87 Jeep Comanche For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Owning a Classic Pickup

87 Jeep Comanche For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Owning a Classic Pickup typestruckssale.com

In the vast landscape of classic vehicles, few stand out with the rugged charm and practical utility of the Jeep Comanche. Specifically, the 1987 Jeep Comanche for sale holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Bridging the gap between the iconic Jeep Cherokee SUV and a traditional pickup truck, the MJ-generation Comanche offers a unique blend of off-road prowess, compact maneuverability, and genuine utility. For those seeking a vehicle that embodies the spirit of an earlier era of American automotive design – tough, straightforward, and endlessly customizable – an ’87 Comanche represents a rare and rewarding find. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about pursuing, evaluating, and ultimately owning one of these beloved classic pickups.

Understanding the 1987 Jeep Comanche: A Brief Overview

87 Jeep Comanche For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Owning a Classic Pickup

The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was produced from 1986 to 1992, sharing its unibody platform and many components with the highly successful XJ Cherokee. The 1987 model year was pivotal, marking the introduction of the legendary 4.0L AMC inline-six engine, which would become synonymous with Jeep’s reliability and power for decades to come.

Key specifications for the 1987 model often include:

• Engines:
  • 2.5L AMC I4 (TBI): A four-cylinder option, offering decent fuel economy but less power.
  • 4.0L AMC I6 (Renix): The highly sought-after inline-six, known for its torque and durability. This engine utilized the Renix fuel injection system, which has unique characteristics.
  • 2.1L Renault Diesel (less common in North America): A rare, often problematic, diesel option.
• Transmissions:
  • Manual: Aisin-Warner AX-4 (with 2.5L), AX-5 (with 2.5L), or AX-15 (with 4.0L, introduced later in ’87 or early ’88, mostly AX-4/AX-5 for ’87 4.0L).
  • Automatic: Aisin-Warner AW-4 (with 4.0L) or Chrysler Torqueflite 904 (with 2.5L).
• Drivetrain: Available in two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). 4WD models typically featured the Command-Trac (NP207 or NP231 transfer case) or the Selec-Trac (NP229, full-time 4WD).
• Bed Lengths: Available with a 6-foot (short bed) or 7-foot (long bed) cargo box.
• Trim Levels: For ’87, common trims included Base, Pioneer, Chief, SporTruck, and Laredo, each offering different levels of features and aesthetics.

The Comanche’s unibody construction, while controversial to some truck purists, contributed to its lighter weight and more car-like handling compared to traditional body-on-frame pickups, while still maintaining impressive ruggedness.

Why Buy an 87 Jeep Comanche? The Enduring Appeal

The allure of an ’87 Jeep Comanche for sale extends beyond mere nostalgia. These trucks offer a compelling package for a variety of buyers:

• Durability and Reliability: The 4.0L engine, in particular, is legendary for its longevity, often exceeding 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance. The overall mechanical design is robust and forgiving.
• Off-Road Prowess: Inheriting the Jeep DNA, the Comanche is an incredibly capable off-roader right out of the box. Its compact size, strong axles, and ample ground clearance make it excellent for trails, and its aftermarket support for lifts and modifications is vast.
• Practical Utility: Despite its compact footprint, the Comanche’s truck bed offers genuine utility for hauling gear, tools, or light loads, making it a versatile companion for weekend adventures or light work.
• Classic Status and Collectibility: The Comanche is a unique piece of Jeep history, increasingly recognized for its distinctiveness. Well-preserved or restored examples are becoming highly sought after, appreciating in value over time.
• Simplicity of Maintenance: Lacking complex modern electronics, the Comanche is relatively straightforward to work on. Many parts are shared with the ubiquitous XJ Cherokee, ensuring good availability and reasonable costs.
• Unique Aesthetic: With its distinctive front end and "truck" rear, the Comanche stands out in a sea of modern vehicles. It’s a head-turner that sparks conversations.

Key Considerations Before Buying: What to Look For

Purchasing an ’87 Jeep Comanche requires careful inspection, as these vehicles are over 35 years old. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:

