Hi, I am a newbie...I am looking for thoughts and opinions on the model 20 wide track rear. I am setting my cj7 up just for trail riding etc. If I put a one piece solid axle and a set of gears with a locker will that model 20 be okay?? Also I plan on converting it to disc, but will 35inch tires be too much for the 20 even tho it's built?? I was gonna go dana 44's and still will down the road but as for now I got a screaming deal on this set-up. Thanks for the thoughts on this:D

Hi, I am a newbie...I am looking for thoughts and opinions on the model 20 wide track rear. I am setting my cj7 up just for trail riding etc. If I put a one piece solid axle and a set of gears with a locker will that model 20 be okay?? Also I plan on converting it to disc, but will 35inch tires be too much for the 20 even tho it's built?? I was gonna go dana 44's and still will down the road but as for now I got a screaming deal on this set-up. Thanks for the thoughts on this:D

I just bought a CJ-7 for a project.

It has 31" tires on it and no lift.

The rear wide-track 20 is bent.

Does this answer your question?

With a axel truss the 20 will be fine if you put one piece axles and a locker in it.

In my opionion it depends on how your going to drive. If you drive really hard, or air done with 35's you may have problems. The debate between 44,s and AMC 20,s is a long time subject. Certainly without question one piece axles and welding the tubes to the pumpkin.

I can sell you a Model 20 wide trac with 1 peice Summers Brothers Axles, Detroit Locker almost new, 4.11's, new bearings and brakes. I can let it go for $400 and I would be able to deliver it to you. I almost got the matching 30 with new brakes, bearings, Warn Hubs and shaft, 4.11's, and a Detroit. Sell both for $800.

I run a AMC 20 wide track, trussed, weld tubes,detroit locker and one piece axles. It's not my first pick but it can be made to work. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the ring gear is close to 9" which is not bad. It should be ok with all the trimmings on 35's. But then again it comes down to how hard to wheel. If you plan on 35 being the max size that you go and have a great deal on it then go with it. If don't, then really site down and reconsider your options. My 0.02 Good luck!

Thanks for the replys guys. I find the debates on the 20 and 44 very interesting. Soo I couldnt pass on the 20 deal...I got a 20 with 4.10's and one piece axles and a detroit locker with an extra 20 housing and set of 410's all for 200 bucks.

The housing is the weak point on the AMC 20, if it weren't for that it wouldn't be a half bad axle for 35's or less. I have heard of people taking the axle housing out of a Wagoneer with a 20, tubes are stronger but will have to be cut down to CJ width.

I have have been wheeling on mine pretty hard for about 6 years or so. I am running Chevy 350 and 35" tires. I have one piece shafts and detroits, allot of it will depend on how you drive.

Spend your time figuring out how to make the housing stronger...weld tubes, trusses etc.. It will pay off long term.

when it comes down to it a AMC 20 is about as good as a Dana 44. I have a wide trac in my 7 and i beat the crap outa it and its never let me down. its locked with two piece axles and drums. not even trussed. also run the same axle in a early 70's AMC Ambassador with a 401ci pushing 500hp, thats locked, two piece axles and she still lights em up no problems.

Strange that I started a similar thread yesterday morning (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=766505) , but this one is more active so I will ask here as well...

Does the Waggy 20 need to be welded/trussed, Does anyone have a good picture of a trussed 20, and do you need to remove the guts from the pumpkin if you are going to weld the tubes?

Thanks

This is the best pic I have right this second . I have a strong 304, 36in. TSL's , precision 4.56's , 1 piece superiors , and a lock right . I have been flogging it for years and have had no problems . If you need more pics let me know .

Like said before,the axle tubes are the weak point.
If you want to use the axle,plan on trussing it along with adding 1 pieces axles.
Mine had bent just using 33' tires and no jumping.
Finally replaced it with a Currie HP.