front axle upgrade

[lowcountry]

I'm doing a complete rebuild of the front suspension and steering components on the 83 CJ7 I just brought back from New Mexico. So, after learning that I needed to pull the axles to replace the ball joints, I figured it was a good time to upgrade the axles. I hate doing $hit twice.

I have been hastily researching the options and so far have come across two candidates, G2 and Yukon Gear for direct fit options.

Any opinions on these or maybe other options? Looks like I need to stay with 27 spline if I want an easy swap.

Mucho Gracias.

 

[jay59l]

Are you going to a bigger tire, need a traction device? Maybe think about doing a ring and pinion swap at the same time and replace all the seals etc while you are in there.

 

[CJ]

Umm, original CJ? The Dana 30 is more than strong enough.

83 that needs ball joints, when properly lubed will last for evever.

Are you looking a a 9 or and 8/34?

 

[lowcountry]

Umm, original CJ? The Dana 30 is more than strong enough.

83 that needs ball joints, when properly lubed will last for evever.

Are you looking a a 9 or and 8/34?

I hadn't planned on tearing into the differential. Just wanted to swap axles...

 

[jp360cj]

Sticking with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ? What size tires? I beat on stock shafts pretty hard with my 360 and 33s and never had an issue out the Dana 30 . I wheel with several other CJs on 33s with 258s and 304s with that haven't had any issues either. Unless you plan on going bigger than that, I would just replace the u joints if needed and roll on.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Why fix what ain't broke?
The weak link in the D/30 axle is the u-joint.
Use Dana/Spicer.......
LG

 

[lowcountry]

Ok. Looks like ya'll saved me a few bucks. Will stay with the stock axles for now. When I pull them I'll check out the u-joints and see how they are faring. Yes, Lumpy (or do you prefer grits ), Spicer has always been my choice for u-joints.

I have 31" tires currently, but want to go with 33's when I get around to putting in a lift kit. Yes, staying with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Guy I bought this from gave me another 'running when pulled' AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l as a spare. I will probably rebuild that one as the future replacement...

Mucho Gracias, you guys rock (No pun intended)...

I have not checked the gear ratio yet. This Jeep is supposedly untouched - if so, what could/should the gears be?

 

[jay59l]

Not sure what they are stock but moving to 33"s you may want to consider some 4:10s if its in the budget. Oh and for steering if you need to replace the box look in to the HUMVEE swap and install a aftermarket steering box mount. The stock ones are kinda week and with bigger tires its cheap insurance.

 

[j6824]

Ok. Looks like ya'll saved me a few bucks. Will stay with the stock axles for now. When I pull them I'll check out the u-joints and see how they are faring. Yes, Lumpy (or do you prefer grits ), Spicer has always been my choice for u-joints.

I have 31" tires currently, but want to go with 33's when I get around to putting in a lift kit. Yes, staying with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Guy I bought this from gave me another 'running when pulled' AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l as a spare. I will probably rebuild that one as the future replacement...

Mucho Gracias, you guys rock (No pun intended)...

I have not checked the gear ratio yet. This Jeep is supposedly untouched - if so, what could/should the gears be?

I've got a Dana 44 front housing that came out of a early 70s Commando that was narrowed down to wide track width...with shafts. Would need knuckles, stubs, carrier and r/p

I decided to go in a different direction...if you decide to regear

My better half would very much like to see it gone LOL!

 

[jp360cj]

for steering if you need to replace the box look in to the HUMVEE swap and install a aftermarket steering box mount. The stock ones are kinda week and with bigger tires its cheap insurance.

If you can find one. Last I checked, they were nearly impossible to find (I think word got to all the Jeep folks about the cheap, easy upgrade and gobbled up the remans). 70s J20 are basically the same box as the H1, but with flare fittings. Unfortunately, they are also nearly impossible to find since they are a direct interchange with the more J10/Waggy/Cherokee box. FWIW, I have a Grand Waggy box on my '7 with 35s and it steers with 1 finger.

 

[jay59l]

If you can find one. Last I checked, they were nearly impossible to find (I think word got to all the Jeep folks about the cheap, easy upgrade and gobbled up the remans). 70s J20 are basically the same box as the H1, but with flare fittings. Unfortunately, they are also nearly impossible to find since they are a direct interchange with the more J10/Waggy/Cherokee box. FWIW, I have a Grand Waggy box on my '7 with 35s and it steers with 1 finger.

I did mine a few years ago and yes it was hard to find even then. Advanced auto had to order it which took a few weeks. I highly recommend it if you an find one. Basically the same thing PSC offers but for a fraction of the cost and a direct bolt in if you have power steering.

 

[jp360cj]

I did mine a few years ago and yes it was hard to find even then. Advanced auto had to order it which took a few weeks. I highly recommend it if you an find one. Basically the same thing PSC offers but for a fraction of the cost and a direct bolt in if you have[80's CJ] power steering.

As long as you have an 80s model CJs power steering. Older than 80 and your lines will have the wrong fittings. Or if you have an FSJ box, the input will be different.

 

[CJ]

Ok. Looks like ya'll saved me a few bucks. Will stay with the stock axles for now. When I pull them I'll check out the u-joints and see how they are faring. Yes, Lumpy (or do you prefer grits ), Spicer has always been my choice for u-joints.

I have 31" tires currently, but want to go with 33's when I get around to putting in a lift kit. Yes, staying with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Guy I bought this from gave me another 'running when pulled' AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l as a spare. I will probably rebuild that one as the future replacement...

Mucho Gracias, you guys rock (No pun intended)...

I have not checked the gear ratio yet. This Jeep is supposedly untouched - if so, what could/should the gears be?

Check here -->> https://www.jeep-cj.com/articles/powertrain-3/how-to-tell-what-gear-ratio-is-in-your-cj-34/

 

[lowcountry]

I've got a Dana 44 front housing that came out of a early 70s Commando that was narrowed down to wide track width...with shafts. Would need knuckles, stubs, carrier and r/p

I decided to go in a different direction...if you decide to regear

My better half would very much like to see it gone LOL!

Not sure what my plan is yet, but am always interested in options. Could you tell me what you might want for it? Message me if you like...