I loved that when i was a kid . A friends father would take all the kids for ice cream . About ten of us would pile into the back of his f150 and go across town . It was great fun for us kids.
@@xmo552 I have the 4.0 high output with the ax15. Running 35" tires and 4.88 gears. Too be honest I'm not worried about the gas mileage but it's probably around 15mpg. I'm considering a future diesel swap but the 4.0 is a great motor. I will be dropping in a bigger gas tank to help with range
@@DestinationUnknown4x4 Nice. That's not bad mileage for 35s. What's it take to fit them? My neighbor has a junked Comanche, but he won't sell it to me. I have a 2004 WJ 4x4 with the 4.0 and 3.73s on 32s. I get 18-20ish MPG.
I just bought a middle eastern S pec. 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser, J79 single cab, 4X4, 5 speed manual, 4.5 v8 diesel, pickup, that really is, the only "built like they use to truck left", I am stationed Germany and the truck can't be taken back with me to the States, Your truck reminds me of my truck, which is wonderful.
To me it’s exactly why I love my 03 f150 supercrew fx4. It does what you ask of it. It’s not a classic or as cool as the Jeep but to me for a truck it’s all I need. I just had a/c recharged and locked at similar truck but new it was $62k sticker price. Holly crap.
For whatever reason. I ALWAYS found the Comanche the coolest truck of them all. Still makes my smile when I see one. (Which is a an absolute rarity I live).
The renix system wasn't bad. I had a 87 xj that ran good up until I sold it with 270k on it. It used oil and the air didn't work but never had a problem out of the renix engine management system. I like to think that jeep is still running but who knows. The high output system that replaced the renix system was probably better but I never had one so I can't say.
The glove box hinges at the bottom so that it becomes a "tray" for setting things on. My '95 Cherokee Country even had little indentations where the wanted you to set your cup. ONLY practical for when you were parked. You would be eventually wearing your drink if you tried it on the go.
I remember the same thing in our 1964 Valiant. Mom used it as her "kitchen" while making sandwiches on long road trips. The cup markers were pretty much useless as we never stopped to eat.
Bench seats were awesome almost like air-ride. The glove box door does not open the wrong way. It opens into a shelf. Some vehicles actually had recessed circles to place a can of soda. Like a picnic shelf. It's quite amusing watching a youngster talk about an old truck because you weren't there you just don't know about some things. I do enjoy the videos. Much better than the ones I'm not making. 😊
I had one of these brand new. A 91 I think. Basically no one wanted them so you could talk the dealer down on price like 6 grand. I had a fully optioned $18k truck out the door for $12k. It was a fun truck and like you said, just a swiss army knife of pickups.
My parents bought one of these new in 1986. White and long bed but 4x4. We drove it for years and years. the last 5-10 years it never left the farm as it could not pass inspection without putting $$$ into it. Finally it sat under a tree until we traded it for something to another farmer. Might still be running today.
At last, a young person with practical common sense! It accelerates,it stops,it does truck stuff. One of the reasons I like yjs over tjs is that steering wheel.Great video.
Am i the only one who hates it when people complain about modern vehicles.Ya know what, I think this 80s jeep is too complicated. A covered wagon is much more reliable with all the comforts a man truly needs.
When you need to fix your vehicle, you really appreciate the simplicity of a truck like this. Don't get me wrong, I love my 2017 ram 2500 Laramie, heated and cooled seats, big navigation screen, all that jazz.... but I really love my 86 samurai because it's capable and super cheap and easy to maintain.
@@jook13 Agreed. I feel like you can love both of those kinds of vehicles. I think it is stupid and immature to completely discount either a sophisticated vehicle or a basic meat n potatoes vehicle. Both can be great in their own way. I hate when people make generalizations. Maybe thats just me.
This is why I've kept my 1988 Comanche 4.0 for so long. Not my daily anymore but I'm in the process of starting a full restore. Also has bucket seats which has been nice. Auto trans is far better and has been solid for me. Ran 4 port 19lb injectors for better economy and power deliver, magnaflow catback, intake baffle removal, tightened up the front end a bit with poly bushings on the sway bar, and tons of other little things already done. SporTruck model and that's the end goal with it. A bit off road but perfectly compliant on the road with improvements in handling/braking.
It's a European designed engine management system. Which contrary to what this video stated, I found worked extremely well in my Comanche. The engine itself was an update of an AMC designating back to the 60s.
My mother used to have a 89 Comanche back in the day, we had alot of fun with it. Throw a mattress in the back with one of those toppers and watch movies at the drive inn. Unfortunately it was 2 wheel drive and no air conditioning, so sweltering new england summers sucked. Also went a few years without music because a guy stole the radio out of the truck at the car dealership and cut all the wires inside, the mechanics couldn't even figure out how to repair that so we just put some black cardboard over the hole. After selling that truck, just having a vehicle with a radio and air conditioning felt like a luxury.
