Front d30 locker xj questions

Tdsigmon

New Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2015
Location
Lincolnton
Hey all first post, first off my setup in the back is a Isuzu rodeo d44 with a LSD and 4.88 gears. About 6 inches of (long arm) lift & 35s. Stock front axle except for the 4.88s.

Just wondering about what a decent locker up front would cost and if I'm gonna start breaking things if I do. I like the idea of a LSD and not having to fool with it too much and having it there when I need it.

P.S.
bought this rig with all that is done to it or obviously I would have some kind of clue as to which direction to go haha.
 
Having a 4.88 gear set on a dana 30 will be a little bit nerve racking because of how the material of the ring and pinion downsize. But to answer your question your most cost effective locker will be a aussie locker, spartan locker, or a lockrite. They run at about $250 brand new ready to go. Install it and 95% of the time they do not need attention the day after you put it in. If you plan on running 35s on your xj keep some spare axle shafts for the front. You will most likely spit out ujoint caps and perhaps break a shaft if you flog on it hard. Have seen plenty of 35s on a dana 30 though.

I bought a second hand aussie locker for half of the price of a new one for my dana 30 five years ago and it never misses a beat. Sounds like a neat set up. Make sure to start a build thread. People love pictures and this forum has tons of advice that will keep your rig from falling apart.
 
what ^^^^he said...I will add since i'm a huge fan of welding front D30s and even the Disco smaller jointed ones, don't hammer down on it especially with wheels turned all the way. with a locker up front though, you shouldn't need as much wheelspin as open diff too so just keep that in mind and you'll be fine. put some new HD joints in that are greasable and if kept greased up, they should pretty much hold up long long time. grease goes a looooong way with U-joints as far as breaking vs not breaking!!
 
John Fuller said:
put some new HD joints in that are greasable and if kept greased up, they should pretty much hold up long long time. grease goes a looooong way with U-joints as far as breaking vs not breaking!!
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:lol:

Buy Spicer 5-760x u joints AND NOTHING ELSE.
 
Another great thing about the Aussie, Spartan or lock-rite is the install is easy for a novice in the driveway.

I will also piggy-back from experience that you can destroy front axle shafts if you beat the shit out of it. My problem was mudding, the spinning and sudden traction made dem dare U-joints exploder.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. I'm going to do some research on beefing up my 30, I figured I was pushing it already.

Also I will have to start a build thread. Here's some eye candy haha
 

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If you really want to beef it up, look into 30 spline conversions with Revolution Gear 1350 u-joint shafts or RCV shafts. Those take the 297/760 u-joints out of the equation.
 
John Fuller said:
what ^^^^he said...I will add since i'm a huge fan of welding front D30s and even the Disco smaller jointed ones, don't hammer down on it especially with wheels turned all the way. with a locker up front though, you shouldn't need as much wheelspin as open diff too so just keep that in mind and you'll be fine. put some new HD joints in that are greasable and if kept greased up, they should pretty much hold up long long time. grease goes a looooong way with U-joints as far as breaking vs not breaking!!
Click to expand...

No.
Greaseable u joints are inherently weaker due to having an open void in the center to allow the grease to travel. Non-serviceable Spicer joints are stronger and will last a long, long time.
 
I'd suggest replacing the joints with a new set of Spicer 760 series joints. While you have the axle shafts apart, use a grinder and open up the inside of the shafts so you can install full circle retaining clips in place of the crescent moon ones that come with the joints. They will hold the caps in much better.
 
Jody Treadway said:
No.
Greaseable u joints are inherently weaker due to having an open void in the center to allow the grease to travel. Non-serviceable Spicer joints are stronger and will last a long, long time.
Click to expand...
didn't know this....good to know now. thanks
 
Thanks for all the advice gonna pick up a set of u joints and a spare for if something goes wrong, also am extra thanks for the tip on the retaining clips.. Added to my shopping list. Right after exhaust for the heep and a headlight for the motorcycle
 
Tdsigmon said:
Thanks for all the advice gonna pick up a set of u joints and a spare for if something goes wrong, also am extra thanks for the tip on the retaining clips.. Added to my shopping list. Right after exhaust for the heep and a headlight for the motorcycle
Click to expand...
Might as well start looking for a whole spare set of front shafts for it
 
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