Axles

[Netters]

I'm a noob, and this has probably been asked 100 times, but I need to know what would be a good, almost direct swap of my AMC 20 rear axle.

I've been looking at remanufactured complete axles and it seems no one has AMC 20 axles. The guy at Rigid says they don't do them anymore. And because the Jeep is getting up there in age, they now only go back to 1984, which is an XJ.

The only reason I ask is, I have been quoted $2700-3000 to completely redo both axles with all new internals and traclocs. But looking online it's cheaper to buy them, they just don't have the ones I need. (Maybe that's the problem)

[RamJetFSJ]

There is no direct swap. It would have to be custom and would be probably $3,000 per axle (for like a custom built 9 in for example). You would still have to weld on the spring perches and shock mounts.

[Netters]

Time to sell it.

[RamJetFSJ]

Unless you really need a stronger axle, I would just rebuild yours. The AMC 20 isn't that bad as long as you don't try to jump the car, or you have a ton of power to spin the pumpkin...

[Cheapthrills]

What vehicle do you have? You may be able swap in a set of 44s fairly easy... nothing is direct swap though.... if your running a waggy 44s should bolt up although you may have to change brake components

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[Netters]

It's an 83 wide track wagoneer.

[Netters]

It's an 83 wide track wagoneer.

Cherokee. My bad.

[Cheapthrills]

If your mechanically inclined or have some friends that are I'd find a set ford 1/2 ton axles (solid) to stuff under it. Axle swaps aren't to bad to do or you could go all out and do Dana 44 50 60 70 , 14 bolt rear if you can find a good deal on a set.
I say this not knowing the use or intended use of your rig.
Axle swaps aren't terrible if you are willing to do the research and have some ok tools (some bigger tools) and spend a little coin


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[rocklaurence]

Find a parts Waggy 88-90 because they have D44 rears. You will have to match the gears. I think [mine does] the WT have a 65" front axle while the rear is the 60" but a 65" will fit. Most 1/2 trucks of the '70-'90s are 65".

[Stuka]

Why are you wanting new/remanufactured axle assemblies?

Also, the guy at rigid (not sure who this is) is most likely thinking of CJ AMC20's. Your Cherokee has an M23. Same ring and pinion, every other part is different. You can still fully rebuild these axles, plenty of companies making parts for them. The only thing that is a bit harder to find in stock is axle shafts.

You can certainly swap in other axles. What size tires are you going to run? If you are only ever going to run 33" of smaller, there is no need to for stronger axles. If you just really a want a different rear axle, you can replace just that. But unfortunately the only 6 lug rear axles that are the right width are GM, and they are junk c-clip axles. They would work, but the 10B is weaker than what you have, and the 14C is a bit harder to find.

So you need to decide what your end game is.

[Netters]

End game is an over lander running 33s with 3.73 gears. I don't know how to weld, but I think I can redo the seals, bearings, and hopefully, the ring and pinion. I'm not afraid to try.

[RamJetFSJ]

If you haven’t ever setup gears, don’t try that your self, but you can do everything else. You can save a bunch of cash if you pull your axles and disassemble/reassemble everything yourself. The re gear will be much cheaper on a bare housing. Bearings and seals are cheap. Its the labor that gets you.

[Stuka]

Several companies sell 3.73 gears for M20 axles, so you are fine there. But, if you have 2.73 gears, you will need a new carrier for the M23. Which means you may want to decide if you want a limited slip or a locker. For the front, you are fine if you have 2.73 or 3.31, no carrier change to go to 3.73.

[wasillashack]

Many people think a Dana 44 is an upgrade, as far as aftermarket support it is. However an AMC Model 20 has a larger ring and pinion, replace the original 2 piece axle shafts with one piece axle shafts, have a welder run a bead around the axle tubes at the center section (differential housing) short of jumping or 5000 RPM side stepping the clutch starts , you should be good. Shackletts' axiom."Remember, there is no metal so strong, that it will withstand a weak mind! " I know people who have broken Rockwells.

[RamJetFSJ]

FSJs do not have 2 piece axle shafts

[fulsizjeep]

More correctly, Jeep never used 2 piece axle shafts in the AMC 20 for FSJs.

[Stuka]

And the tubes are welded from the factory. Extra welding never hurts, but I have only seen people spin the tubes on CJ axles (not that it can't happen on an M23, just less likely).