Just wondering if anyone has any experience or suggestions on swapping out the AMC 20 wide track rear axle. Mine is shot (pinion bearings) and I don't want to rebuild it. I'd like to avoid having to narrow anything, and ideally I'd like something 4-5 inches wider than stock. I'd appreciate any advice you all might have.

Friend of mine put D44 on the rear of her 83 CJ7... She loves it. Fits fine, too....

Try a Dana 44 from a scout. I don't know if you have a narrow track or wide track, but the scout rear is 4-5 inches wider than a widetrack rear end. Or a wagoneer 44 is an inch or two wider than a scout. Maybe a 9 inch out of a Bronco. Or a Ford 8.8 - with some searching on the net you can find a new one ready to go for under a grand, I forget where though. There's a number of choices out there. Good luck on finding something.

I believe your rear widetrack is 54.5", a Scout II rear end is 58" wide. Take an ad out in the nickle ads and find one. I've bought two before, never paid more than $100. Also, the shafts are equal length, so only one spare to carry.

i miss the nickel ads. we have somewhat of an equivilent here but it's not as good. i miss les schwab too but i sure don't miss the rain.

when are you gonna make it down south for some rock crawling?

oh, and for a contribution to the thread, 69-73 j4000's came with a 35 spline, semi floating dana 60 in the rear. they are 5 on 5.5 bolt circle, 65" or so wms to wms. the thing is, the pumpkin is offset about 6". if you narrow the long side to match the short side, the width will be close, you will have a centered diff, and you can use equal length "production" short side axleshafts on both sides. you would only have to carry 1 spare. but with a 35 spline 60, you may not even have to bother with a spare.