hp and 130-144 lb-ft of torque
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Multi-point fuel injection for later models, Throttle Body Injection for earlier models)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or HOAT)
Oil Type Capacity:
Typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L; check manual for specific year and engine. Capacity typically 5-6 quarts with filter.
Manual Transmission:
Aisin AX-4 (4-speed), Peugeot BA-10/5 (5-speed - early), NV3550 (5-speed - later)
Automatic Transmission:
Chrysler 727 (3-speed - early), AW4 (4-speed Japanese sourced, electronically controlled)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (part-time 2WD/4WD), Command-Trac (part-time 2WD/4WD), Quadra-Trac (full-time 4WD, later versions) - specific to model year and trim.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for exact specification and year compatibility), AW4 typically uses Dexron III.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, viscosity dependent on temperature.
Wheelbase Options:
113.0 inches (standard cab), 125.0 inches (long bed/crew cab variants, though crew cab was rare).
Bed Length Options:
6-foot (standard) and 7-foot (long bed).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,800 lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs for properly equipped models.
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,300 lbs for properly equipped models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for precise intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmission fluid typically inspected at 15,000-30,000 mile intervals.
Tune Up Items:
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter replacement typically at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III, or specific power steering fluid if recommended.
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil, viscosity dependent on temperature (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Common Wear Items:
Leaf spring bushings, U-joints, transfer case chain wear, AMC 4.0L oil filter adapter housing leaks, TPS sensor issues, rear main seal leaks on 4.0L.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common in older vehicles, intermittent issues with grounds, sensors, and dashboard components.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate, frame rails (though unibody, structural areas can rust).
Jeep Legacy:
The Jeep brand has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess, established by its military origins and iconic Wrangler models. The Comanche sought to translate this heritage into the pickup truck segment.
Mj Development:
Introduced in late 1985 for the 1986 model year, the Comanche shared its platform and many components with the highly successful Jeep Cherokee (XJ). It offered a more car-like ride and handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks of its era.
Production Years:
1986-1992 (officially, though the manual covers up to 1996 for potential late models or components carrying over).
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Sales Performance:
The Comanche faced stiff competition and never achieved the sales volumes of its rivals, leading to its discontinuation after the 1992 model year, though production continued in limited numbers for a short period thereafter.
Automotive Press Mentions:
While the Comanche itself didn't garner specific major awards as a standalone model, it benefited from the accolades of the XJ Cherokee platform, often praised for its off-road capability and comfortable ride.
Off Road Capability Rating:
Highly regarded for its off-road capability, often rated as one of the most capable compact trucks of its era, particularly in 4x4 configurations with the 4.0L engine.
Service Manual Certification:
Factory Service Manuals are considered the definitive source for accurate repair information, adhering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards.
