Need advice AMC 20 W/spool (not fun)

[77badcj5]

Can anyone tell be the least expensive way to remove a full spool in my 77 CJ5 AMC20 rear end and swap to a stock setup? I mostly use the Jeep cruising around town and some off road trails, but hate the spool on the street driving. Also is this something I can do on my own or is it extremely difficult and technical, what parts would I need to swap this out on a budget? What is the difference between a full spool and a mini spool? Thanks for any advice.

 

[johnbilt]

You will have to replace the spool with a diff carrier. You can probably find an open one for close to free from someone who has installed a locker or such. You need to be sure the carrier matches the ratio you have. There is a hi/lo break point.

The gears will have to be set properly by a shop unless you have the special tools.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

If you don't have a dial indicator the reads down to .001" and a ft/lb torque wrench you don't have the tools.
Have you ever 'read' a gear pattern??
IF-none of the above, let a pro do it.
In the mean time-Make sure your rear tire psi is exactly the same.
You have 1 piece axles or the POS, OEM 2-piece still?
This operation is one of the MOST technical there is in auto work.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Believe it or not it would probably be cheaper and a whole lot easier to find a Jeep junk yard and buy an entire rear end. Good ones go for about $200 here. THe trick would be in getting the same gearing as the front. If the gearing in your Jeep hasn't been messed with it is likely the stock gearing for the manufacturing year of your Jeep. Actually as long as you get an axle with a good inner seal, carrier and the right gearing you could swap in your parts.

 

[Old Dog]

What is the difference between a full spool and a mini spool? Thanks for any advice.

A full spool replaces the carrier, a mini spool just replaces the spider gears.
If you're lucky and have a mini, you can just replace it with spider gears.
Even if you have a full spool, you can get a open carrier as Johnbuilt said. It shouldn't cost to much to get it set up as they will not have to reset the pinion gear.