My new base: Jeep Commander

[The Swiss]

I'm back in a Jeep!! I just got a 2006 Jeep Commander. The deals dealerships are offering on remaining '06 models are outrageous, even though I had to go up to Virginia to get the best deal.

Any other Commander owners on this board? What mods have you done?

The plans for mine right now:
- 245/75-17 BFG ATs
- Maybe a very mild 1 to 2" lift (OME already having springs out for the WK/XK?)
- Good skids
- Rocker protection
- Additional fuel (fuel tank of the '06 is not that great)

Let's see if this build-up goes further than the one of my Tacoma ;)

[LUISJG]

Im extreamly happy with my 07 commander though is not a 4x4,, because its my familiy vehicle,,this thing rides Nice!!

[articulate]

:smileeek:
I'm looking forward to this one. Sweet. I've thought the Commanders are great looking machines. I'm interested to see what you do to it :)

[slooowr6]

sweet, I always like the commander. keep us posted on the mod. :lurk:

[Scott Brady]

Very cool. WK springs are available from OME now (or shortly) with new shocks. The Commander is a very classy machine. Outfitted a bit and it will look very safari.

What color? ;)

[haven]

The stock Commander has a tall, long body that makes the tires look small.
Here's the stock Commander (aka Jeep XJ)

http://www.allpar.com/images/autoshow/2005/commander/commander.jpg

The suspension of the Commander is the same as the Grand Cherokee,
so lift kits for one will fit the other. Here's the XJ with Superlift's 4 inch lift
and taller tires.

http://www.rockcrawler.com/features/newsshorts/05october/superlift/xk_zebra_650.jpg

Much better, IMO. Now if Jeep would just put the Mercedes 3.0L V6 diesel
into the Commander as well as the Grand Cherokee, we'd have a great
base for an expedition package. (I have reluctantly given up trying to
talk Scott into using the Mercedes GL 320 diesel as his next project.)

Chip Haven

[Scott Brady]

Much better, IMO. Now if Jeep would just put the Mercedes 3.0L V6 diesel
into the Commander as well as the Grand Cherokee, we'd have a great
base for an expedition package. (I have reluctantly given up trying to
talk Scott into using the Mercedes GL 320 diesel as his next project.)

Chip Haven

Chip, the 3.0 diesel powered Commander would be excellent.

And on the Mercedes. I drove a 1985 diesel sedan for a few years while working in CA. A very cool car.

[calamaridog]

I'd love to see pics and I'm curious what features the 4wd system has, for example, is it only part time or does it offer a full time feature like my Liberty.

[kcowyo]

Jeep guys buying Toyotas and Toyota guys buying Jeeps.... What's next? Cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria!! :punk03:

[slooowr6]

Jeep guys buying Toyotas and Toyota guys buying Jeeps.... What's next? Cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria!! :punk03:
http://www.synthstuff.com/mt/archives/cat-and-dog.jpg
happening already...... :wavey:

[86cj]

I have not seen a Commander in person with Any mod's so far, the lifted ones look real sweet.....

Just like my LJ, a small lift adds proportion nicely. Don't be bashful I did a 2" BB and 33's at 36 miles old.....

Good luck staying away from AEV with the visa card..........

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

Gossett Jeep Dealership here in Memphis had an 06 Commander with a 4" lift, huge BFG All-Terrain tires, Defender Roof basket with 4 PIAA lights on it, had the MOPAR bull bar on the front with 2 more PIAA lights attached to that. It was silver and awesome looking. Not sure whatever came of it, next time i went to the dealer it was sold. It had been one of their demos they had outfitted to help sell.

[DaveInDenver]

had the MOPAR bull bar on the front
Is Jeep offering bull bars from the factory or is this one of those cosmetic grill guards? That statement grabbed my interest, since it's possible to get real bull bars, snorkels and stuff from Toyota, Rover and Nissan (and maybe Jeep?) in some places, like Australia.