The 4 and 6 cyl engines that AMC used were from the Rambler days, 2 sizes of 4 cyl and the 2 sizes of 6 cyl (232 CI and the 256 CI). I had one of the early AMCs in the form of a 70 1/2 Gremlin with the X package and 256 cu in engine which could turn 18 sec flat in the 1/4 mile (stock). And also had the 4x4 Gremlin model from the 80s also with the big 6 cyl.
YEP, I like this truck, keep it simple, I would take this truck over any new Rolls Royce truck that cost 60k. Make sure you rust proof it with grease and oil.
Never had a perfect vehicle, but had some that were so good and boring they were appliances, or felt like they were anyway, sometimes the little glitchy things give a vehicle a personality. Friend has a old 75 Chevy pickup, compared to today’s trucks, it’s slow, rides bad ain’t got air and only a AM radio, but I love riding the old Chevy, she’s a real man’s truck, so loud it’s hard to even have a conversation, but what a great truck! Tommy awesome video and I love the old Jeep pickup, personality by the tons!
Where is all the cup holders for all those "here, hold my beer" moments ???? Lol🤣 Regardless....awesome find would love to have it..... nothing like a jeep. And yes that 4.0 is a rock star. Just the same as the old 300 straight 6 in the old Fords.
hmm yeah, until Ford decided to use wooden timing gears...Ford called it "composite" but we all know it was wood dust and epoxy...only Ford could screw up timing gears
Tommy, i whole heartedly agree on most if not all of your reasons for the Comanche being the better truck. In their search for more car like qualities, all, not some, but all vehicle manufacturers of vehicles for the North American market, have gone away from what is needed, and now chase after what they believe is wanted. Problem is, designers are nerdly little geeks that don't work for a living. Personally, I don't want a computer to drive. I would prefer a truck. Diesel or gas, stick or auto, buckets or bench. Don't matter. But at least a truck.
My first truck was a 1975 J-10. The original Gladiator. I thought about replacing it with the Comanche but ended up driving it for 29 years. When gas finally hit $4.00 a gallon and I needed an extra cab to haul around the family, It was time to replace “FrankenJeep” AKA “Frankie”. The Comanche was no longer available and didn’t come in an extra cab. I ended up replacing it with a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. 380,000 miles later, it is still going and has earned the nickname “4 Cylinder Frankie” AKA “Little Frankie”
I used to love those vent windows in my old Jeep. Would allow a great flow of air on nice days. I also miss gauges with actual oil pressure, temperature degrees and volt meter.
I fully agree that the Comanche is the best truck. I have an 88 Laredo, longbox, 4.0, Aw4, np231 drivetrain combo. I got factory buckets too. It’s got a 3 inch lift and 31s aftermarket front bumper with a winch and I’m putting a locker in it soon. I live the Comanche because of how simple and robust. I’m getting 21 mpg highway too!
Great video. Comanche Jeep are so rare. I have 2 late 90's Cherokee's and love'em . Without hesitation I'd buy a Comanche, preferably a 92. I must say one thing you failed to mention is how easy they are to work on, and parts are still available. Nice video. Thanks.
My Comanche was super comfortable on the road, sitting on stock suspension and tires. It just would glide over everything but also handled great, very flat thru the corners. The only driveability complaint would be the super over assisted power steering.
This video only reinforced the fact that i HAD to get a Comanche after the Jeep big got me when i got my Cherokee XJ. I finally got one a few months ago. Paid $800 for it with 55k original miles. Wasnt running, and no title. Runs and drives now as my daily and the title is happily clean and in my name!
As always, great video. And equally so, reliability is equal to the ratio of tech over mechanics. The more tech, the more inherently unreliable (or field-'un'fixable) something will be. T'was always thus. And thus t'will always be.
It's kind of like my 1993 Dakota in design and plain out toughness. I think the 3.9 litre (there) V6 is another great engine Chrysler built. And that kind of square body style is much better than all this curvy mess these days.
Dude! Your right!😂😂😂 i aint arguing at all. I loved my commanche, probably the best truck i ever owned. I owned 2 in fact the 2.5 litre honcho and a longbed 87 4x4 and both were " the perfect truck in fact the 87 had over 1 million miles on it when i finally let it go and still ran perfect all original except for gaskets and maintenance. Now im looking for one again because i like 30 mpg highway from a 4x4 truck that can haul
What do you mean the glovebox "hinges the wrong way?" By hinging on the bottom, and creating a flat surface when opened all the way, it gives your passenger(s) a place to set their drinks/fries when you go to the drive-in. Many glovebox doors used to have circular indentures to indicate where you could place your drinks, and it would keep them from sliding around if you were driving (and not "power sliding" into the turns).
