1974 CJ-5 front axle

digitalbill · Sep 15, 2015

So, I picked up a CJ5 for cheap. Now I know why. The pass side front wheel bearings are shot. There are parts missing from the hub and the axle shaft is just all kinds of messed up. I was hoping I could do something very close to a direct bolt in from a first gen Cherokee but, before I go buying stuff, I wanted to get the opinions from the experts first.
I did a search and unfortunately, many of the suggestions are saying to pull the front end out of a mid 70's CJ7. Those are impossible to find anymore but, early 90's Cherokees are everywhere.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

total newb · Sep 15, 2015

The stock spindle, brgs, stubs, hubs are all common easy to get parts.

By ealy 90's Cherokee i hope you mean fsj and not the unibody toasters with unit brgs and 4.5" wheel pattern.

digitalbill · Sep 15, 2015

total newb said:
The stock spindle, brgs, stubs, hubs are all common easy to get parts.

By ealy 90's Cherokee i hope you mean fsj and not the unibody toasters with unit brgs and 4.5" wheel pattern.

I was thinking XJ. I am not looking to build a hardcore wheeler. I just want to get this thing back on the road.

JunkCJ6 · Sep 15, 2015

XJ diffs are on the wrong side. Find a dana 30 up to 82/narrrow track. Mostly bolts in and later models have disc brakes.

CSP · Sep 16, 2015

Almost nothing is interchangeable between the XJ/YJ/TJ/ZJ Dana 30 and a CJ Dana 30.

A CJ Dana 30 doesn't have to come out of a CJ7 either. Anything from 72-83 that's narrow track (82-83 CJ7 and CJ8 are wide track) will bolt in. Keep gear ratio differences in mind however.

digitalbill · Sep 16, 2015

CSP said:
Almost nothing is interchangeable between the XJ/YJ/TJ/ZJ Dana 30 and a CJ Dana 30.

A CJ Dana 30 doesn't have to come out of a CJ7 either. Anything from 72-83 that's narrow track (82-83 CJ7 and CJ8 are wide track) will bolt in. Keep gear ratio differences in mind however.

Thanks for all the replies guys.
Unfortunately, it seems like anything that is a "direct bolt in" is impossible to find. I keep seeing where folks are running Chevy front ends. It seems like it would be quite a bit wider. My back is against the wall here. I am just wanting to put this pig back on the road so I can sell it and keep rolling my JK.

CSP · Sep 16, 2015

What's your location? I don't have a problem at all finding CJ Dana 30 parts. Look on classifieds for Jeep forums as well as post a wanted ad. There's always someone looking to swap in a Dana 44 and get rid of the 30 for cheap.

digitalbill · Sep 16, 2015

CSP said:
What's your location? I don't have a problem at all finding CJ Dana 30 parts. Look on classifieds for Jeep forums as well as post a wanted ad. There's always someone looking to swap in a Dana 44 and get rid of the 30 for cheap.

I am in South Florida. West Palm Beach.
Jeep JK parts are all over the place but, very few CJ stuff.
I found a Dana 30 out of California for $750.00 plus $250 shipping.
that is WAY too expensive.

digitalbill · Sep 17, 2015

WooHoo! I was able to locate an axle out of a later model CJ5 with disk brakes out of New Jersey. The guy is headed to Georgia in about a month and said I could meet him there.
The price is right and I think all I need to do is adapt my brake lines so the screw fits the calipers instead of the drum brake cylinder.
Looks like its coming along.

CSP · Sep 17, 2015

You'll need to remove the residual pressure valve at the outlet of the master cylinder that goes to the front brakes as well.

Remove the line and thread a small sheetmetal screw into the center hole of the brass seat in the bore. Carefully pull the seat out and remove the rubber valve and spring behind it. Clean up the seat and put it back in the bore, thread the line back in and bleed the system once everything is all assembled.

digitalbill · Sep 17, 2015

CSP said:
You'll need to remove the residual pressure valve at the outlet of the master cylinder that goes to the front brakes as well.

Remove the line and thread a small sheetmetal screw into the center hole of the brass seat in the bore. Carefully pull the seat out and remove the rubber valve and spring behind it. Clean up the seat and put it back in the bore, thread the line back in and bleed the system once everything is all assembled.

In looking at the master cylinder, I am betting that it is 15 years old. I wonder if I should just replace it with one from a 1980's CJ?
I don't mind the additional bleeding and at least I would have fresh fluid. they are only around $30.00 or so.

CSP · Sep 18, 2015

Gotta be careful that a newer one has enough volume for the rear drums. Yours are larger than later models.

1974 CJ-5 front axle

digitalbill

total newb

digitalbill

JunkCJ6

CSP

digitalbill

CSP

digitalbill

digitalbill

CSP

digitalbill

CSP

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities