1973 Commando

I mentioned selling the Commando after I have had my fun with it to my mom and she said no way! I guess she wants to drive it then.

 

So I have been staring at this thing long enough, and have a great idea as to what to do with it.

 

It is going to require the use of junk I have laying around.

It is going to get either a 283, 327 or 350, a T98 that is already adapted to GM, 2.46:1 D20, a 4" lift front disc brakes and a vacuum brake booster since I know where one is.

I’ll probably focus on suspension and brakes first, because it does run fine right now. Would be nice to test that out before doing a drivetrain swap.

 

There is a Commando here with a 4" lift. That is a sharp looking jeep. I am so pumped to build mine now. Too bad I have to finish Snowshoe and my cummins swapped c20 first.

 

I really don't like the way the rear springs in that lift kit. Way too vulnerable on the departure.

 

It’s not much different than cj springs.

 

Must be the picture angle, but they look asymmetrical with the axle forward of spring center.

 

Picked up a rust free front clip today! This will make fixing it up so much easier.

 

Finally had the ambition to pull the old nose off and put the new one on. It looks so much better now! I also fixed the power steering lines and automatic choke. Too bad the rest of the tub needs major work.

 

So that is what New England rot looks like?

 

It’s can be pretty bad. I’ve seen some pretty rugged components rotted through on vehicles.

 

The frame looks pretty good from what can be seen there.

 

There is from frame rot near the spring hanger on the drivers side.

 

Video of my mom driving it. She hit reverse while going to second, but it was her first time driving it.

 

Since the jeepster man was having a sale, I ordered a bunch of parts for the commando. One of which being a lift kit and I swapped out the wheels with aluminum ones I had. Really digging the new look.

 

How much lift, and how's the ride compared to stock springs?

 

You’ve made it so nice now you’re going to have to wash it.

 

It's a 2" lift and hard to compare ride quality because the shocks were all blown out. It doesn't ride too bad though. Each spring pack has one more spring than the stock ones.