Dana 30 Advice

[hellbilly_racing]

I have 2 XJ Dana 30s that I will be using as part of a 'budget', 4 wheel steer, non-competition, 100% offroad beater, and thought 'who better to ask advice from than jeepers?' :D

The base vehicle is a late 80s jap with full chassis and 2.8 turbo diesel. The axles will be running 4.88 gears and have soft lockers front and back. This is no dune jumper or anything like; just low speed mudding and wading round the woods...

Given that the axles are stock apart from gears and lockers, the low hp oil burner, my own laid back driving style and the fact that this will never see asphalt; will I run into problems running 35x12.50 mudders? What's likely to give up first? Is there any cheap mods I can do during the build up as insurance? The axles will be stripped and reconditioned with bearings and seals throughout...

[XJCracker]

The rear 30 won't hold up very well at all with 35s unless your rig weighs 2000#. With the diesel it'll probably be heavy.

You'd be better off getting a waggy 44 axle for the rear it'll do a LITTLE better but it'll still suck. :D

good luck

[fishotro]

I'd also worry more about the weak D35. I've seen a few more than one rig run 35" on the D30 front, but they wheel very easy on the pedal. I like the waggy 44's front and rear idea. Youll be way better off in the long run, just make sure to avoid the vaccum fronts.

[BCYJ]

"GO ACTION Flame suit"

I've had no problems with the vacuum disconnect D30 in my YJ, AS with any moving component in any rig, regular maintenance/inspection and it runs perfectly fine.

(Flame away...)

[jeepinTY]

I'd also worry more about the weak D35. I've seen a few more than one rig run 35" on the D30 front, but they wheel very easy on the pedal. I like the waggy 44's front and rear idea. Youll be way better off in the long run, just make sure to avoid the vaccum fronts.

He doesn't have a D35, just build the axles up, new shafts and such. Give it a shot, especially if the rig is going to be super light. Good luck if you give it a go and make sure to get pics on everything.

[Rugger99]

I have never heard anyone thinking of using a D30 as a rear steer axle...:laughing: Seriously, I am thinking that the diesel will kill it very quickly....not by horsepower but with torque.

[XJCracker]

I have never heard anyone thinking of using a D30 as a rear steer axle...:laughing: Seriously, I am thinking that the diesel will kill it very quickly....not by horsepower but with torque.

Also the weight of it.

[KiGrind]

Why do people hate on the D44s... whats wrong with the scout d44s...

they seem fine if you dont want to run 38 or more..

[bowtied_micky]

why in the hell would you call a 2.8 diesel, tube chasis a budget build and if you are going that far THERE IS NO REASON TO USE THAT P.O.S. AXLE!!!!!!!!!!!! Just hunt up a 44, put in good shafts and gears and you will be fine on 35-36 meats.


micky

[XJCracker]

Why do people hate on the D44s... whats wrong with the scout d44s...

they seem fine if you dont want to run 38 or more..

Please don't be a tard.

38s :shaking:

[Oatmeal]

Some of the earlier XJ D30s used the smaller 260X joints and I don't think they'd be up to the task also, If you're going to run a high pinion D30 out back you'll be running on the coast side of the ring and pinion and you will see a considerable reduction in strength but, then again........if all it costs you is your labor, go for it!----------Hans