AMC model 20. How good is it?

Hi guys, I appologize if I'm flooding the board with extraneous questions but I just wanted to get your thoughts on the AMC 20 rear axle, because that's what I have. I know the dana 44 is supposed to be the rear axle of choice. What does everyone think?

 

you have a 20 and you're wondering how good it is right? i.e. your not planning on swapping a D44 out to put in a 20 right?

as for stock comparison, the 44 is definitly stronger. With a choice between the two I'd go 44. But If I didn't want to swap out a 20 , I'd drop some one piece axles in it and let it roll. What do you use your Jeep for? What size tires?

20 R&P is beefier than a 44, but the housing is weaker as well as the two piece shafts. 44 rear Tubes are 1/2" wall where as the 20 is 3/16" or there abouts. I beat the hell out of my Narrow trac 20 with one pieces, 32's and a locker, and it never complained.

 

I ran a narrow track 20 for a lot of years with 33s and a 401. I never broke it after I put the one piece shafts in it and i was far from easy on it.

 

Would for sure put the one piece axles in the model 20.
Maybe add a truss for good measure.

 

The 20 is what I bought it with, and eventually I plan on going with 33's. I might just go with a D44 when I do that

 

Lots of cj7s around running 33s and larger with the 20.

 

It his money let him waste it.

I have 350 hp at the wheel and I am running a rear amc 20 one piece and no problem.

Enjoy your 44.

If you are going to upgrade why not get a Dana 60 ?


Now lets move on !

 

Yes Sir!

 

I have no idea, if it breaks I'll fix it ha ha

 

You should be able to get a D44 for much cheaper than a pair of one piece axles, and you will get 3.73 gears, as well, in most instances. Around here you can get a D30/D44 combo for $200-$250

 

It's supposed to be a '72. How can I really tell? I also do not have the crossmember as seen in the photo on novak's site http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/cj5_72-75_swap.htm

Do you know anything about this?

 

Sparky's Jeep may be a similar story to the '80 Scout with a Dana 20?

This Jeep sounds like it was assembled from what the PO had or could get - pre-71 motor, 72 chassis and post-76 axle.

I'd agree with Cooter ... in CT you should be able to find a cheap parts Jeep with compatible axles. Any CJ 72-75 or Commando 72-73 (if you change the rear spring perches) will work fine. Check the 4x4 boards like NEOW and look around in junk yards, local papers, etc. Even if the body is falling off the frame, the axles should be fine if they weren't underwater.

 

View attachment 12481

 

just posted a pic, that's the dash

 

Looks 72-75ish to me. No heater controls, so hard to pin down as '72 exactly. What are the knobs to the left of the column like - hard plastic or rubbery?