Axle swap 83 amc eagle

There is plenty of info at http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php about transfer case options. Cutting down an axle is a lot work. Buying one out of a Jeep that will fit right is much easier. Plus the GM is probalby passenger side drop, where you should use a driver side drop axle. A Dana 30 out of a YJ would worked best if you are going leaf springs. Not the strongest axle, but will handle some abuse. 

[QUOTE=ryanamceagle1983] The reason I want the one out of the chevy is because I need something that will take a lot of abuse[/ QUOTE]   if you want to abuse it, I would get a Jeep.   The Eagle was built for on road traction and to get you home. Its not built for hard off road use.

You're in for a lot of work. If your dad has done things like this before and will be around to help you should be okay though. You can get an older XJ Cherokee pretty cheap though.  If you want something unique I understand. Look for an XJ Cherokee with a 4.0L. That will have the t-case you want. Find one with a manual trans and you can use it with the Eagle engine. With an auto you can use the Jeep trans, but will need to make a manual shift box to replace the computer (only about $10-15 in parts) or the trans computer from the XJ (up to about 2000, later are built into the engine computer). Or use the 4.0L with EFI and all -- then you have a power upgrade as well as better axles.

No. In fact, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee axles are the hardest to swap as they use coil springs.
You're obviously in way over your head on this axle swap idea. I'm usually the last to discourage someone from trying something, but I'm tempted to do so!

You need to do some basic research before asking questions or proceeding. You apparently have no clue as to how the Eagle front axle is mounted or works. You need to see a diagram of the axle and a photo of the axle installed in the car to understand this. Start at http://wiki.amcevolution.com/index.php/Main_Page. There is a "Diagrams" page that has the info you want, click on "Technical Indexes" from the main page (there are other technical articles that will be interesting as well) . Go to "Historical" then "AMC Eagle History" to see a good under car pic of everything installed. Then maybe you'll have a better understanding of what you're doing.  ANY GOOD HOTRODDER/MODIFIER DOES THIS FIRST!!   What you don't understand you can ask more specific questions about and get good useable answers to.  Not just "will this work".

There is a 4.0L swap sub area under the six cylinder engine section. Most of what you need to know is there. In short, I recommend using the entire Jeep wiring harness and ripping out the Eagle under hood harness. Less work than trying to separate the body wiring (lights and such) from the engine wiring. So you need to know what's causing the issues on the GC. Starting with a malfunctioning vehicle makes the task harder.  If the GC is a "plain Jane" model it would be okay for a donor, if it has lots of extras it may be difficult. Most pre 96 models can be worked with, but the XJ Cherokee (the small one) is the most often used.

Here is a good article to read on the 4.0L swap:
http://wiki.amcevolution.com/index.php/Joshpit%27s_4.0_Swap_Article
There is one glaring error at the beginning. The Renix EFI system was used on 1987-1990 models, 1991-95 are OBD I. Renix is not OBD I compatible, it's a unique system all by itself. The same basic method works with 91-95 OBD I models.

I'll tell you this about swapping axles. If you're going to do this you're better off ditching the Eagle axle altogether and using straight axles and leaf springs. That will jack the car up a bit more than it is now -- you'll have to mount hte front axle with the springs on top of the axle. You'll have to jack the back up with spacers between axle and springs (spring is on top of axle) to level it up. You'll have limited travel in the front. It CAN be done with the GC axles and coil springs, but will be a lot harder. You can convert the GC axles to leaf springs simply by cutting the arm mounts off and welding leaf spring seats on.

Here's one link I found with pics of a solid axle Eagle:
http://forums1.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=35760.0
It's not the best work I've seen, but works and is apparently safe... the guy has been driving it a while, and off-road.

What you're wanting to do is just a bit much for a starter project. IF you hang in there and have some help, and do some research THEN ask questions so you can plan your work instead of just jumping in head first without looking, you CAN do it. Your best bet might be to fix the Jeep though -- that needs to be done first if you plan on using it as a donor... or at least figure out WHAT the electrical issue is. May be something you wouldn't be using anyway, but you need to KNOW first!

Asking about those specific conflicts will help! The GC straight axles are just straight axles. ANY straight axle can have the mounts cut off and spring seats welded on where needed. You might have to weld shock mounts on too. Now to use the GC four link suspension and coil springs would be a lot of trouble and costs. Oh, the steering needs to be on the same side of the axle... in front of or behind the axle. It would be really hard to use a rear steer axle in place of a front steer, and vice-versa.