More Axle questions

I just want to thank all those whom have opined and/or shared their knowledge and experience. I am dropping a fair amount of money on this project and would like to do it right the first time, thanks. I have a two part questions. I currently have 35” Mickey Thompson’s for this rig, I do not plan on going any smaller. I have 4:56 gears and will be running an OX locker front and rear. My first question is this, putting the whole off-set problem aside for a moment, will a build AMC-20 or a Dana 44 be strong enough for the rear, or I should opt for the Ford 9”. Second will a Dana 30 be strong enough for the front or should I step up to a Dana 44 or even another Ford 9”?? I do plan on having some serious fun in this thing but I will not be trying to enter any rock crawling competitions or abusing it.

 

It all depends on your driving style. With careful application of the right foot, a D30, D44, or AMC 20 will hold up fine. If you get heavy on the throttle, you can break anything.
My personal experiences with the Ford 9" are that it is highly over rated. I've scattered three of them, two were with a stock 300cid 6 cyl.

 

Thanks Firegod33, I noticed your other post, have you had any luck with converting your tappered 44 to a flanged, if that is an option I may consider going that direction as well, although I am really hooked on getting a wider wheel base from a later model axle. I have even considered the full length axle conversion from blue torch fabworks, but backed away from it figuring it was a little more than what I really need.

 

No luck with converting my D44. Instead, I've decided to lay down the coin for an all new Currie built D44.

 

we have been thrashing on a dana 30 and an amc 20 on 35's in my brothers 80 cj-5 with a 300 horse 350 sbc and have had no problems. The biggest downside to a 9" in a 5 is the below centerline pinion. this seems to compound already bad driveline angles.

 

jd
You probably saw firegods post about the dana 44 - good info..

Regarding the dana 30 for the front. I've had 33 x 12.50 swampers on my dana 30 for the past few years and it has help up fine. I don't abuse it but once in a while it take as good hit - as in spinning on a muddy trail to make it over something then suddenly catch traction on a rock. Anyway, you can get stronger parts for the 30 if needed. I think this is better for a cj instead of going 44 for the front.

ARB makes a very good d30 locker. Superior makes very good axles.

Just my .02. YMMV

 

i love my d30. i have been keeping an eye out for a deal on warn shafts for it, but so far no luck. honestly though i probably don't need them since my driving style is nice and slow on the trail. the best features are the (much needed) turning radious improvement and the open knuckle design. no more leaking knuckles, and are much stronger... i am pretty sure you can go d44 knuckles also if you want.

as far as the d44 rear your easiest and best option is the warn kit. a little pricey but a quality product.

chris

 

To give you an idea I am an avid rock crawler in Moab Ut. and I wheel on a budget, I did 1 peice axles in my 20 and a spool. I also reinforced the housing. The front just has a lock rite in it, I run 35 inch TSL SX Swampers. 15.5 inches wide so they are heavy tires and I have wheeled this set up for 4 years and havent lost a single shaft. The diameter of the 20 axle shaft is accually a little bigger than a 44 you just need to watch the housing. With selectable lockers you wont snap a shaft unless you leave it locked in all the time. The only thing I would change for is more width for improved stability. But ofcoarse I dont need to tell you that a 44 is better than a 30 especially if you are running steel 10 inch wide rims. Plus there are always chrome moly axles if your going to spend the money. Good luck, hope to hear all about it.