Dana 30

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

 

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.

 

One of many threads if you search for "Dana 30 swap".

What's Involved In Going From A Dana 27 To A Nt 30?

 

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??

 

Welcome....you made it!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

Dana 27 front axle NOS Power lock Diff carrier 22480X Fits Willys Kaiser jeeps | eBay

 

I really really appreciate all the help and information

 

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.

 

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.

 

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