J-20 Axle Swap?

[Kali]

Ok lets do a poll.

My J-10's Amc20 has a bit of play in the R&P and Ive got 2 sets of J-20 axles doing absolutely nothing in the yard. 1 set is in really rusty condition but still usable and the other set is in good condition for the area and still under a 83 J-20. Either way I will be spending money on axles this summer. Should I rebuild and swap in the J-20 axles or rebuild the stock 82 axles? I will probably run 33 inch tires and the truck is used as a DD/Toy/Work truck during summer months. I dont do a lot of towing or hard core off roading with it. Are the J-20 axles overkill or prudent planning?

I've been considering swapping the J-20 axles anyway, but Ive been kind of dragging my feet with spending the cash because I'm not sure if its a worthwhile upgrade or should I save it for other stuff I want to do, mainly an engine swap or paint job.

Thanks for any input.

[AlsChopShop]

i'd drop in the J20's, but i wouldn't worry about rebuilding them unless they really need it. after all, you have spares if they do go south.

Al

Is there really a question about this? Paging Mr. Obvious, Mr. Obvious...

[Stuka]

Well hell, if you dont want the axles, send me one of those D60's

[Kali]

Originally Posted by AlsChopShop

i'd drop in the J20's, but i wouldn't worry about rebuilding them unless they really need it. after all, you have spares if they do go south.

Al

Hmm this sounds like a great idea I have the 83 up by the garage, going to tear into it tomorrow. It only has 123k on it, I wonder how many more reliable () miles I could get out of the axles? Would like to take this thing on a couple of 200+ mile trips within the next month or two.

[J10Mike]

Originally Posted by Kali

Hmm this sounds like a great idea I have the 83 up by the garage, going to tear into it tomorrow. It only has 123k on it, I wonder how many more reliable () miles I could get out of the axles? Would like to take this thing on a couple of 200+ mile trips within the next month or two.

Even with decent rolling axles, there is bound to be slop in them due to being 25 years old.
Back to your original question...If you are going to spend the bucks to rebuild your stock axles, you might as well bolt in the J20 axles.
That's what I did on my 82 J10. My original intention was to merely bolt in the axles without any rebuilding/replacing of axle componants. However, it became very obvious that various componants needed major attention. Furthermore, if I have to replace the carrier and pinion bearings, I might as well re-gear and swap in a Detroit Locker.
My point is...As all the nickels and dimes add up, it can get really expensive to do the rebuilds as I found out when I rebuilt the J20 axles.
You would have thought that I would have learned my lesson...Nope. Now, I'm in the process of rebuilding Dodge front and rear D60s for my 77 RC. And yes...It has become expensive.

Edit: Also keep in mind that the rear D60 is longer from the yoke to the center of the axle shafts. If you have a 3 inch or more lift in the rear, that will offset the decrease in available driveshaft play. If you don't have a lift, you take the chance of jamming your transfer case during full compression of the rear springs. That could cause the TC's aluminum housing to crack. Just food for thought.

[wickedwagon767]

D44HD / 60 without question

swap in the best pair you have


sell the other set and your stock set

use the money to rebuild the swapped-in set when you do