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Jeep Axle Roundup

What Your CJ, YJ, and TJ Has

Photography by 4-Wheel & Off-Road archives

For more than 60 years Jeeps have had a variety of axles, and we get letters everyday asking, “What axle is in my Jeep?” Fortunately, we know what your Jeep should have underneath it, but since axles are so easily converted, changed, and modified, all we can do is tell you what the Jeep came with from the factory. While this chart is pretty danged accurate, remember that there is so much overlap, factory screw-ups, and special orders that even we could be wrong some of the time. We’ve also narrowed the axle designation of some Dana axles to make things less confusing. For example, a 44-1 or a 23-3 is simply a 44 or a 23. So here it is: What axle your little Jeep came with, parts available for upgrades, and even some common items to look for when fixing them or buying one.

  • P68262 Image Large
    From '76 through '86 the CJs received the notorious AMC Corporate 20. While adequate in stock form, the two-piece axles and Trac-Lok limited slip don't hold up well to big tires or high horsepower, to say nothing of the axlehousing.
    P68262 Image Large
    From '76 through '86 the CJs received the notorious AMC Corporate 20. While adequate in st
  • P68281 Image Large
    Jeep started out with the Dana 25 front axle, which was used in most Jeeps until the mid '60s. The Dana 27 looks almost identical, and except for the ring-and-pinion, carrier, and housing, they are interchangeable. The 27 was used from '66 to '71 in the CJ line.
    P68281 Image Large
    Jeep started out with the Dana 25 front axle, which was used in most Jeeps until the mid '
  • P68282 Image Large
    The Dana 44 rear axle started out under the CJ3A, and is still used in the current TJs. While the axle spline count has been improved over the years, this durable rearend has always been a favorite staple in front and rear applications.
    P68282 Image Large
    The Dana 44 rear axle started out under the CJ3A, and is still used in the current TJs. Wh
  • P68283 Image Large
    Many companies offer flanged axleshaft kits for the Corporate 20 but use three different widths and offsets. Check out the charts and the manufacturer's specs to avoid ordering the wrong kit.
    P68283 Image Large
    Many companies offer flanged axleshaft kits for the Corporate 20 but use three different w
  • P68284 Image Large
    Full-floating axle kits for most Jeep rear axles are available from Warn and really beef up any axle. These kits eliminate losing a wheel should an axle break, and with the addition of locking hubs, flat towing is a breeze.
    P68284 Image Large
    Full-floating axle kits for most Jeep rear axles are available from Warn and really beef u
  • P68285 Image Large
    Most front axles suffer from weak shafts and easily explode when put under too much stress. The Dana 30 was never intended for monster tires and low gears, but like the 25 and 27, it holds up surprisingly well. A custom Dana 44 front axle assembly built by a number of manufacturers is the way to go for more durability.
    P68285 Image Large
    Most front axles suffer from weak shafts and easily explode when put under too much stress
  • P68286 Image Large
    The Dana 35 axle found in the YJs and TJs suffers from breakage with hard use. Companies such as Superior offer this kit, which increases the shaft size to 1.31 inches and 30 splines for better reliability and strength, and even comes with a Detroit Locker. Older kits used a Lock-Right differential.
    P68286 Image Large
    The Dana 35 axle found in the YJs and TJs suffers from breakage with hard use. Companies s
  • P68287 Image Large
    The front axle disconnect on Dana 30 front axles can be troublesome due to the vacuum operation. Cable actuators and one-piece axleshafts are available as a sensible upgrade.
    P68287 Image Large
    The front axle disconnect on Dana 30 front axles can be troublesome due to the vacuum oper
  • P68288 Image Large
    The Dana 30 front used six-bolt hubs until 1981, then went to the five-bolt variety shown here. The stronger six-bolt style can be retrofitted, as can the rather small 5-260-X U-joint used in these models.
    P68288 Image Large
    The Dana 30 front used six-bolt hubs until 1981, then went to the five-bolt variety shown
SOURCES
Summit Racing
P.O. Box 909
Akron
OH  44309-0909
800-230-3030
www.summitracing.com
Reider Racing
12351 Universal Dr.
Taylor
MI  48180
Ox Trax Mark Williams Enterprises
8-66/-508-6394
www.markwilliams.com
Powertrax
245 Fischer Ave., Bldg. B-4
Costa Mesa
CA  92626
714-545-7400
www.powertrax.com
Tractech
Dynatrac Crown Automotive
7-81/-826-6200
www.crownautoparts.com
Drivetrain Warehouse
www.drivetrainwarehouse.com
DRIVE TRAIN SPECIALISTS
1218 Ingle Rd.
Wayland
MI  49348
ARB
2-06/-264-1669
www.arbusa.com
Richmond Gear
Old Norris Rd.
Liberty
SC  29657
864-843-9231
National Drivetrain
8-00/-507-4327
nationaldrivetrain.com
Teraflex
www.teraflex.biz
Moser Engineering
2-60/-726-6689
moserengineering.com
Motive Gear
1001 W. Exchange Ave.
Chicago
IL  60609
4 Wheel Parts Performance Center
801 W. Artesia Blvd.
Compton
CA  90220
Strange Engineering
Morton Grove
IL
8-47/-663-1701
Strangeengineering.net
Superior Axle & Gear
N/A
superioraxle.com
Currie Enterprises
7-14/-528-6957
www.currieenterprises.com
West Coast Differential Omix-ADA
7-70/-614-6101
omix-ada.com
4x4 Posi-Lok Randy’s Ring & Pinion
Tri-County Gear
9-09/-623-3373
www.tricountygear.com
Mile Hi Jeep Rebuilders
Drivetrain Direct
www.drivetraindirect.com
Warn Industries
1200 SE Capps Rd.
Clackamas
OR  97015
8-00/-910-1122
www.warn.com
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