D30 Upgrade

I can't wait to scratch/scrape that

 

Me either. I have been very happy with my D27 but I am looking forward to abusing this one. I have a line on a set of 35's, just not sure yet!

 

Sounds good. Here you go. I listed P/N's for some items from the store I purchased. For bearings and other items I am just listing the P/N.

R&P - YG D30-488 Randy's Ring & Pinion
Master Install Kit - YK D30-F Randy's Ring & Pinion/National Drivetrain
Brake Rotors - 5110 Autozone
Brake Caliper, Driver - C218 Autozone
Brake Caliper, Pass - C219 Autozone
Brake Pads - D91 Autozone
Dorman Wheel Studs - 610-273.1 Autozone
Ball Joint set - 706116X Amazon
Wheel Bearing Kit Inner - Timken Set 47, LM102949/LM102910
Wheel Bearing Kit Outer - Timken Set 45, LM501349/LM501310
Wheel Bearing Seal - SKF 23035
Spindle Seal - J8123751
Outer Axle Shaft Seal - J8127350
Wheel u joints - Spicer 5-260X
Go-Fer-It Tie Rod Flip inserts - No P/N

 

I did my lift so long ago I am not sure what shims I am going to need for this new axle. I have a well worn (21+ years) Rancho 2.5" lift. Do I need a 2.5 degree shim?
Thanks for any help.

 

You will know soon enough...

 

Excellent. Like this a lot. Thanks for the parts list.

 

Any updates for those following your project ?

 

It is all apart, waiting for a few small parts for the ARB and then finding time with my good friend that has set up many gears. He has all of the special tools needed.

 

Bolt the axle in and use an angle finder to see how much castor you have. I set mine at 6 deg and it tracks nicely. Looking good Jeff. Let's pound it on the Rubicon this summer!

 

Good advice John. Looking forward to abusing it this spring and summer. It may be a while before the Rubicon snow is melted enough to run!

 

To elaborate on the ARB. The one I purchased is a pretty old model RD 30. ARB replaced them with the RD100. It seems the entire US was out of the O-rings for the housing. They arrived yesterday and are in route now. After a bit of research the 6 bolts that hold the cylinder cap on can stretch and work their way out if the preload is not tight enough. So 1. I need to make sure it is set up right and 2. I ordered new bolts and locking tabs. All of the items are on their way. Now just need to get time with my friend to set it up.
I also ordered new larger tie rod, drag link, ball joints and tie rod flip kit inserts. Should all be here today. I am going to wait until after the gears are installed to do this. It would just get in the way.

 

This is a pretty decent thread on building a 30. Can we get it archived somewhere?

 

More parts are showing up. I should have the last of what I need today when USPS get here.
I think I mentioned I am doing the tie rod flip. A new tie rod and inserts showed up today. I picked up the inserts from OK4WD, their P/N 57419. I have used them before and they work well. You do need a special reamer (very expensive). I have one if anyone wants to borrow it. I have mailed it to a few people in the past.
Rugged Ridge tie rod kit is pretty beefy. I have one from a vendor here that I think is less than adequate, I bent it on the Rubicon run last year. I am sure this one will get tested well.

Reamer:

Knuckles reamed

Inserts installed

Old Tie Rod vs. New

I set up Weds to do the gear install.

 

Went over Weds to start the gear install. The pinion went in pretty easy. We had to make "installation bearings" for the carrier. I spent most of the day at my friends house but had to leave before we finished. He called earlier today and it is done except he needs the diff cover to make sure the ARB line clears it. He also told me I need at least 1 new "wheel u joint". I ordered 2 and need to pick them up later today. I plan to go over tomorrow to finish up and get some pictures. I also need a few more things to get the ARB all finished. Air actuator, bulkhead fitting, airline and switch.
I also found out the air filter for my compressor is shot so I need to get a new one before I use the ARB. Oil and dirt are not good for the seals.

 

I got my ARB fittings from Parker Hose and Fittings. They may have a store in your area. They had the oddball BSS thread pitch that ARB uses on their solenoids.
Locate a ParkerStore

 

Thanks John,
I'll check that link out.
I'll get some pics later when my son gets home. I can't get it out of my GMC by myself.

 

My son got home late last night so I didn't have time to get pics. Here is a teaser of the ARB mostly installed.

Nice chunk taken out of it prior to my purchase.
We aired it up yesterday and it definitely locked. We couldn't get it to unlock on the bench. On the drive home it must have let go, no longer locked up.

 

Looks like a spacer between the ring gear and differential............

 

It does look like that but it is just part of the ARB. I have a schematic of it somewhere that shows all of the parts.

 

If it is , No big deal.........I've seen that done before.