Narrow track axles

[profire]

Hello all, I'm new here and have been reading up on CJ's and at the same time looking for a decent one to build up/restore. I'm not new to jeeps but I am new to CJ's.

Anyway I have found a nice 81 Renegade with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and 5 speed. My question is could it have wide track axles from the factory. I ask because when I looked at the pictures the owner sent me he had 5 lug wheels and I thought that 5 lug = wide track axles. The owner of this jeep is the second owner and he has done no mods to it, previous owner was older lady and he said it was bone stock when he bought it.

Are there any detractors to narrow track axles, are spacers ok to get width back etc.

thanks

 

[BusaDave9]

your '81 should have narrow track axles. Narrow and wide both have 5 lug nuts. The difference is the width 53 vs. 56 inches.
check out this link:http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f105/cj-axles-12186/#post97663



And yes, wheel spacers are a good way to widen your stance but they can add a little more stress to the ball joints. Not a big deal though.

 

[profire]

Got it, thanks BusaDave.

 

[Petescj]

I think what you are reffering to is the amount of bolts used on the locking front hubs. All the way up to 81 Cjs had 6 bolt front hubs. In late 81 they changed to 5 bolt front hubs. 82 is the first year for wide track axles so alot of people use that as a reference. It works for every year except 81 of course.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Don’t let wide vs narrow influence your decision to buy. Over all condition, rust, and other goodies already on the jeep in relation to price are the more important factors.

 

[profire]

[QUOTEI think what you are reffering to is the amount of bolts used on the locking front hubs. All the way up to 81 Cjs had 6 bolt front hubs. In late 81 they changed to 5 bolt front hubs. 82 is the first year for wide track axles so alot of people use that as a reference. It works for every year except 81 of course. ][/QUOTE]

Yep that is what got me. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[profire]

Don’t let wide vs narrow influence your decision to buy. Over all condition, rust, and other goodies already on the jeep in relation to price are the more important factors.

I won't, the narrow track axles will not be a factor I can always use wheel spacers from spydertrax. I have to say so far in my area finding one that has not been hacked on is the biggest problem, but I have a couple more to look at this week. I am being patient and learning at the same time. The right one will come along.

 

[Petescj]

Did we ever ask what you were looking for out of your future Cj purchase? That helps alot in the decision making process.

I won't, the narrow track axles will not be a factor I can always use wheel spacers from spydertrax. I have to say so far in my area finding one that has not been hacked on is the biggest problem, but I have a couple more to look at this week. I am being patient and learning at the same time. The right one will come along.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I won't, the narrow track axles will not be a factor I can always use wheel spacers from spydertrax. I have to say so far in my area finding one that has not been hacked on is the biggest problem, but I have a couple more to look at this week. I am being patient and learning at the same time. The right one will come along.

That’s why I keep repeating “keep your Jeep, Jeep”. There are so few good CJs left in the world and once they get hacked up or wrecked that’s the end of it. I know everyone doesn’t think that way but I’m old enough to have seen Jeep evolve from CJ to YJ to TJ to KJ and other than coil springs on the TJ it has not necessarily been for the better.

 

[profire]

Did we ever ask what you were looking for out of your future Cj purchase? That helps alot in the decision making process.

The plan would be for the jeep to be built for exploring the dirt back roads of Arkansas and to make it very streetable as well. Nothing larger than 33's, one piece axle shafts if it is the AMC20 . Mild lift maybe 2.5 inches and 1 inch body lift....maybe. Possibly front and rear selectable lockers. But an overall nice CJ with no rust. when I retire in a few more years maybe a full frame off resto.

 

[profire]

That’s why I keep repeating “keep your Jeep, Jeep”. There are so few good CJs left in the world and once they get hacked up or wrecked that’s the end of it. I know everyone doesn’t think that way but I’m old enough to have seen Jeep evolve from CJ to YJ to TJ to KJ and other than coil springs on the TJ it has not necessarily been for the better.

Man don't I know it, I have been searching and the good ones are few and far between. when I do find one it is out of my financial reach.