82 CJ7 rear end

[82CJ7JEEP]

Well X-Mas is around the corner and as the Jeep is my son and mine, I am considering beefing up the rear end for him as a x-mas present. My question is: With the AMC 20 would I be smarter to brace the center chunk and axel tubes, get a locker and alloy 1 piece axels? Or get a 8.8 or some other stronger axel. Right now we are on 33's but will be going to 37" max. Most of out off road time is sand, mud, and water. If I can install a 8.8 what years? Will the spring perches mount up correctly and are they the correct size? As always I greatly appreciate the input I get.

The end result after we get the jeep where we want it will be HP Dana 60's front and rear, the above will have to do for a cpl years until the 60's can become a reality.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

The two piece axle shafts in the AMC 20 can leave you stranded in the driveway just as easily as on the trail. I would change out the shafts ASAP. Survivability of the axle depends largely upon how you treat it. The axel tubes on the CJ AMC 20 version are fairly thin and will bend with heavy use (bouncing) and the differential case is prone to cracking from the tubes flexing but once the axel shafts are changed out many people do well enough with the 20. If you ultimate plan is to go Dana 60 then either do it now or beef up the 20 to use until the 60 comes along.

 

[82CJ7JEEP]

Thanks for the info Saddle Tramp,