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Commando questions...

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by rjsfun, Apr 3, 2006.

  1. Apr 3, 2006
    rjsfun

    rjsfun New Member

    Evergreen, Colorado
    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2005
    Messages:
    30
    I've been thinking about selling my CJ and getting a Commando. I've always liked the style of the pre 71's and have had many a 225 V6 in some of my early CJ's. Also grew up with one in the family.
    Anyway, in my pre-looking stage for aftermarket parts, I am left blank.
    I have searched high and low on the net, and cannot seem to find any manufactures of suspension lifts. Who makes an aftermarket kit, or are the springs the same size as similiar year different makes of Jeep?
    Also, is the frame width the same as the same years CJ's, so bumpers would be interchangable?
    Do they have a fold down windshield, or is there a way to modify it relatively easy?
    One more thing, what is the common axle and ratios for the pre 71's? I have seen 27 closed knuckels in the front, and 44's in the rear.
    Thanks for the help.
     
  2. Apr 3, 2006
    Vhunter

    Vhunter Member

    Redding, California
    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2005
    Messages:
    262
    The frame width and front bumper mounting is the same for (CJ's from 1953 thru. 1971) and commandos from 1967 thru 1971. There are no lift kits for the commandos and the rear springs are unique to commandos. As, far as gearing goes alot of them came with 3.73, but 4.27 and 4.88 where an option. And, they did not come with fold down windshields and I have never seen anyone try to make one into a fold down. All the running gear is the same as the same year CJ5s. Hope this helps.
     
  3. Apr 3, 2006
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    3.31 was a popular ratio as well, only on Commando models.
    some rear axles are a D30, considered weak for a rear axle; commonly called the "little" rear end. D44 more desireable.
    the transfer case used in Commando models is the straight thru D20.
     
  4. Apr 4, 2006
    rjsfun

    rjsfun New Member

    Evergreen, Colorado
    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2005
    Messages:
    30
    If there is no after market lifted spring, what is the best for bolt on options? Shackles (are they CJ width) and a body lift with some fender trimming?
    I have read some forums where spring over is always the option, but would not like to go that route.
    What year did they ditch the ross box set-up?
     
  5. Apr 4, 2006
    Caver Dave

    Caver Dave New Member

    Piedmont, NC
    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2006
    Messages:
    11
    ALCAN or ther aftermarket spring....

    Something says they ditched the Ross for Saginaw around '70 or '71...
     
  6. Apr 4, 2006
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,585
    Like Dave said, Alcan offers lift springs for the commando. To get a spring under lift, the springs will have to be custom. Dont get really scared. They are a bit more money, but worth it. Nothing that will scream make you totally broke, just a bit more.

    You will find out there is NOTHING for jeepsters in th ecatalogs. And dont let that scare you. It only means you get to make your own stuff and your jeep wont look like the oters. There are some aftermarket repair metal for the jeepster.
     
  7. Apr 4, 2006
    Billm

    Billm New Member

    Avoca, Pa
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Easiest lift for a Jeepster or Commando is a springover if you have any welding ability. Or as mentioned, Alcan makes lift springs for them. I did a springover with d44's front & rear for 6 1/2" of lift. You just have to think things through before you start the project. BTW: Thats 35" tires clearing the fenders and 38's fit but with some articulation loss.

    [​IMG]

    Bill
     
  8. Apr 5, 2006
    Jeepsterman

    Jeepsterman I had a beer with Panzer.

    Southgate, MI
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    90
    The only other thing you can try is finding the correct springs for other vehicles. I had read that Toyota truck rear springs work on the front of the Jeepster and Dakota rear springs will work on the rear. Have not looked at it myself, but might work if you want to do the research.
     
  9. Apr 5, 2006
    cj5man

    cj5man New Member

    New York
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2005
    Messages:
    17
    You could always retrofit some springs. Just as I did with my CJ5, and my friend did with his 71 commando. [​IMG]
    That commando has a Skyjacker 4" YJ Wrangler Rock Ready kit under it and it works great.
     
  10. Apr 6, 2006
    rjsfun

    rjsfun New Member

    Evergreen, Colorado
    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2005
    Messages:
    30
    Did he keep it spring under? (can't see photo's on work computer) Also, what is the width on the YJ springs as opposed to the stock Commando springs? Is a wider spring hanger and shackle required, or do they bolt up?
     
  11. Apr 7, 2006
    cj5man

    cj5man New Member

    New York
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2005
    Messages:
    17
    It is still spring under. The leaf spring width is 2.5" (compared to the 2" commando springs). I have basically the same kit under my CJ5. I had spring hangers made and bought some main eyes. Cut the old stuff off, lined the new stuff up (the center pins have to stay in the same place), and welded them on. Now she's sittin' pretty.
     
  12. Apr 20, 2006
    greenjeepster

    greenjeepster New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2006
    Messages:
    17
    You will have to mix and match from whatever you can make fit. There is almost nobody producing aftermarket for the Jeepster Commando.
     
  13. Apr 21, 2006
    LWB

    LWB ..they call me "Cooter"

    Chicago
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2003
    Messages:
    206
    If your interested, I have some 4" lift springs for the front of a Jeepster- I bought them for my wife's Convertible a few years ago, but sold the Jeep. I don't know the brand, but they are from the '70s. The front springs on a Jeepster don't have the axle centered (the rear isn't centered, either), I'll see if I can dig up my Rancho catalog for the specs on the stockers, IIRC, they are the same as the jeep wagon.
     
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