A few n00b questions about my new Grand Wagoneer

[olllllo]

I have only been an FSJ owner for about 2 days, so please bear with me on what I am sure are a couple of noobtastic questions.

First, I have a bone stock 86 GW. From what I had read (or at least thought I had read) I should have an AMC20 rear. However, unless the AMC20 looks a lot different than a CJ rear, that isn't what I have. I am pretty sure it is a D44. Did they use those at all in 86?

Now I am questioning what else I might have. Could anyone confirm?

T-case: has the vacuum 2/4 lever on the dash with the hi-lo shifter on the floor. I am guessing this is a np229. Is that right?

Tranny: 3 speed auto... TF727?

Lastly, I am sure this has been answered a lot of times here, but I didn't see exactly what I was looking for when searching. Can I get away with 33" tires with 4" BJs lift and no trimming? Do I need to consider the 6" lift? How much will my stock gearing suck with 33"s? Is a re-gear something I can put off for a while?

Thanks for any answers on the above...

[Dirtball]

Is the rear diff cover round? If so, it's the 20. If it looks just like the front diff cover then it's a 44.

Should be 229 and 727.

You'll need a 6 inch to run 33s with no trimming... though you'll still probably rub on full flex... you just won't have to trim nearly as much.

I'm sure others will correct anything I may have gotten wrong.

[1977cherokeechief]

if the rear axle looks the same as the front then it is a dana 44 front and rear. if the rear axle is ???round??? then it is an amc 20

[Millerluck]

If the rear axel cover looks like the front cover it is a D44.

31's will be ok with 4" lift. 33's will rub.

The stock gears will be 3.31 or 2.72. Most are 2.72.

Larry

[olllllo]

Well it is definitely not an AMC20, so I guess I have my answer on that.

As for the having to trim, the body on this rig is as clean as I have ever seen. Not a single dent and zero-rust and all is original. I have never been scared of a sawzall with my little Jeeps, but I really want to avoid hacking into this one.

Thanks for the info all.

[mattmopar440]

lift i bought the 4" BJS 31" on it now you will rub if you run 33 with the 4" go with the 6"lift

[DanHS]

'86 was like a changeover year from the AMC 20 (or AMC 23 since it's the FSJ version) to the D44. Check the tags on the diffs to see if you have the 2.73 or 3.31 gears, if you have the tow package then that came with 3.31 gears. 2.73 gears are ok with 31's, more sluggish with anything bigger, still better off with 3.31's at any rate.

[The PIG Smith]

My 86 Grand Wagoneer has a Dana44 rear axle

[FSJ Guy]

Your transfer case should either be a NP 228 or 229. The 228 is the one with the open differential, which gets a bad rap, undeservedly, IMHO.

Sure, in theory, with an open diff, you "could" lift ONE wheel and theoretically go nowhere, but in reality, that doesn't happen, AND if you're wheeling, you should be in low range anyway, which locks both thdriveshafts together.

How's THAT for a big long run on sentence? :D

[Dirtball]

Your transfer case should either be a NP 228 or 229. The 228 is the one with the open differential, which gets a bad rap, undeservedly, IMHO.

Sure, in theory, with an open diff, you "could" lift ONE wheel and theoretically go nowhere, but in reality, that doesn't happen, AND if you're wheeling, you should be in low range anyway, which locks both thdriveshafts together.

How's THAT for a big long run on sentence? :D

It's not a run-on. You punctuated it properly (except for the comma after reality, which is semi optional, but there isn't a natural pause there), which just makes it a long sentence, not a run-on (yes, I do grammar for a living... big smile).

[FSJ Guy]

Ha ha!! I KNEW someone here would know about correct sentence structure!

Back OT, the t-case should have a round ID tag screwed to the back side of the case.

[Wagonforever]

Both my 86's have had Dana 44's and NP 228's. I just went out and checked, since I just bought this 86 a couple days ago.

BTW I'm assuming that this one has 3.31's since it has the towing package. But I took down the axle tag number (first car I've had that you could actually read it!) if you guy's know how to decode it.

895 300 4030
3 31 43 13

I have no idea what those top numbers are, but I'm guessing that on the bottom the first three are my ratio 3 31 and the second 4 are the number of teeth on the ring and pinion 43 ring 13 pinion.

[710 Burner]

Yes, the 86 does have a 228, but we are a little unsure of when they tooled up for the 87, so it could have a 229 if it was manuf. late in the year.

[olllllo]

Thanks for all the tips.

I didn't even think about looking for a tag on the D44. I was going to just spin the wheel and count it. :) I also didn't know about that tag on the t-case. I will check that after work.

Just as with Wagonforever, this one has the towing package, so I will keep my fingers crossed.

So, one more n00b question. I am looking at the BJ's 6" lift and trying to make sure I have all my costs figured out on paper. Do I need to consider having my driveshaft lengthened?

[Carl78Cher]

[quote=895 300 4030
3 31 43 13

I have no idea what those top numbers are, but I'm guessing that on the bottom the first three are my ratio 3 31 and the second 4 are the number of teeth on the ring and pinion 43 ring 13 pinion.[/quote]

Correct. So how about a pic or two?

[Wagonforever]

I tried taking one with my phone, but it wasn't clear enought to read. I'll have to snag my girlfriends camera. BTW

Here's the only pic I have of my new 86 right now. Again with my phone so the quality sucks.

http://jeeperz.tenmagazines.com/gallery/NightShift/96062.jpg

[Subconscious]

Looks a lot like mine, only with better paint!

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/medium/Jeep_3_Small_.JPG