My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: ventport on November 15, 2010, 10:57:30 AM
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I have been told that CJ 5 front and rear axles will fit a 3A and give you better brakes. My question is: is there any more modern (easier to find) axles that will fit to replace the axles on my 3A? They are worn out and I am not going to keep it all stock. Maybe from some 4X4 import?
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I believe there are two basic brake upgrades which are often performed. I do not have personal experience with either though. One upgrade would be to go from 9" to 11" drum brakes. The other upgrade is to go to disc brakes. I think, but am not sure, that the cj5 axle is wider than cj3a so it may not be a direct swap. Although you may be able to swap some brake parts from a CJ5. Most willys suppliers sell an upgrade kit for both the 11" drum and disc brake upgrades. You can get the later brakes (11") to fit your cj3a axles with slight mods. At least that's what I have come to understand. I am sure several people on the site have actual experience with the brake upgrades. There are a bunch of articles out there if you do a search on the internet for cj2a cj3a brake upgrade.
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Keep in mind that the CJ-5 spanned many years and the axles are not all the same. The early CJ-5s still had 9" brakes and while slightly different will not offer much in improved braking. Late CJ-5 axles won't be a bolt in swap because the spring perches are wider and the rear spacing is different. The 11" drum brakes from a 73-75 or so CJ-5 will swap onto the CJ-3A axles without too much work. The front brake lines need to be changed to hoses and grind a notch in the rear axle housing flange for clearance.
CJ-5 11" drum brakes will make your CJ-3A stop on a dime!! Willys Wagons and Trucks also had 11" brakes but I have never tried them on a CJ and don't know how much of an improvement they are.
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I want to change the axles because they are worn out, bad gears & bearings seals etc, not just because of the brakes. The better brakes would just be a bonus in changing to newer axles. I was looking for something cheap & readily available that would fit with a little work, such as a Toyota, Ford Ranger, Chev S10, etc. Anyone have any ideas?
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You might be better off finding replacement original differentials and just do a brake upgrade. Is your rear diff a Dana 41 or Dana 44? Fill out your profile so we know where you're located. Somebody nearby may be able to help you out.
Larry
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I have a stock 1952 3A with worn out front and rear differentials/axles. What ever brand or number a stock 3A came with. That's what I would like to replace or upgrade. Hope that helps. Thanks for the reply's so far, Brian
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I'll add my opinion to this. It's unlikely you will find any front and rear axle assemblies from other makes of vehicles that will be an exact bolt in replacement for the CJ3 axles. If you decide to try that you will need a well equipped shop with welding gear and a good friend with a machine shop and that will be the easy part. One or both of you will have to have a creative mind to modify everything to fit your Jeep so it is still safe to drive.
The cheapest and best way is to rebuild your axles and install 11" brakes. Have you gotten a price for what it would cost to rebuild your axles? It's a good chance you may only need bearings, seals, wear sleeves, U joints, gaskets, etc. not counting the brakes. Your ring gear and pinion sets may still be ok. If they are not eat up the worst they would do is whine but the tranny and transfer gears whine too.
If you decide to rebuild we can recommend some good manuals to do it with.
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Fill out your profile so we know where you're located. Somebody nearby may be able to help you out.
It was even better when your location showed up on the post without having to go to a member's profile like on the old forum. �I wonder if that could be added to this new forum???
Yeah, I know, we're talking about brakes and axles. �I like rocketeer's suggestion about replacing with original axles. �Or carlsjeep's idea about overhauling your own. �Then do a brake upgrade if you need. �Not to difficult, probably cheaper--unless you're lucky in your search for different ones. �The old 9 inch brakes do amazingly well if adjusted exactly per the manual, both heel and toe on both shoes on all four wheels. �
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I have the 11" upgrade brakes on my 53. Best thing I ever did.
Your axils are 58 years old, and need repair? Why would you consider them to require an "upgrade", to something bigger, better, stronger, longer lasting, diffferent, etc.? Seems to me that they did pretty well in the longevity department. Sometimes we forget how well they were designed and built back then. Remember, they replaced the horse in war. Jim