Dana 30 Swap

FSM says the '76-77 CJ-7 could be purchased with an automatic and 4.10 axles ... I was surprised.

 

I know the M20 is not popular but with a few upgrades, it makes a good axle from what I hear. Swap put the stock axle shafts and put in a one piece. Upgrade to rear disc brakes. Re-gear as needed.

Granted, if I could pick one I'd get a 44 over a 20 but I would not throw out the baby with the bathwater if I had one. Ok, so I have one. I plan on building it and using it. Granted, if you are building a hot motor and big tires, it will not work but most of us here are running 33's to 35's and with those sizes, I'd run it. Just be careful on the skinny pedal.

I've been looking for a wide track one for a while and can't find anything wide track.

 

Biggest issue with a m20 is not getting enough torque on the axle nut. If left loose, bad things happen.

 

When I got my d30, I had to take the 20 as well...
It is geared 4:56 and has solid axles, so if anyone is interested, let me know.

Here is what my front end looks like... though not the best picture. I also, added 1.5" spacers to the rear.

 

If I was anywhere near Texas, I'd get it. Exactly what I'm looking for.

 

OK, It's time someone stood up for the Model 20, I have just shy of 300,000 miles on mine. I did upgrade to one piece moser axles in 99. And I have wheeled it a lot, I have been with several clubs, wheeling with groups running 35's and I've managed to go anywhere they did.(I run 32's) I was even told they were surprised, I was winching them instead of them helping me thru the course, which is what they expected when we started. I have seen the model 20 bent, but usually by guys that could destroy a dana 60. I have a 304, bored .030 over, balanced. Cam Dynamics RV cam, and have lost 3 drive shafts due to a heavy foot. I'm currently running a Tom Woods CV shaft, haven't managed to break it yet. and the Model 20 has been thru it all. I will admit that when I put the Moser axles in I had to torch the old axles out as the 2 piece axle had smeared together, which is their common failure point. My preferred 4 wheeling is mountain/rock crawling, and desert running. Of course in Pa the only wheeling around here is Mud. I hate mud, especially the multiple hours of cleaning after. I've seen guys put on different types of trusses under the tubes and dif, but mine has been just fine.

I also thought I saw an article comparing the Model 20 and Dana 44. In it they said the model 20 gears are thicker than the 44's. However I think in the end they preferred the 44.

Don't get me wrong I like the 44 as well, and almost swapped mine out during the last rebuild, but that article and getting low on cash towards the end, I decided to keep the 20, it was easier.

Jay