I'm looking to swap out my AMC 20 on a 1980 CJ5, with a Dana 44. I'm thinking a wide trac probably. Is it just as simple as bolting it on or is there more to it? I know some of the Later CJ's came with one stock, but is there any other vehicles that have the same axle?
AMC 20 to a Dana 44 Conversion
- Thread starter kylenay
- Start date
LEBOWSKI
New Member
- Location
- Saint George
I think Scout II have a 58" wide rear 44.
If you find a CJ D44 it'll bolt in, but the widetrack 44's only came in 1986 CJ7's so they're kinda rare. Nothing else will be an exact bolt-in, but a Scout D44 will be close.
MR.CJ-7
Your Realtor
- Location
- Woods Cross, UT
I ran the 20 in my 1980 CJ for years. I never had a problem with the 2 piece shafts but I swapped for the 1 piece shafts for the just in case factor. I ran 33"s and 4.56's behind a 304 V-8 and a heavy right foot. It was still going strong when I sold the Jeep.
I looked at all the swap options to gain width and strength and in the end it wasn't really worth it to me. I suppose if you could find a D44 from an '86 CJ for a deal you might jump on it, but then you've got width issues. Otherwise get ready for custom fab stuff.
The gears are about the same size on either axle so no gain there. The housing and shafts are the weak point on the CJ 44.
Truss it, swap the shafts and beat the he!! out of it.
By the way, if you want some spare shafts for the D30 up front let me know. They are hanging out in my garage and I don't have any use for them.
I looked at all the swap options to gain width and strength and in the end it wasn't really worth it to me. I suppose if you could find a D44 from an '86 CJ for a deal you might jump on it, but then you've got width issues. Otherwise get ready for custom fab stuff.
The gears are about the same size on either axle so no gain there. The housing and shafts are the weak point on the CJ 44.
Truss it, swap the shafts and beat the he!! out of it.
By the way, if you want some spare shafts for the D30 up front let me know. They are hanging out in my garage and I don't have any use for them.
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Jinx
when in doubt, upgrade!
- Location
- So Jordan, Utah
I think I have a d44 narrow track housing from a pre 75 housing that the spring perches have been moved out to 76 and newer width. it has brakes and shafts but would need ring and pinion and locker.
let me know if interested.
oh yeah, btw i ditched the 20 also in my 77 cj5 and did the D44, loved it. I hated the idea of spending money on a 20 and still having a 20.
weak tubes, weak shafts, sounds like a glorified dana 35 to me, but hey someone out there will still buy the "super 35 kit" for more money than upgrading to a better axle.
let me know if interested.
oh yeah, btw i ditched the 20 also in my 77 cj5 and did the D44, loved it. I hated the idea of spending money on a 20 and still having a 20.
weak tubes, weak shafts, sounds like a glorified dana 35 to me, but hey someone out there will still buy the "super 35 kit" for more money than upgrading to a better axle.
gijohn40
too poor to wheel... :(
- Location
- Layton, Utah
I found a d44 from a 86 cj7 and put it in my 85 and it was a direct swap... gave the amc20 away to someone that needed it for a friends jeep... been happy ever since... other then the leaking from the passenger side bearings...
Thanks for the advice guys, I'll have to keep my eye for a scout axle it sounds like. I've been looking for a 86 CJ axle, but i don't think many people give them up, because I haven't seen one for quite a while. I've only broke the AMC 20 once, but that was enough. It makes me nervous knowing that my wheel can go rolling down the hill without me if it brakes again.
Very important!! If you are off by more than a little (3.73 vs 4.56) you will create a lot of binding and stress in your drive train. A little is ok ( 4.09 vs 4.11 or something simular) and my be necesary when your dealing with different axles.
If I ever find a set of 1 tons (and the money) I'll be selling my D30 (superwinch hubs, alloy shafts, locker 4.56, crane diff cover) and D44 (locker, 4.56, Poison spyder diff cover).
If I ever find a set of 1 tons (and the money) I'll be selling my D30 (superwinch hubs, alloy shafts, locker 4.56, crane diff cover) and D44 (locker, 4.56, Poison spyder diff cover).
grinch
inner city redneck
- Location
- Salt Lake City
Don't wast your money on a 44.... Look up the specs and your find that upgraded one piece shafts in a 20 are as strong if not stronger than a Dana 44... The weak link in the 20 is the axle housing. Just truss it... If you need the width why not go for a ford 9 inch or get an 8.8 out of an explorer and put a c clip eliminator kit in it.... You get disk brakes that way...
I have run 20's in most of my rigs because after trussing them they have always held up better than the 44's....
I have run 20's in most of my rigs because after trussing them they have always held up better than the 44's....
jdub
Scrambler
- Location
- Provo, Utah.
YOu pay a premium for the 44 shafts when needed, trust me. I like my 20 better that my 44. I'm more confident cause it's trussed and can get parts anywhere anytime. Larger ring size is a plus too I hear.
Maybe I will Just have to truss it, I think my chances of finding an 86 CJ axle are rare anyway. I looked it up and it seems like it should be strong enough to put a locker in it, Plus I can afford to truss it alot easier. Has anyone used the Auburn Ected locker? That is what I'm looking at know. I want one that I can turn on and off for the road.
Just FYI. The Auburn Ected is not actually a "locker" like they advertise it. When you engage it, the magnets or whatever just hold the clutch packs tighter. IMO I would never buy it, mainly cause it ticks me off that Auburn advertises it as a "locker" and "spool" when it is just an amped up limited slip. I would have hoped that their marketing gurus should know that the off-road community they are targeting is smarter than that. Just like Toyota putting those ads about the FJ Cruisers being so capable off-road because of their independent front suspension. Do they think that we are idiots and they can fool us with their ads in all of the off-road publications?
When it comes to what locker to use, that is a never ending debate. If you want selectable, IMO hands down ARB. If full-time locker will suffice, Detroit.
When it comes to what locker to use, that is a never ending debate. If you want selectable, IMO hands down ARB. If full-time locker will suffice, Detroit.
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