more of what to do...

[OIIIIIIIO]

Hi,

I've got a rear end out in my 85 CJ7 wide track...

I have most but not all the parts and expertise for a swap to dana 44 front ford 9 rear with 4.56, ARB up front and mini spool in the rear...probably another $3k in parts and labor to get it done as I don't think I can do it myself...

Or i've got a bead on a stock wide track with 4.10 and lock right and narrow track rear with 4.10 and lock right for $500...seems pretty much bolt in...

Am i just being too impatient?

[Jim_Lou]

The Ford 9-inch isn't the best solution for a Jeep because the pinion is so low. That's not a deal killer, but something to consider. Also, $3K seems on the generous side. There's no reason you couldn't do the rear yourself. The front can be a bit more challenging, but isn't impossible for a reasonably competent home mechanic.

I don't think it's a good idea to mix the wide and narrow axles, although on a trail-only Jeep it's probably not a big deal. But if both your current rear and the narrow-track are AMC 20s, swap the rear internals. A Dana 30 and CJ AMC20 aren't real strong, but would get you gears and lockers cheap, and survive if you don't beat them too hard.

[OIIIIIIIO]

Hi,

Just trying to come up with options...

To recap...I was planning on going SOA with my axle swaps...along with a new tranny, etc...

What if I didn't go SOA...should make things a bit easier with the swap correct? Then not worry about the tranny...or at least not for a LONG time...would be nice to have a manual tranny for the kids to learn on in a couple years...

I have a Currie High 9 center section in an early bronco housing which should alleviate some concerns in the back. And should be relatively easy to put it.

The the hardest parts I think would be putting all the gears/lockers in the front (which I wouldn't do myself) and then setting the caster on the front yet...

I would still have the lift springs on the CJ which isn't ideal but works well enough...

I would have stronger axles (dana 44 up front, basically an 8.8 in the back) with higher gearing (4.56 vs 2.73) ...and I would be back on the road. I think I already have room to fit a bit bigger tire...currently have 33"...I trimmed the rear fender and put on some TJ flares and I trimmer the front fenders as well with a modified flat fender look...
I would guess I could fit 35" tires with minimal rubbing at full flex...

That would allow me to get going with what I have rather than monkeying around selling stuff for a pretty big loss and trying to get something else that would work, ideally bolt in but in reality I wouldn't find anything like that...

Can you see any draw backs...major things anyway...things I might be missing in my thought process?

Thanks for listening!
Patrick