Need Advice On A 73 Commando

Hi there my dad and I have had this Jeepster since I was a kid. I finally have the income to really start working on it and need some advice.

The Jeepster already has a nice new lift and tires, the engine runs ok but definitely could use a tune up of some sorts and it seems like the carburetor always wants to go out so that needs a little help. I also need a little help with the wiring, and upgrading the headlights and tail lights.

The main problems are that the front axle seems bent on the passenger side, like the tire is angled inward, so in that case it is very difficult to drive on the roads higher than 50 mph. We also can't flat tow because of this reason. Not sure if just the axle shaft needs to be replaced or maybe the steering knuckle. I also wanted to convert it to disc brakes on all 4, and a buddy of mine put in a Cadillac power steering system in his Jeep and says it turns like butter so I was wondering if anyone has some advice on that.

Right now we have a stock axle set up with
Dana 30 in front (would like to change to dana 44)
Dana 44 in rear
And we believe the gears are stock at 4.10

Thank you guys!

 

Regarding factory axle ratio, 3.73 or 4.27 would be the factory ratios for your year, make and model.
Of course, it could have been changed as well.

You could source a CJ Dana 30 with either drum brakes or disc brakes.
This might be easiest as you might be able to match the factory ratio.

Other than that, if you want bigger, then of course open your wallet and get to work.

 

Jack it up & see if there's play in that wheel. You could have bad wheel bearings, or a bad ball joint...easily fixable. If the housing itself is bent then you'll probably be looking for a whole new housing.

 

V8 or inline 6? A V8 is pretty easy to convert to power steering, since pretty much any Wagoneer can be a donor for the brackets. Sixes, not so much.

Agreeing with Doug; I'd take the wheels off and look at it before condemning the axle. Maybe pull the brakes and hubs too.

Suggest you get it running and driving before you think about a Dana 44 front axle. There's no junkyard D44 that's the right width without going wider and outboarding the springs, which involves significant fab and welding. You could have an axle narrowed or otherwise custom built, but that's an expensive proposition and not really warranted for most owners.

 

Thank you guys. I will try that out first. The axle itself has never let us down off roading so it be a plus if it is just a quick fix.

And yes it is a v8.