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Is this a good upgrade from my D27?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Nightstr, Sep 1, 2012.

  1. Sep 1, 2012
    Nightstr

    Nightstr Member

    Sacramento CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
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    253
    I wanted tu purchase this Dana 30 to upgrade my Dana 27 without going to wild. Before I purchase it I wanted to hear you're guys opinion, Should I get this Dana 30?


    By the way, I am getting it for $65. Is that a good deal?

    http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/3218829560.html

    dana 30 with 4:56 gears. open diff. 11 inch drum brakes. steering linkage and front driveshaft with warn locking hubs. axle is 55" lug to lug and has a 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern with open style u joints. leaf springs and steering box are gone. $85 or best offer. was under a 57 cj5, pic shown has 15" wide superswampers to give you and idea how wide it is.
     
  2. Sep 1, 2012
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    Yes
     
  3. Sep 1, 2012
    Smokeater

    Smokeater Sponsor

    Browns Summit, NC
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    That's a good price for around where I'm at, especially if it doesn't need much of a rebuild.
     
  4. Sep 1, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Definitely, if it's in good condition.

    You might want to change your rear axle to 4.56 to match. Not a ratio that Jeep used.
     
  5. Sep 1, 2012
    '74Renegade

    '74Renegade Active Member

    Fair Oaks, CA
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    That has been for sale a while, was listed at over a $100 at one point. It looks like it is set up for spring over. Looks like a good deal to me.



    Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk 2
     
  6. Sep 1, 2012
    Nightstr

    Nightstr Member

    Sacramento CA.
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    Mar 16, 2012
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    Ok, thanks for all your replys. I hope I don't have to do a rebuild because I'm not familiar with axles or anything that has to do with the powertrain.lol! This will be my first time swapping axles...


    Ive been eyeing it for a wile but haven't jumped on it because I'm not really sure how to check if it's in working condition... He said heed had it sitting(covered) for a wile and as far as he knows it works. Like I said, don't know much about axles... I hope It works.
     
  7. Sep 1, 2012
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    D30 is a great upgrade; gives much better turning radius, and easier to maintain.
    Good price for what you are getting.

    What size tires are you going to run?
    4.56 gears are ideal for 33" - 35" tires; this ratio with big tires puts the engine back close to the stock powerband.
     
  8. Sep 1, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    With the axle out of the car, it's hard to do more than take the cover off and inspect it. Look at the oil - any suspended metal or chips. Look at the gears for broken gears, galling, obvious damage. Check that the pinion seal does not leak and the yoke does not move up/down or in/out too much. If it looks ok, it probably is.

    If the PO cut the spring pads off to do the spring-over, you'll need to weld the spring pads back on to use it with the same springs as your D27. Make sure you are able to do this.

    Realize that teh ratio has to match front and rear, so you're going to have to change gears at one end or the other (assuming you have factory gears in the rear axle). Changing ratios is no less complicated than rebuilding the axle, so take that into account.
     
  9. Sep 1, 2012
    djbutler

    djbutler Sponsor

    Rio Linda CA
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    I saw this same axle and considered it, but decided to pass because the 4.56 ratio isn't a match for any rear axle I have. If you have any of the stock gearing in your Jeep now (3.73, 4.27, 4.88, 5.38) you will have to replace the ring and pinion which isn't a trivial task. Other than that, this looks like a good deal.
    BTW, where in Sacramento are you? PM me back.

    Don
     
  10. Sep 4, 2012
    Nightstr

    Nightstr Member

    Sacramento CA.
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    Mar 16, 2012
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    i think I'm going to stick with 31s, I like the look and I think they will proform ok when off roading. Do you think if I run 4.56 gears front and back would be bad if I stick with 31s?

    Thanks! Would I have to change the gears right away or could I get away with running diffrent ones for a while?

    I'm in Natomas, Do you guys have local meets at all? Where are you located?
     
  11. Sep 4, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    If you want to lock it in 4 wheel drive the ratios must match. Not knowing what engine you are running hard to say if 4.56 is appropriate for 31's. If running a V-6 would work well.


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  12. Sep 4, 2012
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Seems that is a no loose buy even if it did need a rebuild. Cheaper than the price of the Warn hubs. If you can use it without a rebuild, it's a steal. As to what Tim said above, if you can feel ANY movement other than rotational on the yoke, it probably will need pinion bearings. There should be no in-out or sideways movement.
     
  13. Sep 5, 2012
    Nightstr

    Nightstr Member

    Sacramento CA.
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    ^^ thank you guys! I'm going to go pick it up today. Would it be a easy swap or do you guys think I need to do some modifications?
     
  14. Sep 5, 2012
    Smokeater

    Smokeater Sponsor

    Browns Summit, NC
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    It's a fairly easy swap. You'll have to adress the spring plates, Mcruff on here makes a nice set of plates with correct hole and shock mount placement. Also if you have the V6 with small driveshaft, you'll need the change the shaft and transfer case side yoke to the 4 cyl version. The good thing is you only have to carry 1 size u-joint for f/r. Seems like you may have to change the rubber brake lines, but I can't remember.

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  15. Sep 5, 2012
    technologyteacher

    technologyteacher Member

    Elkin NC
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    Def make sure the ratios are the same front and rear before putting in 4WD
     
  16. Sep 9, 2012
    Nightstr

    Nightstr Member

    Sacramento CA.
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    I got the axle and it looks in pretty good shape, the Warn hubs are almost new! would i be able to take the gears from the dana 27 and put them on the dana 30?
     
  17. Sep 9, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    No


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  18. Sep 9, 2012
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    I suggest you post on the buy / sell forum to acquire your desired final ratio.
    What ratio is your jeep right now ?
     
  19. Sep 9, 2012
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    If you install the axle before having the gears match, do yourself a BIG favor and leave the front driveline out until you match up the gears. Most shops will be alot cheaper if the axle is out of the vehicle to do the gears. So it it worth the time to get it setup now as long as funds allow.
     
  20. Sep 9, 2012
    '74Renegade

    '74Renegade Active Member

    Fair Oaks, CA
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    Nightstr, Sent you a pm about a ring and pinion I have.

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