Symptoms
A clunk under load, a rear wheel that suddenly stops driving, or a hub that wobbles on its shaft. The key between the shaft and the pressed-on hub shears once the big hub nut loosens. Or you've simply bought a CJ with original two-piece shafts and bigger tires.
The fix, step by step
- Pull the drums, the hub nut and the hub (this needs a proper hub puller), then the backing-plate bolts, and pull the old shafts.
- Buy the kit for your axle: narrow track for 1976–81, wide track for 1982–86.
- Install the new one-piece shafts with the bearings and seals supplied (some kits need a special bearing), set the end play, and refit the brakes.
- While the axle is apart, JeepCJ.com members suggest stitch-welding the tubes to the center section, using three 1 to 1.5-inch welds rather than a continuous bead, to stop the thin tubes from twisting.
Tools & part numbers
- Hub puller
- slide hammer
- 1/2 in breaker bar
- dial indicator for end play
- welder (optional)
- 80W-90 gear oil.
Where to buy the parts
Crown RT23007 AMC 20 one-piece axle shaft kit (76–83 CJ-5, 76–81 CJ-7, narrow track)Quadratec (Crown Automotive) ↗Amazon ↗
Crown RT23008 AMC 20 one-piece axle shaft kit (82–86 CJ, wide track)Quadratec (Crown Automotive) ↗Amazon ↗
Omix 16536.07 AMC 20 one-piece axle bearing & hardware kit (76–86 CJ)Quadratec (Omix-ADA) ↗Amazon ↗
Omix 16534.03 outer axle seal, AMC 20 one-piece axlesQuadratec (Omix-ADA) ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-7 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.