Ditching the dana 30

[TheCredibleHulk]

So apperently my pinion seal started leaking on the way down 264 and destroyed the bearings and possibly the gears. Does anybody know of an easy swap so I can get rid of the dana 30 and upgrade to a stronger axle

 

[91oneton]

if its a tj i would say a rubicon 44. and i know where one is

 

[TheCredibleHulk]

It's a 97 tj, do you know how much that 44 costs? cause that would be my best opiton.

 

[Rox&Mud]

The Rubicon d44 is the only bolt in axle that is not custom/purpose built for your TJ other than the d30.
Please realize that Rubicon D-44 is a modified d44/d30 with special r&p. It is not a true Dana 44. It has the d30 axle tubes and knuckles with a modified d44 center. It uses a thicker ring gear than a normal d44. Now, it is better than the d30 but if you wheel it hard you will have to spend some $$$ to keep it alive depending on the power and tires you run. Upgrade the unit bearings for larger outer shafts, change to chromoly axles, possible truss the axle tubes, etc.

All that said, it's what I have in my '99 TJ. I am running 37x14.5's and have only broken it a few times. I have upgraded it as much as possible short of trussing it.