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1976 CJ rear axle swap

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Kevin D, Apr 9, 2012.

  1. Kevin D

    Kevin D New Member

    All, need some help. I'm helping out a friend who has a 1976 CJ7 with a 304 V8 and 3speed Manual. It does not have Quadra-Trac. He needs to replace the rear axle assembly. I need some help and direction in determining what will fit easily into this year/model Jeep? This Jeep is used for off-road/farm use only. I do not mind switching ring and pinion if necessary. I found an axle out of a 1976 CJ5, will that fit properly? What other axles will fit OK?

    Thanks for the help!
     
    Kevin D, Apr 9, 2012
    #1
  2. TexasBlues

    TexasBlues JEEP-Hockey-Holic

    it SHOULD fit right up... but the axle from the CJ5 MAY in fact be a narrow track...

    im not sure which year they went to the wide track which, if i am correct in my measurements is about 4 inches wider than the N/T (narrow track)

    if they are different widths, i THINK the ring/pinions will swap over without difficulty... the only difference i am aware of is actual axle length...

    SO... if he needs gears, maybe the ring/pinion will swap in... if he needs axles and the current ring/pinion are good, then there will be a problem

    hope this helps
     
    TexasBlues, Apr 10, 2012
    #2
  3. jeepcj

    jeepcj Member

    It will fit, wide track started in 81 or 82. Wide track is 3" wider than the narrow track.
     
    jeepcj, Apr 10, 2012
    #3
  4. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    The axle assembly will bolt right in, no difference between a '76 CJ7 and '76 CJ5 rear axle.

    R&P ratios will have to be checked if your friend intends to use 4WD. Hopefully the CJ5 axle will match the ratio of the existing front axle.
     
    lynn, Apr 10, 2012
    #4
  5. johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Hum, maybe you coul swap a dana 44 from a 55-71 jeep cj5....this dana 44 has a offset on passenger side and will be a lot better than a stock amc 20.
     
    johneyboy03, Apr 10, 2012
    #5
  6. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Not with the centered Dana 20 transfer case. A centered Dana 44 would be a better axle assembly hands down, but then you have the axle ratio issue to contend with.
     
    w3srl, Apr 10, 2012
    #6
  7. Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Yes. 78 5 and 7 axles are identical. Just make sure the gear ratio is the same. Most were 3.54. On a side note, a stock model 20 rear CJ axle is worth less as an axle then its scrap metal value. I have one that I have been trying to GIVE away for over a year with no takers.
     
    Daryl, Apr 10, 2012
    #7
  8. johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Oups my bad...i was thinking he had the quadra-trac...a 72-75 dana 44 will work.
     
    johneyboy03, Apr 10, 2012
    #8
  9. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    A '72-75 axle will be the right width, but the spring pads will be in the wrong places. The '76 frame is wider than the '75 frame. And the axle ratio is guaranteed to be wrong. Both the standard and optional ratios changed in 1976 from 3.73/4.27 to 3.54/4.10. But both of these issues can be overcome, and the resulting axle will be an upgrade. An axle from a '72-73 Commando will work too, with the same issues.
     
    timgr, Apr 10, 2012
    #9