CJ-7 + Commando?

[Phil]

I am getting ready to start redoing my CJ-7. it will be fairly mild, 304 or 360, TH-400/dana 20. 4in lift and 33s. But I have a chance to get a set (front and rear) dana 44s out of an early 70s Commando (bullnose) I know anything can be MADE to fit but I have heard that this is a almost bolt in swap, Has anyone done this? Any info on modifications that need to be made?
Thanks, Phil

[tufcj]

The rear will be a 44. Make sure it's a flanged axle (1 piece), some are 2 piece, just like the AMC20. Sorry, but the front isn't a 44 unless someone swapped one in. If it's 72? or newer, it's a Dana 30 (open knuckle). If it's pre-72, it will have a Dana 27 (closed knuckle). The width is the same as a narrow track CJ7 (76-81), it's 4" narrower than the 82-86. Front is a bolt in, rear may require moving the spring pads a bit.

Don't even think about the 27, it's much weaker than the 30. I don't think Commandos came with disc brakes either, but it may have better gearing, so you could swap your current discs (if your has them) onto a Commando Dana 30.

Bob
tufcj

[Trailbst]

I'll only disagree a little.

The 30 is stronger than a 27, but a 27 is not a bad axle. A shop owner here in CT has a 25 in his '2A with 33s and a locker and it holds up.

The 71 and older will be narrower than the 72-74. I think the 73 and 74 Commandos came with optional disc brakes same as the CJs.


Erik

[tufcj]

I guess strength of the 27 would depend on the year. The early ones with the Rzeppa joints were extremely weak. I broke them on my 49 CJ2A with stock 6.50x16 military tires. Later ones with a u-joint weren't as bad, but still smaller and weaker than a 30.

The first year discs were a factory option on a CJ was 76, anything earlier is a retrofit. Wagoneers didn't have discs until 74. I have never seen factory discs on a Commando. Commandos went out of production in 1973, so someone's pulling your leg if they say they have a 74.

Bob
tufcj