Commando Springs On A Cj?

I hear you LOUD & CLEAR. This is why my trips in the CJ are limited to 1/2-day outings. Sure, I can stretch it to a full day, but THAT'S it.
I bit the bullet and got the new Wrangler. Talk about a Cadillac...WOW!
If I get a bunch of 'flak' for this post...so be it!

 

Yeah but I like my old iron.
Anybody (with good enough! credit) can go to the dealer and buy a new vehicle.
I enjoy building, maintaining and driving the old stuff.
Same reason that a freight train powered by diesel electric locomotives barely gets a passing glance, but I will travel 100's of miles to watch or ride behind a running steam locomotive!

 

Or you can rent one.

 

I won't argue any of colojeepguy's points...I agree with each! I love my old iron and still planning on a few upgrades. It's going to Silverton and Moab next year.
There's just no way I can keep up with a modern Jeep club when they go explore trails. The limited fuel capacity becomes a real nuisance, too.
Last I checked, a Wrangler rental is $225/day in the San Juans and $400/day in Moab. That always makes me feel better about keep old iron running on the trails!

 

Having a/c would also be nice. That would be an expensive a/c unit though. I have other vehicles for that feature

 

My Commando has AC
Doesn't work of course but eventually I'd like to remedy that.

 

I was one that went the RR route and I don't have the greatest fab skills, but it was not difficult. I order my hangers from Ruff Stuff and just took my time. I am so much happier that I did it (myself)

I practiced on scrap metal and it paid off. Are my welds going to win any compitetions, nope, but I got good penetration.

 

I thought the hangars came with the RR kit?
Are you happy with the results?

 

I also have RR yj kit (or some of it) left on my jeep. The ride is great and way better than my BDS springs. I frankly was too overwhelmed with piecing a kit together myself and welding, which I why I did the kit. Now that others on the forum have kind of done that with Ruff Stuff parts, I would go that route. Either way you are on your back forever either drilling dozens of holes, or welding.
Issues I have had:
1) the kit came missing bolts and some pieces. (RR shipped new ones without complaint)
2) the rear shocks don't compress enough which lead to breaking or loosening bolts in rear (had to buy different shocks).
3) The front shock mounts were in a bad spot for the spring mounts, so I had to weld on new hangers. (this may have just been my application)
4) the brackets aren't very straight so there was some cussing putting them on
5) newest - the rear shackles invert so I had to order custom shackles from ruff stuff, and will probably have to move the spring brackets further to the rear (making more swiss cheese of my frame).
6) If you get OME springs like I did, they give you the wrong bushings (OME had special bushings who knew?)
7) it sits taller than I expected. I am used to it now, but was a shock at first.

 

Let me rephrase that, it didn't come out right. I started with the RR kit, after finding the hangers wrong (hat tip to Norcal69) http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/121282/ I followed his build/repair.

 

Whichever direction is decided I can help with drawings / instructions to make assembly easier.
From what I've read people go the the RR "kit because it is supposed to be all there and thought out but it's apparent the instructions and quality are lacking.

I feel like a good bom with Ruff stuff or WFO hardware and OME springs would be the way to go if our peers can gather it all. We need some good technical articles on t18 and yj spring conversions.

 

I just read through that whole thread, and I've come to the conclusion that this just isn't going to happen on this Jeep. It's way beyond my ability, both skill-wise and physically.
I need to get that Commando ready to go, the better ride is one reason I bought it!

 

I think that's the right move.
If you're going modify something, consider your Commando!

Gem of a Jeepster: 1969 Jeepster Commando (motortrend.com)

 

my wife needs that

The Commando is 101" wheelbase right?

 

Yes. In 72 they got stretched like the CJ'S, those are 104".

 

I never said longer equals better. You’re putting words in my mouth. I never said there weren’t better options out there. But almost require fabrication skills that are more than what someone can do in their driveway with basic hand tools. Go back and read my earlier post.

And you till haven’t answered my question. Have you actually driven a vehicle with this or a similar conversion?

 

I wasn’t suggesting that *you* in particular did. It was more of a finger-point at people/companies that put products like that on the market that prioritize flex (or the promise of it) over roadworthiness, safety, and drivability.

Proudly, no. I guess you could say I have higher standards than to drive a vehicle with incorrect suspension geometry. I spend my days correcting these issues; I'm not about to promote it.

 

OK no internet battles! Let's remember we're all friends here
I just started this thread because my JC has such a nice ride, & after pondering it's suspension for awhile I was wondering about adapting it to the CJ.
I still think the front springs might be a good option but haven't found anyone who sells Commando lift springs without buying a whole kit. That'd take me into getting a set custom made which would be expensive.
Which leads me back to the YJ setup....which unfortunately isn't gonna happen.

 

Sorry for the words.

I’ve been confused about something from the beginning of this thread… you’re saying that an ala cart YJ kit is out of your realm of possibility, but adapting a set of springs that would require even more custom mounts and fabrication is? I suggested the YJ route because at least that was done plenty of times and we can help remotely. A one-off setup, you’re more on your own.