CJ5 D30 on a DJ5?

Good evening gentlefolk. I posted a thread up on http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/thoughts-4wd-conversion-dj-3233553/ about possibly swapping in a D30 from an unknown year CJ5 on my DJ5 project to replace the D25. The community here seem more experienced with the old CJ5s so I figured I would try here too. I can deal with the transfer case compatibility separately so I don't need advice on that unless you want to volunteer it .

What I'm hoping to get info on is how many issues, if any, will I run into swapping the D30 into the right hand drive DJ5? The frame spacing up front should be identical to the CJ5 so the perches shouldn't be an issue if I'm understanding correctly. I may have to move/make new shock mounts but I can deal with that. What I'm most concerned with is the steering compatibility. I plan to stick with the RHD and factory (Ross?) box if possible. I've not dealt with modifying steering before so this is foreign country to me. Would I be able to re-use the DJ steering linkage or would I have to source CJ5 steering linkage and swap the links to opposite sides? Is this even possible? I've seen threads mentioning DJ5 4WD conversions but they're pretty light on details or they're swapping in full width axles. Sorry if these are stupid questions. Thank you for your time.

EDIT: Here's some pics the guy sent of the axles. The rotors look pretty rusted along with the calipers and the front hubs look like they're missing which of course was not mentioned in the original ad...

 

I've swapped axles out in my DJ, but they were straight axles (2wd). Both axles were out of RHD DJs. The one in there now is out of a 79 and the axles changed sometime in the early 70s.

The 79 axle is the same dimensions as a narrow track Dana 30 and, minus the diff and axle shafts, looks the same. It will bolt up to a CJ frame. When you are talking about steering, I'm not sure how a D30 (I think yours is from the early 80s- 5 lug hub) is setup for steering knuckles- it may only have a 2 hole knuckle on the normal passenger side, so keeping the RHD may pose a problem. The 79 axle I used had 2-hole steering knuckles on both sides- made it handy when I converted to LHD, as the steering linkage bolted right up to the LHD manual Saginaw box I put in. If your 30 has 2 hole knuckles on both sides, you shouldn't have a problem with steering.

Unless I'm missing something, that 30 has no perches or shock mounts that I can see. Why keep RHD and the Ross box? I got rid of mine quickly.

 

Yeah there's no perches either which isn't the end of the world, I can weld some on, but the price he's asking for them ($400) for incomplete used axles seems pretty steep. It was also pointed out to me that it looks like they are 5 bolt locking hubs which means it would be a widetrack which would not work for me if I wanted to keep the existing width, which I do. I do want to keep the RHD because it's a DJ and I like the "uniqueness" of it. I'm not married to the box but having to swap that too jut adds more work and cost. If it's unavoidable so be it but I would like to stick with it. Sounds like I need to keep an eye out for 2 hole knuckles which is quite helpful. Thank you.

 

Yes, seen it done, you may want to check on the posts from some of the members from Aussie land. It looks like a lot of the same parts are used.

 

What year DJ are we talking about? That does appear to be a wide track dana 30 which really doesn't have any value other then the knuckles and caliper brackets. The model 20 rear is worth 3 cents a pound right now.

 

It's a 74 DJ5C. I already passed on his axles but am still going to be looking out for one. At least for the front. Craigslist doesn't have much around here right now so it my be a while. Once I get a front axle, which I believe will need to be a narrow track CJ D30, I can start looking at transfer case options. I've come across a "1 piece" steering linkage setup while would possibly solve my steering worries. Anyone familiar with them?

 

OK, I'll say this agan, where do you live? Put it in your siginature. Many members have parts here and shipping could be a killer dependiing where you are, help us out. It's not like we are going out to steal your Jeep.

 

Done and Done. Not worries about stealing it. Probably do my wallet a favor .

 

It just makes it easier for everybody. I have a D30 out in the yard and again shipping would be a challenge. You may want to contact member Daryl, he is close to you and seems to turn some Jeeps and seems like he knows whats up with them.
No, I don't need another Jeep. 2 1/2 is enough. Need any cj3B parts?R) Yeah 2 years ago I had 4 Jeeps parked here. Only 2 were mine.

 

Make it 2A parts and maybe we can make a deal .

 

No, it looks like you have better parts already than 2A parts as long as the gear ratios match up and you can deal with them off road. Depends what you want to do, I've driven the tapered 44 in my CJ3B for years, it broke an axle on a frontage road many years ago in Vail, Broke the D35 rear somehow in my Commando, running a flanged D44 now. Been using a D25 front for over 45 years, never broken anything in them. Lots of variables. I can drive up to the neighbors cabin fine in the Commando or for that matter in my Volvo. If I want to go out to Moab, I take the 3B with the 5:38 gears and the lower transfercase gears.
Oh, looked at your signature, Looks like you are are fairly well equipped.sorry