shredded dana 20 - need to upgrade

[81waggy]

So my 350 turned my dana 20 rear end into scrap metal and needs replaced. Shop that has it says to rebuild the axle is going to be a good 1500-2000. (bearings, diff, axle shafts,etc + labor). From what I've read the dana 20 wasn't exactly build for that kind of power.

Or

I can go to the local LKQ and pull one for about 175. The big question is is there anything out there for a 81 wagoneer that would be a direct fit? or at least close enough? I'd take the a rear disc brake upgrade if it should work out that way.

I've got a few other things going on right now and 2000 to rebuild this just isn't in the cards right now and any help is appreciated.

[81waggy]

I think I can get a used dana 44 axle for about 300 too.

[will e]

I think it is actually known as an AMC 20, not a dana 20. A dana 20 is a transfer case.

If your thinking the AMC 20 it isn't strong enough for your Vortec then you might consider a Dana 60, Ford 9" or perhaps a 14 bolt. The 9" will be more available in various widths, the 14 bolt is going to be a bit wide for your use. And you will need to deal with the bolt pattern being different than the front.

[will e]

I think I can get a used dana 44 axle for about 300 too.

Strength wise the AMC 20 and Dana 44 are similar.

[derf]

With budget being a constraint, your best bet is to find an 80's FSJ in the yard and grab the rear axle. It's the closest you're going to get to a cheap bolt in.

And once the new axle is in, don't get into the throttle so hard. That way it will last long enough for you to save up and work out an upgrade.

[80Limited]

If you’re close to Minnesota I have a Dana 44 out of a 89 Grand Wagoneer just sitting in my garage.

[81waggy]

yes, AMC 20.

With having a 3.31 ratio, I assume I'll still need to upgrade the diff to have the right gears.

I can get a used amc20 for about 200. can you upgrade the amc20 to handle the ~325 ft.lbs of torque? Its a daily driver, no off roading and running 235's. and its only about 250hp. its not a big monster, just like putting my foot down at the red lights every once in a while.

[81waggy]

Unfortunately, I"m in NC

[derf]

yes, AMC 20.

With having a 3.31 ratio, I assume I'll still need to upgrade the diff to have the right gears.

I can get a used amc20 for about 200. can you upgrade the amc20 to handle the ~325 ft.lbs of torque? Its a daily driver, no off roading and running 235's. and its only about 250hp. its not a big monster, just like putting my foot down at the red lights every once in a while.

If you get any axle from an 80-91 (Grand) Wagoneer, there's a good chance it will have 3.31s. The other option from the factory in those years was 2.73. And you'll find some in the junkyard that have had their gears changed.

A standard AMC20 or Dana44 from a full size Jeep should be able to handle that kind of power without upgrades. Though as the miles go up, the bearings do start to wear out. If there was water in the diff oil, that will cause problems in short order. I would be interested in hearing what the mechanic found in your axle.

Best bet is to find another (Grand) Wagoneer axle, pull the differential cover and check the condition of the oil and verify the axle ratio. If it passes inspection, put it in and it should be fine for years. If it has problems, go on to the next one. The will all come from the factory with drum brakes but if you wanted to install a disc brake kit, you can easily find them.

[Stuka]

The R&P on an AMC 20 is actually quite a bit stronger than the D44 that came in FSJ's (The pinion is the same size as a D60, ring gear is also larger than that era D44). If you "shreded it" it sounds like either had significant wear, was low/out of fluid, or your tire size is simply too large for a 1/2 ton axle.

Did the shop say what went bad? Maybe a spider gear broke and the pieces then caused the R&P to fail? Your 350 doesn't make that much power. The AMC20 is stronger than the 10B that came behind that engine originally.

Were you towing, offroading, or something when it happened?

Basically I am saying a D44 is not an upgrade, its a side grade.

EDIT: 2k for just the rear axle rebuilt is crazy high. I had my J10 and my JK regeared front and rear for less than that (each) out the door. That included new carriers, R&P, bearings, seals, and labor. It did not include axle shafts, but normally axle shafts don't fail because of a R&P going bad.