Great video! Been looking for an MJ for years now. Finally bought a rust free red 88 for $1500!! Trying to keep myself from turning it into a rock crawler like my ZJ and LJ. Just want to use it as a ranch truck if I can contain myself.
You are awsome Tommy. I am partial to your understanding of what trucks were originally meant to do, and your appreciation for that. I would much rather have a truck of the past rather than new.
They should start making trucks like this again. Not Jeep specifically, but, all truck manufacturers. I mean, they can keep making their big fancy trucks with all the new fancy gadgets and gizmos but maybe just add a simple basic truck to their line up, something like this Jeep. With a simple usable bed. With a bench seat just like in this one except where the center seat drops into an armrest and some storage in the armrest and maybe some below the seat. The simple dash is perfect but maybe add a more usable glove box, AC, a new but simple radio, cup holders, and only cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.A simple old school suspension system, driving, and 4WD systems. Maybe stock 31’s on the 4WD model since 33’s look too big for this truck. And a simple automatic transmission with steering shifter and a knob type 4WD selector on the dash will clear a lot of floor space. A simple usable, off-roading, hauling, towing, every day driving machine that an average guy/gal can pick up brand new at a dealer for around $20k (hopefully) instead of going thru the hassle of buying an old truck and fixing everything to make it drivable and usable. But thats what we’re stuck with doing because old trucks rock and new trucks are just way too fancy and expensive. It seems like as time passes, the manufacturers are more and more tailoring everything to the needs and wants of the well-off and the rich and we normal mid-class and poor people are constantly being forgotten about.
It bugs me slightly that the rear track looks narrower because if I remember correctly you didn't put spacers in the rear. Otherwise great truck, wish I could own one.
I just purchased a 1966 Jeep J2000 Gladiator. 2 year old video applied for me today as I wait for delivery of my vehicle. Waiting to have some "classic" fun.
The most annoying thing with this truck,..in fact any Jeep product in that era, was that gawd awful emission system. Tommy mentioned it and he's correct. That system gave a lot of trouble. But everything else,..thumbs up!
Thanks for stating why we kept my Comanche thats been in the family since 1986 but does not run and sold my wife's 95 Ranger that did when we needed to get rid of a vehicle
I wish automotive companies would quit making trucks like Cadillacs and they're also priced like Cadillacs. All I need is something basic like the Comanche 4×4, decent ground clearance, and a reg cab option. There is no need for a remote control tail gate opener or a big ass computer in the middle of the cab.
You can buy a, relatively, cheap truck new. F150 single cab v8 4x4 under 30k. Granted it's a bloated elephant next to the Comanche and not as capable off road, but still it's cheap imo. Sure it would be nice if it cost around 20k but times have indeed changed.
The new compact mid size trucks have lost there purpose. They cost as much as a full size the reliability and simplicity are gone. And the fuel economy is no better than a full size. There was a reason around 2010 the car companies wised up and exited that market. They should have kept it that way. 45 grand for a colorado? 60 grand for a gladiator get real who wants to make a 6 to 700 mo payment for 72 months evem if people have the means to do so.
If you're paying $45k for a Colorado you got rode! I can go on Chevy's website and spec out a nice LT 4x4 extended cab for around $35 or less. The Gladiator only cost in the $60k neighborhood if you buy the Rubicon. But even the Gladiator Sport is still around $45k I think
I grew up in the 80's and 90's and learned to drive on a 1st-gen Ranger so I still really dig these old trucks. Right now I drive a late model F-150 and basically I don't like all the tech stuff that I don't understand anyway. It's gotten way bigger than it needs to be; much bigger than I need. I'll be going to something smaller next but I miss the days when these trucks were still simple and easy to understand. The new stuff has so much tech to distract us that they have to put more gadgets in to keep the other gadgets from distracting us! Which only drives up the price.
Back when trucks were trucks not a living room/entertainment center on wheels with a $60k+ sticker price. Best of all its not full of air bags, antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and all that other electronic garbage to fail. The transmission repair was due to the previous owner(s) not shifting properly, otherwise it wouldn't have needed any attention. These older trucks will gain value as more and more people realize those cute toy trucks they're buying now are far from reliable when all the electronics start failing.
tommy...by far,this is the best video you have done,EVER !!! I hope they continue letting you do video's all by yourself....I would watch more tfl vid's if this is how they come out...I think you should hold onto this pu,and maybe do some upgrades,like lockers,maybe a better tranny,.things that would add to its off road capabilities,yet still keep it more or less stock looking....I think you have done a great job with this truck...keep up the good work...
