Is the Dana 30 & 35 worth putting money into lockers?

[Smurfitranger]

I have the stock axles in my 2000 XJ. I have been considering lockers, a 4 and half inch long arm suspension lift and 33 inch tires. (It is already decked out with skid plates and Warn Bumpers)

I have read in magazines that these stock axles will break if you put lockers in them. The magazines suggest Dana 60's as best choice , But also seem to like the Dana 44's for the size of tires that I want to run.

Would I be wasting my money to put lockers in my stock axles?

I like the open Diff's on ice. Want the lockers for mud and deep snow. I was thinking toward the OX or ARB so I can choose open or locked.

I have found that with the open Diff's that it only takes a depth of about 6 inches of mud to get my Jeep stuck if I have to climb a hill. I am sure that lockers would change this.

The big question is would I be better off swapping out my axles before getting lockers??????????

 

[IllianaXJ]

D30 - no problems up to a 35" tire depending on your driving style
D35 - I wouldn't waste my money; find a XJ44 or Ford 8.8 and do an axle swap before adding a locker.

 

[FlexdXJ]

D30 - no problems up to a 35" tire depending on your driving style
D35 - I wouldn't waste my money; find a XJ44 or Ford 8.8 and do an axle swap before adding a locker.

That pretty much sums it up. I think he would be ok with a 29 spline 8.25w/ alloy shafts with 33's

 

[hanaxj87]

D30 - no problems up to a 35" tire depending on your driving style
D35 - I wouldn't waste my money; find a XJ44 or Ford 8.8 and do an axle swap before adding a locker.

X2 I got a chysler 8.25 for sale with 29 spline axles..

PM if interested

Nick

 

[Prepmech]

Swap the front for a high pinion 30, don't waste money on the low pinion 30. They can be found at junkyards for cheap.

 

[Smurfitranger]

Thanks for the advise !

Greg

 

[curbdog17]

THIS IS MY DADA 30 WITH THE AUSSIE LOCKER RUNNING 33" BOGGERS AND A LOVE FOR THE SKINNY PEDAL. I SNAPPED THE U JOINT AND THE LOOP OFF THE INNER SHAFT.
BUT IN MY DEFENSE I AM AN IDIOT!

 

[boost_fr3@k]

That looks like a big blob of mud. LoL.

 

[powerline]

well, each there own... i have been running dana 30/35 with 37X13.50X17 with genuine 4.56 gears front tru-lock and rear detroit and have been doing ok. ( no brakage yet. )

i am up-sizing to a 40 with 1 tons axles so this awesome set-up is

FOR SALE !!!!!!!!!! front and rear complete set-up with brakes,rotors, ebrake cables. all of it..........

perfect for anyone with 33-35

let me know if you are interested.... thanks