trying my first build and need help

jeepcj3a

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2006
Location
winston salem
About two years ago I decided to start my own buildup and teach my self as i go. Its taken awhile since im in college but so far ive got a 52cj3a body, fenders ect., sm420 w/dana 300 4:1, 79cj5 frame, and dana 30 w/lockright and superior axles, and a amc20 w/arb and 1pc., both are geared 4.10. also bought 5in. bds spring under yj springs. It would have a 4.3 v6 and 35's.

Id like yalls advice about the axles and wether i should sell them and get a dana 44/14b? I have just read more lately about people breaking d30/amc20 axles easily(i know you can break any axle if you try hard enough) and i dont want to put any more money in them(id rather sell them now if they will be too weak for bigger tires, then have to fix them later on). I know that eventually i will want to upgrade tire size. Should I cut my loses now, or go ahead if these will hold up well for awhile and allow me to get through most of the trails at tellico and URE?
My other option is to buy a cj7 set up for full size axles, the 44/14b for 850, and get a chevy 350 and the 400/205 thats for sale. Id have less in it by doing it this way.

Any advice for a newb would be great. I just dont want to start putting more money in the jeep if im building it on a weak foundation.
thanks
 
You are borderline with those axles and the setup you have. You're not running big power so they could do for a while.
If you know you're going to go bigger later then start looking for some more beef for axles.
If what you have will all bolt together now and get you running, then that is the best medicine to get you on the road.
You can always sell your old stuff.
14B may be a bit of overkill, maybe find a 44f/9"rr combo?
Sounds like a cool rig. Good luck with it.
RQ
 
Like RQ said, border line for what you have, 14 bolt will be a boat anchor on 35's. Heck mine is with 39.5's. If you went 44 front, I would recommend cromo's for the shafts. a good 9" would be great for the rear, but your pinion angle will suck on a CJ-5 platform.
 
thats the thing, if i was to bump up to 44/14b i would go ahead and put them under the cj7 frame/chassis thats for sale and build it up using 40" or so tires and a v8.

will a stock 9" be stronger than my amc20 with 1pc. and arb?
 
if you get the 31 spline yes, actually the 28 spline may be stronger. I have a Friend with a 9" in her bronco, she breaks a lot of fronts, but the 9" has been strong with 36 ts l's 4"88 and a spool
 
upnover said:
if you get the 31 spline yes, actually the 28 spline may be stronger. I have a Friend with a 9" in her bronco, she breaks a lot of fronts, but the 9" has been strong with 36 ts l's 4"88 and a spool
Click to expand...

Why doesn't she swap in a solid 44 for that ifs BS, it's pretty simple?
 
If you want to ride the good stuff, avoid breakage and run 35+ tires hold out for a D60 front. You'll be glad in the long run!
 
Ive decided to build a cj7 and wait on the flattie. as far as the cj7 frame and body ONLY, are there any differences from '76 to '86 or any years that are better than others?

thanks
 
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