I had a one with the 4 cylinder (I believe a 2.5) and the 5 speed. I talk about how cool that truck was all the time. Love this series brings back fun memories. I saw one for sale I buy it on the spot! 😎
It takes a lot of money to restore it if you wanna make it look like that $2,000 interior design replacement (aftermarket) $1,500 3.5 inch lift kit $900 wheels $2,250 paint job gloss finish Not to mention mechanics
The squeaks that you are talking about in the body are probably the body mounts. They are not overly expensive and you can change them very easily. You can also put in a one inch block on each body mount and lift the body slightly which will give you a slightly better approach and departure angle. It will also give you a little more area in the tire wells for suspension travel.
Thanks Tommy for a really fun review. I'm 54, grew up with these truck and really loved them. My all time favorite back then was my 1983 J-10 stepside with 36's...sure miss those days.
Love the truck....fun off road beast to be sure. Oddly you ignored the gladiator.... Not sure what the point of this video offering was, aside filling air time but great truck.
Tommy, I really think you've found your niche. Very informative, obviously well researched and with a bit of nostalgia thrown in. Thanks.
tommys niche is being a tool
@@seankinder2311 tommy seems like a good dude; you do not
@@humanpr0ject1 ooh, good one buddy
I love the older, inexpensive truck videos that y'all have been making! Keep it up!
My jeep diesel Commanche was a great little truck. 35 - 40MPG across Canada. I wasn't expecting to go fast, just get the work I needed to get done.
The Comanche the vehicle most of us wanted again. The Gladiator The one no one asked for.
Isn't it like that with almost all vehicles they are bringing back now... poor blazer...
Huber's Ranch yup. GM should have badged it as a trailblazer. It has nothing in common with the original blazer.
AMEN
It is actually the Scrambler re born. The Original Gladiator was the full size J Series truck
The jeep Wrangler pickup was way better. It's a 2 door with a slightly extended cab. The 4 door is so wrong.
The old jeeps were superior for one reason... The CROTCH VENT.... best vehicle feature ever to grace summer time drivers in Texas.
I have AC in my seats now to help with the deep south summer swamp ass.
My vents don't switch so I can't relate (just remembered I don't have AC either lol)
Dude fr
Tommy is doing a fantastic job on his reviews!
Is quickly becoming my favorite member of the TFL team.
Keep up the great work!!!!
You will have more satisfaction owning that old truck than a $60k new one.
I like old vehicles but a new one is 1000% more satisfying to own.
100%having a new is like driving a car, driving a older one is a experience in it own
@@Whiteandsonsgarage goes to the what did you buy your ride to do there are always trade offs. i take truck
Butch Harner 100%. Would be great to have both, but can only afford older atm
*You could take your kids to soccer practice.*
Back when it was new kids rode in the bed of the pickup.
I loved that when i was a kid . A friends father would take all the kids for ice cream . About ten of us would pile into the back of his f150 and go across town . It was great fun for us kids.
Or they rode their bikes to practice instead of spoiling the shit out of them!
Well move to wyoming and you still can
I've been daily driving a 91 comanche 4x4 for the past 5 years. I absolutely love it and I've owned lots of vehicles
You sir, have a much better engine and transmission than the jeep on this video. Good job getting the right year!
Brutal,
Which engine/transmission and what kind of MPG are you getting ?
@@xmo552 I have the 4.0 high output with the ax15. Running 35" tires and 4.88 gears. Too be honest I'm not worried about the gas mileage but it's probably around 15mpg. I'm considering a future diesel swap but the 4.0 is a great motor. I will be dropping in a bigger gas tank to help with range
@@DestinationUnknown4x4
Nice. That's not bad mileage for 35s. What's it take to fit them? My neighbor has a junked Comanche, but he won't sell it to me.
I have a 2004 WJ 4x4 with the 4.0 and 3.73s on 32s. I get 18-20ish MPG.
I just bought a middle eastern S
pec. 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser, J79 single cab, 4X4, 5 speed manual, 4.5 v8 diesel, pickup, that really is, the only "built like they use to truck left", I am stationed Germany and the truck can't be taken back with me to the States, Your truck reminds me of my truck, which is wonderful.
First vehicle I have ever owned (since 2007). I'm currently restoring it at the moment. I miss driving it😢.
Best part about the steering wheel: no buttons!
But I like my radio volume buttons!
Amen brother
The buttons aren't bad but to some they may make things more clumsy like accidentally pressing them
I miss actual mini trucks like this.
To me it’s exactly why I love my 03 f150 supercrew fx4. It does what you ask of it. It’s not a classic or as cool as the Jeep but to me for a truck it’s all I need. I just had a/c recharged and locked at similar truck but new it was $62k sticker price. Holly crap.
