Wagoneer axle swap for my 86 CJ-7??

Need some help guys.  I have a 86 CJ-7 with factory Dana 30/AMC 20 axles.  My AMC 20 is on the verge of grenading.  I also own a 1971 Jeep Wagoneer that I would like to junk out.  I am saving the 360 and whatever trans and tcase that are in it for spares...as I am already running a 343V8 and 4spd manual.  I am wondering how much of a pain it would be to swap the axles also.  Can I retain my disc brakes from the current setup??   What about steering linkage?  My Dana 30 has been gone through, but I want to match width to the rear....so I will need to change both axles.  Also, how far off are the spring perches from the two?  I am new to Jeeping.....have limited funds and not a whole lot of access to specialty tools......am I getting in over my head???  

Well the first thing you should do is measure the length of both sets of axles. Next thing is to see if the wagoneer axles have the pumpkin in the SAME places as the cj. You will have to cut off the spring perches and other brackets on the waggy axles and move them to fit or use the brackets off your cj housings. If you can weld it shouldn't be too hard of a swap.You will also need to check the gear ratios in each set of axles to determine if they are close or need to be changed. Lastly look at the place where the driveshafts hook up and see if they can fit or what needs to be done to make it work.

I got a set of waggy axles that are going into my 95 yj this winter so if you do this swap keep me posted on what you had to do and what problems you ran into.THANKS AND GOOD LUCK  
I'm all JACKED UP on Mtn. DEW!!!

The '71 Waggy front axle really isn't much of an upgrade in strength over your stock axle when you consider the amount of work required to put it in your CJ. You'll have to outboard mount the front springs. The rear axle is a good swapper though. Just make sure it has flanged axle shafts. For the front axle, keep an eye out for a '74-'79 Waggy front axle. It will have the differential on the correct side and disc brakes. You'll have to use '78-'79 Ford F150 hubs and rotors to match the 5-Lug Waggy rear axle though. And you will still have to outboard mount the front leaf springs.

Sounds like you might be in over your head with a swap like this. Not easy or possible if you don't have fabricating and welding skills.  
John Cappa
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Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
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Thanks Ed.....think I will leave that hulk under the Jeep and collect the scrap money.  As far as my rear axle goes.....was there a CJ with wide track pkg and a Dana 44 offered from the factory?  Or something close that would swap in and match the width of my Dana 30 front.  I drive Dodges, so I can't really tow the Jeep far enough to rock crawl or anything real extreme   I am using this Jeep on Silver Lake Sand Dunes, two-tracking in northern MI, and occasional Sunday drives.  

Looks like I won't be swapping my Waggy axles, but check the posts to see suggestions.  I will let you know what I end up doing.....thanks!!  

You could try to find the elusive late '86 CJ Dana 44 rear axle. It would be a bolt-in swap if you can find one.  
John Cappa
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Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
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Wagoneers used the Dana 27-A from the start of production until 1970. From 1962 to 1965 the Dana 27 was used in an independent front suspension using torsion bars.Wagoneers used the Dana 30 from 1971 through 1973.The Dana 44 was used by FSJs from the start until the end of production. There was not a year that a Dana 44 was not used on at least one of the variants on either the front or rear axle.

The Gladiator / J-Series pick-up used the Dana 44 as its front axle during its entire production span. The Wagoneer went to the Dana 44 in 1974. 1973 and earlier Dana 44s are closed knuckle, all Dana 44s after 1974 are open knuckle with a six-lug bolt pattern. In 1983 and 1984, the front Dana 44 hubs were vacuum-actuated. From 1962 to 1965, the Dana 44 was available in an independent front suspension using torsion bars.

The Dana 44 was the light-duty rear axle on all FSJs from the start of production until 1979, and from late 1986 until the end of production.
I used a narrow width 79 waggy front,used the 30 stuff(except chevy backing plate and caliper)from spindle out.Use 77-78 discs too from a cj.I did this because I have a TON of scout front 44s,the axle shafts swap right in with that combo,Rear I used a scout 44.Ya better be good at fabbin cause you will have to widen the frame in the front,and if soa,gotta make a spring pad by the pumkin.Oh,if ya find a mid 70s front,look for the flat top knuckles  
75 cj5,amc 360,t-18,d-20,d-44 front and rear,4 wheel disc,onboard air,full cage.36inch buckshot mudders,8,000lb winch

I think mine are from a 77 or 79 Waggy. I will have all winter to do this in my dads garage. He can weld. Im puttin these in a 95yj,am i still gonna have to outboard the springs? I only got $200 in both axles and a friend of the family said he would give me $800 for the lot. Should i use these or sell em and get an 8.8 outta an Explorer? Any advice is really appreciated. Thanks  
I'm all JACKED UP on Mtn. DEW!!!

Yes, you will still have to outboard mount the front leaf springs.

I can't really answer that question for you. Are apples or oranges better?

The Waggy axle swap will be less expensive since the gears match but it will be more labor and fabrication intensive and swapping in an 8.8 rear axle only.  
John Cappa
Editor
Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
www.facebook.com/fourwheelermag

OK.  I was told that if i find an explorer with a 4cyl that it will have 4.10 gears(the same as my yj) and i can get the benefit of rear discs. Im only gonna go with 33-12.50s so if i upgrade the front dana 30(stronger shafts,1 piece) will it hold up? I dont rock crawl much, mostly trails and mud. Also what do i do about the rear driveshaft where it goes into the 8.8? an adapter,custom driveshaft what? Thanks for the info ED.  
I'm all JACKED UP on Mtn. DEW!!!

better check,a 77 is flat top
I would go with the 8.8 if that is all you are gonna do.  
75 cj5,amc 360,t-18,d-20,d-44 front and rear,4 wheel disc,onboard air,full cage.36inch buckshot mudders,8,000lb winch