Dana 44 VS AMC 20

[TEACH JP]

I brought this up on the TO DO: thread but I wanted to branch off.

Ron I see what your saying about the Dana 44 but if I were going to with a 14 bolt that would not only be over kill for my current 33 but the ground clearance would be awful. Yes I will be going to 35's next and thats why I wanted to up grade to dana 44. If the 44 is not much better than the 20 then why is it such a common up grade/swap for jeeps?

Also if I do stick with the AMC 20 and replace the seals which is a must, I have lost about a quart and a half(leaking form drums) since the fill up yesterday. Would it be benificial to put one piece axles in when I do the seals as an upgrade over the DANA 44?

Thanks alot. I know I ask alot of questions but I gotta learn some how.

[Big Ron]

Here's how I see it. A set of Superior 1 pc axles will run you around $200, and that'll likely come with new bearings and seals (if not, they are cheap), so you fix your leak and get a stronger axle. If you have ever seen the ring and pinion for the 20, you'd see why...it's a huge pinion. The 20 has tendancy to spin the tubes (though I never had an issue...but most will just stitch weld the tubes to the pumpkin.

The 44, while a good axle, is marginally stronger, if any than the 20. I know plenty of folks that wheel the 20 with 1 pc shafts, a locker and 36 iroks with 4:1 xfer cases and powerful V8s...so with 35s, you won't have a worry.

The 44 will cost you more than the 1 pc shafts and you have to fab nothing or worry about brakes, ebrakes, matching gear sets etc....

44 is a more common swap for the d35, and diehard CJ guys want the 86 year 44 just because it's cool.

for 35s, you'll not break the 20...and I agree the 14 is overkill and a boat anchor with just 35s, but I'd bet you could swap that cheaper than a 44 :)

[TEACH JP]

Ron from the tech articles I have read that seemed to be the general theme. Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge. I really do appreciate the insight.

Also I've google searched one piece axles and a dozen brands came up. You mentioned Superior is that the best? Any one else want to chime in on experience or a brand they have used.

Thanks

Adam

[Big Ron]

call independent 4x.....i am sure they can get a good set from randys.

[Evil Smurf]

I just swapped AlloyUSA 1 piece kits into my AMC 20 in my 83 CJ7. glad I did so. Will fix the constant wallowing out of the end seal from the two piece and an overall stronger axle. (I had constant leaks from the two piece set up)

The two piece is great from the factory. baut degrades gquickly and the 1 pice conversion is easy and much stronger.




Yes I know this is an old thread, but just adding in my experience.