AMC 20 vs Dana 44 rear end

[ohioj20]

Which is better and more durable? I need to know which one can handle the most torque?

[jeeping1974]

they can both be built up to handle some power. i'd go with a FF dana 60 if your talking about a lot of torque. what kind of numbers are you looking at?

[ohioj20]

I'm wondering which one will hold up to my 6.2 Diesel. I know an Dana 44 will hold up, since my Grand Wagoneer has one with a 6.2, I have the AMC 20 in my J10 that I plan on putting my J20's 6.2 diesel in

[Kali]

there was a thread a little while ago comparing ring and pinions. the amc20 was much beefier, but it has its weak points vs. a d44. the conclusion was that if you have 1, its not worth swapping for the other.

[ohioj20]

there was a thread a little while ago comparing ring and pinions. the amc20 was much beefier, but it has its weak points vs. a d44. the conclusion was that if you have 1, its not worth swapping for the other.

I have both! Wondering which one to rid myself of.

Dana 44 is in a mid 70's J10 with a 258

AMC 20 is in a 82 J10 with a 258

[Kali]

well parts are probably cheaper and more accessible for the d44 considering how popular it is, so i would probably go with that myself.

if i had a frame with no rear axle and a d44 and amc20 sitting next to the truck, id put the d44 in, but only because they have the neat 'detriot electrac' available and amc20s dont.

[ohioj20]

My J10 that I'm putting the diesel in has the AMC 20 in it. Is it worth the hassel of taken out a Dana 44 of the older J10 and the AMC 20 in my current J10 to use the 44?

[J10Mike]

My J10 that I'm putting the diesel in has the AMC 20 in it. Is it worth the hassel of taken out a Dana 44 of the older J10 and the AMC 20 in my current J10 to use the 44?
Is it worth the hassle? No...Not really. Both axles are about equivalent in strength. The AMC20 has a larger thicker ring and pinion. But, the D44 has stronger tubes...Or, so they say.
Personally, I prefer the AMC20 myself.

[Bill Moore]

run the 20 until the diesel chews it up, and then put the 44 in, and keep your eyes peeled for a 60

[jeeping1974]

sell them both and get a dana 60 to put under it.

[joe]

I agree to use either or which ever one is in better shape if one say has a zillion miles on it.
What may help decide is the gearing. The J10/258/AMC20 will have 2.73 gears standard or 3.31's optional. You say the other w/D44 is a "mid 70's" w/258? There will be some variation in years but in 75 and 76 for example the J10/258 combo will have come stock with 4.09 gears.

[The PIG Smith]

What happened to the Dana60 in your wrecked J20?
I would use that if I could.

I've been told the GM Corporate 14bolt Full Floating axles are a dime a dozen,
but everyone I've seen listed for sell are several hundred dollars and gets snatched up quick.
Maybe in your part of the woods, the 14FF are plentiful and cheap.

[ohioj20]

I still have the dana 60 rear end from my j20, but the front end is bent and I short on funds to replace it. I'm not sure 100% what is bent on it, but right now I just want my Jeep pick-up back and 1/2 tons will do just fine for me.

[Stuka]

Here is my thread comparing ring and pinions of the two:

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=70452

Parts are readily available for both axles. The center section is the same as CJ's, and CJ's always get tons of aftermarket support. The braks are basically the same as a D44/10B rear axle. The only thing not shared by others is the axle bearings themselves, but those are still readily available as well.

[ohioj20]

Here is my thread comparing ring and pinions of the two:

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=70452

Parts are readily available for both axles. The center section is the same as CJ's, and CJ's always get tons of aftermarket support. The braks are basically the same as a D44/10B rear axle. The only thing not shared by others is the axle bearings themselves, but those are still readily available as well.

Thanks Stuka! I think I'll keep the AMC 20 in place

[caionneach]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but is there not a way to make the 20 a full floating axle?

My understanding is that the full floating kit offered by Warn will not apply to the AMC 20 (23) used by FSJs.

Kenneth

[tgreese]

The Dana 44 conversions use Dana front spindles and hubs - they bolt on to the axle ends on a rear 44 - and custom axles. Since the wheel bearings are different, the CJ-20 FF spindles and hubs might not work, but then again... maybe. You'd definitiely need to get axles made, because of the length.

[Stuka]

The D44 front spindles may work for the rear M23, as the bearing setup is the same (bearin ID is different because the shafts are different). It would require a bit of research to do, but seems possibe with custom shafts.

[j2sax]

There are advantages and dis..'s for both.

The Question is, what will you be using it for? Huge HP/Trq Mud drag racing, big tired rock crawling or something in between?

If you are going to use it as a highway cruiser/light trailrunner/light towing, the lighter weight and mass of the AMC 20 will get you a better ride and mileage (though not much in either category) Over many years, it would be a consideration. For tires 33" and under without smoking them at every stop light, definetly worth keeping. (There are mods that can help with weaknesses also, like welding the tubes to the housing or trussing)

If you are going to be doing a lot of long distance, near the weight limit at highway speeds and consistently the D44 might be a better choice. 33's are safe, but with much power and a heavy foot, 35's are pushing it.

If you are hauling heavy equipment, big boats, etc for long distances or you plan to be planting a heavy foot with 37+ tires, you're better off with a D60 or (if you are prepared for the size and weight!) GM14.

Hope this helps,

Have a great weekend,

Jesse