Axle Swap

Good evening,

I currently am working on my 56 cj6. Right now I'm in the process of installing a Dana 20, Dana 44 rear axle, and Dana 30 front, all out of a 1975 cj5.

My questions about installing the front d30 is
- can I keep my shocks mounted in front of the axle?
-what should I do in regards to the U-bolt plates that go under the axle... can't seem to find any that are for a 72-75 Jeep. And even if I do the shock mount will be in the wrong location(rear or axle).

-same goes for u-bolt plates in the rear


I know this is a common swap and I've done a bunch of research Please let me know what you all have done. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

 

Yes this is a simple straight forward swap. You can leave your shocks in the stock position, just use your stock spring pads as both spring sets are the same width. Your big problem is the steering. Are you wanting to stay stock in that area?

 

question on transfer case . is the D18 stock . is it a small hole . the D20 is large hole

 

Most of what you mention was done to my 61 CJ, since they put a TBI 4.3L in it. Mid 70's CJ drivetrain with 79 CJ firewall and floors. Check my thread for pics that might help you out.

Diamond Plated 1961 Willys from Craigslist

 

Basically you can fabricate appropriate spring plates from your existing spring plates.
The rear mounted shock posts can be removed to the front of the spring plate.
D30 and center flange D44 spring clips ("U" bolts) are slightly wider.
So the later axle spring plate hole spacing is different.
Also the later spring plates were made from thicker stock.

So you running the F-134 and T90A transmission or ?
The transmission must index into the D20 and a T90 will not without an adapter ring.

I have appropriate transfer case index parts.
See here: For Sale - Axle Steering Transmission Parts
I also may have some appropriate spring plates.

 

The Dana 30 will fit fine, you will need to most likely modify your driveshaft for length. I made and make new spring plates to use the Dana 30 and front shocks. You can drill the originals but it makes the edges thin. You will need new ubolts also.

 

Thanks for the replies.

As far as transmission goes I also picked up a t-15 so matching the Dana 20 to it will be no problem.

Steering wise I already have an aftermarket signaw power steering conversation done to my jeep so I was under the impression the tie rods would just bolt up no problem. Is there something I'm missing or should know about this?

Just to clarify, so I can leave my shocks mounted in the stock position(in front of the axle)? All I need to do is somehow modify the u-bolt plate and get larger u-bolts? Or get the plates from a later year and move the mount to the front?

 

Yes the T15 should fit great.
If your previous front axle was a D25 or D27 then likely that your connecting drag link (pitman to knuckle) will have to be a tad longer for the D30.
Yes you can plug weld and then re-drill your original spring plates to fit the slightly wider clips ("U" bolts) needed to fit around the slightly larger axle tubes.
I also have 4 clips ("U" bolts) to fit a D30 on that For Sale post.

 

If Mike is willing, hire him to make the spring plates you need. His parts are great.

Some company makes shock plates for the intermediates, I recall. Maybe only with built-in skid plates, like the old Con-ferrs?

 

I also forgot to mention about the pitman arm differences.
You might wanna check out my post over here dated August 18th....
http://z4.invisionfree.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/index.php?showtopic=6717&st=15

It basically talks about getting the correct pitman arm length.....

 

Warrior products still lists a u-bolt skid plate for the 72-75 cj5. They have a removable shock mount and it appears that it might be simple to add another threaded coupler to move the shock mount to the front - then you would have the option for front or rear shocks.

 

Orig axle was a d25. With the new d30 the guy also gave me the drag link that goes with it. Using that I should have no problem correct?

Are the ubolts used or new?

 

Depends on how your steering conversion was done. It may or may not be the right length. You'll need to get the axle installed then measure.

 

What Nick said...
Even if the original D30 was from a 1972-1981 CJ (narrow track D30 ).
We cannot know where exactly your Saginaw is mounted.

Most likely the original drag link will be close to correct length.
However, the original CJ D30 uses an elongated tie rod end.
See: MOOG Tie Rod End Jeep CJ5 1972-1983 RH | eBay

I much prefer to use the standard short tie rod ends ( ES 140 R and ES 62 L).
The short ends require a long sleeve as opposed to:
18056.01 Omix-ADA Tie Rod Adjuster Sleeve JEEP CJ5 CJ6 CJ7 CJ8 1972-1986 | eBay

 

I just checked and mine has the short ends like the second one.

 

Yes you can , but in some cases I like to move the shock mount back behind the axle on the chassis, much like how the later CJ's were done.......opens up a little more room up front......Get the axle mounted first and then start making choices. As far as the Tie Rod , the ends and a Drag Link depends on how your going to use your Jeep............now is the time to upgrade those parts to a larger / stronger tube and Tie rods ends if you desire.

 

In that case ts not a stock standard D30 drag link.
However the actual tie rod (knuckle to knuckle) did use both short TRE's...

 

So what's a good swap for a 66 cj5 with a dauntless v6. I have a d27 front now with d44 rear. Would like to get disks up front since I have discovered conversion now on 27. I have 2.5 skyjacker lift and running 33x12.5 tires on 15x10 rims. I have 15x8 rims with 33x10.5 wheels on them. I would live a straight bolt on axle

 

IMHO the specific axle being used may not be as important as the differential ratio.
You running an O.D. unit ?
How fast do you need to cruise ?
What engine ?

D27 is perhaps acceptable for 33" tires.
But not with 3.73 gears.
1972 -1975 Dana 30 should suffice unless you thrash it.
1976-1981 Dana 30 is also acceptable.
I believe 1981 was the last year of the CJ narrow track Dana 30.

 

77, 78 & 79 Dana 30 narrow trac are still fairly easy to find with factory Disc brakes and for you with the wide tires and rims the Dana 30 is an 1.5" wider per side which will keep the tires off the springs when turning tight, and the spring perches are the same distance apart as your D27.............gear ratio will more than likely have to be changed to match the rear.