Craig Stumph's 1968 Commando	Short Cuts
Craig on Cliff Hanger - Cat Canyon run in Delta, Utah	Navigation Menu JeepWire JeepWire Tech JeepWire Reader's Rigs JeepWire Feature Rigs 4x4Wire 4x4 Parts 4x4 Tech 4x4 Trails OutdoorWire ORN Site Index Links Index Off-Road Gallery Destinations Gallery Main Expo Center

Owner : Craig Stumph

Equipment and Modifications:

Vehicle:1968 Jeep Commando (kind of) Vehicle name: Commando Location: Delta, Utah Most recent outing: Helped organize and lead the Notch Peak Rock Rally on some of Utah's funnest, and least known 4x4 trails, just west of Delta, Utah. Craig and son Mike Vernal, Utah. Dallas Stumph and Brandon Gillen watch Craig on Cliff Hanger, Cat Canyon in Delta, Utah Craig made this obstacle now christened Commando Corner Vernal, Utah

Motor--Chrysler 440 big block Tranny--Chrysler 727 w/ Transgo shift kit T-case--Dana 300 Front Axle--Dana 44, 5.38 gears, ARB locker Rear Axle--high pinion Dana 60, 5.38 gears, spool Axle Shafts--Moser rear, Warn front Brakes--front Scout discs, rear disks home made (Chev/Ford combo) Drive Shafts--rear home modified F250, front Gloeco long travel Tires--38x15.5x15 Super Swampers Wheels--10"x15" steel wheels Suspension--Wrangler springs, 2.5" Rancho rear (buggy springs), 4" Skyjacker front in home made SOA with shackle reversal Shocks--Rancho 9000s Winch--Ramsey REP 8000 Bumpers--none "because bumpers suck" Rocker Skids--home brew, cut bottom of the body off, welded tube back Other Accessories full roll cage, home built 900 CFM Holley Projection B&M Mega Shifter large tranny cooler with fan large Derale oil pan custom traction bars f&r, home built body shortened 16" with 100" wheel base lots of body trimming to clear the tires and rocks Future plans front Dana 60 Atlas transfer case

Notes from Craig

The Commando is a project that is never done. When I first started building it I decided that a no holds bared/no compromise vehicle that could take a beating was needed. It also had to be cheap. I have since discovered that everything is a compromise & most of the stuff is expensive.

I have used parts that were readily available and cheap in our area for construction. That is why the drive train is part Scout & discarded demolition derby parts. The engine, frame, T-case, front axle and tranny were all purchased for $400. I got the body for $29. The cost since then has soared to $12,000 in the stage it's at now. But that's not bad for a competitive vehicle that has run in the ARCA and Warn events.

I have stayed with the all out theme. This means that road manners don't matter and trail performance is paramount. In spite of that it still drives OK. I wouldn't drive it to the Rubicon, but I wouldn't be afraid to go short distances if the Highway Patrol would leave me alone.

The Commando is built to be light weight, as light as you can get with a 670 lb. 440 big block on board. I have used components that would hold up to abuse that were readily available and cheap. Everything has been cut off or raised that could hang up or get damaged. The whole vehicle is custom from front to rear. I did all of the work in my garage except for cutting down the reverse rotation Dana 60 rear which was done by Beach Off Road.

Future plans call for an Atlas T-case and Dana 60 front. That's for when I win the lottery. For now I'm stuck with the Dana 300 & 44. The Vernal ARCA event wasted 2 front U joints, two hubs, and a stub shaft. I can't believe we even finished with all that stuff broken.

My favorite trail is Upper Helldorado in Moab. This trail just flat kicks butt!! The West Desert trails near Delta Utah are my second choice. Cat Canyon 4+, Chainsaw 4+ and Lizard Canyon 5++ all are really cool and close to home.

Craig