CJ10a conversion - axle recomendations?

[RubberDuck]

I'm embarking where a few have gone before... CJ10a tug conversion! I'm planning to try to make it as close to a factory CJ-10 pickup as I can.

Most of the builds I've seen online have been for pretty hardcore wheeling rigs. I already have that. This is gonna be more of a utility truck that may do some plowing. I may even make the bed a dump bed. But I plan to try to make it factory ride height, etc on vintage type MT-R rubber. Nothing bigger than 31-32 inches.

That being said, if anyone's done this conversion before, what junkyard axles would you recommend if I'm retaining the factory SD33 diesel and TF727 tranny? I will be swapping in a NP208 Transfer Case , so it'll be drivers side drop. I'm thinking either J-truck Dana 60 (was told this has a slightly tighter turning radius) or Waggy Dana 44 . I know the Waggy axle will be a direct bolt in, not sure about the J-truck? Unsure about the rear.

Also, regarding gear ratios, would I need to regear into the upper fours if I'm only running 31-32" tires or would I be ok in the 3s?

 

[CJim7]

I would probably try to find a set of Ford axles...a Driverside drop D60 is MUCH cheaper to set up then a Chevy passenger side drop.

A good combo would be a Ford 60 or 44 frontend with a big bearing 9" rear.

You should be ok with 3.73's for 31s or 32s...but 4.10's will give you better options.

 

[RubberDuck]

Like a set of full-size Bronco axles? Any idea on their width? Any modification necessary? I'm much more familiar with stuff that came on AMC rides. I know the Wagoneer axles will be direct bolt up on the front, but the gear ratios are kinda lame without re-gearing.

 

[CJim7]

Not sure on axle width....but I'll bet the Bronco axles are narrower than the Waggy axles. If only slightly.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I would look for axles from a J20 truck the rear is a full floating axle. You can't get muck stronger then that.