I have a 73 cj-5 that has a dana 20 t-case along with a t-18 and dana 44 rear and dana 30 front. I may get a set of dana 44s out of a wagoneer that has quadratrac so the rear is offset. Not sure if I should use the rear and switch the t-case to a dana 18 and then maybe find a overdrive unit? Or should I stay away from the rear axle and find a centered rear and keep the 20 t-case? How may have this rear set up?

I would stay with the 20. The 18 has better gearing, granted, but that's about where the advantages end.

I would stay with the 20. The 18 has better gearing, granted, but that's about where the advantages end.

I'd like to expound on this post and say that. I really think a Dana 20 will take more ponies in 2 wheel drive with less chance of cracking the case. Also, they don't leak at the rear seal like an 18. However, advantage goes to the 18 being offset for some applications, and lowering the rear driveline output for those with shorter shafts or higher lifts. Gear ratios don't really matter as they can be interchanged. Unless your stricken with a tight budget. In which case you should probably find another sport.

I'm running a Dana 18 in my CJ-5. I am in the process of biulding a new YJ/CJ combo and am planning on running my 18. I like the lower gearing and the dropped rear output. I am also running the Waggy Dana 44 rear end. If you are going to run the Dana 44 rear make sure you truss it or retube it. The spring perches on the original Wagoneer were right out at the backing plate and Dana decided that thin tubes would work fine. I found out that the tubes are too weak and now have a bent rearend after moving the spring perches in to match the CJ-5 frame width. I am running a 350 V-8,SM420,Dana 18 and have had no problems with the 18. Also the Warn overdrive is nice cause I can run 5.38 gears and still drive it on the street. Anyway, this is just my two cents.

if u have both cases, u could always swap the dana 18 stuff into the 20 case for some more strength, kinda the best of both worlds. plus with the rear offset matching yout front offset, u wont have to dodge things with your rear diff. if your front made it, then so will the back

I always thought that the 18 and 20 were very similar in strength so I would prolly swap.
jim