Okay, I'm doing a bunch of research before I dive into the task of swapping out the entire driveline of my Samurai. So I've got a bunch of questions about axles.
1. What axles came with what years?
I know CJ's had AMC 20's and Dana 44's, but I'm not sure what else.
2. How strong is the AMC 20?
I've heard they are pretty weak, but I know there are a lot of aftermarket companies that make one piece axles, etc. I'm going to be running 35x12.50's on the axles, so strength is a major issue.
3. Any other little comments/warnings would be helpful.
Thanks a lot guys. ~Steve

Whatever u do don't get an AMC 20 they are a terrible axle even after u build them they won't hold up to any hard wheeling. 72 - 75 CJ5's came with a narrow track 44 in the rear that is a very nice axle if u are looking for a narrow one and the only other time a 44 was put into a cj was an option in 86 CJ's they are very hard to find but they are also wide track witch means they are about 6 inches longer than the narrow track. Just stay away from the 20 u dont want that at all! Hope that helps.

Well, what type of power are you generating with the Sammy?

The AMC 20 is a two piece design that tends to spin the hubs when power and large tires are involved.
Also the housings are a bit week, but unless you are a psycho with the Sammy you will be ok.

If you find one with solid axles already aftermarket, or Waggy, then it would be ok I think, again, unless you are a totally sick freak on the GO pedal.
I wouldnt spend money to build one up though, I have two, and refuse to do anything to them. (Building up a Nine inch this winter)

Get on some of the Sammy sites, and see what those whackos are doing for axles..probably wasting perfectly good 60's. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

MJ

Wide track started in 83 and are 56" in front and adout 54" in the rear I think. A 20 and 44 are damm close to the same thing if built the same way. Put 2 1" welds on each tube to the husing to be sure the tubes don't slip and one piece axles and then they are nearly as strong and stronger than a 44. A 44 can be built srtonger due to axle choices 30/33 spline where 20's only go to 29 but a 20 has a bigger ring gear. If you want a 44 then a postal jeep is a good place to look.

Originally posted by Bgcj5:
<STRONG>72 - 75 CJ5's came with a narrow track 44 in the rear.</STRONG>
Cool, thanks for the quick reply. What did they have for a front axle, and what about the strength (of the front, of course)?

PS--- It has a stock 1.3L, so no worry about too much power breaking stuff.

They7 came with a 30's with drum brakes. Get disks don't convert a drum to disks.

Wide track started in 82! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Put some Moser's in the rear of a 20 and spot weld the tubes. Good to go!

Whats a 20? 8 7/8"?

Didn't some '86's come with a D44 in the rear?

[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: ROKWLKR ]

Wide track stared in '82, but only on 7's. 5's stayed narrow.
Some '86 CJ's did have 44's in the rear.
Starting in '72 all fronts are D30. Disks on '77 & newer. Plenty strong for you & ratios down to 5.38, maybe lower.
I've had no problem w/ my 20, flanged axles but no extra welds. The r&p is bigger than a 44. Shaft dia. is .06" smaller, but the stronger alloy of good aftermarket shafts makes up for that. Commonly ratios only go to 4.56, but Superior makes 4.88's.

If your sticking with the stock sammi engine, I'd pickup a 78-79 CJ front D30 with disks and 6 bolt hubs and use a Scout D44 rear. widths are 54" front, 58" rear. Should be plenty strong and very cheap! Also, the other option is to use a WT rear AMC 20 since I think you engine only puts out 60hp or so.

Good luck.

if i were to build a sammi i would use a ifs toyota rear with waggy front narrowed to match. if you want to end up with a stock jeep drive train i'll gladly sell you mine but i wouldn't waist my time. one problem you are going to have is the offset rear diff on the sammi vs centered AMC/Toy. this can be solved by using a toy case or dual case. i believe OTT makes an adapter for making it divorced like the stock sammi. just my opinions <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">