Ok fellow Jeepers....I now have my AMC 20 rear end back into my 84CJ after adding solid axles, 4.10 gears and an ARB.....here is what I learned.
1. As usual, it takes twice as long as I expected.
2. Maybe what the experts charge for doing it is more of a fair price than I realized.
Ok...all jokeing aside...its done. It was a lot of work but worth it. First, let me talk about the axles. I chose the Superior axles that I bought from Drive Train Direct. I am very happy with them. Very complete kit and good instructions. My old 2 piece axle on the left side had already striped and the only thing keeping it from spinning was the key. The Superior kit does not use shims, however, it has spacers between the inner seal and bearing that have to be ground down to get the right spacing. Also, the bearings will have to be pressed on....not something that most of us have in our garage.
The locker is the famous ARB. I chose it because my jeep is a daily driver and I did not want to have to deal with the posible problems of an automatic locker. The instructions are great and it all went together without problems.
My gears were from 4 Wheel Wholesale...(yes, I know, but no problems)...once again, good instructions. This is one area where the profesionals earn their money. Its a lot of work. First, you need a press to remove the pinion gear. If you do not have a pinion gauge then you have to go through several interations of removing the pinion gear and bearing until you have the right depth. Of course, if you make a mistake, you will have to replace the crush bearing and pinion nut. Next, you need a dial micrometer (don't we all have one?). I'm lucky in that my work had most of the tools I needed.
While I was at it I cut off my spring perches and re-welded them at the correct angle so that I don't need the shims to adjust the axle angle. LET ME TELL YOU...it was a lot of work cutting them off. However, it was worth it. I gained at least 1/2 to 3/4" in lift (the thickness of the shim). While I was at it I welded the axle tubes.
Ok....its all done...and all works...EXCEPT...that I have a slight whine in my rear end...but only on deceleration. I would like to hope that I need to put a few more miles on it....but some how I feel that I did not get something set up right. If anyone out there has any experience in this area....I have been humbled enough to take any advice.
Hope to hear from all while I spend the time cleaning up the garage and the grease off my hands and arms.
John......southern CA
84CJ7,3"lift,32"BFG,4.11's,ARB,Solid Axle's
1. As usual, it takes twice as long as I expected.
2. Maybe what the experts charge for doing it is more of a fair price than I realized.
Ok...all jokeing aside...its done. It was a lot of work but worth it. First, let me talk about the axles. I chose the Superior axles that I bought from Drive Train Direct. I am very happy with them. Very complete kit and good instructions. My old 2 piece axle on the left side had already striped and the only thing keeping it from spinning was the key. The Superior kit does not use shims, however, it has spacers between the inner seal and bearing that have to be ground down to get the right spacing. Also, the bearings will have to be pressed on....not something that most of us have in our garage.
The locker is the famous ARB. I chose it because my jeep is a daily driver and I did not want to have to deal with the posible problems of an automatic locker. The instructions are great and it all went together without problems.
My gears were from 4 Wheel Wholesale...(yes, I know, but no problems)...once again, good instructions. This is one area where the profesionals earn their money. Its a lot of work. First, you need a press to remove the pinion gear. If you do not have a pinion gauge then you have to go through several interations of removing the pinion gear and bearing until you have the right depth. Of course, if you make a mistake, you will have to replace the crush bearing and pinion nut. Next, you need a dial micrometer (don't we all have one?). I'm lucky in that my work had most of the tools I needed.
While I was at it I cut off my spring perches and re-welded them at the correct angle so that I don't need the shims to adjust the axle angle. LET ME TELL YOU...it was a lot of work cutting them off. However, it was worth it. I gained at least 1/2 to 3/4" in lift (the thickness of the shim). While I was at it I welded the axle tubes.
Ok....its all done...and all works...EXCEPT...that I have a slight whine in my rear end...but only on deceleration. I would like to hope that I need to put a few more miles on it....but some how I feel that I did not get something set up right. If anyone out there has any experience in this area....I have been humbled enough to take any advice.
Hope to hear from all while I spend the time cleaning up the garage and the grease off my hands and arms.
John......southern CA
84CJ7,3"lift,32"BFG,4.11's,ARB,Solid Axle's
