Superhonky74 said:
I am just looking for some information on experience. I am looking to up grade my axles ( D30/D44) in my 87' XJ. What brands are reputable and what should I stay away from? I am looking for gears, lockers, and front axle shafts for the D30. If I start with gears and lockers now, can I add a 30- spline front axle shafts later? Need some advice from the experts. Oh yeah! What are the largest gears that I can run in my axles with out any mods? Thanks.
The lowest gears for the D30 are 4.88's, they go lower for the D44. Like has been said, the lunchbox lockers (replace the spider gears) are virtually all the same, so the warrenty and price can be the deciding factors. As far as strength and problems, a full carrier Detroit locker will be stronger and have less problems than a luchbox locker, and will have less noise and will operate slightly smoother. The lunchbox lockers are pretty reliable, but you do hear of people having a problem with them now and then. A full Detroit will likely be the most reliable and trouble free piece of equipment you'll ever add to your rig. You get what you pay for, so it's up to you and your budget, they will all work well.
Selectable lockers are another choice, and it just depends on what you're after. Some people swear by selectables and some people swear at them. They give you the choice of running open on the street and locked on the trail, but are more expensive and more subject to maintenance issues. They all have good reputations.
The only way to upgrade the D30 to 30 spline inners is to get the Super 30 kit that comes with an ARB. The carrier/locker has to be the same spline size as the axles, since the axles go into the carrier, so you can't change them later. Chromo 27 spline axles hold up pretty well, so it depends on what you're long term goals are if it's worth going to the 30 splines now. IF you want a front selectable locker, and IF you plan on going to chomo front shafts, then you might as well get the 30 spline stuff to begin with. Otherwise, an auto locker and 27 spline chromo shafts are still a good choice.
Oh, BTW, there are TONS of people who are happily driving rigs with automatic lockers in the rear and have no problems whatsoever with their driving characteristics.