Should I replace the D30?

jds97Wrangler

jds97Wrangler

Active Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Location
Mccleansville, NC
Well I took most peoples suggestion and replaced my dana 35 with an 8.8. It has worked out really well the limited slip is useless on rocks but does ok in the mud. Probably going to lock it but I am waiting to decide what to do with the front axle.

So on to my question will the D30 hold up to ausie/lockrite locker and 35's or should i replace it with something else? If changing it is the option I would like to go with an axle that has locking hubs what vehicle is the best doner vehicle for this. (Not nessesarily looking for a bolt in I am willing to weld brackets again). Because I do drive this on the road quite frequently and if I go the replacement route I want to fully lock the front.

By the way this for my 97 TJ four cylinder I plan to regear to 4.88 so this will put even more load on the 30 and I don't want to waste money on gears and lockers if the axle won't hold up.
 
With the 4 cyl especially, I'd run the 30.
You can replace the shafts if you're nervous, aka do a super 30 kit, even get locking hubs for it.

You could gain some improvement by going with a 44 from a TJ, but most other apps are going to be the wrong width/bolt pattern.
You'll need to deal with the steering and brake situation before the 30 though.
 
Just keep the 30 and put your money elsewhere, just my opinion. Of course it depends on driving style some but I had a 30 that held up fine for years with 35s, 4.88s and a LockRite.
 
^^^I'm sure he meant keep the 30.
I have run a 30 for years. 36 iroks, 4.88s in a 4 banger tj. Broke several u joints which then tore up the shaft ears, but have never broke a shaft.
Now I run a 30 in the 4.0 xj with 4,88s and 36's. Both had lock rights.
You will break more axles in reverse. Wheels turned and in reverse, while in a bind, will break em' every other time..it seems.
Learn the beauty of driving with finess(sp) Anybody can hammer on a 60 and get up, but sweet driving on a 30, and making it,:driver: is even better.
 
dana 30's amazingly hold up well. chromo shafts in a 30 are the same size and u-joints as a 44 so not to much of an upgrade. a HP would be a good idea so the gear is running on the strong side. I think it will handle 35's. put your money elsewhere if you go up to 38's just go 60 and bypass the 44 upgrade.
 
I had a lockrite in a 94 yj 4 banger 456s and 35 bfgs in 2 years of wheeling I broke 2 stock carriers, and 2 shafts! But fixing it was so damn cheap with the three spare 30 fronts i bought at less than 100 a pop. I would keep the 30 or buy a xj hp30 and spring for a ox locker and some ox joints if its in your budget. that should lengthen the life of it :huggy:
 
Thanks for all the info did not realize the 30 was so predictable in how it performs if it is as reliable as all you say I'll stay with it. I may look into the HP option though that is if I can find one reasonable priced if not I'll just regear what have and run it.
 
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