Had 360k miles on my ‘88 Cherokee Chief when the transmission gave up
My old man owned multiple jeep trucks including a Comanche. It fueled my love of the brand.
Ha- Tommy “the French are good at building croissants” mica
For whatever reason.
I ALWAYS found the Comanche the coolest truck of them all. Still makes my smile when I see one. (Which is a an absolute rarity I live).
The renix system wasn't bad. I had a 87 xj that ran good up until I sold it with 270k on it. It used oil and the air didn't work but never had a problem out of the renix engine management system. I like to think that jeep is still running but who knows. The high output system that replaced the renix system was probably better but I never had one so I can't say.
As a 70's kid I perfected the e-brake turn with a foot pedal, you just have to hold the release out with one hand and steer with the other.
The glove box hinges at the bottom so that it becomes a "tray" for setting things on. My '95 Cherokee Country even had little indentations where the wanted you to set your cup. ONLY practical for when you were parked. You would be eventually wearing your drink if you tried it on the go.
I remember the same thing in our 1964 Valiant. Mom used it as her "kitchen" while making sandwiches on long road trips. The cup markers were pretty much useless as we never stopped to eat.
Bench seats were awesome almost like air-ride.
The glove box door does not open the wrong way. It opens into a shelf. Some vehicles actually had recessed circles to place a can of soda. Like a picnic shelf.
It's quite amusing watching a youngster talk about an old truck because you weren't there you just don't know about some things.
I do enjoy the videos.
Much better than the ones I'm not making. 😊
I agree it does open up the right way I had a 87 short bed same color. The cab was small but the glove box made a good Shelf on road
I had one of these brand new. A 91 I think. Basically no one wanted them so you could talk the dealer down on price like 6 grand. I had a fully optioned $18k truck out the door for $12k. It was a fun truck and like you said, just a swiss army knife of pickups.
My parents bought one of these new in 1986. White and long bed but 4x4. We drove it for years and years. the last 5-10 years it never left the farm as it could not pass inspection without putting $$$ into it. Finally it sat under a tree until we traded it for something to another farmer. Might still be running today.
This brought back some memories. My first vehicle was an '86 Comanche. I loved that truck, wish I could get it back
At last, a young person with practical common sense! It accelerates,it stops,it does truck stuff. One of the reasons I like yjs over tjs is that steering wheel.Great video.
Am i the only one who hates it when people complain about modern vehicles.Ya know what, I think this 80s jeep is too complicated. A covered wagon is much more reliable with all the comforts a man truly needs.
When you need to fix your vehicle, you really appreciate the simplicity of a truck like this. Don't get me wrong, I love my 2017 ram 2500 Laramie, heated and cooled seats, big navigation screen, all that jazz.... but I really love my 86 samurai because it's capable and super cheap and easy to maintain.
@@jook13 Agreed. I feel like you can love both of those kinds of vehicles. I think it is stupid and immature to completely discount either a sophisticated vehicle or a basic meat n potatoes vehicle. Both can be great in their own way. I hate when people make generalizations. Maybe thats just me.
This is why I've kept my 1988 Comanche 4.0 for so long. Not my daily anymore but I'm in the process of starting a full restore. Also has bucket seats which has been nice. Auto trans is far better and has been solid for me. Ran 4 port 19lb injectors for better economy and power deliver, magnaflow catback, intake baffle removal, tightened up the front end a bit with poly bushings on the sway bar, and tons of other little things already done. SporTruck model and that's the end goal with it. A bit off road but perfectly compliant on the road with improvements in handling/braking.
I agree with you, I'd rather have this old truck than a new one. Especially if I am spending my own hard earned money.
It's a European designed engine management system. Which contrary to what this video stated, I found worked extremely well in my Comanche. The engine itself was an update of an AMC designating back to the 60s.
BF Goodrich km3 tires. I build those tires at the Fort Wayne, Indiana plant. The sidewalls are no joke.
My mother used to have a 89 Comanche back in the day, we had alot of fun with it. Throw a mattress in the back with one of those toppers and watch movies at the drive inn. Unfortunately it was 2 wheel drive and no air conditioning, so sweltering new england summers sucked. Also went a few years without music because a guy stole the radio out of the truck at the car dealership and cut all the wires inside, the mechanics couldn't even figure out how to repair that so we just put some black cardboard over the hole. After selling that truck, just having a vehicle with a radio and air conditioning felt like a luxury.
