jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Truck is just getting better and better:REOutIceFishing:
AT Comanche upgrades
- Thread starter elcoyote
- Start date
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Finally got the cooling system upgrade in. I ordered a Fluid Dynamics aluminum radiator & fan kit. It arrived bent and had to be replaced. They made good on the product and replaced it.
The directions were generic and had no images to guide you along. The instructions were written for dual fans, not triple. Not that this is a difficult install, just some more information would have been helpful.
They call it a complete kit but be prepared with extra 12 & 14 gauge wire and connectors to lengthen their harness. The connectors on the fans did not match the connectors on their harness. It did not matter as I needed to lengthen the harness for the MJ and where I placed the contoller. I added wire loom to all of my wire runs to protect the wires. I wired 2 fans to the controller and added a weatherpack connector to the 3rd fan and connected it to the OEM A/C fan plug.
The plastic zip attachments for the fans to the radiator started to come off as soon as I started the install. The easy fix was to melt the zip to itself so that they would not loosen up.
First impression is that the radiator and controller are well thought out. It was nice to not have to make any special modifications to the original fan pulley other than remove the fan & clutch. A nice feature if I ever need/want to switch back to the factory set up.
We had a marine layer come in so ambient temperatures were too cool to give the system a workout. It did seem to be running about 10 degrees cooler than normal. I ran the MJ hard up Archibald Ave which is about the longest & steepest Blvd in the area at 3000 rpm under light boost and only worked the temp gauge up to 225 degrees. As soon as our local temps heat up, I'll report back.
Since we needed to remove the OEM overflow bottle to provide acces to the Fox jounce on the PS, Simon found and installed a nice aftermarket unit in front of the brake master where the old ARB pump used to live.
The directions were generic and had no images to guide you along. The instructions were written for dual fans, not triple. Not that this is a difficult install, just some more information would have been helpful.
They call it a complete kit but be prepared with extra 12 & 14 gauge wire and connectors to lengthen their harness. The connectors on the fans did not match the connectors on their harness. It did not matter as I needed to lengthen the harness for the MJ and where I placed the contoller. I added wire loom to all of my wire runs to protect the wires. I wired 2 fans to the controller and added a weatherpack connector to the 3rd fan and connected it to the OEM A/C fan plug.
The plastic zip attachments for the fans to the radiator started to come off as soon as I started the install. The easy fix was to melt the zip to itself so that they would not loosen up.
First impression is that the radiator and controller are well thought out. It was nice to not have to make any special modifications to the original fan pulley other than remove the fan & clutch. A nice feature if I ever need/want to switch back to the factory set up.
We had a marine layer come in so ambient temperatures were too cool to give the system a workout. It did seem to be running about 10 degrees cooler than normal. I ran the MJ hard up Archibald Ave which is about the longest & steepest Blvd in the area at 3000 rpm under light boost and only worked the temp gauge up to 225 degrees. As soon as our local temps heat up, I'll report back.
Since we needed to remove the OEM overflow bottle to provide acces to the Fox jounce on the PS, Simon found and installed a nice aftermarket unit in front of the brake master where the old ARB pump used to live.
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elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Over the weekend we added a new Flippac shell to the MJ. I have posted pics and info here as I thought it would be more appropriate. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=370891#post370891
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Thanks Mike. It's supposed to get to 77 degrees today and I have a bit of towing on the agenda. If Simon gets the antirock in by this afternoon, I'll give her a go up Archibald again and see what happens.
Andrew Walcker
Mod Emeritus
Man Mario, does this mean I'm going to be the only one with hot feet since your rig is going to be running cooler than mine? Nicely done, your MJ is really coming together nicely!
Abel Villesca
Explorer
My dad has a Comanche long bed that he is fanatically loyal to. It is a great truck and like you he would rather repair and upgrade than buy new.
XXXpedition
Explorer
very nice setup!!!
i had a comanche long time ago but it was only 2x4 - was still great. now of course 4x4 would be a nessecity
i'd still like to build one up...
i had a comanche long time ago but it was only 2x4 - was still great. now of course 4x4 would be a nessecity
i'd still like to build one up...
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Now I understand the mega size CO2 cylinder and copious amounts of Red Stripe you carry on board!
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Installation of the Currie Anti-rock is complete. The handling difference is quite noticeable over the stock arrangement that had drop down brackets. It'll be nice to no longer need to disconnect for the trails. After the rig gets it's interior build out and is at loaded weight, we'll evaluate handling and figure out how to install one for the rear as well.
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elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
The Currie rocks! No pun intended. After installation we realized a slight interference problem with the springs so the attachment points are moving tomorrow.
After looking at the picture that I posted we came to the conclusion that all of the cutting that has happened to the body over the years has resulted in some pretty funky looking fender supports. They are coming out this weekend.
Today the joints at the axle end of the long arms were changed to allow for better freedom of movement. The last set up still had a bit of binding, still better than RE but we're looking for improved high speed handling. Anybody who has tried to follow me on a desert road knows what I'm talking about.
A test run on at near Stoddard Wells is on the schedule this weekend to take some video of the suspension and evaluate any final tweeks.
gabepari
Explorer
Mario, are there two of you??? How do you have time to do all this AND stop by the shop multiple times per day? Come to think of it, I think I saw you pull up just as you were leaving earlier today :elkgrin:
OK, back to packing. I think I'm bringing enough food for 20 people :Wow1:
Gabe
OK, back to packing. I think I'm bringing enough food for 20 people :Wow1:
Gabe
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Just two words....Mario Bros
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
Interior LED upgrade
The interior incandescent lamps have always worried me with their amperage draw and ability to attract bugs into the cab if left on by leaving the door open. Through one of our suppliers I found a perfect fit LED replacement. Net result is brighter light and lower draw without the UV light spectrum that attracts bugs. win-win-win!
The interior incandescent lamps have always worried me with their amperage draw and ability to attract bugs into the cab if left on by leaving the door open. Through one of our suppliers I found a perfect fit LED replacement. Net result is brighter light and lower draw without the UV light spectrum that attracts bugs. win-win-win!
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