Dana 18 t-case with centered rear

I am switching to a dana 18 transfer case but haven't found an offset rear yet.....has anyone done this with a centered differential. My drive shaft will be around 20" and I am using a double cardigan joint on one end and the factory universal on the other. I am not running a lift so there is almost zero downward angle on the shaft. I'm guessing I will have vibration problems but just wanted an outside opinion.... I know an offset rear is what I need, but I'm sure many of you know that what you need and what you have can be very different things. Thanks!!

 

If you're talking about a CJ5, the driveshaft will be at too much of an angle. Longer wheel base, such as a CJ 6 you could get away with it.

 

At best you will have vibration issues. At worst u-joint binding.
And it's double Cardan not cardigan . Cardigan is a type of sweater

 

Actually I meant to say Cardigan...... the sweaters will help dampen the vibrations and keep the driveshaft coz warm on those chilly winter trail rides. haha

 

I put a cardigan on my driveshaft and it was worked wonders!

 

I have actually found that afghans work really well too!

 

My question is, why run a D18?

 

Yes, that is the question.

 

:iagree: Inquiring minds want to know! That's kinda like taking out a 30 spline flanged axle to put in a 2 piece tapered axle.

 

Its noisy and hard to keep from leaking, but the 18 has numerous advantages over the 20.
Lower geared, can run an overdrive and or PTO, can be flat towed without burning up the output bearings, has a lower output for less driveline angle....

 

Sorry I should have mentioned that.....I have done a diesel swap on my jeep and really need to run an overdrive. I have a bunch of 1-1/4 d18 cases so it isn't a big deal to switch... I jut dont have any offset rear axles anymore..... so that is why I asked my original question. I am looking for an axle so I might just do the swap and see how bad it vibrates until I can switch to an offset rear.

 

Sorry, you got a bit of grief here.
Unless you are running some longer wheelbase vehicle like a CJ6, wagon or pickup, the driveline angles are a bit excessive.
I understand why you would want an overdrive with a diesel, a bit more info on the diesel would be good.
Usually early '70's Jeeps have a flanged axle,(better) still offset so it would work with your D18.
What gear ratio are you running?
Just as an aside, it would be nice if you finished your info, location, year of the Jeep, things like this can help us give you more information.

 

Ahh, that makes sense.


If you run a double cardan joint at both ends, it might be workable. I know tom woods driveshafts can make up something like that. It couldnt hurt to call them, I've always been impressed with their customer service and knowledge.

 

Ok... I will ad some detail, although I'm sure the consensus will be that I must get an offset rear. since my jeep is a cj5. I have plenty of stuff around to make a double cardan shaft so I may mess with that while i'm looking for a new axle. Here is a picture of my rig and a full write up on my conversion. Its got a Om617 Mercedes, T-18 4-speed, Dana20 2stick with dana18 gears. amc 20 rear axle.

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showt...m617-conversion.......Let-s-see-how-this-goes-!

 

What kind of power does that engine put out?
I think a Warn OD is rated for 350 ft lbs of torque...

 

No where close to the power rating.... Its around 125hp 200ft lbs tq on a good day haha

 

The warn OD is rated for 300 ft lbs, and in my experience, can handle quite a bit more than that if you treat it well. I don't think a 617 will give it any grief.

I put a lot of miles on a couple of cars with that engine. They work great when fully spooled but are nearly worthless at low rpm. Maybe not a problem with a manual trans where you can use the clutch to get spooled. Also, keep an eye on the cam followers. If they even get slightly out of adjustment, they eat the cam.

And nice looking Jeep.

 

I have become pretty familiar with these engines.... Valve adjustments are very important but luckily very easy. Mine runs pretty good. I'm making decent boost and power by 1800-2000 rpm. But reliability and fuel economy is where it really shines. Plus the whistle and rattle is pretty cool too!

 

Just my .02, but I'd be looking for an offset D44. The Model 20 is known to have issues and I've personally seen tubes spun in the housing on one. It might be fine for awhile, but you will be happier with the D44. They're around, you just have to be persistent. Very nice work on the conversion, by the way.

 

Thank you! yes I have thought about an offset 44. The only I have been looking for an offset 20 is because I have a couple extra carriers and gear sets so I wouldn't have to buy gears to match the front. There is a guy down the road from me with a bunch of sets of axles from old willys trucks. the rears are 44s but not sure what front they use. They have 5.38 gears but I can get them cheap....... I just don't want to put anymore money in this project than I have too. Any thoughts??