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Dana 30

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Timothy Fountain, May 14, 2020.

  1. May 14, 2020
    Timothy Fountain

    Timothy Fountain New Member

    California
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    Hello,

    I have a 1964 Willys cj5 that has a Dana 27 in the front, and I’m new to this and want some information on if there’s any other way to upgrade the front differential or if there’s a locker that will work with the 27. I’m looking to buy a Dana 30 narrow track differential.
    I appreciate any information thanks
     
  2. May 14, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    You can get a power lock diff for a 27, they work very well. If you plan a lift and big tires, the 30 is an easy upgrade.
     
  3. May 14, 2020
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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  4. May 14, 2020
    Timothy Fountain

    Timothy Fountain New Member

    California
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    It came with 33” tires already, I want to go 37” down the road with air lockers front and rear, but all the air lockers I’ve seen are for a Dana 30 not a 27. I was thinking I could just change out the axle to Dana 30 axles in the 27 housing but a lot of people I’ve read say that it won’t work or it won’t fit. Can I just change out the axle shafts??
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2020
  5. May 14, 2020
    '74Renegade

    '74Renegade Active Member

    Fair Oaks, CA
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    Welcome....you made it!
     
  6. May 14, 2020
    '74Renegade

    '74Renegade Active Member

    Fair Oaks, CA
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    I'm sure someone will chime in with the details, but the short answer is no you cannot swap the axle shafts between a D27 and a D30.

    I believe the overall width is different and the steering knuckles are a different style, closed knuckle vs open. There may be some external parts that can swap over, but my D27 knowledge limited.
     
  7. May 14, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    If you’re planning 37s down the road, I wouldn’t even bother with the D30. The strength issue is one thing, but putting a tire that large on an axle that narrow, you’re turning radius will be horrible. The tires will hit the springs and frame with very little effort. You could help it with wheel spacers, but that will only make the stress issues and steering geometry worse.
     
    Ns0mniac, fhoehle, 45es and 2 others like this.
  8. May 15, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    33's with a 2-3" lift work out pretty well on an early CJ. 35's, maybe....you'll need more lift and that Dana 30 at a minimum. 37's will require major work and modifications, this isn't a project to be taken lightly.
    This is just my 2 cents, as always, it's your Jeep, do what you want to with it!
     
  9. May 15, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    You can also get a Lock Rite for a D27. There are not any selectable lockers that I am aware of for it. My 27 held up well for many years to 33" tires.
     
    Lockman likes this.
  10. May 15, 2020
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

    Long Island, New...
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  11. May 15, 2020
    Timothy Fountain

    Timothy Fountain New Member

    California
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    I really really appreciate all the help and information
     
  12. May 15, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Yep! And with 37's, even a D44 is starting to become marginal. I would never use wheel spacers on something already probably stressed to or past its limit. Not to mention you will have to either install a BIG lift and/or chop the hell out of the sheet metal to make them fit. And that begs the next question: what are you running for gears/transmission/transfercase/engine. None of the stock components, possibly excepting the D18, are going to appreciate those tires.
     
    Ns0mniac likes this.
  13. May 15, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    I should probably add that you are already treading on thin ice with 33's and a D27. A D27 utilizes the same Spicer axle shafts that came in the later D25's and you WILL break them if you do any sort of even semi serious off road. You will break them a lot sooner with any sort of traction device, or as in my case, just airing down the 33's.
     
  14. May 15, 2020
    Timothy Fountain

    Timothy Fountain New Member

    California
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    They put a buck 231 v6 with an automatic transmission, I think it still the stock transfer case, Idk what gear Ratios I have in it yet
     
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