'76 CJ5 RearEnd, Suspension

[edwardr]

I have a '76 CJ5 I have owned about 10 years. I had the front ring&pinion gear replaced and trans re-built about 2 years ago. I am planning beginning on a more through restoration now. I'm not looking to go very extreme - just a good sturdy Jeep.

My first concern is the rear ring&pinon are shot - also bearing seat on axle housing is "wallowed-out" so oil leaks. I understand the "Model 20" AMC rear end is pretty shotty so I am considering buying a new Currie Axle Housing with Dana44 gears with brake drums, etc...,from 4WD cost about $1500

Also, my original springs are sagging pretty bad. I need to put new ones under - maybe giving about 2" lift.

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Edward
Fortson, GA
'76 CJ5, '95 Cherokee, '01 TJ

[sillsmack]

I have a 77' 7.

The 44 axle is a good tough axle...$1500 is quite a bit to swallow, but currie is known for strong axles.

Leon Rossiter Jeep web page had a link sometime ago to a guy who did a frame off resto on a '78 '7.

He did a fine job, took about a year and he spent about $15,000.00 Altho $5,000 of that was for a custom high performance 304V8 rebuild by a professional speed shop.

Balanced, blueprinted & everything. Without that race motor he probably could have done it for $12,000.

Alot of cash, but he ended up with a new Jeep.

I put a Rancho 3 1/2" lift kit on about 10years ago. My 10 X 31 X 15's fit no sweat

hope this helps...