[cshontz]

Cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria!!

http://images.quizilla.com/S/ShadesMcPherson/1068117549_Peter1.jpg

[kcowyo]

Dibs on cshontz for Partners Random Trivia Pursuit :friday:

[The Swiss]

Thanks guys.


Im extreamly happy with my 07 commander though is not a 4x4,, because its my familiy vehicle,,this thing rides Nice!!
There were almost no 4x4 here in the South; one of the reason I had to go up to VA to get the vehicle I wanted.


What color? ;)Not white ;) even though I would have liked it in white. Dark khaki with khaki interior.


I'd love to see pics and I'm curious what features the 4wd system has, for example, is it only part time or does it offer a full time feature like my Liberty.I have what Jeep calls the quadra trac II, which is a full time 4 wheeldrive system with low gears (NV 245 transfer case). If your Libby has 2 wd, part time 4x4 and full time 4x4, you have the NV242, the same transfercase I had in my WJ. Unluckily this one is not available anymore for the Grand or the Commander.


Jeep guys buying Toyotas and Toyota guys buying Jeeps.... What's next? Cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria!! :punk03:Hehehe ... well, that's me, a Jeep guy who bought a Toyota and now is back in a Jeep (I actually used to be a die-hard Land Rover guy when I lived back in Europe) I guess I'm not what you would call "brand loyal" :D. Main reason I started thinking about trading the Taco was the fact that my wife just does not like trucks; I hoped she would warm up to the Taco and start appreciating what a great vehicle it was, hauling all the plants and stuff for her yard. But she did not. And as all married men know: Happy wife; happy life. I was driving a '01 Grand Cherokee WJ with a 4" lift and other mods for 5 years with tons of great memories. So it was very logical for me to return to a Jeep. Except the IMO ugly headlights, I really love the Commander, especially the interior.

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

Is Jeep offering bull bars from the factory or is this one of those cosmetic grill guards? That statement grabbed my interest, since it's possible to get real bull bars, snorkels and stuff from Toyota, Rover and Nissan (and maybe Jeep?) in some places, like Australia.

Yes the Commander can have an optional bull bar as is pictured on the first page of the thread installed on it. MOPAR is also releasing steel rear and front bumpers for all their JK models, with the front available to hold a winch...i've seen pictures of the testied prototype bumpers but I forget where it was exactly that I did see them...

[XXXpedition]

in europe the commander comes with a 3.0l v6 diesel called a CDR - not sure if it's the mercedes but not unlikely...
produced in graz, austria for the non-american market.

and i do agree: the tires are to small on the stock truck!!!
i'm sure you've seen the AEV version, right?

[Scott Brady]

I really like the khaki color.

And I was a Jeep guy first and still have one. I am totally brand agnostic, I really do like them all.

[Wanderlusty]

The whole 'automotive loyalty' deal would be an interesting thread itself. I have had no less than 6 Chevy/GMC vehicles. A Dodge, a Ford, a Jeep and now a Toyota.

In 15 years, that is a lot o' wheels! I needa slow down. At heart I am a Chevy guy, but not so much with their recent offerings. Jeeps and Toyotas I have always had an appreciation for, though, and am happy to have owned/own them. Wish I coulda kept the Jeep, but the Toy is an awesome truck.

On keeping the wife happy....that is so true. Though my wife is kinda opposite from yours. She 'fessed up that she never really liked my Jeep save for being able to take the top down, but loves when I have trucks, and REALLY loves the Taco. She has even threatened to 'kidnap' it.

I am happy that she is so smitten with it, because if she loves the vehicle we are in, it will be an easier sell to get her out to enjoy all the places that vehicle can go! ;)

[XXXpedition]

i have driven about 7 different brands, one of them a toyota but not a truck (i still liked it) and a 3 jeeps (the mj was 2wd)

but to keep with the thread:

SWISS, where's the pic???????

