Full-Size Jeep Axle Identification!

[BJ's Off-Road]

This is a VERY common question on this forum so I will try to break this down for the masses:


1974-1979 Full Size Jeeps:

Front Axle:

Passenger Side Drop
Dana 44 (6-lug) or Dana 44 HD (8-lug)
The 6-lug axle comes in both narrow and wide versions (Wagoneer is narrow, J-truck and Cherokee Chief* is wide)
The 8-lug is wide only
1974-1975, disc brakes were optional in these years. In 1976, disc brakes became standard on the front.


Rear Axle:

Dana 44 (6-lug) or Dana 60 (8-lug)
The Dana 44 comes in narrow, wide and wider. (Wagoneer would be narrow, Cherokee Chief* would be wider and J-truck would be widest)
All of the Dana 44's are offset, some are offset less but all are offset

The Dana 60 is widest only and is a little off-set


1980-1985-ish Full-Size Jeeps:

Front Axle:

Driver Side Drop
Dana 44 (6-lug)** or Dana 44 HD (8-lug)
**1982-1984 (6-lug only) could have a vacuum disconnect front axle - I have seen some 1985's with this as well.

Rear Axle:

AMC 20 (6-lug) or Dana 60 (8-lug)
AMC 20 (6-lug) offset just a tad. This is much stronger than the CJ versions. This axle has 1-piece axle shafts stock and the tubes are thicker for use in the heavier Full-Size Jeeps.
AMC 20 Axles come in narrow, wide and wider. (Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer would be narrow, Cherokee Chief* would be wider and J-truck would be widest)

Dana 60 Rear offset just a tad and comes in widest.


1986-1991 Full-Size Jeeps

Front Axle:

Driver side drop
Dana 44 (6-lug) or Dana 44 HD (8-lug)
The 6-lug axle comes in both narrow and wide versions (Grand Wagoneer is narrow, J-truck is wide)
The 8-lug is wide only

Rear Axle

Dana 44 (6-lug) offset just a tad
Note, some early 1986's have been spotted with an AMC 20 rear axle.
Comes in narrow and widest versions (Grand Wagoneer would be narrow, J-truck would be widest)

*Cherokee note: Some 1974-1983 Cherokees can either be narrow or wide. This link will help break this down: http://www.bjsoffroad.com/cartgenie/pg_faq.asp#Widetrack

[BJ's Off-Road]

For those of you interested in the WMS measurements, here they are:

http://members.cox.net/tadsal/WMS.html

[BJ's Off-Road]

If I missed something or any of the info is incorrect, please PM me and I'll fix / add onto this information.

[PavementPounder]

That chart has some weird numbers in it (colored).

jeeping1974 Dana 44 1974 J10 Front 67 7/16" 5 on 5 1/2 Oct 07
jeeping1974 Dana 44 1974 J10 Rear 69 13/16" 5 on 5 1/2 Oct 07

[BJ's Off-Road]

Must be a 1973...

[NytStlker]

Here is a Newb question. On a stock 1979 Cherokee Chief, are the Danna 44s SOA or SUA?

[BJ's Off-Road]

Good question, here is a rundown:

1974-1991 ALL Full-Size Jeeps were Spring Under Axle in the front

1974-1991 ALL Full-Size Jeeps were Spring Over Axle in the Rear

[NytStlker]

Thanks, I am looking at buying a 79, and will probably be talking to you about springs.

[CutterN55]

International Full Size Jeep Association
Try that as well, i've never looked too much into it, but it breaks down the numbers for q's on what gearing is in your axle.