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Newbie With 1968 Jeepster Commando - Need Help With Powertrain

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by IceBolt07, Jan 24, 2019.

  1. Jan 24, 2019
    IceBolt07

    IceBolt07 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    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!
     
  2. Jan 24, 2019
    IceBolt07

    IceBolt07 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    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.
     
  3. Jan 25, 2019
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2009
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    1,691
    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...
     
  4. Jan 25, 2019
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2012
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    2,352
    Welcome from Oklahoma! I thought the rear axle in 68 should be a dana 44?

    We always love pictures!
     
  5. Jan 25, 2019
    IceBolt07

    IceBolt07 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    I like a challenge :)
     
  6. Jan 25, 2019
    IceBolt07

    IceBolt07 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    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.
     
  7. Jan 25, 2019
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2007
    Messages:
    936
    Welcome from Michigan.
    Here is a chart that may help in identifying the rear axle.

    [​IMG]
     
    IceBolt07 likes this.
  8. Jan 25, 2019
    IceBolt07

    IceBolt07 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    thank you, that’s very helpful!
     
  9. Sep 6, 2019
    kd6kyy

    kd6kyy New Member

    North America
    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2019
    Messages:
    5
    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.
     
  10. Sep 7, 2019
    jonah

    jonah Member

    Huntington Beach, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2009
    Messages:
    192
    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)
     
  11. Sep 7, 2019
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
    Messages:
    401
    ICEBOLT07

    Would advise changing out those mono rear springs....they break----not good
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2019
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