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Jeep Axle RoundupWhat Your CJ, YJ, and TJ Has From the February, 2009 issue of 4Wheel & Off-Road Photography by 4-Wheel & Off-Road archives
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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. Weve 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.  From '76 through '86 the CJs...  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.  Jeep started out with the...  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.  The Dana 44 rear axle started...  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.  Many companies offer flanged...  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.  Full-floating axle kits for...  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.  Most front axles suffer from...  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.  The Dana 35 axle found in...  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.  The front axle disconnect...  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.  The Dana 30 front used six-bolt...  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.
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