Hi i have an 88 comanche pioneer 2wd longbox, i was wondering how to identify a dana 44 axle to see if thats what i got, also i have just got new tires that are 31x10.50R15LT's and i need to know if they will work on my stock rims, i am also considering a 4x4 conversion, what is involved in doing that (my dad manages a shop that deals alot with frame, suspension and all that kinda stuff so the work wouldnt be a huge hassle), i just need to know what i would need to get to do it, another conversion i would really like to do is to upgrade the front end to the 97+ look, i have seen it done to many comanches and i really wanna do that, is it quite doable or does it require a whole bunch of fabrication and changing crap around.  my biggest concern on my truck is the excessive oil all over my engine bay, there is alot of oil buildup around the throddle body where the air goes into it and there is alot of oild floating around in the air intake hose, is this a common problem or is it pretty serious?  If anyone could answer any or all of my questions it would be greatly appreciated, this is my first vehicle and i have lots of stuff to learn,

Thanks alot-Jordan-

look for a wrecked 4x4.  quickest easiest way, i think.  

you need to swap front axle, tranny, and rear driveshaft. add a transfere case and front drive shaft.

its a pretty basic conversion they have the same suspension.

From what I read you may save time and money by tracking down a wrecked '97 or newer cherokee with a mint front clip.  That way, if you're really ambitious you can swap in the newer engine, but otherwise that cherokee would give you EVERYTHING needed to convert your truck to a 4x4 escept a rear driveshaft.  the only hook is the rear axle on the cherokee has a different spring perch spacing than the Comanche, so they would need to be relocated.

The conversion is all bolt on, no mods, cutting, or welding required..  I'm 95% sure that includes the newer front skins.

I ran 30" BFG A/T's on my 2wd '89 MJ, and though it didn't rub it was close..  you may have a problem with 31's.

thanks so much, for the 31's do you think it would be benificial to put in some bigger springs to lift it up a bit and put in wheel spacers?

-Jordan,

also did you think my stock rims would fit the tires

thanks for the reply, its greatly appreciated  

that is what i was thinking of doing, when i went to the local jeep wrecker and asked how much i could get all the stuff i need for it she said that i should just sell it and buy a 4x4, dosent realize that i have a 4x2 in rough shape that would go for less that 1/3 of the price of a 4x4  

You'd be swapping out pretty much the entire underpinnings, so it would be a great time to throw a lift under your truck.  you wouldn't need much to clear 31" tires.

If you want to go budget, snag some coil springs from a grand Cherokee- supposed to give a couple inches of lift, then new rear leaf springs, or a spring over conversion.

As for the rims, the tires will look a little cartoony.  you can probably find some 10" wide rims for a fairly resonable price at salvage yards.  Jeep Wranglers, Cherokees, Comanches, along iwth Ford Rangers, Bronco II's, and explorers all share the same bolt patterns.

Never been a fan of wheel spacers.  too much overhung load on already marginal compnents.  But that's just my opinion.

would mounting my 31x10.50r15 tires on stock jeep 15x7s be possible, would it be safe to do?, or is a 15x8 the smallest i should go, i really love the look of some 15x7s and i am really hoping they will work,

Thanks-Jordan

your tires 'can' be mounted on 15x7" rims..  I've put big tires on factory rims before.  I didn't notice much of a handling difference, but the tires bulged.  they looked..  balloony? (no- I'm not smoking anything...yet).  tread wear would certainly be an issue.

I like the look & durability of the newer factory steel wheels, but like yours, mine are only 15x7" rims (no idea what they came off of, but it is a '96 or newer Jeep).  I plan to find a metal fab shop that widens rims and get them widened to 10".   No idea on the cost as of yet, but I'd imagine it would be comparable to aftermarket rims.  just a suggestion.

yeaaaah, i got my tires on the wheels, they look really good and fit the wheels great(stock 15x7 jeep wheels) let me know how you think they look on the truck