• Rust, Rust, Rust: This is the number one enemy. Inspect thoroughly:
  • Rocker Panels: Prone to severe rust due to water and road salt exposure.
  • Floor Pans: Check under the carpet for perforations.
  • Bed Floor and Supports: Especially near the wheel wells and drain holes.
  • Frame Rails (Uniframe): While not a traditional frame, the integrated chassis components can rust.
  • Cab Mounts: Where the cab meets the "frame" section.
  • Lower Fenders and Door Bottoms.
• Engine Condition (4.0L Renix):
  • Oil Leaks: Common from the rear main seal, valve cover, and oil filter adapter. Minor leaks are typical; major ones indicate neglect.
  • Cooling System: Check the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat housing for leaks or signs of overheating.
  • Sensors: The Renix system can be finicky. Check the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), and Oxygen Sensor. Listen for smooth idle; rough idle or stalling can be sensor-related.
  • Knocks/Ticks: A common "Jeep tick" can be normal (injector noise or minor valvetrain noise), but loud knocks could indicate rod or main bearing issues.
• Transmission and Transfer Case:
  • Manual: Check for smooth shifts, no grinding, and proper clutch engagement.
  • Automatic (AW-4): Known for reliability, but check for harsh shifts, slipping, or delayed engagement.
  • Transfer Case (NP231/NP207): Test 2WD, 4-High, and 4-Low. Listen for grinding or clunking. Check for fluid leaks.
• Suspension and Steering:
  • Death Wobble: A violent shaking of the front end, usually caused by worn track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints, or steering box issues. Test drive on rough roads to check.
  • Lift Kits: If lifted, inspect the quality of the components and installation.
  • Bushings: Check control arm bushings and leaf spring bushings for wear.
• Brakes: Inspect brake lines, calipers, drums, and master cylinder for leaks or wear.
• Electrical System: Check all lights, gauges, power windows (if equipped), HVAC controls, and wipers. Renix era Jeeps can have ground issues, so check wiring harnesses.
• Interior Condition: Dash cracks are almost inevitable. Check seat upholstery, headliner sag, and door panels.
• Undercarriage: Look for dents, bent components, or signs of severe off-road abuse.
• Documentation: A clear title is essential. Service records or previous owner history are a huge plus.

The Buying Process: Tips for Finding Your Ideal 87 Comanche

Finding the right ’87 Jeep Comanche for sale can be a journey, but these tips will guide you:

• Where to Look:
  • Online Marketplaces: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors are common starting points.
  • Dedicated Forums: ComancheClub.com is an invaluable resource with a dedicated "For Sale" section, offering detailed listings from knowledgeable owners.
  • Classic Car Dealers/Auctions: Less common for Comanches, but worth checking.
  • Word-of-Mouth: Let friends and local Jeep clubs know you’re looking.
• Set a Realistic Budget: Beyond the purchase price, factor in potential immediate repairs, maintenance, insurance, and registration.
• Prioritize a Solid Foundation: It’s almost always better to buy a mechanically sound vehicle with minimal rust, even if it needs cosmetic work, than a rusty "project" that runs poorly. Rust repair is expensive and labor-intensive.
• Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): If possible, have a trusted mechanic (especially one familiar with older Jeeps) perform a PPI. This small investment can save you thousands down the road.
• Thorough Test Drive: Drive the truck at various speeds, on different surfaces. Test the brakes, steering, and especially the 4WD system (if applicable). Listen for unusual noises.
• Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate. Use any identified issues as leverage. Research recent sales of similar condition Comanches to understand market value.
• Common Pitfalls: Don’t rush into a purchase. Be wary of sellers who are evasive or refuse a PPI. Avoid buying sight-unseen without a reliable third-party inspection.

Restoration and Customization: Enhancing Your 87 Comanche

The ’87 Comanche is an excellent platform for both restoration and customization, thanks to its shared lineage with the XJ Cherokee.

• Common Upgrades:
  • Lift Kits: Ranging from mild 2-inch lifts for tire clearance to extreme 6-inch+ lifts for serious off-roading.
  • Tires: Larger, more aggressive tires significantly enhance off-road capability and appearance.
  • Aftermarket Bumpers and Armor: Steel bumpers, rock sliders, and skid plates protect the vehicle and improve approach/departure angles.
  • Engine Performance: Simple modifications like upgraded intake, exhaust, and tune-ups can improve the 4.0L’s power.
  • Axle Upgrades: For heavy off-roading, upgrading axles (e.g., to Dana 44 or Ford 8.8) is common.
• Restoration Focus:
  • Rust Repair: This is often the most critical and expensive part of a full restoration.
  • Paint: A fresh coat of paint can transform the vehicle’s appearance.
  • Interior Refresh: Replacing worn seats, headliner, and carpet can bring the interior back to life.
  • Mechanical Overhaul: Rebuilding the engine, transmission, or transfer case ensures long-term reliability.
• Parts Availability: Mechanical parts are generally easy to find due to XJ Cherokee commonality. However, specific Comanche body panels (bedsides, unique rear cab panels) can be rare and costly. The aftermarket is robust for performance and off-road parts.
• DIY vs. Professional: Many routine maintenance tasks and basic upgrades are DIY-friendly for those with mechanical inclination. However, extensive rust repair, engine/transmission rebuilds, or complex custom fabrication often require professional expertise.