[The Swiss]

SWISS, where's the pic???????The pic is coming; problem is that the Jeep is at the airport in Atlanta and me in beauyfull Detroit...

[86cj]

The Swiss Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXpedition
SWISS, where's the pic???????

The pic is coming; problem is that the Jeep is at the airport in Atlanta and me in beauyfull Detroit...

How's the weather today???? LOL.........


I like the color, it will turn out sweet looking....

[The Swiss]

How's the weather today???? LOL......... The weather is PERFECT ... for staying in bed all day long. For traveling it is less perfect; I'm still stuck at the airport...

[RedDog]

The new issue of Car and Driver is quoting a Detroit News piece that the Commander is on the way out already, as early as post 2008.

A slow seller in spite of incentives, they've now come to the realization that nearly every sale has simply replaced a Grand Cherokee sale and apparently Commander production has been halted several times because of unsold backlog.

One then has to wonder about the future of DC's Compass / Patriot / Calibre / Nitro tag team crowd also likely fighting for the same buyer.

[calamaridog]

Too bad, it seems like a nice SUV.

[articulate]

The new issue of Car and Driver is quoting a Detroit News piece that the Commander is on the way out already, as early as post 2008.

A slow seller in spite of incentives, they've now come to the realization that nearly every sale has simply replaced a Grand Cherokee sale and apparently Commander production has been halted several times because of unsold backlog.

One then has to wonder about the future of DC's Compass / Patriot / Calibre / Nitro tag team crowd also likely fighting for the same buyer.
Maybe I can score one for an even trade on my TJ . . .
:punk03:

[RedDog]

Maybe I can score one for an even trade on my TJ . . .
:punk03:

I don't know about that but there could be some enhanced advantages for people on the bubble undecided. Terrific lowball negotiating to be had in the next year for those thinking about it are a certain possibility, and it's likely incentives / rebates will only increase.

My employer's brother has one and it's very nice. He and his wife love it, although theirs is never likely to be off suburban pavement.

[The Swiss]

Finally a pic of my stock Commander and the trailer!

[The Swiss]

First mods: Replaced the stock 245/60-17 GoodYears with 245/75-17 BFG AT/ko. Slight rubbing in the front on the plastic liner, but nothing bad. 2" Teraflex lift is on order. As soon as I have the lift installed I will post some pics.

So far I love the Commander. Only thing I dislike is the ridiculously small 19 gallon gas tank (DCX increased the size for the '07 models to 21 gallons). A vehicle of the Commander's weight and 19 gallons, that's a joke. Defenitely something I have to take care of before I can start thinking about "expeditions". Any suggestions?

[The Swiss]

Finally some more pics from my Commander with the 2 Teraflex Lift with 245/75-17 BFG AT/ko

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10015/Commander03.jpg
http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10015/Commander04.jpg

Now I need some action shots!!

[Scott Brady]

Man Michael, that looks really good! The tire size seems almost perfect. No rubbing?

I checked out the budget lift, and it looks good. What controls extension travel? The strut or a bump-stop? If it is the strut, you might have even gained a little compression travel with that kit (because it lowers the strut, not compress the spring).

What is next?

http://www.teraflex.biz/productImages/WK%20budget%20boost.jpg

[The Swiss]

Thanks Scott :)

Only slight rubbing at full lock, nothing some persuason with a small hammer can't cure. But I have not flexed her with the sway bars disconnected yet.

The front spacer goes on top of of the strut; the strut, spring rate etc therefore remains completely unchanged. The rear typical spacer with bump stop extender.

What's next? OK, here some ideas of stuff I would like to do with no guarantee that I will ever get to do it.
- Skid plates and front tow hooks (my Commander came without the off-road package)
- Replace the plastic cladding under the doors with some rock sliders
- Relocate spare wheel to the rear bumper
- Auxiliary fuel tank at todays spare wheel location (19 gallon tank on a vehicle with approx. 4,800 lbs dry weight and a V8 gas engine is a bad joke)
- Replace the 3rd seat row with a drawer system...

