What to do?

[JohnM]

I am reposting this because I don't think anyone reads the newbie section...I am ready to be a Jeep guy again. I have two wild boys (5 and , and we fish and live by the river. My 1st Jeep was a 1971 Commando. I know that car and its engine. But recently, I found a CJ3A...so, I am torn. My grandfathers both were in the Army in WW2 and drove Jeeps. One also bought or brought one when he returned. So I know you guys are partial to CJ3A, but can anyone give me a plus/neg of one vs. the other. With the Commando, I could go to Advance and order a lot of parts...new alternator, etc. I know nothing about this Go Devil engine. I can do some engine stuff. I consider myself handy, but I have never rebuilt an engine or messed with transfer cases. I know old Jeeps are old, but anyone have any advice? If the price and condition is the same, what are advantages/disadvantages of the two? I am open to anyone's opinion. Thanks.

[1955CJ-5]

I guess it'll come down to how you want to use it.

If you intend any highway travel the 3a is probably only good for 45 to 50 mph, maybe less if you go for long distances. Even with an overdrive the 5.38:1 rear end keeps the road speed down.

But you can always flat-tow it for reasonable distances.

Nothing is more fun off road on narrow tracks than the 3a, especially with the windshield down.

3a parts are readily available, but mostly mail order. Things like oil filters, spark plugs, points can be found (or ordered) through local parts stores.

Lots of repair and maintenance advice available here and through available manuals.

A relatively modern Commando will be more comfortable. Probably has a pretty good heater and maybe even air conditioning....and it will do reasonable highway speeds....maybe not the 80 mph they do on the freeway here but probably 65 easy enough.

Of course you could  easily flat-tow the CJ-3a with the Commando...that would be the best solution!!

Randy

[oldtime]

Never had a Commando myself but I'm sure its far more road worthy (hiway useage) as compared to a 3A.
3A is a MUCH better design for most off -road uses.

3A and 3B are absolutely by far the coolest offroad jeeps in my opinion.
And the amount of thumbs up you see while driving any flatfender Jeep will easily verify that fact.

Standard 3A with� O.D. is good up to about 60 MPH.
If you want a flatfender to be good on the hiway at a minimum you will have to upgrade the engine.

My all time preference is a flatfender with Dauntless V-6.

CJ parts are almost always easier to source than other Jeep models.
And I'm sure the boys will much prefer riding the open air Jeep...

[mtnman37879]

Flat fenders are only safe at the stock speeds, 45-55mph. Any faster and you need a longer and wider wheelbase. Laws of Physics don't lie.