Does 2" of rear differential offset matter?

[TexasJ10]

I have been looking for either a Dana 60 or Dana 70 axle for the rear of my j10. Many of the axles that would work the best, including the pre 1980 j20 dana 60, are offset 1.5" to 2" to the passenger side. There are a number of ford van axles that are 67" wide from WMS to WMS with spring pads at 49" verses the j10 spring pad spacing of 50", (close enough). I am using a transfer case that normally provides power to a centered differential. The truck will be raised about 6" in total lift when I am done. Will using an offset differential create driveline vibrations and other problems? Should I just keep looking for the perfect dana 60 or 70?

[heydave]

I would think that little of an offset would be fine. My J-ten has the slight offset rear. But if you look, the transfercase is offset more than the rear. So what I am saying is that they weren't straight from the factory.

[Stuka]

My cherokee has a slightly offset rear axle (3" i think it is...not as much as a QT rear end) And it came with a D20 T-case which has a centered output...so it cant be THAT bad. Although I would prefer a centered axle...it would rip my fuel tank to pieces.

[J10/J20 Project]

TexasJ10, I would think if it is slightly off it wouldn't matter. Maybe on a SWB vehicle. Mine is so close to the tank right now. the 2" body and 4" suspension should help it clear alot better.

[tc]

I put some w/t axles out of a 74 j20 under my 82 chero and haven't notice anything odd. I beleive the 74 axle is offset (q-trac) if I remember right.

[FSJeeper]

TexasJ10,

The closest match to the Jeep J-20 I have found is a Dana 60 out of a Dodge truck. I traded a Dodge 1 ton Dana 60 with 4.10's and a tight powerlock out of a military crewcab with low miles to the guy who did my fabbing, I'll check to see if he still has it if you want.

That offest should not cause you any problems.

[FSJeeper]

If I were you I would go with the 14 bolt.

[TexasJ10]

FSjeeper, I may be interested in the axle if you would check. Do you know if it is 67" WMS to WMS? 30 spline or 35?

I have thought a lot about the 14 bolt, but there is much more support and options available for both the dana 60 and 70. I am actually leaning more towards the 70. You can find them pretty cheap, they are a little lighter than the 14 bolt and I think have slightly better ground clearance. Almost everyone makes lockers for them as well. Interestingly, alot of them are offset 2" to the passenger side like the Jeep axles eventhough the transfer cases have center outputs. I know that the entire drivetrain is situated in the E350's 2" to the passenger side, supposedly to provide more room to the driver.

[FSJeeper]

It is 67" and 30 spline.

Yes, the Dana 60 and 70 have a lot more options, but a Detroit Locker for the 14 bolt is half the cost than one for a Dana 60 or 70 and a heck of a lot easier to set up. 14 Bolt rear disc kits are also a fraction of the price the Dana 60 or 70 would be.