Narrow Axle Noob Questions. Need advice.

[KawiTexan]

Howdy! This is my first post on jeep CJ! Woohoo.

Anyway, down to brass tacks. I am currently attempting to do a 79 CJ5 build. I have owned a lot of jeeps and this is my third frame off restoration of a CJ. I will be using a mild 5.3 for engine, an sm465, and a Dana 20 w/ teraflex installed, somewhere between a 31"-35" tire. Will be used on road/highway as well as light/med off-roading. However, I have zero clue about what to do about my axle delima and know pretty much nothing about rebuilding/building axles. I am wanting to stay with narrow tracks (because I like the look), but am heavily considering ditching the AMC20 now instead of pouring $ into getting it built up and redone.

-What options do I have for narrow-track axles and do the stock front axles stand up to abuse?

-Do I need/want lockers?

-What ratio do I want/need?

-Is it possible to build/buy axles and still be able to pay my mortgage?

Thanks!

 

[IOPort51]

I built a Dana 44 from a 75 CJ. It was a toss up with building the AMC20 as far as total cost the build able 44 cost a little less than the one piece axles.

Had to move the perches just a little and change the R&P to match the front. I used an OX selectable and disk brakes. I put a Spartan locker in the front and have not had any problems BUT I only run 33" tires.

Do your homework on this! Axles are expensive! I think I could build an engine for less than I spent on that axle.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Jeep=Just Empty Each Pocket
IF, you keep the rear '20'. I sure as heck would install Moser 1-piece axles!
The '30' front is 'OK', NOT great.
I sure wouldn't run 35's with that narrow track set up. 33's would be the max, IMO.
If you don't get 'stupid' with the 'skinny-pedal', you should be OK.
LG

 

[Woolyworm]

I've got a narrow 20 and 30. Running 33s and 34s for tires. Upgrades include chromoly front shafts, one piece ten factory rear shafts, Aussie locker in the front, warn hub locks, I think the front shafts came with a little beefier u joint. I have a AMC 304 -T-18 with granny, stock Dana 20 , 3.54 gears. I've given mine moderate to heavy throttle/wheel speed on some very steep and slimy rock and I put quite a bit of torque to them on twisty dry rock and haven't had any issues (knocking on wood currently!). The AMC ring gear is supposed to be strong than stock Dana 44 , it's the shafts snd the tubes that need attention. I do probably 80 on 20 off driving and find my gearing combo is about right for what I'm doing, 4low 1st is fairly creepy and 4low 2nd gives me good wheel speed for when the creep doesn't work. 2nd gear starts on the road are just a hair tall but fine and I can use granny if needed. If I went deeper I'd probably only go to 3.78 or 4.10 for fear of losing my nice 2nd gear wheel speed for the greasy stuff and nice cruising speed for highway, 65 in 4th is comfortable.


Wooly

 

[Dan77CJ7]

I like the ring gear size on the m20 8.75 with the Dana 44 being 8.5...

 

[HackFabrication]

What ratio is currently in the CJ? Common gearing for 1979 models was 3.54. Based upon what your intended use for the CJ is, I'd keep those axles and that gearing. Run a 2-3 inch lift and a 32-33 inch tire, the 5.3 won't have any problems. And you'll save a bunch of $$$ on parts.

You can drop a lot of money into custom axles. And almost as much into 'upgrades' on stock axles. It's your money....

However, here's my two cents:

Mild off roading, I'd just give the Dana 30 a 'once over', check the spindle bearings/seals, wheel bearings, replace the u-joints, etc. No need for a locker, unless your mild trails are really more moderate-difficult trails. The front disc brakes will be adequate with tires 33" or less. Okay with 35" tires. I'd want power brakes on a mostly street driven Jeep. Either vacuum or hydroboost. Power steering is also nice on a mostly street driven Jeep.

The AMC20 gets a bad rap. But you can eliminate some of it's short comings by running 1-pc axles, and welding the tubes. I don't see a need for a brace, unless you like to go airborne on a regular basis, but they can be added. Stock 79's had 11" rear drums. Big enough to stop a big tire. Lockers are what your preference is. I run ARB's front/rear on my 30/20 combo. But there are many options.

 

[JR74CJ5]

I twisted the tubes in the rear 44 and the front 30 - had to weld them both up...

I've also had to crawl out of the Rubicon trail on just my Dana 30 front without locker, and with 33" tires, 4.27 gears and 7:1 in the Transmission granny gear...

The 30 can take a bit of punishment, but I'm not arguing it's the "best" at all.

Take all of the info here as research and make a good decision you feel will benefit you the most.

Things happen, and your Jeep will tell you what you need to upgrade first after a few trail rides