[NaeKid]

I think I have found a new project Jeep for me to build up.

Before I spend the money on it, I want to get a couple of opinions.

1975 Jeep Commando (?)
360ci AMC engine
TH400 auto tranny
Dana20 t-case
Dana30 front axle
Dana44 rear axle

It has the horrible "bronco" front end on it which I would like to swap out for a CJ-7 front-clip. I believe that they are interchangable - is that true?

Second, it will be lifted up, planning on an SOA as I heard that suspension lift-kits are few and far between for these rare birds. I would be willing to do a 2.5" spring-lift and SOA on it to fit 33" to 35" tires (no body trimming and no body-lift). It would be a light-duty trail runner only (I have my YJ for the harder trails).

Third, is the 360 a stock engine, or was it swapped out? I was told that there is only 4,000km on the engine since a rebuild (don't know if I should really believe that or not, it hasn't run in a while).

Forth, I am not a body-man (yet) and there is lots of cancer growing on the body. I am willing to learn bodywork, but would rather have an aluminum tub on it (if its cheap enough). Has anyone seen replacement bodies? I took a look at the frame and couldn't locate any significant rusting on it. Are there specific points that normally rust bad on them (like the CJ-7, CJ-8 have around the rear spring hanger)?

My quick searches on the 'net haven't turned up the right answers to these questions ... ... I can find info up to 1973 ... was there really a 1975 model???

[CJeep]

I'm fairly sure no 360 was std. on a commando. But, check here for info, this seems like a good place to start for you.

http://www.jeepsterhalfcabs.com/index.htm

PS: I've long tried to convicne my wife that I should build her a Jeepster ans we should sell the ZJ, but she won't bite, as she says some crap about how she needs a car that starts and runs all of the time without breaking down every month or two.

[JustPassinThru]

NaeKid, you're a Canuk, right? It complacates things.

The Commando was discontinued Stateside with the 1974 intro of the J-series Cherokee. But, like so many things Jeep, it didn't just die...

...It was still being made in Brazil, I think, right up to the mid 1980s. It was using the modified CJ grille and the F-head four, so I don't think that's what you have.

The CJ6 was exported, even to Canada, right up to the time of the CJ8 Scrambler. But I don't know if the Commando was offered after 1973.

Mods? The frame is identical to the CJ6. The body tub uses a modified CJ cowl - so it could share the front-end sheetmetal with the CJ. So, the short answer is, yes you can put a CJ mask on the thing.

Things to watch for: First, there was, on the CJs and the earlier Jeepster Commandos, a flat spot on the top of the cowl where the hood hinges bolted to. AMC, short of money though it was, removed them with the hideous 1972 restyle.

The Jeepster fenders were significantly different from the descending wheel cutouts, down to where it met the body. The body is actually longer down; in other words when you line up the CJ fenders, it won't come down enough. You could try to get some Jeepster fenders and butt-weld extensions; or you could bolt up the long wheelbase CJ fenders and either bolt a rocker-panel guard across, or blackout the Commando body where it runs lower. Probably the latter will look kinda unbalanced.

There is a frame crossmember holding the radiator shell on CJs. The Jeep mail trucks didn't have it; I don't know whether it was on the later Commandos or not. You may have to fabricate.

Ditto the front bumper. As I recall, the Commando's is chromed and curved.

Other than all that, it should go well. I have seen it done.

Oh, yeah. The 360 was definitely a mod. The 304 was the only V8 ever offered.


POSTSCRIPT: A YJ front end will work also. Wanna buy a complete one?