Is this a good upgrade from my D27?

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.

 

That's a good price for around where I'm at, especially if it doesn't need much of a rebuild.

 

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.

 

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.



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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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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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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.

 

^^ 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?

 

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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Def make sure the ratios are the same front and rear before putting in 4WD

 

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?

 

No


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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 ?

 

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.

 

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

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