I wasnt sayen swap in a 60 i was sayen it would be nice to have a huge 60 in there and do some rocks. I love my 20 but i know that it is outdated. They dont make em anymore so if it breaks its easier to replace then repair or upgrade. It was just a few comments on the m20. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

corp 20 bashing. it's like this. if you run a m20 you will always have to defend it in jeep discussions because of it's reputation as a seal leaking, tube spinning turd. even if you don't have those problems. it's all about perception.

typical conversasion #1

"i have a corp20 with 1 piece superiors, warn full flost kit, and a kick ass truss. it's stronger than a 44"

"your an idiot, you wasted your money."

typical conversation #2

"i scored a d44 w/powerlok for $200 and replaced my m20"

"cool"

most jeepers(by experience or heresay)think the m20 is a POS. you will spend less time installing a 44 than you will justifying upgrades to a m20 to other jeepers. and for what it costs to buy everything to make a super m20(warn kit, 1 piece axles, truss, locker/carrier), you could have currie ship you a built 9".

i ran a m20 w/4.11's for years with no problems besides leaky seals and brakes covered in 90w. it's not like they're make out of glass. if a 20 works for you, great. run it. just expect a lot of criticism because of reputation and perception.

polishing the cracks out of a turd is one thing, but if you have to grind the peanuts too, it's just not worth it.

First off, I appreciate everyone's input here on 4X4 Wire.This isn't my usual forum but the responses have been great & feel welcome here.
I started this thread to find out what was under these vehicles & what was suggested for more serious off roading. I was following the recent thread on YJ axles, & it got me thinking. I have experience with International Harvester products but am still learning Jeep tech. I am looking at what is out there for me as I have recently "gotten the wheeling fever" as they say, & I want another off road vehicle to go along with my Monty. I have been looking at the CJ 7&8's, The YJ's, & when they get another year or 2 older, (read cheaper) a Rubicon. (I'm lazy & want A/C)
I am not looking for an extreme rock crawler as much as a all purpose go anywhere vehicle that has the capability to do serious trail work, perhaps with a 2 to 4" lift, 33's etc.
I also want to be able to go to pep boys & find a part if I need it.
I crave knowledge hehhehheh!
Harry

Go for a 91 or newer 4.0 you get Fuel injection. And on the Yj it has wider springs than a Cj. Just dont get the peugots transmission. All tj with the 4.0 are good. You might even be able to find a Tj with the 44 rear option. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Wow, I don't even know where to begin in this forum, I don't want to incur any critisism. Well if you already have a daily driver, and are just wanting something to play with you have a few choices, all pretty much depending on what you want to do. If you just want to go out and play every other weekend or so, I say get a stock, not beaten-to-death on the trail, pre 81 CJ-7. It will probably be ugly enough you don't have to worry about hurting the body. The engine is pretty basic and relatively easy to work on, not to mention when it's running right it's got great power. It's already pretty much a go anywhere machine, you'd be surprised where you can get with a set of 31" mud tires and a winch. Seriously, unless you are planning on some really serious trails, you don't have to do much to go anywhere. Be careful and pick a good line, and you're set. Just make sure you have a buddy with you in case something happens to you. If you are wanting to do some hardcore wheeling where you have the possibility of rolling over, I really wouldn't recommend ANY CJ with the stock axles under it. In my opinion, they are just too narrow. If you are going hardcore enough to require 35" tires, and you don't want to worry about breaking everytime you get in a sticky situation and give it some gas, then you're probably going to replace the axles anyway. You say you know a little something about Internationals? Well they made a pretty decent set of Dana 44's in their scouts. Everybody and their mother is going to have an opinion about what you should run, but it's dependent on you. The crazier the trails are you run on, the crazier the modifications are going to have to be for you to be able to run the trail. The only reasons I suggest a CJ is because they are (well, they can be) cheap, and simple. I say run what you want, it will always be the best to you, as what everyone else runs is always the best to them. Hope I gave you little insight, and good luck.

P.S.: CJ's 76 and later all came with the Dana 30 front, and the AMC 20 rear, with both axles becoming widetrack models somewhere around 81 or 82. The exception to the AMC 20 is a Dana 44 in some 86 models.