Jeep: YJ, dana 30+detroit opinions

Dana 30 is weak, the detroit is a lot stronger than the D30 axle shafts. My
advice? If you do lock up the d30 (bad idea), get something more like a
lockright or even a "limited slip" and carry extra axles. To avoid the axle
engagement problem, lockable wheel hubs are the best bet. If you have the
coin, Warn sells a nice system with the hubs, and new chrome-moly axle
shafts. I think you can even turn the axle into a full floater.

HTH

Carl


"Greg" <com> wrote in message
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Are you talking something like this
http://www.trailquest.com/warn/fwhc.shtml

"Carl Saiyed" <com> wrote in message
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Yes, however, I think I saw a kit somewhere that completely replaced the
entire axle shafts. I would check with 4-wheel parts. I also saw another kit
that replaced the axle shafts with the larger spicer u-joints for the front
axle universals. I would do some research, there is a lot availible for the
D30, but in the end the D30 just is not that strong. Also, you cannot gear a
D30 as deep as you can the 9". I know you aren't interested in an axle
upgrade, but for ultimate stregnth and reliabily, a D44 or even a D60 really
is the way to go. It will end up being more expensive to build your D30 than
to upgrade to a 44 or 60.

Few other questions.. What size tires? Brand and model? Which engine? What
is the Jeep used mostly on? (IE rocks, mud, trails, ect). Does she have a
heavy foot?

HTH

Carl



"Greg" <com> wrote in message
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It's a 95 YJ so it already has the bigger U joint, and as far as I know
solid front axle not the 2 peice, She has 33" BFG MTs, 4" lift, SYE, double
cardon DS, 4.88 gears, and here's the part that wont break things, 2.5 L
engine. It is her daily driver but we only have a town that is 34 miles
long, ferry to get out, anyway off road is the west coast of Canada, so old
logging roads, mud, rock. Don't suggest like others to get the lockright,
she had 3 in the back and finally got detroit.

"Carl Saiyed" <com> wrote in message
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With easy wheeling and the 2.5 pushing 33's she should be OK if she takes it
easy on big rocks. IMHO, a locked D30 or D35 IS a ticking time bomb, taken
easy or not. I know a few guys who have been fine locked up for years on
D30/35 combos, they just take it easy. I know one guy with a locked D30
(using a lockright) on 35's and he has broken his D30 a few times.

You can avoid all the hub trouble and install an ARB or OX air selectable
locker. ARB's are pretty strong. The front wheel hubs would be nice to
disconnect the entire front drivetrain to save on wear and gas mileage, but
as you mentioned you live in a small town so it's probably not an issue.

The air selectable would end up being easier to install simply because you
don't have to fuss with wheel hubs and axles. The downside is the air lines
can leak and be ripped off of you aren't careful.

Well it comes down to selectable locker, or a detroit with hubs. I perfer
the selectable to be able to turn it off on tight turns on the trail.
Turning a locked front end is haaard. Also, having onboard air is great for
airing up and trail repairs.

Either way, IMO you should either replace the axle shafts with a stronger
system (such as Warn's), or carry spares. Both is best.

Please let us know what you decide and how you like it..

HTH,

Carl


"Greg" <com> wrote in message
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