I hear a lot of people say that the later model Dana 30's are stronger than the earlier versions. I also hear people say otherwise. The newer Dana 30's may use stronger axle u-joints and shafts, but also have the CAD joint to deal with. I have also heard the later model housings are stronger, but the ball joints were stronger on the older versions. Can anyone give me a definite answer? I am a newbie to Heeps and not afraid to admit it.

Edit: The CJ axle time frame I am talking is mid-70's through '86.

The 87-95 YJ housings were high pinion, so the gears are stronger than other models. 95 and up use the larger U-joints, but these axles are easily swapped into other housings. The CJ's used better hubs, real wheel bearings, and knuckles are easily swapped to flat top 44 knuckles for high steering. Housing strength is pretty much a wash, with the center axle disconect adding a weak point, but unless your jumping it, they hold up ok to normal wheeling at a dana 30 level.

What are you looking to do, swap one in to something?

doesn't really matter because dana 30's suck in general, get a 44 :flipoff2:

I would say it doesnt matter because CJ front axle is passanger drop and YJ/TJ/XJ fronts are driver drop so no real reason to compare the two.

What are you looking to do, swap one in to something?

Yep, it's going in a Yukon XL. :flipoff2:

No, I'm looking around at a CJ to build for a cheap beater. 33's or 35's just to dick around in. I'm not going to modify the 30 except maybe tack the u-joint caps and possibly notch the joints for full circlips. I got a line of a 44 rear which I will likely weld. If I need to regear I can do it myself. This question was just out of curiosity because if the CJ plan falls through I may pick up a YJ. The YJ sounds better everyday, knowing that I can throw 3/4 ton 77.5-79 Ford axles under it. Thanks for the help.

The 87-95 YJ housings were high pinion, so the gears are stronger than other models. 95 and up use the larger U-joints, but these axles are easily swapped into other housings. The CJ's used better hubs, real wheel bearings, and knuckles are easily swapped to flat top 44 knuckles for high steering. Housing strength is pretty much a wash, with the center axle disconect adding a weak point, but unless your jumping it, they hold up ok to normal wheeling at a dana 30 level.

What are you looking to do, swap one in to something?

Will the 95-up shafts swap into a CJ widetrack housing? Is there a difference in spline count?

Will the 95-up shafts swap into a CJ widetrack housing? Is there a difference in spline count?


Nope, they won't swap. CJ widetrack is 56" and YJ/TJ is 60".

doesn't really matter because dana 30's suck in general, get a 44 :flipoff2:


Thats original. :rolleyes:

You could throw 70's Chevy stuff under the CJ, so if axle swaps are an option go with the cheapest jeep.

You could throw 70's Chevy stuff under the CJ, so if axle swaps are an option go with the cheapest jeep.

Yeah I think Dodge stuff works fine as well. I might just tear it down right after I buy it and put full widths on it. I don't like wasting my time with weak shit.