Practical Advice and Actionable Insights

• Patience is Key: The perfect ’87 Comanche won’t appear overnight. Be patient, do your research, and don’t settle.
• Budget Beyond the Sticker Price: Always assume you’ll need to invest in immediate maintenance (fluids, filters, spark plugs) and potential repairs.
• Join the Community: The ComancheClub.com forum is an invaluable resource. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge, how-to guides, and a supportive community of fellow owners. This is the best place to ask specific questions about potential purchases.
• Learn the Renix System: If buying a 4.0L, familiarize yourself with the Renix fuel injection system’s quirks. Many common "problems" are simple sensor or ground issues.
• Embrace the Journey: Owning a classic vehicle like the ’87 Comanche is an ongoing project. Enjoy the process of learning, wrenching, and making it your own.

87 Jeep Comanche For Sale: Estimated Price Guide

The price of an ’87 Jeep Comanche varies significantly based on its condition, mileage, engine, transmission, trim level, and location. This table provides a general range:

Condition Category	Description	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Key Factors Influencing Price
Project	Significant rust, major mechanical issues, non-running or barely running. Requires extensive work.	$1,000 – $3,000	Severity of rust, engine condition, completeness of parts, salvageability.
Driver Quality	Runs and drives, but needs notable mechanical attention, cosmetic repairs, or significant rust remediation.	$3,000 – $7,000	Extent of rust, 4.0L vs. 2.5L engine, 4WD vs. 2WD, overall completeness.
Good Condition	Minor rust, generally sound mechanically, presentable cosmetics. May need minor repairs or updates.	$7,000 – $12,000	Minimal rust, 4.0L/4WD combo, lower mileage, good interior, recent maintenance records.
Excellent/Restored	Minimal to no rust, mechanically excellent, near-show quality or fully restored. Rare options.	$12,000 – $25,000+	Professional restoration, rare options (e.g., Eliminator trim, long bed 4.0L/manual), low original mileage, detailed history.

Note: These are estimates and market conditions can fluctuate. Prices can be higher for exceptionally rare or modified examples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 87 Jeep Comanche

Q: Is the 4.0L engine in the ’87 Comanche reliable?
A: Yes, the 4.0L AMC inline-six is highly reliable and known for its longevity. The ’87 model uses the Renix fuel injection system, which has specific sensor and ground issues to be aware of, but is generally robust.

Q: Are parts hard to find for an ’87 Comanche?
A: Mechanical parts are largely shared with the very common XJ Cherokee (1984-2001), so they are generally easy to find and affordable. Specific Comanche body panels (like the bed and rear cab sections) can be harder to source.

Q: What’s the "death wobble" and how do I avoid it?
A: Death wobble is a violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end, common in solid-axle Jeeps with worn steering or suspension components. It’s often caused by worn track bar bushings, tie rod ends, or ball joints. A thorough inspection of these components before purchase and regular maintenance can prevent it.

Q: Can an ’87 Comanche be a daily driver?
A: Yes, if well-maintained and in good mechanical condition. However, it lacks modern safety features (airbags, ABS) and comfort amenities (quiet cabin, refined ride), making it a different experience than a modern vehicle.

Q: What’s the difference between the short bed and long bed?
A: The short bed is 6 feet long, while the long bed is 7 feet long. Long bed Comanches are less common and often more desirable for their increased utility.

Q: What are the most common rust spots to check?
A: The most critical areas are the rocker panels, floor pans, bed floor (especially near the wheel wells), cab mounts, and lower sections of the fenders and doors.

Q: What’s the best engine/transmission combination for a Comanche?
A: For power and reliability, the 4.0L I6 is highly preferred. Paired with the AW-4 automatic transmission (known for its durability) or the AX-15 manual transmission (if equipped), it offers an excellent driving experience.

Conclusion

The 1987 Jeep Comanche for sale isn’t just a used truck; it’s a piece of automotive history, a versatile workhorse, and a canvas for customization. Its unique blend of Jeep ruggedness and pickup utility makes it an appealing choice for enthusiasts, off-roaders, and those simply seeking a distinctive classic vehicle. While owning one requires a commitment to maintenance and an eye for potential issues, the rewards – from its undeniable character to its growing collector value – are well worth the effort. With careful research, a thorough inspection, and a bit of patience, you can find your ideal ’87 Comanche and embark on a rewarding journey with this enduring American icon.