Another project we have going is this 89 comanche we are resurecting. Plans so far for this one are a Chevy LT1 V8, coil front suspension and linked front suspensopn with links and coilovers for the rear. Dana 44 in the front with a Ford 9" rear will help get all that power to the ground with the help of a 4 speed auto tranny. We have started some bed work and tubing so far........
We have been real busy on this project and have made alot of progress lately. The rear suspension is going to get an addition of Fox 16"coil overs to replace the Ballistic set installed now which will provide plenty of travel for the 35" Super Swampers below. We added rock rails, and front and rear fenders which are tied in solid to the frame for strength. The driveline has been mocked-up in place and waiting to be finished.
The rear end has added a cut out for the battery box, along with a rear bumper. Up front we will be adding a PSC hydro assist steering system. The Chevy LT1 is waiting patiently to come to life as well. Don't forget we are a PSC dealer!!
The Indian has got more war paint added to it! The chief will rise again.....
We have received one of the doors back from the painter and the yellow is excellent! The old YJ would be proud to see the next torch holder for Performance.
Here we have the engine bay cleaned out, finish welding has been completed, and the front axle removed. The Indian is ready for a visit from the painter to shoot it with primer. This is going to be really cool!
Lots-O-Stuff has been accomplished on this Indian. We finished the tube frame inside the engine compartment, along with making the cross member removable for maintenance. If you look for the 4 fittings in the rear (2 are blue) this is for the air conditioning we are going to install.
Next we went all out on the front end. We went with the Currie Antirock system to keep the front end controlled going down the road and still allowing great flex off road. For the steering, we went with the PSC hydro assist system for maximum control, and ease of use with the big tires we have underneath. Strength is another factor we had to consider. We fabricat our own tie rods out of 1.5" X .25 dom tubing. When going with bigger wheels and tires you need to upgrade, or you will wind up being towed off the trail. I like to drive out of the woods myself.
And finally, we have a custom exhaust set-up for the indian. Note that on the "Y" pipe, we installed bungs for the O2 sensors to keep everything legal and running properly. Once again, fabricated here in our shop.
We got a little more done on the indian. We added more paint onto the cab, andfenders front and rear. The trim is going back on, the doors have been installed, and the front axle has been welded up with the needed parts ready for assembly. We have also finished up with all of the control arms and they are ready to be installed.
We installed the glass and the moldings on the Indian to get it a little closer to the trail. This chief wants to be back in the saddle!
We have been moving along on the Indian, more than I thought this week. We got the steering components started by installing the linkage to the steering box. We also welded up the floor pan along with the underside as well.
Finally we have fabricated the "shock covers" to cover the top mount of the coil overs. Clean looks, and it will help keep the trail stuff from getting out of the wheel wells.
We have about 70% of the wiring done so far, and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
We have the A/C plumbed up and almost ready to go.
We did some custom fabricating for the cooling system, of course. I used the canister from the YJ and fabbed it up for the duty of an antifreeze reservoir. We also removed the Warn winch control and did a remote mount inside the engine bay. Coupled with a wireless remote this cleans up the grill area for better air flow to the radiator and does not add anyinconveniences. The fuel system and the ignition system are complete and ready for action.
Finally we have been working on the interior but have a lot more to go. Form and function are the number one priority here.
Now here is a simple mod we need to talk about. You can find all kinds of brands of CO2 tanks out there but why would you want one? Well for example, if you are running 33 X 12.5 X 15 tires and are running a 30 psi on the street, and want to air down to 10 psi for the trail what do you do? Here is the answer, this 10lb tank will air up those tires from 10 to 30 psi with ease, a total of 20 tires! Now you won't need to do that in a day but it will also run air tools to change a tire as well. OK so here is the question that you are thinking now, how much?
got the front brakes installed and plumbed up, and the rear plumbed up as well.
Here is a shot of the rear end as I am trying to figure out how I want to mount the spare tire. The motor, suspension, and the transfer case are all sitting in place, and awaiting further instructions.
The Indian starts to get some suspension work! Here we have the rear axle getting installed with the control arms already to go.
Unfortunately the Indian had an issue as well. The hydroboost braking system decided to crap out and release some nice (not really) metal flakes into the power steering system! (Bang head on wall here.) Sooo..... we needed to flush out the power steering system and we added a screw on filter which is also used as an oil filter for the JK. Yea, yea, I know I should have had a filter on it before! Lighten up will ya?!?!? There are several reservoir/filter systems and remote mount fitler setups on the market, any of which would work fine. However, space is a bit tight and I didnt want to move the reservoir, re-plumb the hoses, etc so it was easiest to create a custom setup at this point. Probably not the cheapest, but still the easiest
The Indian is getting some cool gadgets! Take a good look at the front bumper hoop. The clear plastic box that is clamped to the hoop is the holder for a Go Pro Hero video camera. Nice video of the trail to brag about when you have company over at the house when it decides to rain (or snow). The shifter is getting some fine tuning for better engagement.