The 4 and 6 cyl engines that AMC used were from the Rambler days, 2 sizes of 4 cyl and the 2 sizes of 6 cyl (232 CI and the 256 CI). I had one of the early AMCs in the form of a 70 1/2 Gremlin with the X package and 256 cu in engine which could turn 18 sec flat in the 1/4 mile (stock). And also had the 4x4 Gremlin model from the 80s also with the big 6 cyl.
In 1989 everyone was buying Toyota’s and Ford Ranger’s. I love the Comanche’s and XJ Cherokee’s!
I would buy the Comanche now over most trucks
YEP, I like this truck, keep it simple, I would take this truck over any new Rolls Royce truck that cost 60k. Make sure you rust proof it with grease and oil.
I'd love to come across a Comanche in great shape like that one, I'd snatch it up in a second.
Pay me the right amount and I'll sell you 2
@@robertrichardson9953 do you still have comanche? Please contact with me
Never had a perfect vehicle, but had some that were so good and boring they were appliances, or felt like they were anyway, sometimes the little glitchy things give a vehicle a personality. Friend has a old 75 Chevy pickup, compared to today’s trucks, it’s slow, rides bad ain’t got air and only a AM radio, but I love riding the old Chevy, she’s a real man’s truck, so loud it’s hard to even have a conversation, but what a great truck! Tommy awesome video and I love the old Jeep pickup, personality by the tons!
Where is all the cup holders for all those "here, hold my beer" moments ???? Lol🤣
Regardless....awesome find would love to have it..... nothing like a jeep. And yes that 4.0 is a rock star. Just the same as the old 300 straight 6 in the old Fords.
hmm yeah, until Ford decided to use wooden timing gears...Ford called it "composite" but we all know it was wood dust and epoxy...only Ford could screw up timing gears
@@philtripe duh huh hah derp
Along w/ the old Mopar Slant 6's & Chevy straight 6's also!
Tommy, i whole heartedly agree on most if not all of your reasons for the Comanche being the better truck. In their search for more car like qualities, all, not some, but all vehicle manufacturers of vehicles for the North American market, have gone away from what is needed, and now chase after what they believe is wanted. Problem is, designers are nerdly little geeks that don't work for a living. Personally, I don't want a computer to drive. I would prefer a truck. Diesel or gas, stick or auto, buckets or bench. Don't matter. But at least a truck.
Today we don't have pickups. Cars with a small bed. If the bed is shorter than the cab, it's not a pickup.
I miss my Comanche now. It had those wheels and the Pioneer stickers, and it had bucket seats.
My first truck was a 1975 J-10. The original Gladiator. I thought about replacing it with the Comanche but ended up driving it for 29 years. When gas finally hit $4.00 a gallon and I needed an extra cab to haul around the family, It was time to replace “FrankenJeep” AKA “Frankie”. The Comanche was no longer available and didn’t come in an extra cab. I ended up replacing it with a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. 380,000 miles later, it is still going and has earned the nickname “4 Cylinder Frankie” AKA “Little Frankie”
I used to love those vent windows in my old Jeep. Would allow a great flow of air on nice days.
I also miss gauges with actual oil pressure, temperature degrees and volt meter.
I fully agree that the Comanche is the best truck. I have an 88 Laredo, longbox, 4.0, Aw4, np231 drivetrain combo. I got factory buckets too. It’s got a 3 inch lift and 31s aftermarket front bumper with a winch and I’m putting a locker in it soon. I live the Comanche because of how simple and robust. I’m getting 21 mpg highway too!
I agree Tommy. Commanche was amazing. Well put together.
Great video. Comanche Jeep are so rare. I have 2 late 90's Cherokee's and love'em . Without hesitation I'd buy a Comanche, preferably a 92. I must say one thing you failed to mention is how easy they are to work on, and parts are still available. Nice video. Thanks.
Good point about interior room. New vehicles are bigger on paper but if everything inside is big it doesn't matter.
It's not "perfect"
It just does everything well.
Perfect road head set up
Renix is amazing if you know how to work with them. If you actually look through what a renix computer is doing it can be better than the alternative.
Great review Tommy.........I like the way you speak ........very informative n great articulation
My Comanche was super comfortable on the road, sitting on stock suspension and tires. It just would glide over everything but also handled great, very flat thru the corners. The only driveability complaint would be the super over assisted power steering.
This video only reinforced the fact that i HAD to get a Comanche after the Jeep big got me when i got my Cherokee XJ. I finally got one a few months ago. Paid $800 for it with 55k original miles. Wasnt running, and no title. Runs and drives now as my daily and the title is happily clean and in my name!
I’ve got a ‘91 comanche and I don’t have a rpm gauge 😂, speedometer doesn’t work, temperature guage doesn’t work, ac doesn’t work, but MAN I LOVE IT!!
