Dana 30 Front Axle Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

[bcmaxx]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

We just did the same thing you are talking about, and really a lot of the ideas we have used in our rebuild. My buddies Jeep is a '01 with the LP 30, we went to the JY got a HP30 out of a 98, and that has the bigger u joints. We scrapped all the lower control arm brackets, that are crap pressed steel,and used the Clayton offroad 1/4" thick brackets with skids. We also used the alloy USA axle seals, replaced all the seals, inners, and pinion, and replaced the axle joints. We boxed in the passanger side upper control arm mount, and scrapped the brake backing plates. We also did the go fer it, tire rod flip, and the ZJ V8 drag link. I will try to post a pic of the finished axle for you to see.

why no backing plates?

 

[austinaubinoe]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

So incase I run across one, the Dana 30 HP will be a direct swap with out mods? Also, what are the advantages for the HP over the LP, Im guessing less vibes due to pinion angle (silly question I know)? What is a C4C as quoted in Kastein's reply? What other vehicles can I find a compatible HP axle in the junk yard? Maybe Ill get lucky and find one with 4.10's and an ARB locker ;-) Thanks again!

I dont think the same nut cases who allow liquid glass to be poured into there engine, spend $750 on a differential that allows there axle shaft to spin in unison.

 

[Ronbo]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

Also, what are the advantages for the HP over the LP, Im guessing less vibes due to pinion angle (silly question I know)?

Yes. Ground clearance also.

C4C = Cash for Clunkers

 

[Spooky]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

In a front diff application the HP will also use the drive side of the gear while a LP uses the coast side of the gear. Its stronger when your driving in forward and weaker when in reverse. That's about a 20% gain in strength for the HP R&P when being driven in forward as opposed to the LP.

 

[kastein]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

I dump the backing plates the first time I pull a unit bearing, I hate those stupid mud collecting, rust shedding, rattling, grinding, knuckle shredding pieces of junk

 

[90 waggy]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

I dump the backing plates the first time I pull a unit bearing, I hate those stupid mud collecting, rust shedding, rattling, grinding, knuckle shredding pieces of junk

yessa, youll never even know they are gone!!

 

[robsjeepxj]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

My buddies Jeep is a '01 with the LP 30, we went to the JY got a HP30 out of a 98, and that has the bigger u joints. We scrapped all the lower control arm brackets, that are crap pressed steel,and used the Clayton offroad 1/4" thick brackets with skids. We also used the alloy USA axle seals, replaced all the seals, inners, and pinion, and replaced the axle joints. We boxed in the passanger side upper control arm mount, and scrapped the brake backing plates. We also did the go fer it, tire rod flip, and the ZJ V8 drag link.

Mine is set up almost the same way with the exception of a JCR OTK/OTA steering set up and the RuffStuff HD diff cover. I've also got 4340 alloy shafts, yukon super joints and 4.56 gears but unless you plan to run 35's you probably won't need that stuff for awhile. The HD LCA mounts and plated upper are almost a must for wheeling. If you don't strengthen these areas they will collapse on you eventually. And yes if you can find a HP 30 definitely get it. It's worth it especially if your going to use a locker.

 

[xjnuttier]

Re: Dana 30 Front Axel Overhaul Ideas (Your 2 Cents Please)

yessa, youll never even know they are gone!!

To be honest, I forget to stick them back in, but for cleaning everything up after wheelin, should make it easier to get the crud out at the car wash..

 

[hipper]

They say that a HP30 front is as strong as a lp 44 front.

 

[Ice_Man]

Well the Timken hubs are in. Spicer u-joints with zerk fittings are ordered. Alloy USA axle seals are on order, and same goes for the slotted/vented brakes and HP pads. Should have everything in by next week. Can any one tell me what special tools I will need to get this job done? the Haynes manual doesnt say, and I have a feeling its a 12 point impact socket. Does any know the sizes? Any other special tools (maybe for the u-joints)? Thanks!

 

[IdahoEagle]

Regardless what some people think, any version of a 30 will never be as strong as a 44... $D44 is money better spent...

 

[xjnuttier]

special sockets you will need are the 36 mm socket for the axle nuts, they need to be retourqued to 175 ft lbs. Tourque wrench. 13mm, 12 point socket for the unit bearing bolts. We pulled the yoke and replaced the pinion seal, so if you need to do so it is alarger nut as well. I forget the size of that one. Good luck. Teh alloy USA seals look really nice on there by the way, I was really impressed by the quality, and fitment.