4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: axle info, wheel drive hardware, road magazines

Question
i have a 78 cj-5 and it has what looks to be a dana 44 in the rear. the only number is c- 32055 in the lower right hand corner of the center housing the spline count is 30. the housing looks to have been cut and shorten. how do i find out what kind of axle is it and how do i get a new left side axle shaft for it?

Answer
Major,

This sounds like it may be a casting number.  The stock rear differential for your year CJ, is the AMC model 20.  The model 20 has a round cover with 12 bolts.  I would suggest that you contact 4 Wheel Drive Hardware at:1-800-333-5535.  Their Spring 2004 catalogue has a description of each type of Jeep differential, along with an illustration of each type.  There are several other Jeep parts distributors that can supply you with the same information, such as Quadratec, Four Wheel Drive Wholesalers, etc.  You can find their ads in most of the off road magazines.  Any of these suppliers can sell you an axle, and the price is usually very similar.

  Carl