72 Commando

[sams88]

I've sold the 91 Toyota and have purchased a new project vehicle. Still gathering some parts for the new project. I found a 72 Commando with a body in decent shape, hardtop model, guess it's called a station wagon. Putting in a 94 4.0L, with an AW4 trans, and a 300 transfer case. Since it isn't going to be a dedicated trailer rig, I decided to go for the AW4 instead of a turbo 400 to keep the rpm down on the freeway. Looking at 33" tires when finished and a 4" lift. Needs a rear end yet, and have the feelers out for a 44. True-tracs front and rear, and 4.11 gears.

I had originally thought about doing a 4.3L V6 for the engine and a turbo 350 trans, but by staying with the 4.0L, AW4, and 300 xfer, I don't have to mess with any adapters and just have one crossmenber to fab up.

While I like the early front clip better, the engine compartment space for the 4.0L is better with the "ugly" model. Grumpy out to like it as it sorta resembles a Scout grill somewhat.

And am anticipating having it finished for a wheeling trip over Memorial Day weekend.. As things progress, will get some pics posted down the road. So that leaves us just a Jeep family once again. So anyway I'm pretty pumped about it.

[iaccocca]

Congrats! Big fan of the Jeepsters, even with the (ugh) cornbinder front end. 4.3 or small block would be my choice, but the setup you are talking about should be pretty healthy.
Pics, please.

[tobyw]

If I'm not mistaken, you can swap on a CJ-7 or YJ front clip in place of the C104 (Bullnose) stuff and not lose any engine compartment length... The earlier C101's used the pre-72 CJ fenders, which are not so good for I-6 applications.

[sams88]

If I'm not mistaken, you can swap on a CJ-7 or YJ front clip in place of the C104 (Bullnose) stuff and not lose any engine compartment length... The earlier C101's used the pre-72 CJ fenders, which are not so good for I-6 applications.

yeah, that's what one guy up in Northern ID did, put a YJ front clip on one. Will have to see down the road a bit. The main thing now is to wait for the snow to melt to get everything into the shop.

[sams88]

Congrats! Big fan of the Jeepsters, even with the (ugh) cornbinder front end. 4.3 or small block would be my choice, but the setup you are talking about should be pretty healthy.
Pics, please.

Will have to wait for the snow to melt up in Northern ID for the pics. I've got a 4.3L and turbo 350 I could use. But I decided on the 4.0L instead, and staying with the jeep stuff cause it is pretty much just a bolt in deal. The second reason is that the 4.0L is good for 300,000, and the AW4 is also a good solid trans with the OD. Gas is going to go up again, just isn't any question about that, and so economy is also an issue. And if/when we end up with smog checks down here, then the 4.0L/AW4 setup wouldn't have any problems getting through the smog checks. And I also don't care to end up with any hard to get parts on it, the jeep stuff is pretty much carried in all the little parts stores in the mountain areas. Parts commonality is a desirable thing on trail runs. I realize that the 4.3 would be a hotter setup, but a "plain jane" isn't always a bad thing.....

[iaccocca]

Oh, you are not getting any grief from me. I'm quite pleased with the 4.0 living under my hood (although it is backed up by some German speaking 6 speed Mercedes row box.)

[tobyw]

I've got a 4.3L and turbo 350 I could use.

Let me know if you ever want to part ways with that setup...

[sams88]

Now have two d44's for the commando project.

@Toby -- I had worked out a trade deal with another guy on the engine. What it is is if you want the 4.3L and a turbo 350 w/transfer case, the price is $1,000 for all three. They are coming out of an S10 pickup. Otherwise, I'll just leave the trade with the other guy. That will still leave me with the turbo350 and transfer case that I could sell to you if you are interested in just a tranny transfer case.

[Lurch]

what kind of t-case?

[sams88]

what kind of t-case?

The one I have right now is 203 full time with hi/hi-lock lo/lo-lock out of a 78/79 K5 Blazer so I'm told. Then the one coming with the 4.3 is a part time, I don't know model yet. Should be getting that on Sunday.