Misc Is the AMC 20 Single-Piece Axle Upgrade Still the "Preferred" Method?
iChuck12
Jeeper
- Posts
- 12
- Thanks
- 4
- Location
- Southeast PA
- Vehicle(s)
- '78 CJ-7, 258, TH400, BW 1305 QuadraTrac, AMC 20 Rear, D25 Front Diff(?)
'76 CJ-7 "Levi's Edition", (Still figuring out the specs under all of the rust)
Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gents!
While in the process of restoring my '78 CJ7 QuadraTrac , I wanted to refresh the rear brake cylinders and de-rust the rest of the part on the rear hub/drums/etc. I encountered the common issue of not being able to get the hub off of the tapered axle (AMC20 with semi-floating tapered axle shaft). Took it to a shop and they couldn't get it in their press without risking the backing plate, so they loaned me a heavy duty three arm puller with a 3-ton hydraulic press built in. Tightened it on, snugged it up, then applied some heat to the hub where the splines are. The puller might have been a little too strong...
Looks like it might be time for a new axle.
Most of the comments I've read on this forum about replacing AMC20 shafts are older, but generally agree that the tapered shafts should be unceremoniously added to my local landfill after cutting the bearing and removing the backing plate, and replaced with a single piece axle & hub assembly.
Is this still the general consensus of the group at large?
I'm trying my best to take my time on this resto and get it as close to factory as possible (including trying to find an air injection pump and fittings). Will upgrading the axle to a single piece make a real difference in authenticity to the diehard enthusiast?
Any input/insight is welcome!!
Chuck
While in the process of restoring my '78 CJ7 QuadraTrac , I wanted to refresh the rear brake cylinders and de-rust the rest of the part on the rear hub/drums/etc. I encountered the common issue of not being able to get the hub off of the tapered axle (AMC20 with semi-floating tapered axle shaft). Took it to a shop and they couldn't get it in their press without risking the backing plate, so they loaned me a heavy duty three arm puller with a 3-ton hydraulic press built in. Tightened it on, snugged it up, then applied some heat to the hub where the splines are. The puller might have been a little too strong...

Looks like it might be time for a new axle.
Most of the comments I've read on this forum about replacing AMC20 shafts are older, but generally agree that the tapered shafts should be unceremoniously added to my local landfill after cutting the bearing and removing the backing plate, and replaced with a single piece axle & hub assembly.
Is this still the general consensus of the group at large?
I'm trying my best to take my time on this resto and get it as close to factory as possible (including trying to find an air injection pump and fittings). Will upgrading the axle to a single piece make a real difference in authenticity to the diehard enthusiast?
Any input/insight is welcome!!
Chuck