1983 CJ-5 Rear End Swap

[jamesharley]

I need to change out the rear end in my recently purchased 83 CJ5 my mechanic says the one that's in it is not worth saving. Any ideal where to buy a new rebuilt one. Thanks

 

[Torxhead]

You might want to do a search for a local Jeep shop for that one. There are also wrecking yards about that might have what you are looking for. I would suggest keeping the narrow axle width the CJ5 has. That axle you have might just be worth saving, getting it reworked. Good Luck!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Although the CJ AMC20 rear-ends from 1976 & up are bad at best but they can provide adequate service with one piece axle shafts, a little TLC, and moderate use. Used AMC 20s comes up on Craig’s List in my area with fair regularity so you might start there for a replacement. There really is no easy/cheap rear axle swap for the AMC20 in a 1983 CJ. Up through 1981 the CJ axle width was 50.5” (narrow track) and from 1982 & up they are 54.5” (wide track). The only true straight swap for a wide track would be the Dana 44 out of a 1986 CJ but they are rare and most likely can’t be found. FSJ and Scout rear ends are the most common go to without having a custom axle built but all are wider than your stock axles and will require perch relocation and even tube and shaft reduction to line up with the front axle so unless you want to spend the bucks and plan for some hardcore wheeling stick with the AMC20 .

 

[Lumpy Grits]

What is wrong with the one you have now?
Is is bent? Are the axle tubes twisted?
More info is need to help you.
LG

 

[Woolyworm]

What did he say is the reason it's not worth saving? I agree with Torx and Saddle. The 20 gets a bad wrap I think and lots of others do as well. What type of wheeling do you do?


Wooly

 

[Bent]

All CJ5s (even 1983) were narrow track. 1982 and newer CJ7 /8 got the wide track.