did a search for: dana+30+kunckle+swap,and no matches :(

anyway,ive got this notion that i could get lockouts on my daily driver xj by swappin inner knuckles,i could then use cj 30 or d44 outers,rotors,hubs,etc.

only prollem i can really forsee is the relationship of the u joint to the inner/outer knuckles between the cj 30/44 and xj d30. the xj 30 has a funky shaped knuckle with the u joint waaay out by the hub. if i use cj inners on the xj tubes(cause both tube are same size),it would prolly end up being quite a bit closer to the tube,thus requiring a shorter,custom inner shaft. i dont like this option cause i want to keep my disconnect.

option 2 would be putting a sleeve over the xj 30 tubes,and then using the bigger-tube-diameter d44 inner knuckles. i could then space it so the u joint would end up in the same relative location. at this point i coud use cj d30 outers,rotors,spindles,etc.with my stock 260x joints,or if i can find some disco inner shafts that take 297x joints i could use the 44 stuff and end up with internal mount lockouts,and the ability to run 6 or 8 lug rotor/hubs. :D hmmm. d60 rear for my daily driver someday? :)

before anyone says "buy the hub conversion"- i know the converison exists. :flipoff2: not a good option for me because:
a)cost :eek:
b) i dont like the notion of my spindle being held on by only 3 bolts
c)i dont like the ford-style lockouts
d)stays with the 5 on 4.5,wich is not so bad,but nice to have options...
e) ive got a couple spare front axles,and seems like a fun project.

also,im am not attached to the 4 on 4.5 lug pattern.

your thots? :) anyone here done it,or something similar?

what the hell is the point of keeping the vacume disconect and having locking hubs? I didnt think that XJ's had the disconect? WOuld it be wiser to spend your time putting a 44 in if you want to mess with these spare axles you have laying around?

shouldve know the first reponse would be a "why do you want to keep the disco" response. with the disco you can have a locker or spool you can disconnect the pass side wheel with the pull of a cable for easier turning with the hube locked. way easier than jumping out to unlock a hub :flipoff2:

if you have lockouts,in the event of severe breakage,you can disconnect the wheels and drive with a completely locked up front end,if you want to.

ever broken a ring or pinion,or u joint in a full time front axle? specially one with the "sealed bearing hub assembly"? if so then you know its no fun to have to disassemble the front end and fix/repair/remove the damage parts in order to limp it home. in order to run with a locked up front end,or no diff,you need to remove the hubs and remove the inner axles,while leaving the stub axle on the hub to keep it pressed together. the hub will seperate if you try and run without the stub and nut hollding it together. lots more work the simply unlockin the hubs :flipoff2:

to put a 44 in the front would require getting the contol arm bracklets,track bar bracket,and spring mounts in exactly the right spots. something i may want to tackle someday,but not right now. grinding the kunckles off of some axlehousings is alot less work. hardest part will be getting it set up with the right caster.

pinion is same size,i can truss the 30 housing,and if i use 44 outers,i will be beefing up the steering and ball joints at the same time. i dont really think the extra work is needed to gain alittle more ring gear. plus the fact that it will be standard rotation,with a lower pinion,unless i use a ford 44.

i dont have any complete spare driver side 44 axles. ive got a couple of xj d30s,a cj d30,and misc passenger side 44 knuckles and housings.

further questions?

id much rather have a solid shaft..the conversion you speak of has been done....on NAXJA a guy named Matt just did one with hydro steering on it, i think bill v has done it (check madxj.com), and also a friend of mine did it. i dont think any of them retained vac. disco. http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL54/685219/1134593/13182355.ptp

Hunter

It's been done, BillaVista did the write up also.

http://www.rightcoastcrawler.com/billaVista/Hybrid_Axle/HybridAxle.htm

With all the work involved might as well swap in a 44. You'll do it evenutally.