Dana30/AMC20 vs Chevy 10 Bolts

[NightStalker]

OK, so it is my understanding that I am allowed one newb question a week and here it is.


I currently have a Dana 30 front and an AMC 20 rear in my 77 CJ7, and wish to beef up the drive line a little. I was given a matching set of Chevy 10 bolt axles out of an older Chevy ½ ton that had a 6.2 diesel as a power plant. Of course the Chevy axles are wider than the ones on my CJ7, so I will be out a little money to have them cut down to fit.


My question is this. Would swapping to the Chevy axles gain me anything, or are they not any stronger than what I have? I would love to find some 14 bolt axles or some Dana 60s, but I am on a budget and cannot find anything within the same.


So fire away, tell me your thoughts on this matter.

[crazy4ink]

Short answer, the 10 bolts will be fine and would be an upgrade from your current axles. Keep in mind that Chevy 10 bolts are basically Dana 44s. There are a lot of people that swear 10 bolts are junk but if you PM Mousee on here, he's been running them for over 5 years with 36" TSLs and the worse thing that has happened to him has been a carrier bearing going out.

Any axle can be destroyed no matter how "bulletproof" they are touted to be. Trust me, I shattered a Dana 80 ring gear by drifting my diesel crew cab dually.

IMO, don't pay to cut the axles down (unless you have to to stay street legal). The added width/stability will make it more worth while of a swap if you leave them full width.

[NightStalker]

IMO, don't pay to cut the axles down (unless you have to to stay street legal). The added width/stability will make it more worth while of a swap if you leave them full width.

Thank for the reply, my plan is to put them on a CJ7 that will be streetable, and has the quadrajunk t-case, so cutting them is a must. I have a set of Dana44s on my FSJ that I was planing on putting them on my CJ, but I think I will use them on the FSJ until I can afford something bigger.

[JavaTee]

I have a set of Dana44s on my FSJ that I was planing on putting them on my CJ, but I think I will use them on the FSJ until I can afford something bigger.

My first question is what is the r&p of the Chevy axles?

Then, why would you want to swap axles twice? What's the rush? Start saving some change, and look around for a 'beater' truck with the axles you are looking for to put under the FSJ, and then put the D 44's under the CJ. (One of the guys I work with, his dad found a '79 F250 for $500 in running condition, 75K on the clock. There out there.)

For me, do it right/the way you want it the first time.

Later, T.J.

[NightStalker]

My first question is what is the r&p of the Chevy axles?

Then, why would you want to swap axles twice? What's the rush? Start saving some change, and look around for a 'beater' truck with the axles you are looking for to put under the FSJ, and then put the D 44's under the CJ. (One of the guys I work with, his dad found a '79 F250 for $500 in running condition, 75K on the clock. There out there.)

For me, do it right/the way you want it the first time.

Later, T.J.

after going back and reading what I wrote, I confused myself too. I meant to say I think I will leave the Dana444s under the FSJ for now.

Now back to your regular programing.

Thanks all

[JavaTee]

I meant to say I think I will leave the Dana44s under the FSJ for now.

Okay, riding around and thinking of the 10 bolts, the front is already set for SOA. If you are intent on going this route, cool. Making the front SUA will be tough, but it can be done.

If you want to play, (and I mean cut & fit axles), I would search for a Ford 9" and cut what you want to fit under your CJ. Moser has ends you can weld on so you can fit big bearing axles, and they will cut & respline the shafts for you. Then look for, or trade the 10 bolts for a front axle.
Just a thought. Probably not the info you were hoping for though.

Later, T.J.

[HillBillE]

I agree with T.J., if you have to narrow the axles, narrow a set that's worth it

I'm running the D30/M20 under my CJ, 33" tires and locked 4:10 gears.

I have upgraded to alloy axles, and stitch welded and trussed the M20, (see here: http://www.militaryjeepers.com/commu...read.php?t=267 ) but the R&P and carriers w/lunchbox lockers are stock.

Unless you're running 36" + tires and big horsepower, they should be fine.

[mousee]

10bolts? nah there junk... give them to me, I will dispose of them... lol
I will run my ten bolts till I bury my jeep. I love 'em. Axles about the same strength as a d44(I think stronger) with a stronger pinion. Just run the 1310 yokes and you'll never break 'em. I've taken out a few joints, but it was always doing something stupid, pulling wheelies and landing under throttle, truck pulls, etc... plus they are a lot lighter than all the axles the sheople are running nowadays...

ya only need what ya need.

[NightStalker]

Update, I passed on the 10 bolts, and plan to swap the Dana 44s into the CJ. I'll have to move the spring perches, but at least if I break an axle, I won't have to have anothe one custom cut and re-splined.

Thanks for the input

[JavaTee]

What are you going to replace the Dana 44's with?

Later, T.J.