If you've been hunting for the perfect 1989 jeep comanche lift kit , you most likely already know that will these little MJ trucks are total gems that just need a little bit more ground clearance to really shine. There's something special concerning the Comanche. It's got that classic XJ Cherokee face we all like, but with the bed in the back that makes it a single of the coolest mid-sized pickups ever built. But let's be honest—stock elevation isn't doing that vintage styling any kind of favors.
Whether you're trying to fit several beefier tires or you actually plan on hitting some rocky trails, a lift is usually the first big task on the list. But picking the right kit for the truck that's over thirty years outdated isn't always the walk in the recreation area. You have in order to think about the condition of your current hardware and how you actually plan to make use of the truck.
Why You Ought to Consider Lifting Your MJ
Many of us who own an '89 Comanche didn't buy this to keep it as a pristine pavement princess. All of us bought it mainly because it's a rugged, straight-six-powered workhorse. However, the factory position is well, low. Adding a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit will more make it look aggressive. This changes the whole active of the vehicle.
First off, you will get better method and departure perspectives. If you've actually scraped your front side air dam on a driveway curb, imagine what happens on a trail. The modest lift provides you with that extra breathing room. Plus, it opens the doorway for 31-inch or even 33-inch tires, which is in which the Comanche really begins to look "right. "
Understanding the particular Front vs. Back Setup
The tricky part regarding the Comanche compared to its Cherokee sibling is the rear suspension. Whilst the front is usually almost identical towards the XJ—using a coils spring and control arm setup—the rear of the MJ is its very own beast. It uses a spring-under-axle (SUA) leaf spring design.
When you're purchasing for a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit , you'll observe two main methods to handle the back end. You can either get fresh, arched leaf packs or do a "Spring Over Axle" (SOA) conversion. A good SOA conversion is popular because this uses the width of the axle tube itself to offer about 5 in order to 6 inches associated with lift making use of your share springs. It's a great way to get height, although it requires some welding and specialized know-how. If you're looking for a simpler "bolt-on" experience, a kit along with dedicated lift suspension springs is usually the ideal solution.
Choosing the particular Right Lift Elevation
How higher do you actually want to go? This is where plenty of guys get stuck.
The 2-Inch Spending budget Boost
If you just would like to clear several 30-inch tires and level out the pickup truck, a 2-inch kit is perfect. These usually consist of coil spacers with regard to the front and longer shackles with regard to the rear. It's cheap, easy in order to install in the Sat afternoon, and doesn't mess with your own driveline angles excessive. It's the "sensible" choice, but everybody knows Jeep owners aren't always sensible.
The 3 to 4-Inch Sweet Place
This is where most Comanche owners land. In this height, a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit will typically include new front coil springs, new rear leaf packs (or a good add-a-leaf), and improved shocks. You'll possibly need to look at an adjustable track bar too, because when you move past three inches, your front axle starts to shift to the side. It looks goofy and handles actually worse. This height lets you operate 31s comfortably or 33s if you're ready to do a little bit of fender trimming.
6 Inches and Beyond
Right now we're talking severe business. At this height, you aren't just swapping spring suspensions. You're looking at long-arm kits, brake range extensions, many certainly a Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) with regard to the transfer situation. It makes the particular MJ look like a monster, nevertheless it's a huge investment in both time and money.
Don't Forget about the Shocks
I can't stress and anxiety this enough: don't cheap on your own shocks. Lots of basic 1989 jeep comanche lift kit options come with simple hydraulic shocks that feel like you're riding on pogo sticks. If you can swing it, upgrade to a decent set of gas-charged shocks. Your lower back will thank a person when you're hitting those washboard dust roads. The Comanche is already a mild truck in the particular rear, so a stiff shock will make it jump around just like a caffeinated rabbit in case you aren't carrying a lot in the bed.
Handling the "Death Wobble"
In the event that you've spent any moment in the Jeep world, those two words probably deliver shivers down your spine. When you install a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit , you're changing the geometry from the steering. If your bushings are older and cracked (and with an '89, they will probably are), that will extra height will find the weak link in your top end.
While you're under there doing the lift, check your tie pole ends, ball joint parts, and track pub bushings. It's significantly easier to change them while the truck is already apart than it is to deal with a shaking steering wheel in 60 mph on the highway down the road.
DIY Set up Tips
Can you install a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit in your driveway? Totally. It's a great way to get to know your own truck. You'll need a good set of jack stalls, a heavy-duty jack port, and a great deal of PB Blaster. Since these vehicles are decades aged, expect every bolt to be stubborn.
Begin soaking the leaf spring bolts plus U-bolts at minimum three days before you plan to start the job. Seriously, just go out there there once the day and apply them. It'll save you from snapping a bolt in the frame, which is a nightmare nobody wants to handle. Also, make certain you have a coils spring compressor intended for the front—trying to manhandle those suspension springs in without one is a recipe for the trip to the particular er.
The particular Final Look plus Alignment
As soon as the kit is usually on and the truck is back on its wheels, don't just go cruising off in to the sunset. Your alignment is usually going to end up being way off. Your own toe-in will be skewed, and your steering wheel will likely be crooked. Carry it to a shop that will knows how in order to handle solid-axle automobiles. A proper positioning is the distinction between a 52 pick up that's a joy to drive and one that seems like you're fighting for your life every time you hit a bump.
Wrapping Up
Lifting an '89 Comanche is one of the most rewarding actions you can take for the vehicle. It transforms it from a tired old farm truck into a head-turning classic that's actually capable when the pavement finishes. Whether want a mild 2-inch increase or a complete 4-inch suspension overhaul, just make certain you're selecting a 1989 jeep comanche lift kit that will fits your objectives as well as your budget.
Take your time, do the prep work on these rusty bolts, plus don't forget to appreciate the process. Presently there aren't many associated with these trucks remaining on the street, so keeping yours alive and searching sharp is carrying out a service in order to Jeep history. As well as, let's be real—nothing beats the sensation of stepping upward into your vehicle rather than sliding down into it. Happy wrenching!