Dana 30 Questions...

Hi All,
I am in the middle of rebuilding a 1980 model narrow track dana 30. I'm doing a regear and selectable locker upgrade. I know this has been discussed a fair bit already, however I just wanted to clarify a couple of things.

• I have the original style small v6 u-joints and driveshaft. From what I have read, the axle side of the shaft will HAVE to be converted to the larger 1310 style u-joint/flange in order to mate to the dana 30 pinion flange?
• I just want to be sure there is no specialty pinion flange or u-joint that will fit the dana 30 and still use the smaller u-joint ?

(I have a late model sm420 with the ribbed case and I barely have room on the transfer-case side for the small u-joint, so this will have to be a hybrid drive shaft.)

• Also, I will either need to modify or replace my spring plates, is there any other obstacles I should be aware of?

Thank you in advance.

 

There are adapter u-joints that have different sizes on each side. Call Summit, they usually can help with this type of thing.

 

Pull the small pinion and replace it with thr common sized yoke

 

Not a bad idea to give them a call. Just through my searches I haven't been able to find an adapter u-joint to go from a 1210 to a 1310. However that does not mean it doesn't exist.

 

Are you referring to the t-case side? Unfortunately on the t-case side I have no room due to the u-joint flange having limited clearance with my sm420.

 

It is a simple task to change the lower end of your driveshaft to the 1310 end yoke. Any competent shop should be able to do it. I wouldn't use a companion joint.
For example : https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...eZTC8nDZpv3OPdmK8yLwwo90I61Nk4mRoCtE0QAvD_BwE
You'll have to surf around for the correct tube dia.

 

Definitely, Just wanted to confirm there wasn't a 1210 style pinion flange that would work with the dana 30. My only reservation is that my driveshafts are only a couple years old, and I didn't want to have to modify them again unless completely necessary. But it seems as this is the easiest and most feasible way to make this swap, it looks like summit sells the correct flange to fit the 1310 joint to the small tube driveshaft.

 

The plus side is you will only need 2 spare size u-joints and not 3.

 

Very true. That keeps it pretty simple.