Axle Identification

I bought a 1975 CJ-5 earlier this March. I live in michigan and when it was snowy, the 4 wheel drive worked great. The other day I took it to a sand hill, and the tires kept slipping. So I've decided to take a stab at replacing the carriers and making them posi. I've done axle work on my camaros and firebirds, but I'm new to jeep and dana, and I have no idea whats stock for my 75, and what my posi (both expensive and inexpensive) options are. Going from drag to 4x4 is a kinda a leap.

How do I find out what I have?
What is the most likely I have since it all looks stock?
What is the easiest carrier mod to get more posi besides welding spider gears?
I've heard stock jeep axles are fairly weak and the first part of drivetrain to go, what should I save up for, for long term?
Who is the best vendor to buy kits from?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Monteypython/FrontSide2.jpg

 

All the CJs from '72-75 used a Dana 30 open differential on the front, and a flanged axle semi-full-float Dana 44 in the rear. A Dana Trac-Loc posi was optional for the rear. Check the tags or look under the cover.

I'd suggest you read up on the Randy's Ring&Pinon site www.ringpinion.com - that will indicate what's available. They also have a nice review article about your various options; posi, locking, selectable locker, etc.

 

Also, weak axles? Compared to what? Put a 500 hp engine and huge tires on a Jeep that originally came with a 4 or 6 cylinder and passenger car tires, and then abuse it, and of course the axles (or something) will break. Soooo much depends on your driving style and skill... I would urge a high degree of skepticism and a mature attitude toward such claims. You don't have to have the biggest and best to have fun ...

 

You mention snow.


I wheel about 1/2 the tiime in it.
deep dig into it snow, Lockers are great.
Hard pack or icy snow, Lockers are a nightmare.

A selectable Locker would be best for slick icy type driving.

IMHO

 

Selectable lockers all the way, posi would be my last choice but I don't like axles that are halfway locked. As for strength, search and you'll find a ton of people who are abusing the Dana 30 with tires up to 35" wth few problems unless you really like spinning tires where they're likely to gain traction fast. For a gear source, there's only one vendor as far as I'm concerned: Randy's Ring and Pinion. I've installed gears and kits from four or five places now and not only does Randy's consistently have the best total cost, their quality is superb.

 

How many spline count variations are on the dana 30 and 44?

 

Almost all 30's use 27 spline inner axles. There may be some aftermarket kits for beefing them to higher spline count.

Dana 44's came in 10,19,27, and 30 spline stock depending on application and year.

If your axles are stock your 30 will have 27 spline inners and the 44 will have 30 spline shafts like most flanged axle dana 44's.

The 44 has aftermarket available of I believe 32 or 33 spline side gears but this requires custom axle shafts. I wouldn't go that route because if you do have an issue, parts availability becomes an issue.