D30 u-joint confusion

chris

chris

cltdba
Moderator
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Location
Concord, NC
Okay I'm confused about u-joints with the D30. After breaking mine I want to upgrade them to the 760 spicers, but I don't know they will fit? Do I need 29 spline axle shafts to fit the 760's or will they fit in my 27 splines? Or do I need to buy special 27 spline axle shafts to fit them?

What are the differences between the 260/760 u-joints and the 27/29 spline shafts?

This should be simple but for some reason I'm befuddled by it.

I also want to know where to get the plastic "covers" that cover the axle tube where the inner shafts insert. Mine shattered and is somewhere on trail 92a at URE. Also, is there a seal that is supposed to go there? Only seal I am aware of is the inner seal in the diff. (which i have to replace now.) Is there a problem with running without the plastic covers?
 
plastic covers are just there to keep most trash out. Remember, mud kills. there is a seal in the tube that comes out from the inside. first remove the vaccume disconect and the seal has to be pushed out from the outer tube. using a slide hammer is the trick. the driver's seal is in the differential I think.
 
I'm working on the drivers side and mine is non-disconnect. Do you know where to find the plastic caps? other than JY.

I also found this chart that helps me a little. I guess I need to know whether I have the 297 or 260 joints.

http://www.quadratec.com/advisor/jeep_oem_replacement_parts/axle/u_joints.php

Looks like the 260 joint since I don't have ABS. (1.06" cap)

http://www.quadratec.com/advisor/jeep_oem_replacement_parts/axle/axleXJ30F.php#26

so from what I've learned so far I should find a 92-96 XJ with ABS and take the front axle shafts if I want to get the larger u-joints. Well turd..
 
cltdba said:
so from what I've learned so far I should find a 92-96 XJ with ABS and take the front axle shafts if I want to get the larger u-joints. Well turd..
Click to expand...


Afaik, something like 95+ all have 297 sized joints.

My non-abs '97 came with them stock. Keep your eyes peeled over at Naxja, I picked a spare set up for less than $100 shipped.

297-760 are the same size, different forging process.
 
what you are probably thinking of with the 27/29 spline is for the rear 8.25 axle. all D30's are 27 spline. However, the newer D30's have the larger joints. I belive it started in 97 but not 100% positive on that year. To upgrade to larger joints, you will need the newer shafts.
 
'95 model is when they started putting the bigger joints in the Wrangler. That is the most desirable model of the YJ if you are keeping the stock front just because of the bigger joints. TJ's obviously didn't start until '97 since there was no '96 model.
 
Oh yeah that's right. 29 spline was the 8.25. Doesn't the d30 come with 30 spline too? I see 30 spline shafts around. I guess that is an aftermarket upgrade?
 
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