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Dana 20 strength

D20 or NP231, as far as strength goes.

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Dana 20 strength
Schvin

Schvin

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Location
Wyoming, Michigan
Vehicle(s)
1979 CJ5, 304 (someone swapped in) 3spd, tcase ?, AMC20, D30.
Hey guys, I've been searching/researching the strength of the Dana 20 . But 99% of the info I found is just comparing the strength of the Dana 20 to the Dana 300 . Now, I apologize, because this question actually has to deal with my TJ, but I know you guys would know/have info about the Dana 20 . A couple years ago, I swapped a 5.7L hemi into my TJ, with an NV3500. That ended up...not lasting very long behind the power of the hemi, so I swapped in an NV4500 from a '97 Cummins. So, my question is, is a Dana 20 strong enough/durable enough to be behind a 5.7L hemi/NV4500 combo? I would end up getting a Dana 20 from a bronco, because I already have my 1 tons, and the front is a D60 from an '05 F250, so I'd need the driver's side output of the bronco Dana 20 . Idk if the bronco version would make a difference in strength or not. Unless, somebody feels that my NP231(if I put in a 6 pinion planetary) would be more suitable/stronger than a Dana 20 ? My main reason for wanting a Dana 20 is for the twin stick capability.

Thanks in advance
Ben
 
Don't think I'd go with either. Save up for the Atlas II.
 
HackFabrication said:
Don't think I'd go with either. Save up for the Atlas II.
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Well I already have an np231 on it, that's why that's an option. And I can get a completely rebuilt bronco Dana 20 for $625. Waaaayyy less than an atlas lol. But it has definitely crossed my mind. Thank you for your opinion!
 
I'll stick with gear driven over chain drive any day.
LG
 
Look into the Dana 300 .
That said, with your combo. Hack has the best idea.
What are you gonna use for axles? The OEM won't last.
LG
 
Wheel bolt pattern won't work, and that 60 will be over kill and a pita to fit to the front.
LG
 
Definitely gear driven first. I'm with Hack on the Atlas but I totally understand the cost issue. The Dana 20 won't get you the low gearing you'll probably crave. The Dana 300 is a good option and you can kinda build as you go. In the end it will be comparable to an atlas in both strength and price. I'm also with Lumpy on the Dana 60. Bolt pattern doesn't bother me unless you already have wheels you want to use but the weight and fitment issues are going to be a bear for sure.
 
Petescj said:
Definitely gear driven first. I'm with Hack on the Atlas but I totally understand the cost issue. The Dana 20 won't get you the low gearing you'll probably crave. The Dana 300 is a good option and you can kinda build as you go. In the end it will be comparable to an atlas in both strength and price. I'm also with Lumpy on the Dana 60. Bolt pattern doesn't bother me unless you already have wheels you want to use but the weight and fitment issues are going to be a bear for sure.
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But my 1st gear is low. Not super low like the GM ones, but it's the 5.61:1. Also I'll have 5.38's in the axles because I'll be running 40's. (Already have them) And I know the bolt patterns are different. There's a shop local to me that specializes in those D60's and redrills the hubs to 8x6.5. And as far as fitment goes, I've already got the radius arm brackets cut off and cleaned up for link brackets. Plus, I got both axles for a total of $300. $200 for the front, and $100 for the rear(core charge from an axle swap at the shop I work at)
 
Both the Dana 20 and the Dana 300 are center output. For many years the Bronco came with it's version of the Dana 300 so if you are looking for Ford compatibility the Dana 300 is still a candidate. It's been well documented that both transfer cases were used on large work trucks so they are definitely sturdy units.

When you say Hemi I think "exceptional power". What kind of Horse Power are you generating and what are your potential uses? Both those questions will help guide you to a proper answer for your needs.
 
Hedgehog said:
Both the Dana 20 and the Dana 300 are center output. For many years the Bronco came with it's version of the Dana 300 so if you are looking for Ford compatibility the Dana 300 is still a candidate. It's been well documented that both transfer cases were used on large work trucks so they are definitely sturdy units.

When you say Hemi I think "exceptional power". What kind of Horse Power are you generating and what are your potential uses? Both those questions will help guide you to a proper answer for your needs.
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Ohh, I did not know they had a Ford Dana 300 .

Currently my hemi is pushing about 400 hp/415 torque. It will eventually be supercharged. I like rocks and general trails. Not too fond of mud/sand. But do hit them occasionally.
 
Ok you like rocks so you'll like a good crawl ratio. Here's some examples for you:

Dana 20 Crawl : 62
Dana 20 3.15 low Crawl: 90
Dana 300 Crawl: 78
Dana 300 4 to 1 Crawl 120

That's rounded off. I'm wondering how the weight difference front and rear will affect it as well.
 
Your first gear w/40" tires, ain't gonna be all that low.
What R&P will you run?
LG
 
Schvin said:
Ohh, I did not know they had a Ford Dana 300 .

Currently my hemi is pushing about 400 hp/415 torque. It will eventually be supercharged.
Click to expand...

You won't be run'n pump gas then.
LG
 
Schvin said:
5.38's





I know this. I went to school to build race cars.
Click to expand...

Good choice on gears.

We have no way of knowing your background. So many folks want to do alot of things to their rides, and have no clue of what's really involved.
I grew-up in the hotrod world. Just look at the history of Hot Rod City and Wilcap in Torrance, Ca. I work'd there and went to scool with the owners kids. It was a great learning experience.
Respectfully,
LG
 
Last edited:
PLZ see edited post.
LG
 
Schvin said:
5.38's



I know this. I went to school to build race cars.
Click to expand...

I put your numbers in for the crawl ratios. We're not trying to discount your ability , just covering the bases. Around here you can get a good used Dana 300 for $200.
 
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