CJ Axles

[abcdefg]

I am getting a 1976 CJ5 and have a couple axle questions.

For the AMC20 I can get one piece axles and weld a truss on it for around what a used Dana 44 will cost, and from what I've read should be about as good. The 44 has more differential options than the 20, but I already have the 20. Opinions?

The Dana 30 in front is going to limit tire options, so I would like to find a 44. Other than out of another CJ, what other Dana 44 front ends are the same width? I talked to a guy today that has the same Jeep, he said the 44 in the front of his came from a late 70s Wagoneer, I'd have thought those would be wider?? What are my options here?

 

[Bent]

The 20 should be fine once you upgrade to one piece axles and weld the tubes to the housing. The pinion centerline on the is off set 1.5 inches to the drivers side so, almost any rear axle swap will be a custom job. I read somewhere that the rear Dana 44 out of a jeepster commando will work. If you need to move the tires away from the frame, a AMC20 wide track will bolt in.
Not sure of the track width on the wagoner 44. I think the scout 44 is 57 inches so its pretty close to cj wide track width but the spring perches are wider. Some people choose to move the springs to the outside of the frame to run a Dana 44 . If you aren't going too big on the tires, the Dana 30 can be upgraded with axle shafts that use the larger Dana 44 u joints.

 

[73CJ]

I cut a Waggy 4" narrower for the front. 72-75 CJs came with rear 44s.

Spring perches are wider on the 76 and up.

Used F150 rotors.

93 rotors on the rear.

 

[tarry99]

I am getting a 1976 CJ5 and have a couple axle questions.

For the AMC20 I can get one piece axles and weld a truss on it for around what a used Dana 44 will cost, and from what I've read should be about as good. The 44 has more differential options than the 20, but I already have the 20. Opinions?

The Dana 30 in front is going to limit tire options, so I would like to find a 44. Other than out of another CJ, what other Dana 44 front ends are the same width? I talked to a guy today that has the same Jeep, he said the 44 in the front of his came from a late 70s Wagoneer, I'd have thought those would be wider?? What are my options here?

The Dana 30 is a "Fairly Good" axle.........depending on 1) how big of tire's you plan on running...2) and type of wheeling you plan on doing?And of course 3) the Horsepower and gear ratio's you have.

As mentioned above axle upgrades to ChroMo w/larger joints is a great option for the Dana 30 .......

Out here in California where we have Big rocks , I have seen hundreds of Dana 30 's on 35" to 36" tires with Posi or lockers........that have lasted guys for years , and then others that can't control the skinny pedal only a few weekends. 33" inch and under tire size would not even concern me as long as you pay attention to your driving habits while off road.........

Nothing wrong with a Dana 44 up front either..........except the expense of cutting one up to fit.........

The AMC20 does have a larger ring & pinion vs the Dana 44 , but after that high note , there is not much more good until after you replace the axles and do a truss and weld up the tubes.......for that alone, I would be more apt to Dump money in a Dana 44 for the rear.......rather than throw money at the AMC20 .

 

[Torxhead]

I have to add here that those Dana 20 tubes are really thin, gussets and welding can help some. Dana 44 tubes can be bent also, as mine are.

 

[tarry99]

I have to add here that those Dana 20 tubes are really thin, gussets and welding can help some. Dana 44 tubes can be bent also, as mine are.

Torx
Widetrack?......still have to work pretty hard to bend those 3"x 1/4" wall Dana 44 axle tubes...........Jumping?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I have to agree that the CJ AMC20 is for the most part just not worth putting any money into but in the end it all comes down to the money or lack thereof; that may be tempered by your plans for the jeep. (I say CJ AMC20 as the FSJ 20s have heavier tubes and less problematic.) In my opinion, upgrading a CJ AMC20 is still just lipstick on a pig in the long run and I have trouble justifying the expenditure unless that’s all the money the piggy bank will allow. 1972 and 1973 Commando rear Dana 44s (30 spline, 1 piece axles) is the right width and will bolt up to the 1976 to 1981 CJ.

 

[Torxhead]

Torx
Widetrack?......still have to work pretty hard to bend those 3"x 1/4" wall Dana 44 axle tubes...........Jumping?

Yup! not intentional, just things got out of control on the West side of the Salton Sea in the Truckhaven Hills.