Axle swap?

[dickie1602]

I purchased a 1990 Wrangler for my son whos just starting to drive. I'm interested in adding a 2.5 or 4 inch lift but am concerned about the axles. The front is vacuum controlled and to be honest, both rears look kinda weak. When I was 18 I had an 82 CJ-7, the thing went anywhere. I lifed that as well and everything seemed to be much stronger. Now to my question, I have access to a 78 CJ7 and am thinking about swapping bith axles and installing new springs for the lift. Has anyone done this? Are the spring mounts the same width on the CJ and the Wrangler? Will I be able to use the driveshafts from either of the two vehicles and what kind of work will need to be done to the schakles? I really liked the old style locking hubs, this new vacuum system seems like it's gonna be trouble. If anyone knows, please let me know what I'm getting into. My email is dickie1602@yahoo.com or dickie1602@gmail.com.. thanks for taking the time to read this,, Bruce

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

There are several reasons that swap won't work.
1) '78 CJ uses narrow-track axles, they won't physically fit under the wider Wrangler.
2) The CJ uses a passenger side front differential, the Wrangler has a driver's side front diff.
3) The wheel lug patterns are different.

Your stock axles in the Wrangler are pretty good up to 33" tires. Anything larger or with more power than stock and you're pushing the limits. Your front axle is a Dana30 with vacuum disconnect, and the rear axle is a non c-clip Dana35 axle, marginally stronger than the c-clip axle that replaced it in '91.

 

[69jeepcj]

People do swap rear axles into the wranglers though. ford 8.8 being one of the more popular (explorer axle)

 

[Utah_jeepster]

As for your front you several options, you can get rid of the vacuum system and go to a cable system, with upgraded shifter forks, or you can do a TJ axle shaft swap. Both work great and you don't have to axle specialist to install.
As for your Dana 35, for light wheeling and tires up to 33 like Bounty had said it will work fine. You will see upgrade kits for it, these will work great with large tires and a little extra pressure on the skinny pedal that is necessary. The Dana 35 is is a weak axle and not worth your time to upgrade if your planning on doing trails over mild rating, its not a question of if...its when. The 8.8 is a fine axle to upgrade to, the Dana 44 came in some jeeps, but be careful here because some grand Cherokees did come with an Aluminum housing Dana 44...there not worth your time or money.