Swap-in a Dana 30 from a 81 Jeep Scrambler?

Just say "no" if you think this is a bad idea.

I found a Dana 30 narrow track from a 81 Jeep Scrambler with 2.72 gears. It has the steering set-up and disc brakes but missing the hubs, pitman arm and brake lines. It would need to be regeared to match my 3.73.

Would this be a good swap for my 70 Dana 27? Pros --- Cons?

Thanks!

 

It will be fine. The weakest link there would be the 5 bolt locking hubs it has iirc. It's common to swap the bearing hubs and locking hubs to the 6 bolt version which are much stronger. I did this on my daughter's '70.
Depending on intended use (light trail, mostly street) this may not be necessary for you. If harder trails or larger tires are intended I'd recommend it.
Also do a search for "Dana 30 swap" and tons of good info should come up.


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Thanks Sir Ogre,,,,This sounds good. I've searched a bit but didn't see anything from a scrambler. It sounds like it has the same dana 30 as a 81 CJ. I'm guesstimating $1000 to completely rebuild & regear with new bearings, seals and an Auburn Pro posi?? Possibly more with brake lines, bearing hubs & locking hubs. The guy is asking $200 for the axle.

 

roger, i think the only reason the axle is $200 is because it's from a "scrambler". people like to try and get big money for "scrambler" parts because there is not many "good" scramblers around. i would check all the salvage yards in a 100 mile radius for the axle you need or want. they are out there but very elusive in the salvage yards. i know where i can get a '78 with 3:73 gears for maybe $100 but shipping would kill it for you maybe. search craigslist hard and heavy and maybe pick up a whole jeep for just the axles and off the rest.

 

Yeah, the Scrambler front axle is the same as a CJ model. Remember, a Scrambler is a CJ-8, still in the CJ family. Around here a disc brake 30 can easily bring 2-300 but will typically have a more desirable gear ratio. In some locations they can be had much cheaper.


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$100? Just load it up and come visit. I make great baby back ribs on the smoker and will throw in a couple of steaks from an Axis deer shot this fall. That should cover gas, right? Seriously, thanks for the shopping tips. I may buy this axle but prefer to reduce cost and keep a roof over my head.

 

yup a Ben franklin. i might pick it up myself for spare parts for mine. i might even get it for $50

 

mmmmm ribs. i miss texas b-b-q. hard to find a place here that actually uses wood to smoke with let alone cook with.

 

I paid much more for my 30 and I've been very happy with it. A buddy was able to tear the R & P out of his with a V8. I replaced the locking hub bolts with studs which helped with the problem of the bolts always coming loose.

 

It's good to hear from folks who've done this swap and are pleased with it. There's a lot that I'll need to learn on the steering & brake set-up but I'm feeling comfortable that the narrow track 30 is a good choice. The guy selling it sounds like a great jeeper. He offered to share a beer, explain all the changes he made to his jeep and let me drive it. All that even if I decide i don't want to buy his spare axle.