If you’ve always wanted a bullet-proof four-wheeler with a bit of an out-of-the-box flair, this might be your ride! A majority of rock crawlers built like this one feature Bronco, Jeep or Toyota bodies. While this one is a Jeep, it isn’t a TJ, CJ or YJ…It is a Commando! That’s right, a 1970 Jeep Commando that not only features a full-custom drive train, but it also retains some of its vintage stylings. You can find it for sale here on eBay with an asking price of nearly $25,000. Located in Escondido, California, the Jeep looks ready for years of family fun hopping rocks, camping, and four-wheeling wherever you want to take it.
The list of modifications in the ad is nearly endless. You can tell a ton of money and time was spent on this build…Probably multiples of the asking price. The engine is a Chevrolet LS2 mated to a 4L65 transmission that is both said to have 55,000 miles on them. They run power to both axles through a new Atlas transfer case. I’m guessing the GTO that donated its powerplant was probably in an accident. If you are building a vintage vehicle and you want a modern drive train, it’s hard to beat buying a wrecked donor car. They are often bargains compared to purchasing a crate engine and with a little know-how and some adapters, you can usually transplant them into your project and have reliable power for years to come.
The interior has a bit of custom work. You can tell there are aftermarket switches on the dash, transmission & transfer case shifters, seats, steering wheel/column, and pedals. The transmission tunnel has been removed (most likely to fit the modern transmission). It would be wise for the new owner to fabricate a cover for the transmission and drive shafts, especially with the forces put on these components while four-wheeling. You don’t want a u-joint to shatter and have a drive shaft coming up through your floor.
As stated before, the chassis and suspension is pretty much full custom. There is a list a mile long in the ad with all the modifications and special components this Jeep has. This photo shows the rear axle and suspension, but there is also a photo of the front in the ad.
Overall, this is one beast of an old Jeep. The ad says it has been driven around the block but still needs some work to be 100%. Hopefully, it has been designed and built by a competent person and won’t need much more. It certainly has the quality components to make it a trail boss. What do you think about this cool ride?
Nothing screams “AMERICA” like this unit. I don’t see many other countries with trucks like this. To me, pure silliness, ruined a nice Commando, already rare to begin with. I see these here in Colorado, much to the dismay of the “tree huggers” , ( and there are plenty, of which I’m not) they do tear up the land, but it’s not like there’s anything out there where these things go anyway. You can’t hurt rocks. Looks like fun, let ‘er rip, I say.
“a bridge too far”
wishin they didn’t take it so far.
Some done by peddle bike co in OR.
Yes, Howard, plenty of “rock crawlers” in Colorado, but, like anything else, you got your responsible folks and you got your yayhoos who trespass, loot old mining sites, and leave behind trash, graffiti, and dog (or other) poop. I used to do off-roading years ago around Borrego Springs, CA and it seems like people were better behaved in those days.
Dang!
Couldn’t help but think about “One Piece At A Time” when U mentioned “….. modern drivetrain transplant using an Adaptor kit!” At least it has the correct number of headlights 😆
Ah, it appears the last owner’s weakness is definitely bodywork and paint.