Newbie Needs Sugestions

Well the wife said I can sell my van and vwbaja bug and buy a 4x4. The Commando is one of the 4x4 I like but I know very little about them and would like to get some pointers on what to look for when buying. It will be my daily driver but my commute is a wapping 3 miles to work...

So what should I look for and avoid?

Thanks in advance...

P.S. how much can one tow with a Commando? Would want to two small trialer and 2 quads from time to time...

 

Rust, rust, rust. Look in the rockers, the tailgate, by the fuel filler, and the floor. Also check for the D44 rear end. Much better than the D30 rear of the early models. I believe the models with the 44 should also have the multi-spring packs in the rear. Other than that, check the usual 30 year old vehicle stuff. Most drivtrain stuff is fairly easy to come by. Body parts and leaf springs are the hard/spendy parts to get. Also remember that there are no lift kits for these.

 

No lift kits? You've got to be kidding....I thought there was a lift kit for just about everything.

 

I actualy have a 4" lift for the front of one.

Check the frame for rust, they go out in the kick up area.

Rockers are almost always toast, and the wheelwells usally aren't far behind.

The early ones had monoleafs, later were multileaf. If you get the bullnose ('72-up), you will get a 258 or 304, saginaw steering (a big plus- the cam 'n lever leaves MUCH to be desired in a C101), and looks only its mother could love. Towing 1Klb shouldn't be a problem unless you get one with a 4cyl.

 

I've got my eye on a 1972 Jeepster Commando. has the 401 from a 76 wagoneer and automatic trans. for the pics it looks like it is pretty good shape.. One thing is it does not have a rear seat and would prefer a hard top. Would these be hard to find and about how much?

As for the rust, I am in california so rust is not as big of a problem as it is back east.

Would would you say the ball park $ for a 72 non rusted out commando be.

Thanks for the inspection tips

 

The hardtops are around, but you would usually have to buy the entire jeepster to get one. Hop on ebay and see what they have; there are usually three or four on there at one time. I forgot to mention that you want to make sure the fuel tank is solid as they are very hard to come by.

 

hardtops are only $150-200 around here. I think I got rid of my full hardtop, but I still have a 1/2 cab out at Cooterville

Price is hard to guess without seeing it, and the 401 is worth $500-$750 by itself.

 

Where are you located? I would get rid of my hardtop if you get it. In pretty good shape. I also have a half cab for mine. 72 should have all the good stuff mentioned previously. Post some pics if you have a chance.

Yup Jon no commercial lift kits. You can get custom springs, but a this point thats it. Kinda stinks.

 

In California.. But I grew up in MI

He's asking 4K

 

Looks like he cut the rockers off, and cut the wheelwells.

Check the tailgate lip closely, and check for plastic in the bodysides- white hides a lot.

 

4 Grand is way to high for a rig that has been modified. You should beable to pick one of these up for under three grand any day of the week. As far as the "not rusted out" thing goes it almost does not exist. Get down under that thing with a magnate and find out where the metal stops. I would say that with the salt from the beaches out there that there is not an original piece of metal on this one. Personally I would keep looking. The 71 that is on my profile I paid 2000 for last year. It has the hard top and is almost original. It also has some rust on the back sides of the rockers even though it spent 24 of its 35 years in a garage undriven. I am the thrird owner.

 

there is a hard top on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep...059657876QQcategoryZ33652QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem