found a stock j2000 jeep truck 1971 at the local jy today, nobody else has seen it yet, as it is still untouched. it still has both front and rear d44's, dana 20 t-case and it's good ol' 3 speed tranny matted to the AMC I-6.

it has leafs up front and drums at that, but also has manual locking hubs and the original 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern front and rear, 4.10 gears, passenger drop front end, centered rear.

this weekend is going to be half-off at the yard so i must make this decision sooner rather than later.

1.]is the 3 speed transmission worthwhile as compared to my aw4 or ax-15 swap i am planning?

2.] is the dana 20 t-case worthwhile as compared to my np231? it runs a 2.0 to 1.0 ratio, the 231 runs 2.72 to 1.0

3.]will the front end be a worthwhile swap out against my high pinion posi dana 30? i know i will have to cut off the spring perches and re-weld on some coil perches, is there anything else to do? will i notice a huge difference in braking power moving from discs to drums? it also has closed knuckles, is this better or worse?

4.] would the transmission, transfer-case, and axles be worth anything if i where to pull the parts i didn't want just to sell to make back money?

i already have a d44 in my rear that i pulled from an 87, the next 44 would just be for the gears, i would give the 3.07's i have and the axle to my dad.

i only intend to run 33's on my xj so d44 is more than enough beef for my purposes, i just need your opinions on these j2k parts, thanks in advance.

i love the junkyard.

 

I say you buy the whole thing and do this...

 

i wish i could, they want $1500 for it. i just don't have it.... hate to see a classic jeep get scrapped..

 

Talk with them. I got a Ford Explorer (nothing but rear end damage) for my Ranger V8 swap for $500 after haggling with the managment at my local yard. Never hurts to try.

 

Personal loan? That would be an awesome project

 

I would say if there is not much rust go for it. i have a 73 j4000 and i love it. there is a lot going for that truck and ie dana 20 and the three speed. and a amc 360 will bolt right up.

 

They want $1500 but that doesn't mean it's what you have to pay, not a lot of people are looking for j2000 parts and the sooner you buy the whole thing they can place another vehicle in its place, just lowball the hell out of them they might take it, and have cash
Edit, and with 33" a few mods and a d30 can handle those just fine

 

Dont pick it apart! fix it up! there are lots of people out hear in CA who would love to have a 71...no somg

 

You said the front is passenger side drop...XJs are drivers side drop.

The axles are probably wider than your stock ones, so you'd need em both.

 

found the same truck (but a 64) on Craigslist locally for $900 clean title. for some reason i thought these trucks would be worth a lot more with the 44's

 

I agree, I have seen some on my local craigslist between 700-1500 dollars, working. Weird.