Any different suggestions?

[BlueGerbil]

Nice rig! If it were mine I´d been looking into a nice front bumper w/ a winch and some small HID lights (Hella Xenon Micro, the little, round ones)

[calamaridog]

That is what the truck should look like coming from the factory:jumping:

[Spenser]

Swiss-Im with you on the Commander. Have an '06 with the rock sliders, brush guard, hella lights, Yakima basket, and new stereo with built in XM. Will try to post some photos of it and and the new tacoma 2 wd regular cab daily driver. They seem to be living in perfect harmony (the cat and dog comment earlier)!

One thing I would warn you about, having had the jeep for a little over a year, is check on the Commander Forum to review the TSBs. There are a few that I have to have done on mine when it goes in for an oil change. Stupid little things, like wind noise, but all in all been an excellent vehicle. The only thing left is the lift, think I am going with the Rusty kit, as it just sits wrong right now.

[Spenser]

Swiss-forgot to mention, the mopar rock sliders bolt right on,using existing holes, below the plastic cladding so you dont have to pull that off to install them. Not sure how easily the cladding would be removed as I think it "joins" the flares on front and rear. There are aftermarket sliders but they cost more than the factory ones, and stuck out like side steps if memory serves.

[The Swiss]

Nice rig! If it were mine I´d been looking into a nice front bumper w/ a winch and some small HID lights (Hella Xenon Micro, the little, round ones)Jan,

I try to stay away from everything that adds weight without adding function to how I need my rig. For kind of trails I conquer, come-along and Hilift jack in combination with straps and a chain is by far enough. But I agree; it would look cool


That is what the truck should look like coming from the factory:jumping:

I would actually go one step further: Now the Commander looks like a Jeep ;)


One thing I would warn you about, having had the jeep for a little over a year, is check on the Commander Forum to review the TSBs. There are a few that I have to have done on mine when it goes in for an oil change. Stupid little things, like wind noise, but all in all been an excellent vehicle. The only thing left is the lift, think I am going with the Rusty kit, as it just sits wrong right now.Yup, you find me at the Commander Forum too (same screen name) and at JU (different screen name). I have been lucky so far; my Commander appears not to suffer from any of these nagging things. Only problem I had so far I caused myself when installing the lift. I cracked both outside boots of the front halfshafts (they are very flimsy) and obviously because of the lift the dealership refused to do me the favor to replace them under warranty. Well he is in his right, I messed it up, would just have been awfully nice of him. Well, I will remember next time I buy a new vehicle. (Why can't the local Nissan and Toyota dealers not sell any Jeeps??? With both of them I made excellent experience)


Swiss-forgot to mention, the mopar rock sliders bolt right on,using existing holes, below the plastic cladding so you dont have to pull that off to install them. Not sure how easily the cladding would be removed as I think it "joins" the flares on front and rear. There are aftermarket sliders but they cost more than the factory ones, and stuck out like side steps if memory serves.
Thanks, I will look into them. I would have preferred if they replace the plastic for not loosing any ground clearance (and let the Commander look low again), but I defenitely like the "bolt right on" part. :D

[BajaTaco]

That looks awesome. Nice ride!




What's next? OK, here some ideas of stuff I would like to do...

...Any different suggestions?

Yea, a fridge. :)

[kcowyo]

That does look nice with the lift and new tires. :REOutArchery02:

I'm slowly warming up to the Commander as I see them more often on the road. It's good we have an owner here representing. I still wouldn't want to be the one who has to ride sitting in the third row though.

[Grim Reaper]

Finally some more pics from my Commander with the 2 Teraflex Lift with 245/75-17 BFG AT/ko

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10015/Commander03.jpg

Now I need some action shots!!

Lets caravan up to the WV ride that Chris Shontz (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4667) has going next month and get it dirty.