Wondering why you need a Jeep axle identification chart? Whatever you want to do with your Jeep’s axle, first, you must identify what axle model your Jeep has and its characteristics. The Jeep is a legendary American vehicle with so many models in its production line over the years. And these changes in each new model were causing the use of specific axle solutions for each vehicle.

The easiest way of presenting them all is in the form of a Jeep axle Identification chart. It will help you easily and quickly get the info you need. But before introducing you to the Jeep axle Identification chart, let’s first say a few important things about the axle.

 

Why is the Axle an Important Part of the Jeep?

People love Jeeps for so many reasons. It’s so fun and cool to drive them on and off-road. They are rigid and durable, with a high safety rating. Easy customization allows us to find them in many varieties. They allow you freedom of movement on all terrain types and in all weather conditions. 

Many of these features are related to the quality of the Jeep axle.

If we want to simplify, we can say that a Jeep axle represents a rod or a shaft with 3 crucial functionalities:

1. To rotate the wheels, 
2. To support the weight of your vehicle, and
3. To provide directional stability in various road and driving conditions.

Having the right axle in great condition will improve all of these features. Conversely, a wrong axle model or its poor condition will prevent you from enjoying hard wheeling or even endanger your security.

Knowing the Jeep axle Identification chart’s important information will allow you to avoid mistakes and prevent problems.

The Jeep Axle Identification Chart will help you inspect its condition, repair it, replace it with a new one, or change it with some other model. 

But first, you have to identify your Jeep’s axle model.

 

How Can You Identify Your Jeep Axle Model?

There are two ways to achieve this. 

The first is by using the axle numbers. They are stamped on the right or left-hand tube of the axle. In the next photo, you can see how it usually looks like:

 

The explanations of the numbers are in the photo. The Bill of Materials (BOM) number is the one that is used as an axle identifying number for ordering parts from the catalogs.

This is the primary method, but it has some downsides. Sometimes the axle numbers can’t survive the years of grit, mold, and all other weather and terrain impacts. If this happens, you can always use the second method. 

The second one is to inspect the cover’s shape, the number of the bolts, the ring gear bolts, and the ring gear diameter. And with all that information you can find out your axle model. 

In the next picture, you can see how all different axle models look like:

 

With those two methods, you can be sure that you correctly identify your Jeeps axle model. That will allow you to use the Jeep Axle Identification chart for further important details, like the ones in the Jeep Axle Identification chart below.

Note: Every different axle model has its row in this Jeep Axle Identification chart. The first column is for the axle model name, the number of the bolts, and the diameter. The second and third are for the production period and the models where it is installed. The fourth is for ring gear information. And the final fifth column of the Jeep Axle Identification Chart is for all other important details.

Take a look:

 

We hope that this Jeep Axle Identification Chart will help you in many future situations like maintaining your current one or buying a new one.  

We, at Palm Beach Customs, are devoted to restorations of all Jeep models. Since 1980 we have completed over 2100 restorations across the US, and we know that every detail is important. We took special care of axle conditions. They should stand the test of time regardless of all bogging and mudding you will drive through. Death wobbles or possible breakings are not the situations you deserve to have. The Jeep is made for enjoyment, for a worry-less fun ride, and neverending Jeep Wave. Maybe the others will not understand, but the Jeep owners know exactly why their Jeeps are irreplaceable.

Overview
1976-1986 CJ-7
1976-1986 CJ-7

The Jeep CJ-7 featured a wheelbase 10 inches longer than that of the CJ-5 and lacked its trademark rear curve of the door cutouts. The other main difference to the CJ-5 was to the chassis which hitherto consisted of two parallel longitudinal main c-section rails. To help improve vehicle handling and stability, the rear section of the chassis stepped out to allow the road springs and dampers to be mounted closer to the outside of the body. It was introduced in 1976, and 379,299 were built during 11 years of production.

