Long before the current day Jeep® Gladiator (JT) hit the market, there was the mid-sized Comanche (MJ). One such modified 1988 Jeep Comanche 4×4 has recently been put up for sale on BringATrailer.com, and it is said to have remained registered in Arizona since it was new. The seller acquired the truck in 2021 and it has undergone some significant modifications and refurbishments.
The exterior of the vehicle has been refinished in white and has been fitted with replacement flared fenders. It is also equipped with JCR bumpers that have tow hooks, a spray-on bedliner, and a JCR roof rack. The refurbishment process included replacing the windshield, grille, rear and side glass, headlights, taillights, and doors. The Carfax report lists a damage report in November 2001, where the truck reportedly hit a stationary object.
This Comanche has also been given a lifted suspension featuring Bilstein shock absorbers with dual-reservoirs in the rear, and ARB/OME front coil springs along with replacement rear leaf springs. It is mounted with multi-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and 33-inch × 12.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. The brake rotors, pads, and drum assemblies have all been replaced, ensuring the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
Stepping inside, the vehicle’s cabin features Corbeau bucket seats that are upholstered in black leather with stylish quilted inserts. The addition of air conditioning ensures that passengers remain comfortable during hot summer days, while the all-weather floor mats help keep the interior clean and tidy. A Continental stereo system provides entertainment for those long drives, and the power windows and door locks add an extra layer of convenience to the vehicle.
During the refurbishment process, the headliner was replaced, and the seatbelts were rebuilt for added safety. The dashboard also underwent an upgrade, with a replacement dashboard featuring an 85-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The steering wheel, which is styled like a Chrysler model from the 1990s, completes the interior’s classic look and feel.
The 4.0-liter I6 engine was reportedly sourced from a 2000s Jeep and was fitted under prior ownership. An oil change was performed within the last 2k miles, and the seller states the fuel tank, pump, and sending unit were replaced during current ownership. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a replacement Dana 44 rear axle. The seller notes an intermittent noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and that the clutch engagement is not smooth. The six-digit odometer shows 211k miles, approximately 5k of which were added during current ownership, with total mileage unknown.
The chassis plate shows a VIN of 1JTML63P0JT184343, which matches the VIN on the current Arizona title. Additional VINs attached to parts from the donor vehicles can be seen in the gallery. The Carfax report lists the aforementioned damage report in 2001 along with its history in Arizona from the first entry in 2000.
If you are in the market for a mid-sized truck with character, be sure to check out this Jeep Comanche before the auction ends on Friday, March 10th, at 2:08 p.m. on BringATrailer.com.
1988 Jeep® Comanche Pioneer 4×4 Image Gallery:
