Cherokee rearend to a CJ 7 chassis

[Loadnplenty]

If this has already been covered here I am sorry. I have a CJ7 with the AMC20 rearend. I was looking at doing the upgrade with one piece axles $250-350. I found a fella with 2 comanche's and 1 Cherokee. He said they all have Dana rearends and will sale them for $100 each.

My question is will they swap? I looked at the width of both vehicles and from what I can tell there is only about an inch of difference.

My CJ7 is my first project in 20 years since getting married so I haven't tinkered in along time so looking for some insight from experienced JEEPERS!!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

First, you didn’t show whether or not you have a manual Transmission or a Qudratrac. The 1972 through 1986 manual Transmission CJs all have a center differential rear end while the 1976 and up CJ-7s with Qudratrac all have a passenger side offset rear end. I’ll assume you have a manual Transmission .

The Comanche rear end will have a few issues as a transplant. The bolt pattern for the wheels on the Comanche is 5 on 4.5” where the CJs is 5 on 5.5”. The end result would mean having wheels that only fit on the front and ones that only fit on the back. (rotating tires would be tough) The other issue is the width of the axle as the Comanche will be wider than your 1979 CJ and the Cherokee comes in two versions, pre 1984 (FSJ) and 1984 and newer. Both will be wider with the FSJ axles being a lot wider and a 6 on 5.5” wheel bolt pattern; 1984 and up have a 5 on 4.5” such as the Comanche.

A Dana 44 out of a 1972 to 1975 CJ or a 1972-1973 Commando would be your best bet but Scout Dana 44 rear ends are also an option.

 

[elwood blues]

Unless its a Dana 44 that youre getting, pass on it. Most of the MJ and XJ rear ends were C clip Dana 35s and they are junk.

And, like Saddle Tramp said, the bolt pattern for the wheels are different and they'll be wider than your '79 axles.

 

[harleydragon]

a lot of the yj guys are swapping to the ford 8.8 and seem to have good luck with them.I have never run one myself

 

[Old Dog]

A Dana 44 out of a 1972 to 1975 CJ or a 1972-1973 Commando would be your best bet.

Unless its a Dana 44 that youre getting, pass on it.

 

[Loadnplenty]

Thanks for y'all's input. Yes my jeep is a manual 3 speed.