The Comanche is a keeper, that is unless you want to sell it to me :)
Tyler Dickey or me
Jeep 4.0 engine is bulletproof
I have an 87 4x4 Comanche, I agree with you completely. It is the perfect truck.
I love my Jeep Comanche! Same red color, bought it from my boss, it had only 145k miles on it.
As always, great video.
And equally so, reliability is equal to the ratio of tech over mechanics. The more tech, the more inherently unreliable (or field-'un'fixable) something will be. T'was always thus. And thus t'will always be.
This way my very first vehicle, and I loved my old Comanche! This video definitely makes me miss it. An absolute "work horse" for it's size!
It's kind of like my 1993 Dakota in design and plain out toughness. I think the 3.9 litre (there) V6 is another great engine Chrysler built. And that kind of square body style is much better than all this curvy mess these days.
Dude! Your right!😂😂😂 i aint arguing at all.
I loved my commanche, probably the best truck i ever owned. I owned 2 in fact the 2.5 litre honcho and a longbed 87 4x4 and both were " the perfect truck in fact the 87 had over 1 million miles on it when i finally let it go and still ran perfect all original except for gaskets and maintenance. Now im looking for one again because i like 30 mpg highway from a 4x4 truck that can haul
What do you mean the glovebox "hinges the wrong way?" By hinging on the bottom, and creating a flat surface when opened all the way, it gives your passenger(s) a place to set their drinks/fries when you go to the drive-in. Many glovebox doors used to have circular indentures to indicate where you could place your drinks, and it would keep them from sliding around if you were driving (and not "power sliding" into the turns).
I love older trucks , simple and reliable
Great video! Been looking for an MJ for years now. Finally bought a rust free red 88 for $1500!! Trying to keep myself from turning it into a rock crawler like my ZJ and LJ. Just want to use it as a ranch truck if I can contain myself.
You are awsome Tommy. I am partial to your understanding of what trucks were originally meant to do, and your appreciation for that. I would much rather have a truck of the past rather than new.
They should start making trucks like this again. Not Jeep specifically, but, all truck manufacturers. I mean, they can keep making their big fancy trucks with all the new fancy gadgets and gizmos but maybe just add a simple basic truck to their line up, something like this Jeep. With a simple usable bed. With a bench seat just like in this one except where the center seat drops into an armrest and some storage in the armrest and maybe some below the seat. The simple dash is perfect but maybe add a more usable glove box, AC, a new but simple radio, cup holders, and only cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.A simple old school suspension system, driving, and 4WD systems. Maybe stock 31’s on the 4WD model since 33’s look too big for this truck. And a simple automatic transmission with steering shifter and a knob type 4WD selector on the dash will clear a lot of floor space. A simple usable, off-roading, hauling, towing, every day driving machine that an average guy/gal can pick up brand new at a dealer for around $20k (hopefully) instead of going thru the hassle of buying an old truck and fixing everything to make it drivable and usable. But thats what we’re stuck with doing because old trucks rock and new trucks are just way too fancy and expensive. It seems like as time passes, the manufacturers are more and more tailoring everything to the needs and wants of the well-off and the rich and we normal mid-class and poor people are constantly being forgotten about.
It bugs me slightly that the rear track looks narrower because if I remember correctly you didn't put spacers in the rear. Otherwise great truck, wish I could own one.
reminds me of all the reasons i loved my frontier pro4x. it was the extended cab, red with a manual too.
Tommy,your French pronunciation is on par. Awesome truck. Original is still the best.
First time I have seen anyone review a bench seat and steering wheel, This is a earth shattering
I just purchased a 1966 Jeep J2000 Gladiator. 2 year old video applied for me today as I wait for delivery of my vehicle. Waiting to have some "classic" fun.
The most annoying thing with this truck,..in fact any Jeep product in that era, was that gawd awful emission system. Tommy mentioned it and he's correct. That system gave a lot of trouble.
But everything else,..thumbs up!
Dear Jeep, Can we get the Comanche back and maybe a Grand Comanche?
I doubt they would ever bring back the name, too "insensitive".
Chrysler killed the Comanche. They should have killed the Dakota instead and kept the Comanche. The Comanche is a lot better pick up
Thanks for stating why we kept my Comanche thats been in the family since 1986 but does not run and sold my wife's 95 Ranger that did when we needed to get rid of a vehicle
I wish automotive companies would quit making trucks like Cadillacs and they're also priced like Cadillacs. All I need is something basic like the Comanche 4×4, decent ground clearance, and a reg cab option. There is no need for a remote control tail gate opener or a big ass computer in the middle of the cab.
You can buy a, relatively, cheap truck new. F150 single cab v8 4x4 under 30k. Granted it's a bloated elephant next to the Comanche and not as capable off road, but still it's cheap imo. Sure it would be nice if it cost around 20k but times have indeed changed.
