V6 Five-Speed: 1986 Jeep Comanche X 4×4
I’m a big fan of small pickups and this 1986 Jeep Comanche X 4×4 checks a lot of boxes for me. First, it appears to be rust-free, it’s a 4×4, and it has a five-speed manual, the trifecta of truck goodness. It’s listed here on eBay in Puyallup, Washington, there is no reserve, and the current bid price is $4,650. Thanks to 4wheelin for the tip!
I have white wall tires on my little 1980 Dodge (Mitsubishi) pickup and it originally came with white letter tires. I can’t find that size of white letter tires anymore so I haven’t replaced them yet. I’m not a huge fan of white wall tires on a truck, but it’s just a few hundred bucks if the next owner wants to remedy that on this Jeep. Bodywise, this Comanche appears rock solid, including the underside. The seller does mention that there has been a single repaint at some point.
The next level up from the base Custom trim level was the X as seen here. It was still pretty basic but this is a really nice looking and “luxurious” truck compared to my 1980 Dodge’subishi and many others. The tailgate looks like new and inside the bed is nice, too. The seller gives many great photos and they deserve a gold star for that, it’s such a rare thing these days. There is a bedliner but this is a very rare case where a seller pulls it up a bit to show underneath. Nice. There appears to be a dent or two on the right side of the bed in front of the right rear wheel but that’s all I can see for body issues on this Jeep.
There appears to be a tear in the driver’s door seal but that should be a relatively easy fix, or just leave it. There are no rips or flaws in the interior otherwise according to the seller and it sure looks great inside to me. Having full gauges on an almost base-level pickup is a nice feature.
The engine is a 2.8-liter OHV V6, which would have been factory-rated at 115 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque when new. Sending power to and through an Aisin AX-5 five-speed manual and two-speed transfer case to all four wheels as needed, this one is said to start every time and run well. Hagerty is at $11,400 for a #3 good-condition example, how much would you pay for this one?
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Comments
It might have the trifecta, but not the quinella, if it had a straight 6, or a V8, it would be a great ute.
Other than that, she’s a beaut, power steering too.
Dave AMC never offered an 8 on the Commanche to my knowledge. You’re spot on though w the inline six comment. It would be a blue ribbon winner w the 4.0 and 5sp. in 4wd trim.
Still a really neat little rig.
Had an XJ with the straight 6, beast of a motor, I loved it .
Yessir, drove 2 of my buddys Jeep YJs w the 4.0, 5sp. They are brisk.
Stan, what is that in your avatar, a Pete?
It’s already got the GM bell housing run the 2.8 until it takes a poop then,put in a 4.3 V6
Hi Howard. That’s a Western Star 4900 model. Formerly hand ✋️ built in Kelowna BC. They turned out good trucks in my opinion. HVAC was worse than competitors, stiff ride, roomy cabs. Detroit, Cat, or Cummins power. Eaton transmissions sent juice to Rockwell or Eaton rearends. Strong powertrains.
This truck is just down the road from me, and if it had the 4.0 I’d be picking up this pickup!