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Jeep Axles Spotters Guide

Identifying axles isn't particularly hard, it's usually a matter of knowing the finer details that make each unique.  This article covers most of the popular factory axles offered in Jeep CJ's and Wranglers and a few of the more common non-Jeep axles.

Definitions

• Semi-floating - The Jeep's weight rides on the axle shaft, the axle shaft also provides rotational force.

• Full-floating - The hub supports the Jeep's weight.  The axle provides rotational force only.

• 2 piece axle - The axle consists of an inner shaft connected to an outer hub.  Most commonly held together with a large outer nut.  Axle to hub connection is usually though splines and a keyway.

• Flanged Axle - The axle and hub assembly are a solid unit.

• Pumpkin/chunk - common names to the center section that houses the ring, pinion, and differential components.

Jeep OEM axles.

AMC 20

• Key Identifiers - 12 bolt round cover.

• Came in - 76-86 CJ and Scramblers, 79-86 Wagoneer, 80-86 Jeep Trucks

• Ring Gear - 8.875"

• Good - Larger ring gear than a Dana 44

• Bad - Weak two piece axles, small axle tubes prone to flexing.

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.73 to 4.56, 1 piece axle shafts, Warn full floater axle kit.

Dana 30

• Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle

• Came in - 72-86 Jeep CJ and Scrambler, 87-present Wrangler YJ/TJ/TK.

• Ring Gear - 7.2"

• Good - Small center giving better ground clearance, readily available parts.  Good axle for Jeeps with 33 or smaller tires.

• Bad - Small tubes, small axle shafts.

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38.  Larger and stronger axle and U-joints.

• Variations - Varying widths, Some reverse cut models, CJ models featured hubs, YJ until 1994 features vacuum actuated axle disconnect,  Right and left side off-set, Drum and disc brakes.

Dana 27

• Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle

• Came in - 66-71 Jeep CJ

• Ring Gear - 7.2"

• Good - Small center giving better ground clearance

• Bad - Closed knuckles, narrow width

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38.

Dana 25

• Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle

• Came in - 41-65 Jeep CJ

• Ring Gear - 7.2"

• Good- Small center giving better ground clearance

• Bad - Closed knuckles, narrow width

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38.

Dana 35

• Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, oval shape, flanged axles

• Came in - 87-96 Wrangler YJ, 84-97 Cherokee XJ, 97-up Wrangler TJ/LJ (std), 07-up Wrangler TK (std)

• Ring Gear - 7.562

• Good - ?

• Bad - C-Clip axle shafts

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 4.46.

Non Jeep OEM popular axles.

Dana 60

• Key identifiers - 12 bolt oblong shaped cover,

• Came in - Jeep J10, Some Ford F series, GM, and Dodge trucks

• Ring Gear - 9.75"

• Good - Larger version of the Dana 44.  Large ring gear and axle shafts.  Strong axle tubes.

• Bad - Heavy, Thick center section reduces ground clearance.

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 7.17.  Full-floating and semi-floating versions.  Several aftermarket versions are made especially for the off-roader.  Forward and reverse rotations.

Ford 8.8 (Aftermarket)

• Key identifiers - Semi square shaped cover with 10 bolts.

• Came in - 81-94 Ford Bronco, 90-96 Ford Explorers and Ranger, Ford F150 light trucks.

• Ring Gear - 8.8"

• Good - Strong axle with similar axle width to a Wrangler, readily available.

• Bad -

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 3.08 to 5.14.

Ford 9 inch (Aftermarket)

• Key identifiers - No rear cover, center section is a 3rd member.

• Came in - 66-88 Ford Bronco, 55-87 Ford F series trucks

• Ring Gear - 9"

• Good - 3rd member design allowing quick changing of ratios (with pre-set up 3rd members)

• Bad - No longer in OEM production but still readily available

• Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.80 to 6.50.  Several aftermarket versions are made especially for the off-roader.

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