Rebuilding AMC 20 questions

JD

I 've got a AMC 20 that I'm wanting to put new clutches in the posi and while I'm at it go ahead and replace the bearings and seals.Since I'm gonna keep the same ring and pinion will I have to change the the carrier bearing shim set-up from replacing the bearings?What about the shims on the pinion, will the new bearings affect the pinion set-up enough to have to change the shims?

tufcj

Bearings are usually accurate to less than .001". As long as you use bearings with the same numbers, even from a different manufacturer, you should be OK with the shims. The AMC20 uses a crush sleeve on the pinion, and that can be a bear to crush (read 300-500 ft/lbs of torque), and you only get one chance. Go beyond the spec for rolling resistance, you throw away the sleeve, and start again with a new one. If you have a Power-Lock (2 piece case held together with left-hand threaded bolts), then clutches are easy. The later Track-Lock has a one piece case, and you need a tool to force the side gears and clutches against the case so you can get the spider gears out/in. I've used a piece of 1/2" all-thread and a couple of heavy duty fender washers. Even with new clutches, if there is wear on the case or side gears, don't expect it to work well. The Track-Locks were usually worn out in 15-20K miles of normal driving, even when new. They just aren't durable. I think someone makes a drop in locker for the Track-Lock case. Do a little research, it might be a better option. Bob tufcj

JD

Thanks tufcj .I have the 2 piece power-lock, they are more durable than the trac-lock aren't they?I hope it works out ok cause I bought the whole rearend and I'am going to rebuild it and swap it for the single legger thats in the car now.Do you know of a good place to buy a "kit" with all the bearings?I already have the clutches for the posi. Thanks JD

tufcj

The Power-Lock is very durable. I have one in my 69 AMX that didn't even need rebuilding, still works great.

For a "master kit" look online at any place that sells Jeep parts, the AMC 20 was used in Jeeps until 1987, bearings and seals are the same for cars. Look to spend about $100 on a complete kit.

I've been buying gears and kits from www.completeoffroad.com for a while. Competitive prices, free shipping with just a $10.95 handling charge.

Bob
tufcj

JD

Thanks for the help.What do you think of using a solid pinion spacer instead of a crush sleeve ? JD

tufcj

It's a matter of preference. I have the tools that make setup with a crush sleeve pretty easy. If I didn't have the tools, I'd probably go with the spacer. The crush sleeve is a little faster, only one assembly after the pinion depth is right, the solid sleeve and shims may take 2 or 3 tries. Bob tufcj

ironman_gq

4wd.com has rebuild kits with all bearings seals and shims.

JD

Thanks for the help! =D>