The CJ-7 featured an optional new automatic all-wheel-drive system called Quadra-Trac, as well as a part-time two-speed transfer case; an automatic transmission was also an option. Other features included an optional molded hardtop and steel doors. The CJ-7 was also available in Renegade and an upgraded Laredo model. Noticeable by their different body decals, the Laredo model featured highback leather bucket seats, a tilting steering wheel, and an elaborate chrome package that included the bumpers, front grille, and mirrors. An optional Trak-Lok differential was available for the rear. The rear-axle ratio typically 3.54, but later went up to 2.73.

The reports of the CJ-7 were different in each type of engine: the 145 cu in (2.4 L) diesel was mated to the 4.10 ratio axle (in both Renegade and Laredo), while the 258 cubic-inch straight-six and 150 cubic-inch four-cylinder used 3.73 and AMC V8 304-powered models (produced 1976-1981, which became part of the Golden Eagle version) used the 3.55 ratio axles.

From 1976 to 1980, the CJ-7 used a Dana 20 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle (27- or 31-spline), and a 29-spline AMC 20 rear axle, while in recent years, the Laredo package added a tachometer, chrome bumpers, tow/recovery hooks and interior, comfortable leather seats, and clock. In 1980, the Laredo was first fitted with an AMC 20 rear axle until mid-1986, when it was equipped with a Dana 44 and all 1980 and newer CJ-7s came with the Dana 300 transfer case; parts for the 300 are still in production due to its durability and upgradability.

During its 11 years, the CJ-7 had various equipment packages:

Renegade 1976-1986 (2.4D L6-2.5-4.2-5.0 AMC 304 V8)
Golden Eagle 1976-1980 (5.0 AMC 304 V8)
Laredo 1980-1986 (2.4D-4.2 I6)
Jamboree Edition (2,500 units that were built for the 30th anniversary) 2.5 L and 4.2 L
A diesel-powered version was made in the Ohio factory for export only. The engines were provided by General Motors, the owners of Isuzu Motor Cars. Production of this diesel version was between 1980 and 1982. This model had the Isuzu C240 engine, T176 transmission, Dana 300 transfer case although there are reports of some being produced with the Dana 20. Typically, they had 4.1 ratios, narrow track axles.

The CJ-7 continues to be used in the sport of mud racing, with either the stock body or a fiberglass replica. It is also a favorite for rock crawling.

Engines

150 cu in (2.5 L) AMC I4
151 cu in (2.5 L) GM Iron Duke I4
232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC I6
258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC I6 99.4 PS (73 kW; 98 hp), 261 N·m (193 lb·ft)
304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8 127 PS (93 kW; 125 hp), 296 N·m (218 lb·ft)[33]
145 cu in (2.4 L) Isuzu Diesel C240
Transmissions

Warner T-18 (4-speed with a Dana 20 1976-1979) (aftermarket adapters exist for a dana 300, but it was not a factory option)
Borg-Warner T-4 (4-speed with a Dana 300)
Borg-Warner T-5 (5-speed with a Dana 300)
Tremec T-150 (3-speed manual transmission with a Dana 20 1976-1979)
Tremec T-176 (4-speed manual with a Dana 300)
Borg-Warner SR-4 (4-speed with a Dana 300)
GM TH-400 (3-speed automatic with BW QuadraTrac #1339)
TF-999 (3-speed automatic transmission – 4.2 L with a Dana 300)
TF-904 (3-speed automatic transmission – 2.5 L with a Dana 300)
Transfer Cases

Dana 20 (1976–79)
Dana 300 (1980–86)
Borg-Warner #1339 (1976–1979)
Axles

Dana 30 Front narrow track (1976–1981)
Dana 30 Front wide track (1982–1986)
2-Piece AMC 20 Narrow track rear (1976–1981)
2-Piece AMC 20 Narrow track offset pumpkin Rear (1976–1979) Only for QuadraTrac #1339 equipped vehicles
2-Piece AMC 20 Wide track rear (1982–1986)
Dana 44 Wide track Rear (mid-year 1986)
If you have any questions or you need any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us.