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axle help

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by mark theshark, Nov 3, 2015.

  1. Nov 3, 2015
    mark theshark

    mark theshark New Member

    junction city or
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    Hello new to forum I am currently neck deep in my project I plan on keeping it as stock as possible with a accasional mild trail ride can I make the dana 30r work or should I just start looking for a 44 from a CJ
     
  2. Nov 3, 2015
    uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Greeley CO
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    I blew up a 30r in my Commando so I found a 44 flanged for it. No problems since.
     
  3. Nov 3, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    You'll probably get a better reply from the Jeepster owners... but the 30 rear axle in a Jeepster is known to break rather easily. It works fine as a front axle, but I expect it cannot stand the impact load and weight transfer when used as a rear axle.

    If you look at this thread http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/commando-differences.115839/ it discusses using the AMC Corporate 20 rear axle in a Jeepster. This axle was used in the CJs from 1976 on, and is said to bolt in with no modifications. All you'd need to do is match your axle ratio. If you also got the front Dana 30 from the same Jeep, you'd have axles with matching ratios, and a big upgrade for both axles. From '77 on they came with front disk brakes... big upgrade. Before 1980 they were mostly 3.54 ratio, which would be fine for your Jeepster.
     
  4. Nov 3, 2015
    mark theshark

    mark theshark New Member

    junction city or
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    Thanks is there anything I can do to help this one work until I can afford them I am on a tight budget and would like to get it driving firstQUOTE="timgr, post: 1233314, member: 1354"]You'll probably get a better reply from the Jeepster owners... but the 30 rear axle in a Jeepster is known to break rather easily. It works fine as a front axle, but I expect it cannot stand the impact load and weight transfer when used as a rear axle.

    If you look at this thread http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/commando-differences.115839/ it discusses using the AMC Corporate 20 rear axle in a Jeepster. This axle was used in the CJs from 1976 on, and is said to bolt in with no modifications. All you'd need to do is match your axle ratio. If you also got the front Dana 30 from the same Jeep, you'd have axles with matching ratios, and a big upgrade for both axles. From '77 on they came with front disk brakes... big upgrade. Before 1980 they were mostly 3.54 ratio, which would be fine for your Jeepster.[/QUOTE]
    T
     
  5. Nov 3, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Well, if it's in good condition now, there's no reason you can't run it. Just be kind to it and it should be ok. Is this an automatic or manual car?
     
  6. Nov 3, 2015
    mark theshark

    mark theshark New Member

    junction city or
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    Auto with at the biggest 30/9.50s
     
  7. Nov 4, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I recall something about the 30 only being used with the automatic, because it's not up to the impact load of a manual transmission.

    The larger tires increase the risk, but still... you should be ok if you aren't heavy on the throttle. Realize that if you get into the rocks and two-foot your automatic, you are putting more stress on the axle. Dirt road cruising, ruts, bumps and sand shouldn't be a problem.

    Really, any component can be broken with the proper abuse, so no one can make a blanket judgement that you will be ok - or not. But the factory sold these cars like this, and they were fine for most owners. Just keep it in mind and drive accordingly.
     
  8. Nov 4, 2015
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
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    Not the strongest differential but as mention you should be OK if you don't beat on it. The 30 was the only rear diff used until 69'ish when the offered a two piece splined axle 44.They then dropped that for the flanged 44 in 70. Depending on local availability 72/73 Commando are a great source for 30 front/44 rear diffs. You get the 11" drum brake upgrade right off the bat with the option of easily converting to disc later on, easier being a somewhat relative term.
     
  9. Nov 5, 2015
    mark theshark

    mark theshark New Member

    junction city or
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    T
    Thanks for the input i am always easy on the throttle and plan on upgrading axels later but just want to get it on the road by spring
     
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