Whats it got? 68 J3000

[RamJetFSJ]

Im looking at a 68 J3000. Its listed at 600 bucks but im sure can be had for less. They ad says it has a 390 AMC, which I assume he means is a 360, which must have been swaped it since its not availble in that year(only 327 in v8 form).
Or is there a AMC 390 from the cars that could have been droped in?

Anyway, I know it has the 44 front. Any wierdness with this year 44. Is it closed knuckle? I assume it is. Anything that would make this a bad offroad only axle, with say 35 to 37s?

The rear would be a 44 also, unless it is a X, Y, or Z truck. Any way to tell if it is without looking at the vin? I dont think there is...

What gear ratios where available in this year?

It has the Dana 20 so that means both axles are offset to the pass side right?

Im looking to swap the cab and TC and axles onto a early 80s or so Wag frame with some sort of Man tranny and a beefy small block of some sort. And a hand made flatbed. some lift and 35s, for a purely offroad vehicle. Anything I should stay away from on this vehicle? I know I should use a later J20 for the axles, but want the 73 or earlier rig for smog exemption.

Thanks for your input guys. If I wanna do it, I have to buy this thing before Thursday when I leave for vacation..... :(

[bentpushrod]

AMC did build a 390 which is a highly desireable engine among the AMC muscle car guys. Hard engine to find.

The front axle would be a closed knuckle 44. Regarding the rear axle, it should have a number stamped into the web between the pumpkin and the axletube. That number is what the axle is. For example if it says 60 than it's a dana 60. I just looked at a '73 J4000 today, it has the semi floating five lug D60-2. The full floaters are 8 lug. Or like you said it could, and probably has the D44 in the rear.

The front diff will be offset to the passenger side. Not positive about the rear, but I believe it should be centered, and not offset.

[RamJetFSJ]

The Dana 20 is definetaly centered output. Ive found that much out.

From the picture, it doesnt look like the axle is full floating :(

Would a 68 J3000 with a dana 44 rear be 5 bolt? If so could a CJ 44 (5 bolt) full float kit be used on it?

Any more info you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated, I would hate to miss this opportunity (although the wife will kill me when I say I bought another one!!!!!!! :D

Ben
RamJetFSJ

[joe]

If it's the X or Y model it'll have a D53 rear axle. Not a bad axle but parts are made of unobtainium :(
Standard gears in 68 for the D53's were 4.09 and 4.27's were optional. 3.93 std and 4.27 opt for the D44's with manual trans. W/AT it was either 3.92 std or 3.54 opt.

[ July 01, 2002, 11:48 PM: Message edited by: -joe ]

[LRRH]

all the drivetrain info can be found here:

http://www.ifsja.org/tech/figures/db.shtml

as for the 390, it would work as a replacement for a 327 (which was used in 68 j trucks). the 290, 343, and 390 are a different bolt pattern that the 258, 304, 360, 401. i believe the 327 has the same bolt pattern as the earlier AMC engines.

oh, and the 390 from 69 screams out some, but 68 is not covered in the book im lookin at.

HP=315@4600
Tq=425@3200

lots of torque!!!!

hope this helps in your decision.

[River Beast]

Ben,

Looks like it's all been said.... except, if they are 5 lug 44's they are 19 spline axles... strong ...yes, but not as strong as the newer 30 spline 44's.

If it does have the 390....oh boy!!! sounds like a screamer!!

[RamJetFSJ]

Well, too bad its such a bad time right now to find a deal like this. With leaving for my vacation Thursday night, and having to get the 73 out of the driveway before bringing in a new rig, looks like Im out of luck...

Maybe ill get lucky and it will still be there when I get back... :(

Oh well, there will always be another good deal...

Thanks for the info guys!!!

[Sundowner]

if it's a 5 lug SF dana 60, you could pay for the purchase of the J3000 by putting the axle on ebay. CJ's drool over those things