1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Need Advice On A 73 Commando

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by William, May 14, 2020.

  1. May 14, 2020
    William

    William New Member

    Irvine, California
    Joined:
    May 14, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    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!
     
  2. May 15, 2020
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    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.
     
  3. May 15, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    PS should be pretty easy swap on a 73 jeepster....some came with them from factory...finding a pump bracket would be the hardest part maybe?
     
  4. May 16, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    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.
     
  5. May 16, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    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.
     
  6. May 17, 2020
    William

    William New Member

    Irvine, California
    Joined:
    May 14, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    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.
     
New Posts