I've been toying with the idea of gusseting my 30 with a possible truss but after joining the forum, it sounds more reasonable to just replace the front dana 30 with a 44 from a rubicon. Ive come to the conclusion that after I spend the money on gussets (80$) and a truss (300) I'm guessing I'm going to drop another several hundred on the welding and install. So I've decided to try and find a dana 44 from a rubicon but haven't found anything online, and haven't had time recently to visit salvage yards. Does this sound logical to anyone who has dealt with this dilemma before.

 

You'll have the exact same housing as a Dana 30, just a larger ring and pinion. Save your cash.

I had the same thought, then realized its a waste of money unless you can find one cheap, real cheap. I added Nitro sleeves, C-gussets, and HD ball joints all for about $600 installed to my Dana 30. If it blows up then I'll use my upgrade money for a Tera 44 ect. with a full re-gear and a locker.

 

What size of tire do you want to end up with?

 

The housing is the same, R&P are different so are the bearings and axle shafts are significantly stronger. It's not just the R&P that are different so the OP understands. What size tire, is a good question.