Dana30/AMC20 vs Chevy 10 Bolts

[NightStalker]

OK, so it is my understanding that I am allowed one newb question a week and here it is.


I currently have a Dana 30 front and an AMC 20 rear in my 77 CJ7, and wish to beef up the drive line a little. I was given a matching set of Chevy 10 bolt axles out of an older Chevy ½ ton that had a 6.2 diesel as a power plant. Of course the Chevy axles are wider than the ones on my CJ7, so I will be out a little money to have them cut down to fit.


My question is this. Would swapping to the Chevy axles gain me anything, or are they not any stronger than what I have? I would love to find some 14 bolt axles or some Dana 60s, but I am on a budget and cannot find anything within the same.


So fire away, tell me your thoughts on this matter.

 

[Ggg]

What are your plans? Why are you wanting to beef up the axles? What size tires?. lift. etc?
The 10 bolts are stronger than what you have but the D30/M20 can be beefed up too. The problem with changing axle width is you end up with custom axle shafts. If you break one you must order another custom shaft, as opposed to going to a salvage yard and getting another stock CJ shaft, or borrowing someone's spare.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

While the 10b may be stronger than a d30 front axle, I doubt it's any stronger than your AMC20 rear axle. The 20 is a decent axle once you upgrade the 2-piece axleshafts to 1-piece.

I would think having those axles narrowed would be cost prohibitive, it's not cheap or easy to narrow a housing and shafts.

My recommendation would be to find a pair of Scout d44's or a Wagoneer d44 front and Isuzu Rodeo d44 rear (the latter being 6lug and 4whl disc). You will likely have to outboard the spring hangers in the front, but it would be easier and cheaper than custom axles.

 

[Keith__C]

The Chebby 10 bolt is on par with a dana 44 in regards to overall strength.