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Axle Reliability Questions

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by ANTHONY DRANE, Jul 1, 2020.

  1. Jul 1, 2020
    ANTHONY DRANE

    ANTHONY DRANE New Member

    Friendly, WV
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    Jun 13, 2020
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    I don't intend to turn my 67 into a stomper but I do want it to be safe and reliable. If I can find them, I'd like to upgrade to a D30/D44. If not, and I just keep the D27/D30, can I expect the 27/30 to hold up decently? I'd like a 10.50 33 tire but don't intend to go "wheeling". I have a v6/th400/d20. My wife and I are looking for a back road runner with the occasional trail thrown in. I'm also thinking about a YJ spring swap and found a kit from Rocky Road that works on a cj6, so that should work and make a softer ride. I'm new to this and there is wisdom in much council. What ya got?
     

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  2. Jul 1, 2020
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
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    Jul 16, 2013
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    526
    72 and up are good choices for the D30 and D44. D30 has open knuckle design and D44 has flanged axles. Also 11" brakes. I've run them in most of my rebuilds and they hold up fine.
     
  3. Jul 1, 2020
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    Jul 16, 2007
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    938
    The rear D30 is somewhat of a turd but if its lasted this long and its not broke then run it. The D27 front isn't bad but not as durable as a D30 front and the 27 still has the closed knuckles.
    A D30 front and D44 rear from a 72-75 CJ5 would be a nice upgrade. The D44 rear from a CJ would need to have the spring perches relocated, but that's not that hard to do. The 74-75 CJ would also get you a 2 hole right side knuckle and 11" drum brakes, you likely have the 10" on it now.

    EDIT:
    Jackdog beat me to it :)
    2nd EDIT:
    Corrected year span as per Timger's info, 72 to 75...not to 76 as I initially stated.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2020
  4. Jul 1, 2020
    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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    Expanding on what's already covered ...

    An open front Dana 30 from a CJ is a bit wider than the 27 and will give you a smaller turning radius. A set of axles from a CJ-5 or CJ-6, '72-75 (not 1976!), will be a good choice, but you will need to weld on new spring pads on the rear axle. Axles from a '72-73 Commando would be ideal, with the right axle pads, but also considerably scarcer. These axles are all 11" drum brakes, front and rear.

    Actually, for your use, axles from a '76-81 CJ-5 or CJ-7 with a manual transmission (centered rear output) would work well for you. The rear axle in these years is the AMC Corporate 20 and I believe their axles will just bolt on. Jeep offered front disk brakes on the CJs starting in 1977, so most of these will be disk front / drum rear. The most common axle ratio is 3.54, which would work fine for you.

    The Jeepster already rides pretty nice compared to the CJ, so I'd do the axle swap first and drive it some before I went to YJ springs. The 30 rear behind an automatic is not terrible, but they were already replacing them with regular frequency in the '70s. I'd expect impact load would be the biggest risk, and behind an automatic that's not so bad.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2020
  5. Jul 1, 2020
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
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    Dec 24, 2006
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    The Rocky Road YJ kit (for a cj5) has some interference with the dana27 front (closed knuckles crush the shock body). There is a modification you can do, but I continue to regret investing money into my Dana27 and not going with a dana 30. However, it has not broken with 33's/locker/and 5.38 gears so strength hasn't been a problem for me.
     
  6. Jul 1, 2020
    ANTHONY DRANE

    ANTHONY DRANE New Member

    Friendly, WV
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    Jun 13, 2020
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    43
    Good input folks. I'm just starting to gather info so I can form a plan of attack. The d30/D44 is a no brainer if I can locate them. I agree that it's kinda silly to pour money into the 27/30 and that's a last ditch effort. I'm finishing a 92 D350 dually CTD project and will probably not actually start the Jeepster till I sell the dually or retire. A couple pics of the dually. I've been off and on this thing nearly 2 yrs and I'll be tired of it before it's done if I'm not careful.
     

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    Fireball likes this.
  7. Jul 2, 2020
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
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    The axle upgrades suggested above are all good recommendations. Tim’s idea of a late CJ axles would increase availability options for you...And the 1 piece axle upgrade is not so expensive and easy to find for the AMC model 20 axle. The 72-75 axles will likely be 3.73’s. If you look around you will find something.
     
  8. Jul 2, 2020
    ANTHONY DRANE

    ANTHONY DRANE New Member

    Friendly, WV
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    OK, but aren't the later axles wider?
     
  9. Jul 2, 2020
    ANTHONY DRANE

    ANTHONY DRANE New Member

    Friendly, WV
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    Never mind, I found the answer.
     
  10. Jul 2, 2020
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    Don't just toss that rear 30.....could have a Powr Lok inside.
    Pull the cover and check.
     
  11. Jul 2, 2020
    ANTHONY DRANE

    ANTHONY DRANE New Member

    Friendly, WV
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    As I understand it, it would work in front or dear with no complaints.
     
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