Need help identifying drivetrain

[madmikeX3]

So I recently purchased my 80 cherokee laredo back from the owner I sold to 10 years ago. From what i could remember, it appeared most of it was stock until 78 Widetrac noticed it. I went out and crawled under the Jeep to see what i would see.

Rear Axle: it has a tag for 3.73 gears and paperwork in the dash for a detroit locker. On the lower right side of the center section, I see a 60 cast in it. It had drums and is 8 lug.

5352088 4-11 3.73




Front Axle:I could not find any identifying marks other than whats cast under the center section. I may need to be looking elsewhere. Here are photos of how it appears.







Transmission: I assume its the stock trans 4 speed. Again, I could not find clear identifying numbers on it. I did notice a Advanced adapters bellhousing adapter was used. Not sure what happened to the original. Parts number showing is 712569 70 11




Transfer case: Same as the trans. I do know the shifter is different from when I had it. I originally had the single shifter on the driver side. It now has twin sticks on the passenger side.













Any help on any of these components would be greatly appreciated.

[wiley-moeracing]

I am a little confused? Your asking about the rear axle but show pics of the front, asking about trans but show pics of the transfer case? It looks like the transfer case is a dana 300(good), the front axle looks like it may be a HD 44 or 60 upgrade(good). If yours is or was a 1980's model the axle could have been a drivers drop at sometime, not sure what was done but why not ask the guy you sold it to?

[madmikeX3]

Im not sure what you are seeing. I have Front axle under front axle. I removed the confusing photos of the transfer case in the transmission section. Thanks for identifying the transfer case. I would certainly like to ask the previous owner, but unfortunately he died May 2019.

[78 WIDETRAC]

What do the rear axle pads look like? If it looks like they have been cut off and moved inward it could be a J-20 factory rear axle. front 44 & 60 covers look the same maybe someone knows what the numbers mean. I would bet j20 axles F&R out of a 78, last year of the factory drivers drop front axle. 712569 Was this the bell housing part number?
Advance Adapters 4.0L To CJ7 Series Transmission Conversion Aluminum Bellhousing - 712569

[FleetFox]

Ok a few things. On the axles, Dana's have a BOM code stamped on the tube which is like a DNA code. usually on the long tube. It will take a wire brush to find it. The 60 rear looks like a J20 rear given the pumpkin location. Find the numbers then plug them into Dana's site.

Often times the 8 lug hubs are swapped onto 6 lug 44s during a conversion. The are very few differences between 3/4 ton and 1/2 ton 44Fs.


Hope this helps.

Fleet Fox

[madmikeX3]

Finally got the ignition cylinder replaced in the Jeep and got it running today. Took it for a drive, and to my surprise.....it now has a 5 speed transmission. I

[rang-a-stang]

That is awesome! Probably an AX15 and Dana 300 then.

[madmikeX3]

From the research Ive been doing, I’m pretty sure it’s a NV4500 to Dana 300. The only concern I have is the Advanced Adapter plate used is for a different conversion. 712569 is for 4.0L to Jeep CJ7 series transmission (T-4, T-5, T-150,T-176.) 712568 should be the proper adapter. I’ll have to call AA to see if it’s possible to use the same adapter for that combination.

[madmikeX3]

[rang-a-stang]

If it aint broke, dont fixit!! You drove it, it did not yell at you, there is nothing to see here, continue on smartly.

[madmikeX3]

Very True Rang.

The Jeep didnt like 5th gear. I got up to around 60-65 and went to 5th. I ended up loosing speed and had to drop back to 4th. I think it’s a combination of some things. Carb needs adjustment, mechanical fan is locked I think all of the time, tires out of balance badly, steering and suspension needs some work.

Then I can look at why the brakes pull left and right.

[SOLSAKS]

all sounds good.

I know that beast looks good rolling down the road.

keep us updated.

dave in NC