Modded Dana 30 vs Stock Dana 44
02-23-2010, 06:57 AM
#21
JK Super Freak
This is the best thread i have found on this topic. Kudos, WOL. I have been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out how to run 37s effectively on my D30 while regearing and adding lockers. Here's what I now have come up with:
5.13s
ARB lockers
ARB stainless airlines
Cromo front axle shafts
Riddler covers
New driveshafts
I already have the Evo gussets and LCA skids on. Am I missing anything?
I don't see the point in sleeves for the wheeling I do, never do stupid jumps or anything crazy enough to bend an axle housing. I've only ever seen it happen in person once in my life.
5.13s
ARB lockers
ARB stainless airlines
Cromo front axle shafts
Riddler covers
New driveshafts
I already have the Evo gussets and LCA skids on. Am I missing anything?
I don't see the point in sleeves for the wheeling I do, never do stupid jumps or anything crazy enough to bend an axle housing. I've only ever seen it happen in person once in my life.
02-23-2010, 07:24 AM
#22
JK-Forum Founder
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02-23-2010, 07:48 AM
#23
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Thanks WOL. I already own the sleeves...they are sitting in my living room. I am getting my gears done this weekend and was going to have all this done at once. The only thing I do not have is chromolly shafts. I think I might just run the stockers for right now...and if they break it's easier to justify to the woman that I need to buy new shafts as opposed to right now where they are still fine 
02-23-2010, 08:42 AM
#25
JK Freak
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WOL is right one the money. One thing I would add is when you are doing any axle mods keep the weak link principle in mind. If you beef up one part then sure that stronger part is less likely to break, but the next weakest part of the axle will break instead. One example would be a Built D30. If you put RCV shafts in and an ARB locker and regear to 5.38. The week link is the teeth on the R&P. Break a few teeth off the R&P and you have a problem that will be a bear to fix on the trail and expensive to repair when back to the shop. If your weak link is something easy to get to, cheap to replace, and easy to fix on the trail you are much better off.
02-23-2010, 09:07 AM
#26
JK Freak
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I was open. Would not have had a problem locked. Just couldn't resist playing on the ice...
I'd like to upgrade but I can't afford 60's right now. What can I do to strengthen the R&P?
I'd like to upgrade but I can't afford 60's right now. What can I do to strengthen the R&P?
02-23-2010, 11:54 AM
#27
JK Super Freak
I have chromo shafts, e-lockers and 5:13's on my D-30 and it has held up through some pretty tough trails for about 18 months. We had some snow and ice two weeks ago and guess what happened when I went from zero traction spinning on ice, to full grip in between two huge rocks? Yep, you called it. Shattered half the teeth on my R&P. Fortunately, I was able to drive home in 2WD.
But its good news if you end up with a D60.
Last edited by porters; 02-23-2010 at 03:10 PM.
02-23-2010, 02:52 PM
#28
JK Enthusiast
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X2. I was stuck in a snow bank this weekend and did the same thing. Spun until it slightly hit dirt and bang! Not only did I spin off ANOTHER chromoly axle I lost a tooth on the ring gear as well and I noticed a buncha the others are cracked. I readily admit I am no finesse driver. No where I go will backing off the skinny save my sorry ass much less that pos D-30. D-60's for me. I'd be halfway there if I didn't waste so much $ building that damned useless D-30. Anyway mall crawling for me for a while. 
02-23-2010, 03:14 PM
#29
JK Super Freak
More stuff to keep in mind if your considering a D60. D60s are typically wider than stock D30 or D44s. Some D60s also have a different bolt pattern as well. If you have a D60 up front that is wider and a different bolt pattern than the rear you may have to compensate with wheel spacers on the rear that convert bolt patterns and make up for the extra width on the front.
02-23-2010, 03:20 PM
#30
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More stuff to keep in mind if your considering a D60. D60s are typically wider than stock D30 or D44s. Some D60s also have a different bolt pattern as well. If you have a D60 up front that is wider and a different bolt pattern than the rear you may have to compensate with wheel spacers on the rear that convert bolt patterns and make up for the extra width on the front.