dana44 vs amc20

[railroadpaul]

Hello I am new to this forum and I bought my first Jeep a couple of months ago. The question I have, it has a AMC model 20 I am contemplating on changing it out for a Dana 44 . My jeep is a 1984 CJ7 , with wide track 30 front and 20 rear. What do I look for in a Dana 44 , what years of jeep has the Dana 44 , and what will fit my jeep?
There is a learning curve as this is my first Jeep, I'm not new to four wheeling just jeeps
Thanks Paul.....

 

[Old Dog]

The only direct bolt in would be a 44 out of a 86 cj.(good luck finding one) Any thing else will be wider than what you have now and will need the perches moved at a min. and narrowing if you want to stay the same width.

 

[railroadpaul]

what about the YJ Dana 44 's will any of them work?

 

[mtnwhlr]

You can make a AMC20 as strong as a 44 with 1 pc axles and welding the tubes.

 

[Old Dog]

what about the YJ Dana 44 's will any of them work?

Yj's had dana 35's you don't want that, it's weaker than your 20

 

[railroadpaul]

but can you install or do they make a air locker for the AMC20 , and if so will it hold up?

 

[gert]

There is a lot of hype surrounding the Dana 44 . It is a great axle very popular as well you can find lots of axle shafts, gears and lockers for it. You will spend a lot of money trying to swap in a Dana 44 so be aware of that. I agree with mtnwhlr just by welding/trussing the AMC20 and 1 piece axles you will have an axle that is as strong as a Dana 44 with a larger ring gear if you want to go to a 44 I found a site out of Cali that will sell you an already shortened Dana 44 rear and front with or without alloy axles AXLES – RP4WD When I called him he had a wide track high pinion 44 on the shelf with axles

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

but can you install or do they make a air locker for the AMC20 , and if so will it hold up?

I just looked for some through a Google search. They are available but !!!!!

I think I will save that $1k for more !

Also I agree with making the 20 work with one piece kits and some "extra" welding. (Might get mine welded up soon if I can talk one of my many friends with welding rigs over with promises of cold beer and a steak!)

Another word of advice, don't let more than one welder over at a time; they are all the best that ever was at their trade. I know, my Dad was a welder.

 

[railroadpaul]

I think your right, I am just going to build up my Dana 20 , I found an ARB air locker for it, and with trussing, it should be a good working axle. thanks to all for the help....

"never underestimate the power of stupid"

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I think your right, I am just going to build up my Dana 20 , I found an ARB air locker for it, and with trussing, it should be a good working axle. thanks to all for the help....

"never underestimate the power of stupid"

dont forget the one peice axle shafts.. with a locker the tire will quickly pass the jeep while wheeling.

 

[railroadpaul]

Thats kinda funny in a way, I am looking at all the options.
Thanks