what Drivetrain do I need

[cannon]

I have a 79' cj7. I have been working on it for a year now and am now getting to the stage that I ready for some drive train work. I want front and rear lockers and am caonsidering the electric ones that I have seen. My question is is it worth modfyin the differentials that came stock on my jeep or do I need new ones. MIne is a renegade with the 304 v8. I am putting afour speed manual tranny in it because with the 35's the three speed sucks. Thank for any experianced input.

[swbooking]

Im pretty sure you have the D30 and AMC20 axle setup, the AMC20 axles is pretty weak, IMO you should do a Currie Built 9 inch in the rear. The D30 in my front end does fine for me. Definently should make the rear a little stronger by upgrading it and i would do ARBs if you want an "on and off" locker setup.

[blkTJ]

a high pinion 9 in the back would be nice but depending on driveshaft angles a regular old 44 may be fine.

as far as gearing, not sure what ratios the 4 speed has but if your gonna do lockers you might as well regear the diffs.

I have ARBs. they work. I know of one guy who had problems with an electric locker. that's all I can offer there.

good luck and happy wheelin'.

[goodtimes]

I know a couple people with the aftermarket e-lockers (not to be confused with the OEM toyota e-lockers), none of them have problems...but none of them are really into rock crawling either.

Personally, I would avoid Currie axles due to the price. But I'm cheap like that. A dana 44 out from under a scout will fit nicely...a bit wider than the AMC 20, but nothing major.

[Sfisher]

Yeah those are some pricey options. If you are just doing some mild wheelin' with a Rubicon trip thrown in now and then your AMC20/D30 can be made to work quiet well.

[swbooking]

Yup Yup, if you want, you can do a 44 in the rear, its also a common swap and it will hold up pretty good.

[cannon]

If iwas keep my D30 what do I need to do to it? How much does a D44 useally run and where is the best place to look. What will I need to do to it when I get it. The electric lockers seem like a good idea because there is no seal or hoses to dry out or get torn. But I don't know how good they are in practical application. I will be wheelin around here mostly but Moab is only 3 hours away so i'll be there a couple of times a year also. The Rubicon is a long way from here but I'm not counting it out. Thanks for all the info

[swbooking]

Check with T&Js and with Currie, They can give you all the prices etc... and I forget who but if you want to "sup" up your D30 they make a kit that beefs it up.
T&J Performance
Currie Enterprises

[jeeper89]

i got my dana 44s from pick and pull for $246 front and rear. i run eaton e lockers and have had no problem... not as pricey as arbs and for pretty much the same thing. and i do rock crawl.. done the ruicon with no problems i run 35s and drive semi hard.. not to hard on my stufff but hey... i am the one that ends up towing my friends out. i know i am going to have to be towed out some day... but not yet.

[jimmyrig]

Look for later model cj 81 and up 30/20 so you can get the wider stance. I think you have a narrow track set up. One piece the rear throw in lockrites and have fun. Learn to wheel that set up for awhile. As your wheeling style grows as will your knowledge. That should help your really decide what drive train you need to run. Because there are a million ways you can run everybody has an opinion of the best set up. What works for them may not work for you, your budget, your lifestyle. Good luck