Locker Question, 75 CJ

I installed an Ox locker in the rear last year, and now this year I am jones'in to install one in the front. As far as I know the 75 CJ has a DANA 30 in front. Probly 27 spline. My question is will it hold up to the locker? Or should I buy stronger axles, U-joints, etc as well and convert to 30 spline?

 

Need more info here. Tire size, intended useage, etc. LOTS of variable here. For some the 30 would be more than enough. For some a 60 wouldn't be enough.

 

Ok, I don't plan on doin any hardcore rock crawlin but I'm not a mall crawler . . I have 31" BFG MTR's on there now, T18 4-spd. . I do use my Jeep offroad pretty regular, but I am 61 years old so do not really think I abuse it, much. I'll make a few Moab trips each year. I really do not want to go to the trouble of finding a 44 and installing it either..

 

i have a lock rite in my d30 front. haven't broken it/axles/r&p...yet.

i'd say it's strong enough for a locker, especially for the added benefit. personally, i would FAR rather have a locker and risk breaking an occasional axle than have no locker in the front.

 

The 30 should be fine as long as it's maintained and you don't go above 33" tires. Any larger and I'd go with a 44. From the sounds of it the 30 would be fine for you.

 

Thanx for the replies. Now do you guys think I need to install heavier axles when I do the locker?

 

I've run an OX in the front for about 8 or 9 years now. I do moderate wheeling, have 33" MTs (but not a super-aggressive tread pattern), and run a SBC. In that time, I snapped one U-Joint on my Dana 30 while locked up. Otherwise, it's held up fine.

 

may as well wait until an axle breaks to replace it with an upgrade?

 

If you have the bucks, put in the Alloy USA shafts. They are way larger than the stock D30 shafts and use the D44 size u-joints. I have an aversion to front lockers, but managed to break an axle u-joint on my D30 with a Powerlock limited slip in the front. I'm running 35" tires. I haven't had any problems in the 2 years I've had the Alloy shafts.

 

Thanx for the replies. The Alloys were the ones I wa looking at..

 

Beef it up as much as you can.

 

If you end up with the Alloy axles, when you see them you are going to think, "no way are they going to fit through the hole in the knuckle". But they do. As I recall I had to open up the hole slightly to get them to slip in. I'm talking a micro amount. They are well worth the $ I had a pic of the stock axle and the Alloy side by side, but can't seem to find them right now.

 

I've had a lock dana 30 for a few years. From mud to rocks the d30 has been fine. I have 33x12.50 with 3.73 gears. My friend has a locked d30 with 36 mudders he's bent the steering but that's it so far. He's had his in long than I've had mine. I would recommend power steering. I'm gathering the part to put it on, But it's a good work out with manual steering

 

If you are installing Alloy USA axles along with drum brakes be forewarned that the outer axles are not directly compatible with your spindles and seals. My recollection is that I used outer axle seals from a drum brake Dana 44 front. Got mine from 4WD and they figured out what I needed.

I did use the drum brake shim washer for D30 drums. Not sure if I should have used something different but it all seemed to go together OK.

Chilly

 

Just remember that if pushed hard enough, the drive line will fail somewhere. So if you beef up a Dana 30 to the point where the outer shafts or u-joints don't break, then what will? Perhaps something a lot harder to fix.

 

Thanx again for the replies... I am thinking I will start with just the locker, then axles, then maybe a heavier drive shaft. Thanx again

 

If you are concerned about running a full locker, maybe look into the Aussie Locker. I run a full spool in the rear and an Aussie up front and have Dana 44's front and rear, 33x13.50 pitbull rockers, 1.25" wheel spacers, 15x10 steel wheels, so heavy stuff hanging off front end, so went with the Aussie instead of a detroit. The Aussie's are awsome, very cheap, work very very well. I have lots of friends that run them in the front, and lots that run them front and rear and get into and out of amazing places. Just throwing out another option very often overlooked on these boards. Read up on them, check them out. It may picque your interest. Good luck.

 

I disagree.
The more parts that you make stronger....makes you have a stronger Jeep.
The stronger the Jeep, the less often you will break down, That equals a better day on the trails, and less money and time spent on repairs.

Who enjoys making trail repairs?
Of course there is always a weakest link, but if you have the resources, then try and make the weakest link as strong as you can.

If I could potentially move my weakest link all the way back to the crankshaft in the engine. I would be very happy. Even though it is expensive to replace.