Newbie With 1968 Jeepster Commando - Need Help With Powertrain

I just bought a 1968 Jeepster Commando with a Dauntless V6 225ci - previous owner put a lot of lipstick on it so looks good externally and the interior is in good shape. Engine, axles and frame need a lot of work. Pretty sure it started out as a snowplow in Rochester, NY; just took off a power steering pump with hydraulic hoses going to front bumper; control sticks in cab. Phase 1 plan - get it running fairly reliably; runs rough, pretty sure on only 4 cylinders - starting out with sparks plugs, ignition coil, new cables and will be changing distributor shortly. Phase 2 - take it down to frame, sandblast everything and start building back up. Currently it has Dana 27AF front axle, Dana 30 rear, T86 3 speed manual, and Atlas 20 transfer; 3:73 gears. Question: what would recommend i go to for axles and transmissions? For front, would like to go to an open knuckle with disc brakes. Sorry about the long intro...rookie here!

 

Oh, and don't get me started on wiring. I have a box of fuses in my glove box....Scooby (my daughter named it) is popping fuses like popcorn....been chasing the electric short for about 2 weeks now. First it was the ignition switch....now it's most likely the horn (that doesn't work) in the steering column...when they switched out the steering column for a non-stock one.

 

if you bought a plow truck from Rochester NY I would sell it immediately and find a better candidate for what what seems like a serious build...

 

Welcome from Oklahoma! I thought the rear axle in 68 should be a dana 44?

We always love pictures!

 

I like a challenge

 

The service manual says this model came with either Dana 30 or Dana 44 on the rear; this one is definitely not a 44. Need to degrease it to see the markings but the bolt pattern is wrong for a 44. Will work on pictures.

 

Welcome from Michigan.
Here is a chart that may help in identifying the rear axle.

 

thank you, that’s very helpful!

 

My 1969 V-6 Jeepster Commando wagon came with mono leaf rear springs and a DANA 30, broke the spiders, then broke and axle flange, then broke a ring and pinon, then replaced it with a DANA 44 and one piece axles and multi leaf rear springs. no more trouble.

 

Learned something new, I didn't know that the 30 was ever used as a rear axle. I would definitely put a 44 in. (One piece axle version preferably)

 

ICEBOLT07

Would advise changing out those mono rear springs....they break----not good