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Rear Axle Production Date Question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by mrtii, Apr 25, 2018.

  1. Apr 25, 2018
    mrtii

    mrtii 1972 cj51986 cj7 2022 Sponsor

    gilroy, California
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
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    165
    I am restoring a early production 1972 cj5, The rear axle is a Dana 44 offset rear end with a production date of March 10 1970, it is a track lock also. For reference the engine has a build date of 23 August 1971, bell housing is July 1971. Could this be the original rear end. By all appearances it is
     
  2. Apr 25, 2018
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    I'm certainly no expert, but it sure sounds original
     
  3. Apr 25, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    What's the VIN? Every '72 model has a Dana model 20 transfer case and a centered Dana 44 rear axle. Which engine?

    The VIN must start with J2 to be a '72. A '72 only has the AMC inline sixes or the 304 V8. if any of these don't match, then it's an earlier Jeep with a '72 title and VIN plate, or some other combination of different years.

    FYI, an offset Dana 44 rear axle with flanged axles is worth a lot more than a correct '72 axle with a centered pumpkin.
     
  4. Apr 25, 2018
    mrtii

    mrtii 1972 cj51986 cj7 2022 Sponsor

    gilroy, California
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
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    165
    The Vin starts with J2 and end with TH06xxx, It has a 304 V8 3 spd and Dana 20 transfer case, and yes it has flanged axles
     
  5. Apr 25, 2018
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Jul 30, 2003
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    pictures would be helpful over guesswork.
     
  6. Apr 27, 2018
    mrtii

    mrtii 1972 cj51986 cj7 2022 Sponsor

    gilroy, California
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
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    165
    I guess the better question does anyone out there have a very early cj5 with a rear axle as I describe.
     
  7. Apr 27, 2018
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    Offset is not original for your year, production date, yadda, yadda....

    If it's still "factory" there is a tag that will be attached by the rear cover bolts.
    What numbers are on that tag ?

    Post a picture of the axle.
     
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