1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator 4.0L Inline 6

Summary:

This truck is the best there is!

Faults:

Let me preface this section by stating that this vehicle has been operated on and off road in the harsh environments of the Alaskan Arctic since 1995, so many of the faults listed can be attributed to extreme environmental effects.

The exhaust manifold cracked in 1994, a common problem with the pre-1992 stock manifold. The vehicle was not yet in Alaska.

One of the rubber transmission fluid return hoses burst at 125,000 miles, with a soft spot having been rubbed into it by the splash guard after almost a decade. This was the ONLY incident in which I was unable to make it home before I could make repairs.

The headlight switch failed at 126,000 miles and was difficult to replace in the dark at -30 degrees F, during the Alaskan winter.

The Alternator bearings became noisy at 133,000 miles, at which time I replaced the alternator as a precaution.

The Crank Case Ventilation hoses and grommet had deteriorated and required replacement at 138,000 miles.

The power steering hoses developed leaks at 140,000 miles from rubbing against the frame and engine mounts.

The water pump shaft seals began to leak slightly at 142,000 miles. I replaced the unit as a precaution.

The air conditioning/heater air blower motor bearings began to squeal in cold temperatures at 147,000 miles, with a partial failure at 152,000 miles. I have not replaced the unit as yet, but due to the electrical failure, I have only off and full on fan settings.

General Comments:

The truck is incredibly solid. I was hit in the drivers side door by a Toyota 4-runner doing about 26 miles per hour. Not only did my passenger and I walk away unhurt, but I DROVE home. I needed a lot of body work, but the frame and internal systems were completely undamaged. Looks like it never happened now.

Acceleration is good and power is ample.

Towing is a non-event.

Off-road performance is excellent.

The engine and transmission are still strong and running clean at 155,000 miles.

Very stable on ice and snow.

Strong 4-wheel drive system.

The only negative is that the few "dealership only" parts are fairly expensive.

Living in Alaska, you have to trust your vehicle with your life. I wouldn't trust ANY vehicle more than my Comanche.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2002

25th Feb 2007, 18:19

I love my Comanche too, but the body is falling apart (Chrysler)

1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator Short Bed 4X4 4.0L I-6

Summary:

The very best Jeep had to offer in 1990, destined to be a collector truck

Faults:

Replaced:

Transmission cooling lines.

Radiator.

Hoses.

Belts.

Alternator.

Water pump.

Wheels studs (all of them twice).

Radiator overflow box (twice).

Exhaust.

Oil pressure sending unit.

Brakes.

Rotors.

Neutral safety switch.

Several electrical relays.

Headliner.

Sounds like a lot, but for the miles I think it has been good to me.

General Comments:

I have the Trak-Lock rear in my truck, it is the best option you can buy if you ever go off road.

I have put 31" tires on with only minor rubbing on full lock turns.

I have put large trucks to shame off road or just in the snow. My truck sees serious off-roading only one week a year in the mountains of Pennsylvania and light snow conditions in the winters of Northern Virginia. I have yet to get this truck stuck, while I have seen many others (Blazers, Explorers) stuck.

It is easy to work on, I have done most of the repairs myself (I am not a mechanic).

The Eliminator package is of course the rarest and in my opinion the best looking of them all. I have only ever seen one other truck identical to mine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2001

22nd Sep 2001, 07:52

I think the Comanche is a great truck. I purchased the 4x4 Eliminator in 1991, drove it for 20k miles and sold it to my brother. He has driven it since then to the point where it has like 120k on it now. It still runs perfect. As a matter of fact, it doesn't even burn oil. I'm a firm believer in Quaker State.

The only thing he has replaced other than normal maintenance has been a heater core, starter (a couple of times), slave cylinder (he rides the clutch) and a fan motor.

The tilt wheel had to be tightened up and he had a short in fan motor wire. In ten years, I don't think that is bad. As a matter of fact he's purchasing a new truck and I'm getting the Comanche back from him to have as a second vehicle. I always told him not to sell it I wanted it back, can't wait. It's a fun vehicle to drive.

8th Jun 2004, 08:24

The Comanche is a great truck. I've owned three and loved everyone of them. I had an '89 chief 2wd,5spd,2.5 with a set of 30x10.50 Goodyear's that decimated an 85 K5 blazer in a mud pit. I never had a problem with that one. I had an '87 long bed 4x4,5spd,2.5 bone stock. I only got that stuck once and that was because I got hung up on a rock after a jump. and the current one is an '88 pioneer 4x4,4.0,5spd,4 inch lift with 35x12.50 thorn-birds and that thing is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. I've gotten it stuck 4 times though. it took a hummer and a '79 bronco to pull me out each time. these trucks will go through almost anything, but when they do get stuck its bad, real bad.

1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator 4.0L gas

Summary:

Solid fun 4x4

Faults:

Rear main seal.

Oil pan gasket.

Rear output shaft seal.

Front brakes.

General Comments:

This is one great pickup. I have owned and driven many 4x4's and this little Jeep takes them all. The powerful 4.0 mated to the 5 speed tranny is the way to go. The shortbox helps for maneuverability and quick agile turns. Sure there are situations that big high horsepower rigs can do better, but for all around 4x4, commuting and just plain general driving the Comanche rules. If they still made them I would buy one in a second.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2000

1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator 4.0L V6

Summary:

Good reliable transportation. And decent looking too

Faults:

Engine was supposedly rebuilt at 170000, however I had to have the injectors and fuel system overhauled for better starting.

General Comments:

Good reliable truck. Comfortable, and easy to work on and maintain.

Fuel mileage could be better for an injected engine, but it's a truck, so it's bound to suck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2000

9th Jan 2001, 12:24

There is no 4.0 V6.... it's an INLINE 6.