1976 CJ5 - Axle Swap - Original rear axle for a modern Ford 8.8 rear axle

Hey guys! It has been quite a while since my last post/question. Its good to be back. Anyway, I shredded an axle pin on the rear axle. So, why not replace it with one I really want...with disc brakes?!

Have any of you guys done this same swap on your CJ5? If so, what should the gear ratio be? (I have the 304 V8 with the original front axle remaining)

Any other pointers would be welcomed as well...Thanks fellas!:stout:

JL

 

The main issue is going to be wheel bolt pattern. IIRC the 8.8 is 5 on 4.5 not the 5 on 5.5 that CJs run. Also it will be wider then your stock axle by more then a small amount.

 

The gearing has to match whatever the front axle is. Look at the tag.

1976 CJs are 3.54 standard, 4.10 optional. The axle ratio is not in the VIN - you'll have to read it from the axle.

I'm sure that someplace like R&P can build an axle for you - that's the high-bucks route. The usual junkyard replacement is a flanged Dana 44 from a '72-75 CJ. You'll need to move the spring pads. A Dana 44 from a '72-73 Commando is said to bolt in, but these are scarce compared to the CJ axle. In either case, you'll have to regear the axle to match your existing front. These axles only come from the factory in 3.73 and 4.27 ratios.

I don't think there's anything else with the right track width and the right bolt pattern.

 

OK...I already have the 8.8 (actully have the entire rear end)...and i have heard of CJ guys making this same swap...and the axle is stronger than the Dana 44...although that can be debated...i did get this at the junkyard so it is not new obviously...or custom...

all that said, if this is going to be significantly wider, should i consider swaping the front as well? I dont want to mess things up...

should i just scrap the 8.8 plan and wait to locate a 44 to make things easier and less to question?

JL

 

...now I am getting gun shy....UGH!!...should i just find the original Dana 30 and put that on for simplicity?...

What would you guys do?

 

Rear axle on a '76 CJ would be an AMC Corporate 20. The Dana 30 was the axle used in the front. 8.8 is not a good choice for a CJ. Width and bolt pattern as mentioned, axle gearing needs to match, c-clip axles, etc.
The CJ Dana 44 as mentioned above would be the best choice but gear ratio still needs consideration.


Sent from my iPhone

 

What about a postal 44? Similar width, bolt pattern.

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk 2

 

Ogre, you are exactly right. AMC 20 not the Dana 30. Typing too fast and not paying attention. Appreciate the correction and the guidance. I have officially opted to not go with the 8.8. I think I will keep looking for the 44...or another AMC 20...whichever i can find first...i want my jeep back on the road!!!

 

gO with a dana 44...there is a lot af aftermarket made for this axle. Also it's easy to find piece for this axle because it has been made for more than 60 year with realy minor change. The amc 20 is weak when oem, two piece axle shaft...upgrading that to one piece shaft will be the same price as getting a conversion disk brakek kit for you're dana 44.

 

OK guys. Thanks for the guidance/advice. I am a complete chicken so I went for a brand new replacement for the AMC 20 to include the hub axle bearings caps etc. with lifetime warranty. Hopefully, I will have The Big Orange back on the trails in a couple of weeks!

Thanks again all!

 

They did use an 8.8 with the 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern in some of the full size Broncos, but I still wouldn't use one...

 

Yup. Even wider than an Explorer with all the other drawbacks except wheel bolt pattern.


Sent from my iPhone

 

Some of the guys around here use the 8.8 here in wranglers, they go for the ones with disk brakes.

 

The AMC 20 has known issues, but they're easily and relatively cheaply fixed. After that it's a strong axle. AMC 20 center sections are still used in the Humvee, after all.

 

I'd have to disagree that the CJ model 20 axle is ever strong. The thin tubes, few rosette welds, poor two piece axle design can be overcome. You can't change out the small wheel bearings, thin casting of the carrier, and last time I checked there was not a solid spacer replacement for the collapsible spacer that controls pinion bearing preload. That might have changed though. I've re-tubed a LOT of AMC 20 rear axles. Many slated to be re-tubed with heavier axle tubes could not because the carrier casting was stretched too far when the tubes bent.
The Hummer uses only the carrier assembly. The rest is independent suspension remember so there is not the stress placed on the carrier like in a solid axle application. Also, the Hummer also uses gear reduction boxes at the axle flange end which reduces stress on the carrier assembly, ring and pinion gears, and differential case assembly.

To the OP, if you just need to get the Jeep going, I'd find a cheap replacement for now. If you plan on keeping the Jeep I'd recommend looking at replacement options for the future.


Sent from my iPhone