Lunch box lockers

[CJ007]

But....I would not upgrade to a Dana 44 , the difference is almost negligible between the 20 and the 44. If upgrading, just go on to a D60/14b/9"/8.75. The reason being is the cost of a swap....you might as well get a decent upgrade if you are going to all that work, and a Dana 44 isn't enough axle to justify it.

My thoughts exactly, I was just :lpopcorn: while enjoying the neverending debate. I don't know if I will ever go bigger, but it won't be to a 44. They are great if you have one but to put a ring on an $800-1000 locker that is even smaller than the AMC20 is hard for me to swallow. And the 44 shaft is only like 1/8" thicker.

I paid $15 for a 3/8" piece of steel to build my truss, just about any steel supply house has a scrap pile and the prices are cheap. Stitch welding is pretty much free if you or a buddy has a welder.

I would say check out craigslist or ebay and set up for alerts on your phone. AMC20 gears/lockers/shafts can be found for pennies on the dollar when someone goes bigger. Or just GO BIG!

One last "opinion". I built my ladder bar for about $75 out of DOM. It eliminated almost all pop from the Lockright. Not that I drive on road much, but it was a pleasant surprise. I guess the other way that might reduce pop is HD springs but limit flex.

 

[driver007]

Any chance you could put a picture of your truss upCJ007? Being a welder I would be most interested in the process

 

[CJ007]

Any chance you could put a picture of your truss upCJ007? Being a welder I would be most interested in the process

Its pretty basic but I am satisfied. I am pretty sure I have some of when I put together on photobucket. I just stepped out so am on my phone. if you Google jeep cj007 under images mine should be near the top and it will take u there or search photobucket.

http://photobucket.com/CJ007_photos. Maybe this will work. There no finalpics but you will get the idea. It will be several pages in over a couple pages thrown between stuff being done

 

[diddy2003]

Its pretty basic but I am satisfied. I am pretty sure I have some of when I put together on photobucket. I just stepped out so am on my phone. if you Google jeep cj007 under images mine should be near the top and it will take u there or search photobucket.

Pictures by CJ007 - Photobucket. Maybe this will work. There no finalpics but you will get the idea. It will be several pages in over a couple pages thrown between stuff being done

Here you go.

 

[Tommy]

You can get the rudder effect by unlocking one of the front hubs. Lunchbox lockers are inexpensive not cheap. Not a bad way to go at all on either the AMC20 or Dana 30

Tommy

 

[driver007]

Thanks for the pictures
did you gig the axle to prevent warping

 

[1986cj7]

You really don't want a lunchbox for a daily driver.
IMO the AMC20 with one piece axles will serve you fine as long as you run 33's or smaller tires. Mine puts up with quit abit of abuse.

Thanks old dog I was starting to think I was the only one that thought the AMC20 was a decent axle not the greatest but far better then what it is given creidt for, as long as it has one piece axles put in it. What does everyone think about the Dana 30 front axle?

 

[1986cj7]

Here you go.

WOW what a nice piece of work that looks like it's bomb proof. Now did you do your welding with the axles and diff and bearings out, I know that if the ground from the welder isn't placed right you can run the current though the bearings and ruin them. I know you want to put the ground as close to the welding as possible. Just a simple stupid question. I'm not the greatest welder but I can get the job done. .

 

[CJim7]

Thanks old dog I was starting to think I was the only one that thought the AMC20 was a decent axle not the greatest but far better then what it is given creidt for, as long as it has one piece axles put in it. What does everyone think about the Dana 30 front axle?

I think the corp 20 is a very good axle. Im running 36" swampers on it with a 1-piece and a Lockright and dont have any worries about it. Would I go bigger on it? No. I think 36's is pushing the limit.

The Dana 30 in my opinion is good up to 33/34's for offroading if it's locked.
I've broken 2 shafts in the 2 years I've been running 36's...never broke a thing on 33's. You can upgrade the shafts and U-joints but then you move the weak point to the ring and pinion, where you dont want the weak point.

Im moving up to D60's only because I've reached the limitation of these axles.

 

[Old Dog]

I think the corp 20 is a very good axle. Im running 36" swampers on it with a 1-piece and a Lockright and dont have any worries about it. Would I go bigger on it? No. I think 36's is pushing the limit.

The Dana 30 in my opinion is good up to 33/34's for offroading if it's locked.
I've broken 2 shafts in the 2 years I've been running 36's...never broke a thing on 33's. You can upgrade the shafts and U-joints but then you move the weak point to the ring and pinion, where you dont want the weak point.

Im moving up to D60's only because I've reached the limitation of these axles.

I agree, I broke one u-joint in the front axle and took out an ear on the shaft. I up-graded axles to the bigger u-joint and haven't had any issues yet.
I've been running 33's, but just moved up to 35's this year.

I'm hoping the weak link is the locking hub and not the ring and pinion.

 

[CJ007]

Thanks for the pictures
did you gig the axle to prevent warping

Not sure what u mean so prob not

Now did you do your welding with the axles and diff and bearings out, I know that if the ground from the welder isn't placed right you can run the current though the bearings and ruin it. I'm not the greatest welder but I can get the job done. .

It was when I regeared it so yes it was broken down. I had started with one piece. Later lockright, then geared. I now can have that that axle out and broken down as fast as a nascar pit crew. haha

 

[Old Dog]

Here's another example of a truss.
Jeep: Rear Axle Truss: Dana 44, Dana 44a, Dana 35, Chrys 8.25

 

[1986cj7]

I agree, I broke one u-joint in the front axle and took out an ear on the shaft. I up-graded axles to the bigger u-joint and haven't had any issues yet.
I've been running 33's, but just moved up to 35's this year.

I'm hoping the weak link is the locking hub and not the ring and pinion.

Thats why I wouldn't think about upgrading to a 6 bolt hub, on the Dana 30
I've upgrade the front axles hoping that the weak point will be the locking hub.

 

[CJim7]

Not sure what u mean so prob not

Jigging the axle tubes insures that they dont warp when the welds are being layed down.

 

[CJ007]

Jigging the axle tubes insures that they dont warp when the welds are being layed down.

Did not do the entire axle but did preheat at the tube and diiff with a torch when I stitch welded. It was about 110 outside though.

It looks a little better now too. I put some holes through it before throwing in and rounded the top section down to have a cleaner look. It looks heavy too, but surprisingly it only weights about 14 lbs.

 

[driver007]

I have over built things for years. The holes will make it look great. I remember back in the early 80's they used to sell bolt on axle stiffners. I do not have the lift that you have so I will have to make it more manageable because of room or lac there of.