In less words it's what a pickup truck should be.
JUST A PICKUP TRUCK!!!!
Thing looks mint! Just got a 90 that's had lots of work done to it. Most of it being updated to 97+ interior and obd2.
The new compact mid size trucks have lost there purpose. They cost as much as a full size the reliability and simplicity are gone. And the fuel economy is no better than a full size. There was a reason around 2010 the car companies wised up and exited that market. They should have kept it that way. 45 grand for a colorado? 60 grand for a gladiator get real who wants to make a 6 to 700 mo payment for 72 months evem if people have the means to do so.
If you're paying $45k for a Colorado you got rode! I can go on Chevy's website and spec out a nice LT 4x4 extended cab for around $35 or less. The Gladiator only cost in the $60k neighborhood if you buy the Rubicon. But even the Gladiator Sport is still around $45k I think
I really enjoyed this video Tommy
Haha! I just bought an 88 Comanche. I luv it. Looks good next to my Cherokee
Its better simply because it is a not a full sized vehicle. Light and narrow is the key. Why can't manufacturers get that in their skulls
@Pedro Areias facts!
@@wildcatoutdoors that should do it.
ruclips.net/video/vSHYNr_DMLE/видео.html
You are spot on man. Those turbine wheels are literally a work of art. I just got those for my 99XJ and I love them
I grew up in the 80's and 90's and learned to drive on a 1st-gen Ranger so I still really dig these old trucks. Right now I drive a late model F-150 and basically I don't like all the tech stuff that I don't understand anyway. It's gotten way bigger than it needs to be; much bigger than I need. I'll be going to something smaller next but I miss the days when these trucks were still simple and easy to understand. The new stuff has so much tech to distract us that they have to put more gadgets in to keep the other gadgets from distracting us! Which only drives up the price.
Back when trucks were trucks not a living room/entertainment center on wheels with a $60k+ sticker price. Best of all its not full of air bags, antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and all that other electronic garbage to fail.
The transmission repair was due to the previous owner(s) not shifting properly, otherwise it wouldn't have needed any attention. These older trucks will gain value as more and more people realize those cute toy trucks they're buying now are far from reliable when all the electronics start failing.
tommy...by far,this is the best video you have done,EVER !!! I hope they continue letting you do video's all by yourself....I would watch more tfl vid's if this is how they come out...I think you should hold onto this pu,and maybe do some upgrades,like lockers,maybe a better tranny,.things that would add to its off road capabilities,yet still keep it more or less stock looking....I think you have done a great job with this truck...keep up the good work...
I had a one with the 4 cylinder (I believe a 2.5) and the 5 speed. I talk about how cool that truck was all the time. Love this series brings back fun memories. I saw one for sale I buy it on the spot! 😎
For a 30+ year old jeep comanche it's in a great condition.
It takes a lot of money to restore it if you wanna make it look like that
$2,000 interior design replacement (aftermarket)
$1,500 3.5 inch lift kit
$900 wheels
$2,250 paint job gloss finish
Not to mention mechanics
I'd love to have that thing. I would take it over any of the newer over priced midsized trucks.
The squeaks that you are talking about in the body are probably the body mounts. They are not overly expensive and you can change them very easily. You can also put in a one inch block on each body mount and lift the body slightly which will give you a slightly better approach and departure angle. It will also give you a little more area in the tire wells for suspension travel.
I subscribed to TFL truck for the classic Cherokee and Comanche videos. Keep them coming, as well as coverage of the new Gladiator!
I had a 1986 Comanche, great truck, 4 cyl. 5 speed, the V-6 that year was a 2.8 Chevy engine, even new the V-6 ran like crap.
Don't know how everyone else feels, but I would love to be able to buy a brand new 80's model year truck! I really miss my 1987 S-10
Thanks Tommy for a really fun review. I'm 54, grew up with these truck and really loved them. My all time favorite back then was my 1983 J-10 stepside with 36's...sure miss those days.
Great review! I was even able to cook my family supper and walk the dog during the steering wheel review😁
😆 🤣
Love this Series. Please continue!! Next up a Wagoneer?
Russ Freed I would like to see Wagoneer too!
I have an 88 with the 4 L and I absolutely love it. I will never part ways with it.
Reason I still drive a 16 year old truck: New ones are just off-road cars, not trucks.
Love the truck....fun off road beast to be sure. Oddly you ignored the gladiator.... Not sure what the point of this video offering was, aside filling air time but great truck.
The Comanche is my all time favorite. Its beautiful in its simplicity. Great looking Comanche!
Comanche is a lovely truck, I'm getting mine tomorrow.