Neophyte Axle Swap Question

If I wanted to swap the original axles from my '69 CJ5, to a later verion of the CJ (eg, late model CJ5 or a CJ7) is this a relatively easy swap? What other modifcations or issues would I have to consider? For what ever reason, the thought of swapping the axles has me a bit fearful, because I am not good at math and things like gear ratios, and drive shaft angles confuse the bejeezuz out of me. There's a huge junk auto yard near my house and they have several late model CJ5's and CJ7's in the yard that I could use for parts.

Thanks,

Ranger

 

Is there some reason you want to replace the stock axles? Newer isn't necessarily better in this case.

 

I was under the impression that the later axles were stronger (they weren't tapered shafts?) and that they could be modified more easily with different gear ratios or solid axles or Air Lockers. Can that be done to the original axles? I know bupkus about axles.

Ranger

 

There are some axle choices that would be an improvement, but not all. What are your goals? If you are going to keep the F134, the tapered rear axle will be fine, IMO. The main drawback to the front axle is the knuckle design - higher maintenance and a larger turning radius than a more modern open-knuckle axle.

A newer open-knuckle front axle is a possibility, but I think it's rather far down on the list, certainly behind steering and brakes upgrades, in addition to any accessories you might want such as roll cage, tires and wheels, etc.

 

Crap, it's a never ending list isn't it? The PO had new Mickey Thompson Wheels on it and new MT Swampers with very few miles. My brother in law is a good mechanic and he insists that I should swap in a 225 or 231, but I just rebuilt the F134 out of the '64 donor Jeep. (I now have three of them in the garage, the one on the '69 was hydro locked when I got it and he threw in a spare from a CJ6). I would like to upgrade the steering, but the '69 has a Ramsey PTO and a Koenig winch I'd like to keep, and I don't like the idea of cutting the front cross member for a Saginaw set up.

What have I gotten myself in to?

Perhaps I've bitten off more than I can chew.

 

You don't have to get stressed about it. Build it stock and have fun. Or don't, and still have fun. The Jeep will be fun and go lots of places regardless of whether your build is 'optimal' or not, by anyone's standards.

What do you want to do with this Jeep?

 

Yeah, you're right I shouldn't get stressed about it, it's just my nature.

Essentially, this started out as a project for my son and I to work on together before the "fumes" set it; ("perfume and gas fumes" R) But in reality it's too late, he's 16 and is moving on In the end it will probably only be used for our hunting / camping / fishing trips ( which are becoming less frequent) and will never see anything approaching the Rubicon Trail. In the end I want it to be SAFE, but fun to drive around the Catoctin Mountains here in Western MD, VA, WV and PA, mostly logging trails. I'd like to add an OD and a few other mods to make it unique and fun / practical to drive, while maintaining it's most of it's originality. I guess I (we) would be better off getting it in a drivable condition.

Ranger

 

I would just get it dependable and safe. Add some roll protection if it sees any trails at all. Find a local 4x4 club that actually trail rides, and hang out with them for a while before deciding what to do.

 

Go to the gallery section of this website and view several of the restored Jeeps these guys and gals have completed. That is my inspiration. Everybody takes later model Jeeps and modifies them, and in the end they all look the same! But when you look at an early CJ there is really no comparison, they are just plain bad to the bone! I have 4 sons, and I, too, have a Jeep project with one of them (a '66). I found a picture of a '67 that I am keeping as a "goal". Build your Jeep stock. Get it on the road. Drive it for awhile. THEN decide if there is something you want to change.

BTW- I can say this because I am a newbie as well. I went about EVERYthing the wrong way. I was buying stuff left and right because that's what all of the "late model" Jeepers were saying to do, and I haven't even driven it yet (because it doesn't run yet!)! You and your son can enjoy the Jeep "as is" and you can both determine what should be the next project.

Good luck and keep us posted.