Identifying axles isn't particularly hard, it's usually a matter of knowing the finer details that make each unique. This article covers most of the popular factory axles offered in Jeep CJ's and Wranglers and a few of the more common non-Jeep axles.
Definitions
Semi-floating - The Jeep's weight rides on the axle shaft, the axle shaft also provides rotational force.
Full-floating - The hub supports the Jeep's weight. The axle provides rotational force only.
2 piece axle - The axle consists of an inner shaft connected to an outer hub. Most commonly held together with a large outer nut. Axle to hub connection is usually though splines and a keyway.
Flanged Axle - The axle and hub assembly are a solid unit.
Pumpkin/chunk - common names to the center section that houses the ring, pinion, and differential components.
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Jeep OEM axles.
AMC 20
Key Identifiers - 12 bolt round cover.
Came in - 76-86 CJ and Scramblers, 79-86 Wagoneer, 80-86 Jeep Trucks
Ring Gear - 8.875"
Good - Larger ring gear than a Dana 44
Bad - Weak two piece axles, small axle tubes prone to flexing.
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.73 to 4.56, 1 piece axle shafts, Warn full floater axle kit.
Dana 30
Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle
Came in - 72-86 Jeep CJ and Scrambler, 87-present Wrangler YJ/TJ/TK.
Ring Gear - 7.2"
Good - Small center giving better ground clearance, readily available parts. Good axle for Jeeps with 33 or smaller tires.
Bad - Small tubes, small axle shafts.
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38. Larger and stronger axle and U-joints.
Variations - Varying widths, Some reverse cut models, CJ models featured hubs, YJ until 1994 features vacuum actuated axle disconnect, Right and left side off-set, Drum and disc brakes.
Dana 27
Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle
Came in - 66-71 Jeep CJ
Ring Gear - 7.2"
Good - Small center giving better ground clearance
Bad - Closed knuckles, narrow width
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38.
Dana 25
Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, most commonly a front axle
Came in - 41-65 Jeep CJ
Ring Gear - 7.2"
Good- Small center giving better ground clearance
Bad - Closed knuckles, narrow width
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:38.
Dana 44
Key identifiers - 10 bolt oblong shaped cover, flanged axles (some earlier used a 2 piece)
Came in - 67-75 Jeep CJ, some 86 CJ, Wrangler TJ/LJ option rear, Wrangler Rubicon TJ/LJ/TK front and rear, Comanche
Ring Gear - 8.5"
Good - 19 and 30 spline axles, large ring & pinion, strong axle tubes. Readily available
Bad - Larger tires 38" and up not recommended.
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 5:89. Varying widths available. Several aftermarket versions are made especially for the off-roader.
Dana 35
Key identifiers - 10 bolt cover, oval shape, flanged axles
Came in - 87-96 Wrangler YJ, 84-97 Cherokee XJ, 97-up Wrangler TJ/LJ (std), 07-up Wrangler TK (std)
Ring Gear - 7.562
Good - ?
Bad - C-Clip axle shafts
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 4.46.
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Non Jeep OEM popular axles.
Dana 60
Key identifiers - 12 bolt oblong shaped cover,
Came in - Jeep J10, Some Ford F series, GM, and Dodge trucks
Ring Gear - 9.75"
Good - Larger version of the Dana 44. Large ring gear and axle shafts. Strong axle tubes.
Bad - Heavy, Thick center section reduces ground clearance.
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.72 to 7.17. Full-floating and semi-floating versions. Several aftermarket versions are made especially for the off-roader. Forward and reverse rotations.
Ford 8.8 (Aftermarket)
Key identifiers - Semi square shaped cover with 10 bolts.
Came in - 81-94 Ford Bronco, 90-96 Ford Explorers and Ranger, Ford F150 light trucks.
Ring Gear - 8.8"
Good - Strong axle with similar axle width to a Wrangler, readily available.
Bad -
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 3.08 to 5.14.
Ford 9 inch (Aftermarket)
Key identifiers - No rear cover, center section is a 3rd member.
Came in - 66-88 Ford Bronco, 55-87 Ford F series trucks
Ring Gear - 9"
Good - 3rd member design allowing quick changing of ratios (with pre-set up 3rd members)
Bad - No longer in OEM production but still readily available
Options - Most lockers and limited slips available, gearing from 2.80 to 6.50. Several aftermarket versions are made especially for the off-roader.
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