Hot Rods Jeep CJ rear axle in 30 Model A

Got a killer deal on a Jeep CJ rear axle measuring 50.5 inches wheel to wheel 3.54 posi Do you guys see any problem running it with full fenders behind the Ford 2.8 V-6 . Mostly concerned about it being that narrow . Thanks

 

that 50-1/2" is wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface? if so , without even knowing your wheels/tires that's going to be a bit narrow for a `30 model A ford

 

The stock axle on a model A was 57". On my chopped Model A I am running a 56" 9" Ford and that is about as narrow as "I" would want to go.

 

My '31 was narrowed to 53" and that's about as far as you can go.

 

This chart might help. HRP

56.50 1969-1977 Maverick 8"
56.50 1990-1992 Ford Ranger 8.8"
56.75 1995-2003 Ford Explorer 8.8" Narrowed w/2 short side axles
57.00 1974-1978 Mustang II 8"
57.25 1957-1959 Ford, Ranchero, Station Wagon
57.25 1965-1966 Mustang
58.00 1966-1977 Bronco
58.00 1964-1965 Falcon
58.00 1977-1981 Granada/Versailles
58.50 1977-1981 Versailles
58.50 1993-2009 Ford Ranger 8.8"
59.25 1967-1970 Mustang, Fairlane, Comet, Cougar
59.81 1995-2003 Ford Explorer 8.8" 31 Spline Disc Brake
60.00 1967 Cougar
60.00 1958-1960 Edsel
61.00 1964-1971 Ford Full Size
61.00 1949-1951 Mercury
61.25 1957-1972 Ford F-100 Pickup
61.25 1960-1964 Ford Full Size
61.25 1971-1973 Mustang
61.25 1967-1973 Torino, Ranchero, Fairlane
63.00 1970-1979 Ranchero & Torino
63.00 1972-1979 Ford Full Size & Intermediate
63.50 1967 Fairlane (Coil Springs)
65.25 1973-1986 Ford F-150 Pickup
65.25 1978-1986 Bronco
65.25 1973-1986 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
68.00 1972 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
69.25 1977-1986 Ford E-150 Van

 

I think that'd be backing plate to backing plate, not WMS to WMS?

 

The OP doesn't specify exactly which model CJ the axle is from. However, Jeep CJ2 thru CJ6 are much narrower than CJ7/8 and later YJ, TJ etc. models. I think his numbers sound reasonable for the earlier models and the 2wd DJ as well.

Ray

 

Just saw the rear end but didn't measure it . It's complete and had the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern and the guy called told me the rest of the info and offered it up for $100 . I'll look with a ruler he also has a Pinto and Ranger rears to look at . Thanks

 

Now, if the Ranger rear is an 8.8, that might be the way to go. I hear that the Jeep rears are not known for their strength.

Roger

 

Some of the Pinto rears are 8" , some are a smaller one. They all have 4 bolt wheel patterns

 

I put a 1975 jeep rearend Dana 44 in a 1931 model a coupe . This was many years ago over 20 and pro street was the look. So we tub it a bit and pretty much to the sub rails and ran some meaty pro track tires. It looked awesome and had the race car look more then the giant tub most pro street have.

 

A Jeep Dana 44 posi can handle some good HP...not Big Block hp....but for what it's worth....most postal Jeeps don't see much hard take off's or burn outs......

 

I have a '85 cj wide track under my '29. One piece axles(29 spline), it has 8 7/8 ring
gear. I like it. The differential is offset so it left room for a 16 gal. tank on the passenger side under the bed.

 

Depending on what exactly was in that Jeep, there were several rear ends in Jeeps, it could be good all but the width. If you are lucky enough for it to be a Dana 44, and it certainly could be one, they were used in a lot of cars and trucks. Corvettes came with a Dana 44 for at least 12 or 15 years in there independent rears, and almost all independent Jags from 1961 used a Dana 44 center section.

That's the good news, now it could also be several other rear ends, and most of those were pretty weak. best thing to do is to find out what you have. In the end however you are still stuck with a pretty narrow rear for a Model A

 

Hombre makes a very good point. Find out what you have, then make the decision. If it's a D44 you're good, but if it's a D30 out of a four-banger Jeep, then leave it behind.
D44's could also be had out of I.H. Scout II's. and if it's a rear from a '75 or later, it'll have limited slip.

Roger

 

A jeep Dana 44 from 1971 to 1975 will have a pumpkin that is in the middle or centered . This is because they were still running the 18 transfer case .
The model 20 jeep rearend in later jeeps 1976 to 81 had this rear and isn't to bad either . Don't do any hole shots it has a weak pinion support bearing . My buddy race yes race his jeep with the model 20 for a few years but upgraded to one piece axles.

 

Not seeing the need for the the strength of a Dana 44 or an 8.8 with this combo. If it fits, use it.