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Oc1paddler
05-09-2006, 05:23 PM
Well I always like to look at other people's projects so I thought that I would post some pics. of mine since its almost ready to wheel. Its been a long road but I think I might be able to start breaking in the axle gears, transfer case, and motor next weekend.
Pierre
72 big block commando
jeeperX
05-09-2006, 06:06 PM
Sweet project. I have always been real fond of the Commando's,wish I could find a cheap one to build some day. I would also be interested in trading my 59 Willys Utility for one but might just stick with that instead.
Oc1paddler
05-09-2006, 07:38 PM
Willy's are way cool as well. I bought this one for that exact reason. I didn't want one that looked like all the rest. I also never intented to go as far as I did with the build. But one thing leads to another and before you know it.......
Pierre
Oc1paddler
05-09-2006, 07:39 PM
Willy's are way cool as well. I bought this one for that exact reason. I didn't want one that looked like all the rest. I also never intented to go as far as I did with the build. But one thing leads to another and before you know it.......
Pierre
72 big block commando
Triple-XJ
05-09-2006, 08:54 PM
Heck ya, its looking good. :)
AZXJ
05-09-2006, 10:54 PM
Schweet !!!!! Glad to see I'm not the only one with a Commando project.. :D

This is my latest Score !!!

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5607&stc=1&d=1147240568
Oc1paddler
05-10-2006, 06:42 AM
Dave,

Any ideas on what you are going to use for a drivetrain, tires size, ect? Looks like somebody spent a lot of time bending tube! If I was starting over I would probably start by building a new frame as opposed to adding on to mine like I did.
Pierre
72 big block commando
jeepin_in_az
05-10-2006, 07:19 AM
First things first Dave...get rid of the YJ grill and get a TJ one! :D

Pierre - VERY nice! I remember you looking for parts, and showing pics about a year ago on this project. You have come a long way! (That's if you are the same Pierre!)
TRobertsRN
05-10-2006, 08:53 AM
Looks very capable. One question, please forgive my ignorance. I know the hoops in the front and rear serve a purpose but what is it?
Simon
05-10-2006, 09:19 AM
Looks very capable. One question, please forgive my ignorance. I know the hoops in the front and rear serve a purpose but what is it?
It's the Poison Spyder look
http://i2.tinypic.com/xnvhat.jpg
Symon623
05-10-2006, 10:19 AM
I'm curious how the Toyo's work? Keep us posted.
Oc1paddler
05-10-2006, 01:33 PM
Yeah I'am the same Pierre. Not a whole bunch of us with that name and commando's!:D The hoop in the front should help to keep you from doing a somersault when you come down off of a big ledge. It also works on the way up. You can put it up against a rock and slide the front end up. The back is more for looks and I like the fact that the tire is inside the carrier as opposed to outside. Iam going to set it up so that you can't remove the tire without swinging out the carrier so as to help prevent theft. The tires are 37x12.50x17 cooper discovery stt's. I haven't got to use them yet but I'll give you a report once I have. I've read some good things about them so I thought that I would give them a try. For what tires cost Iam really hoping that I made a good choice!

Pierre
72 big block commando
John in AZ
05-11-2006, 08:56 AM
Looking good there Pierre. Long ways from the old white wagoneer days heh?:D
John
AZXJ
05-11-2006, 10:14 AM
Dave,

Any ideas on what you are going to use for a drivetrain, tires size, ect? Looks like somebody spent a lot of time bending tube! If I was starting over I would probably start by building a new frame as opposed to adding on to mine like I did.
Pierre
72 big block commando


96XJ drive train going into it.. 4.0L aw4 auto and a np231.. I gave up on the 1/2 an XJ due to the unibody being tweaked up front and in the rear.. All electronics will be transferred over to the Commando.
AFTER THE MJ IS DONE!! The cage seperates from the tub, the tub seperates from the chassis and the chassis is exact duplicate of YJ frame, except the front length and it's tube.. It needs to be dissasembled and blasted. Bruce Farthing is going to do the rework on the body and we will powdercoat the frame. Going old school on the build.. Leafs front (buggy leaf) and rear (standard leaf config) !! SOA and shackle reversal..
D60 in the rear w 5.36 gears, D44 in front w 5.36 gears. 37in Pit-Bull Rockers are the tire of choice on 15x8 steelies with Stric9 beadlocks with the Simplyoffroad logo cut into them.. Fiberglass Rockcrawler hood (fourwheelers supply) and Yes Mike, I'm keeping the YJ grill or maybe using the CJ grill I have..

So that's the PLAN !! but agian it aint happenin untill the MJ is done.......
Oc1paddler
05-11-2006, 09:27 PM
John,
Yeah it should be a little more capable than the old wagon!:D I got to admit I sure learned a lot on that 800 dollar 4x4! I'll shoot you a line when I get the axels, transfercase, and motor broken in and its ready to wheel. I have a long list of trails that Ive been wanting to run. Ive done a few in my new power wagon but have been reluctant to chance putting dents in my new truck. I got it more for backcountry camping ect. as opposed to hardcore wheeling.
If you get a couple of hours you should stop by the shop we set up. A friend of mine has a commercial building that we've set up as kind of a jeep fab shop. We installed a lift and between a couple of us we have everthing up there from a bender, plasma cutter, multiple welders ect.
Pierre
72 big block commando