I have decided to go with the Dana 30 front axle to keep the cost down but with so many jeeps receiving the Dana 30 can someone assist which is the best? I know high pinion but there were HP versions over several different years, in many different models, and with many different sensors and such that make it difficult to choose the best.

Can someone explain the VAC disconnect?


I have a pretty well supplied junk yard in my area that i plan to pick the axle from a vehicle myself. I noticed several wrecked TJ's, ZJ's, and XJ's in the yard. Which year and model is the best? I have read many posts on here saying an early model XJ Dana 30. What makes that axle the best choice?

Have any of you guys had any experience with the Superior axle axle upgrades for the Dana 30? Is it worth the cost?


Any input would be appreciated.

Sal

As I understand it, you want one out of an XJ due to the setup.

Most TJs that had one had a low pinion version. The only place they appeared en masse was the XJ of a certain year range.

You can almost certainly find one at a junkyard right now due to the cash for clunkers deal.

_________________
2008 Unlimited Rubicon - 3.5" AEV/Nth lift - 35" MT/R with Kevlar - AEV Wheels - York OBA
2008 Patriot - Fuel Saver

The way i understand it is i am looking for a '95 and up XJ HP Dana 30 because Jeep started using the better Dana44 sized U-joints during '95. Is that it? Is there anything else to be looking for? I just want to go out there and rip an axle out of truck and get home to realize i should've grabbed something else.

Thanks.
Sal

The bigger UJoints (297's vs 260) started in mid/late 96. Your best bet would be to find an XJ HP30 from 97-99 and you will have the best 30 out there in stock form.

Would a D50 front w/ 4.11's and a D 60 rear w/ 4.11's from a 81' ford f350 be a good choice for the swap?

_________________
02 KJ sport,ARB,DTT front/ rear,RLF kimodo/superskinks, FrankyII Prem.,BFG MTR's,Kilby, "Glasspack" muffler
06 TJ rubi,SBC,WARN winch,sliders,skids,corners,Teleflex bellyup,Viair,AEM intake,BANKS header & exhaust,5.5"Rubicon Express short arm,5:38's,35x12.5x15's,Sony explode/infinity

You'd be severely limited with the D50 front,you may not find lower gears for it and you'd need to gear deeper then 4.11's.

ok thanks I want a wider stance so, what like 65" + WMS to WMS? What vehicle and year(s) would get me there?

_________________
02 KJ sport,ARB,DTT front/ rear,RLF kimodo/superskinks, FrankyII Prem.,BFG MTR's,Kilby, "Glasspack" muffler
06 TJ rubi,SBC,WARN winch,sliders,skids,corners,Teleflex bellyup,Viair,AEM intake,BANKS header & exhaust,5.5"Rubicon Express short arm,5:38's,35x12.5x15's,Sony explode/infinity

'74-'77 F100/F150(HP44/9" combo) or '78-'79 F250(HP44/D60 combo).

THANKS

_________________
02 KJ sport,ARB,DTT front/ rear,RLF kimodo/superskinks, FrankyII Prem.,BFG MTR's,Kilby, "Glasspack" muffler
06 TJ rubi,SBC,WARN winch,sliders,skids,corners,Teleflex bellyup,Viair,AEM intake,BANKS header & exhaust,5.5"Rubicon Express short arm,5:38's,35x12.5x15's,Sony explode/infinity

But it should also be noted that ANY D30 from any year XJ isn't a bad choice. And if your going to be doing any wheeling what so ever your going to want to upgrade your axle shafts to aftermarket. In doing so your going to be getting shafts with X297 joints. This way you can also get upgraded u-joints at the same time.


The vacum disconnect came on the early models of the XJ's and YJ's.
It disconnected the axle on one side which was suppose to help with MPG and wear.

I would run aftermarket shafts of any brand. You can get Yukon, Superior & many others.

Also XJ's in earlier years than 96 also had X297 joints if they came with ABS. You should be able to tell which axles had ABS by the tone ring.

_________________
Wildman

www.4x4nut.com
wildman@4x4nut.com

Here are 4.56,4.89 & 5.38 gears for the Dana 50.

_________________
Wildman

www.4x4nut.com
wildman@4x4nut.com