Lifted Jeep Comanche MJ Pioneer Off road Build With LS swap & 37”s

This 1990 Jeep Comanche is no ordinary pickup truck. With extensive modifications to the drivetrain, suspension, and the addition of an LS V8 swap, this Comanche put together by Tyler Lester, has been elevated to an entirely new level as a capable and head-turning off-road pioneer build. Unlike many over-the-top SEMA show trucks, this Comanche maintains a simplicity and cohesive style that allows it to stand out while still looking balanced and attractive. 

From the 37-inch tires to the lifted suspension equipped with high-end shocks, it’s clear no expense was spared in the thoughtful selection of parts and quality of workmanship invested in the build. While truck enthusiasts will surely geek out over the specs, even those not immersed in the off-road scene can’t help but appreciate how the upgrades accentuate the Comanche’s already great bones into a sophisticated and formidable overland explorer.

Key Takeaways

1. Extensive custom fabrication over 6 years transformed the 1990 Jeep Comanche from a daily driver into a highly capable and unique off-road build. 
2. Major upgrades to drivetrain (LS V8 swap, Holley EFI), suspension (7.5″ lift, custom linkage, Bilsteins), and Ford axles (ARB lockers, chromoly shafts) enable rugged off-road performance.
3. Aggressive 37” tires on Method Race wheels provide maximum traction. Additional support mods like chassis stiffeners and heavy duty winch improve capability.
4. Attention to detail is evident throughout the project, from gear setup to component selection. This purpose-built Comanche balances form and function for the ultimate overland explorer.

Mods and upgrades

Engine:

• Cammed LQ9 6.0L
• Holley Terminator EFI

Axles:

Front 

• Trussed 77 Ford 44 with 5.13s
• ARB Air locker
• Chromoly shafts
• Yukon super joints
• Reid Racing knuckles.

Rear 

• Trussed 82 Ford 9″ 5.13s
• ARB Air locker
• Strange noduler third member
• Custom ubolt eliminators
• Ford Explorer disc brakes.

Suspension: 

• 7.5″ lift
• Front Custom 3 link
• Stock MJ leafs SOA with adjustable shackles
• Bilstein shocks
• Hydraulic bump stops

Steering: 

• PSC Big bore steering box/Crossover Gm 1 ton steering.

Wheels:

• 37″ Maxxis RAZR MT Tires
• Method Race Wheels

Misc. 

• 97+ XJ dash swap
• Front to rear frame stiffeners
• Hidden Warn 8k winch
• Custom winch plate with steering box brace
• JcrOffroad Crusader front bumper
• Dirtbound rear diy bumper
• Triple fan aluminum radiator
• KC Gravity Pro 6 light bar.

Built it from the lugs up over the last 6 years

Tyler Lester

Questions & Answers with the Owner & Builder

How did you get into off-roading?

I grew up building jeeps with my father and really got into offroading when I got stationed in Alaska. There wasn’t much to do during the winter other than snowboarding and hitting the trails. Off-roading was one of the best ways to explore the last frontier.

What do you like the most about your MJ?

What I like about my 1990 the most is its different. I didn’t see a lot of MJ’s growing up and always wanted one. Picked one up in fairbanks, AK in 2015, and have been building on it ever since

What inspired you to choose this Build style?

The MJ started out as just a daily. I just planned on a lift and maybe some axles/lockers down the road. After driving it for 2 years, I realized the potential and wanted to build it right. I had a vision of what it could be, and I stuck with it. The LS was just something I felt would take it to the next level.

See Also

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 – the Master of Challenging Roads

What was the most difficult part of the build?

The most difficult part of the build was probably setting up the front gear set on the 44. I’ve never done gears before, but I wanted to learn. Bought a book and tools and slowly went through the process. I bet I had to pull the gears out 20 times and was pretty frustrated, but I was determined to get a close to perfect gear pattern. I learned a lot, and what took me days back then now only takes a few hours.

Build Break Down

Suspension & Drivetrain

The Jeep has extensive custom suspension and drivetrain upgrades for serious off-road use. It features a lifted 7.5″ suspension with a custom 3 link front end, upgraded leaf springs in the rear, and Bilstein shocks all around. The axles are fully built with ARB lockers front and rear, chromoly shafts, and upgraded differentials. Power comes from a cammed 6.0L V8 with a Holley Terminator EFI system.

Off-road Wheels & Tires 

The Jeep rolls on capable 37″ Maxxis RAZR MT tires mounted to Method Race wheels. This aggressive wheel and tire package provides maximum traction and allows the Jeep to traverse rugged terrain.

Performance Modifications

Performance upgrades include the built 6.0L V8 with camshaft and Holley EFI providing increased horsepower and torque. Further upgrades like the PSC steering and Explorer disc brakes improve drivability and control while off-roading. 

Other Modifications

Additional modifications optimize the Jeep for off-road use including chassis stiffeners, a Warn 8K winch, custom front and rear bumpers with winch mount, a light bar, and more. The interior features an upgraded XJ dash. After 6 years of custom fabrication from the ground up, it’s built to handle tough terrain.

Conclusion

After 6 years of passion and dedication, this extensively customized 1990 Jeep Comanche has been transformed into a head-turning, highly capable off-road pioneer. With thoughtful upgrades optimizing rugged performance and retention of the classic Comanche styling, this unique truck is ready to competently explore the most remote overland terrain. If you enjoyed reading about this Comanche, be sure to check out our upcoming feature spotlighting an equally formidable lifted Jeep Cherokee XJ custom off-road build.

Watch the progress and find out more about this lifted Comanche project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: MJ_Jeepin!

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