What happens if...?

... You use a rear axle with a centered diff with the offset D18 t-case? My D44 is trashed and it seems I can get another axle for much cheaper than giving mine the complete rebuild it needs. Problem is, all I seem to find are early '70's rear axles, with the centered diff. Nobody seems to have a D20 t-case, though.

 

You'll have driveshaft issues. Ujoints probably wont last long, and while it is together you will probably have serious vibrations. Even with a off centered diff in the rear, the driveshaft runs at a slight angle, but centering the diff will make that angle pretty severe for a u joint. Not to mention that your rear driveshaft may even be too short to reach the center of the axle with room enough in the slipyoke to flex some. My recommendation.......Keep looking for the right axle.

 

You can, however, use the centered axle with a Dana 20 transfer case. D20s are cheap and available used, and will replace your offset Dana 18 transfer case fairly easily.

 

Replaceing the axle and t-case, as a set, has been the plan. I can find plenty of axles, but it seems that all I can find are D18 t-cases. I already have one of those. I still have a few more sources to check. Hopefully, one of them will come up with a 20. I'd like to be able to start driving the CJ.

 

onething to consider is the gear ratios. d18 2.46 and a d20 2.03. also if you ever wanted to use an overdrive your out of luck with the d20................good luck

 

I'd keep looking for the correct axle.

By the time you get done with the modifications necessary you will have spent more than the cost of another corret axle, and maybe even more than the cost to rebuild your old one.

And, if you use the jeep for any work at all you will be disappointed at the loss of the low gearing that the Dana 18 provides.

 

fix the one you have, that way YOU know what's there.