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1969 Cj5 Driveline Questions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Crimson, Jul 29, 2019.

  1. Jul 29, 2019
    Crimson

    Crimson New Member

    Albany
    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2019
    Messages:
    2
    Hi, I'm new to the forum and need some help working out the driveline on my new project, a 1969 CJ5. It currently has a 225 dauntless, t86 3 speed d18 transfer case and the kicker, a center pumpkin d44. I really want to keep the centered diff d44 for it's one piece axles, but for obvious reasons my driveshaft is crooked as the d18 output shaft inherently mates with an offset d44. Any suggestions as to another transmission and transfer case that would work with this setup. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
     
  2. Jul 29, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,593
    A couple things...a 1969 would not orginally have had a t86, but rather a T14 (also a 3 speed) - the T86 was initially used for one (maybe two) years behind the v6, so it is possible. Of course, what has been changed on these old jeeps is always a bit surprising...kind of like your centered D44. There is a flanged/1piece offset D44 that would mate nicely to your D18 - but they are pretty rare and sought after, or maybe we should say they are around but often cost a premium. If you don't use a PTO or OD on your D18, then switching to a D20 transfer case should be pretty straightforward and provide you with a center output on the transfer case. The AMC era 72-75 cj5s used the T14 with D20 to the centered D44 with one piece shafts, so you would basically be recreating a slightly later set-up. The D20 is a bit quieter in 2wd than the D18, and I think the intermediate shaft is less prone to wear due to the 2wd design. The two trade-offs for switching to a D20 would be loss of common PTO and OD options as well as the low range reduction is less in a D20 (2:1) than a D18 (2.46:1).
     
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  3. Jul 29, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Apr 4, 2010
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    7,110
    James is spot on with his advice.
    If it was mine, I'd keep the 18 tcase and find an offset 44 rear. The 1 piece shafts are a definite plus, but remember that ALL CJ's had 2 piece shafts prior to 1970. The Dana 44 2 piece shafts don't seem to be as problematic as the later AMC axles.
     
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  4. Jul 29, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    Sep 6, 2014
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    3,549
    Why don't you tell us what you plan on doing with the jeep? Saturday evening frosty runs, freeway driving, rock crawling or farm transport? Around the farm/ranch you could probably go a lifetime with the mismatched drive train.
     
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  5. Jul 29, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    If you start swapping axles, remember that the ratio must match, front and rear. Suggest you check the ratio now, front and rear. Best to remove the cover and read the tooth ratio from the edge of the ring gear. For example, "41 11" is 41/11 = 3.73.

    Yes, the rear axle in a '69 should be a Dana 44 with tapered shafts ("2-piece.") The only demand for these axles is as replacements for CJs that came with them, so it should be both cheap and easy to source.
     
  6. Jul 29, 2019
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
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    942
    I would sell the centered 44 and swap in a offset - keeping the Spicer18.

    Likely a money positive transaction and you keep a great flavor item of the EarlyCJ5.

    Timgr is giving great advice. Be sure your gears match.
     
  7. Jul 30, 2019
    Crimson

    Crimson New Member

    Albany
    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2019
    Messages:
    2
    Thanks everyone for the positive input! It's mainly going to be a trail machine. The trails are approximately 10 miles from my home so some time on the road is necessary. I'm well aware of matching the axle gear ratios as I've built a number of 4wd trucks in the past.
    I'm going to see if I can locate a offset d44 in my area and retain the d18. I'm honored to be a member on this site, thank you!
     
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  8. Aug 5, 2019
    wasillashack

    wasillashack Member

    Wasilla, Alaska
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2008
    Messages:
    268
    Any CJ built in 1971 or back to about 1955 or so will have an offset Dana 44 rear axle. Jeep Wagoneers with narrow track axles and Quadratrack tcase will have an offset rear Dana 44 also, although there will likely be some width difference. HTH Good luck!
     
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