Chevy front 10bolt- why not?

[Angus]

I keep contemplating the modification to the front end of my D30 low pinion 2000. I'm a weekend warrior that doesnt abuse my daily driver. In the end I want 4.11 gears, some sort of traction diff, better disks (larger rotors), and improved steering. I have a high pinion D30 that I was going to build up with warn lockouts (5x4.5), the diff and gears, my current 297 inner shafts and WJ spindles for the high steer and larger brakes. Yes, I want to keep the 5x4.5 so I keep my wheels and leave the rear alone. That said I also have a Chevy 1/2 ton 10bolt front end that is nearly the same as the D44. Givin that I do not abuse my stuff, is the heavier front end worth it? I will have to modify both axles either way.

Angus

 

[CRASH]

I keep contemplating the modification to the front end of my D30 low pinion 2000. I'm a weekend warrior that doesnt abuse my daily driver. In the end I want 4.11 gears, some sort of traction diff, better disks (larger rotors), and improved steering. I have a high pinion D30 that I was going to build up with warn lockouts (5x4.5), the diff and gears, my current 297 inner shafts and WJ spindles for the high steer and larger brakes. Yes, I want to keep the 5x4.5 so I keep my wheels and leave the rear alone. That said I also have a Chevy 1/2 ton 10bolt front end that is nearly the same as the D44. Givin that I do not abuse my stuff, is the heavier front end worth it? I will have to modify both axles either way.

Angus

I would never put a 10 bolt in anything, given the abundance of pass drop 44's out there. Aftermarket support for the 10 bolt is not near what it is for the 44, and it's just as hard to setup for an XJ. Besides which it's only 28 spline, 1 more spline than your 30.

Are you prepared to cut out a spot in your pass. side floor to fit a pass. drop front axle and it's associated T-case?

I applaud your ballsiness if you are willing to cut up a 2000 XJ!

CRASH

 

[Angus]

Well no, Im not cutting the floor pan. I was thinking of the pumpkin with adapted tubes to use the XJ/WJ outers.

 

[CRASH]

Well no, Im not cutting the floor pan. I was thinking of the pumpkin with adapted tubes to use the XJ/WJ outers.

Do you have an idea of what it costs to do a custom axle of this design?

I'm not trying to dissuade you from doing it, but I would never do it with a POS axle like a low pinion, 28 spline 10 bolt. The only advantage is the ability to run true high steer on the 10 bolt.

You are talking about:

Custom inner axle shafts, custom tubes, custom inner knuckle machining, and of course the custom parts to convert the WJ stuff to 5 on 4.5".

All of this, and you still have a 28 spline, low pinion GM product.

CRASH

 

[BrettM]

the 10 bolts from mid 80s until the last year, 91, were 30 spline, same as a D44


still a bad idea though, the center section of the HP D30 is pretty good, the outers is what most get rid of, some do hybrid axles with D44 (or 10 bolt, they're the same) stuff from the knuckles out and keep the HPD30 pumpkin

 

[REDXJ4FUN]

If you want to keep the 5 x 4.5 find a HP 30 regear it and instal what ever TAD you want and use you shafts and outers. Its simple and effective.

 

[CRASH]

the 10 bolts from mid 80s until the last year, 91, were 30 spline, same as a D44


still a bad idea though, the center section of the HP D30 is pretty good, the outers is what most get rid of, some do hybrid axles with D44 (or 10 bolt, they're the same) stuff from the knuckles out and keep the HPD30 pumpkin

Good point, the later ones were 30 spline.

CRASH

 

[Angus]

Well I guess my original idea of using the HP D30 with WJ spindles and rotors. is still the winner. I realy would not need the warn hubs, just liked the improved milage and miss the quiet I used to have on my old disco XJ.

 

[CRASH]

Well I guess my original idea of using the HP D30 with WJ spindles and rotors. is still the winner. I realy would not need the warn hubs, just liked the improved milage and miss the quiet I used to have on my old disco XJ.

Why not swap in a disco HP 30? Use a manual control for teh locking mechanism and you're all set!

CRASH