Dana 30 in an M38A1

I am planning a major rebuild/swap of my 1953 M38A1 this winter and have acquired the following: Buick 231 (even-fire), SM420, rebuilt Dana 18, BDS 2.5 lift springs, Saginaw steering (manual), Dana 27 front end, Dana 44 rear end, 4-wheel disc brakes. Front and rear ends have 5.38s and powr-loks. If I were to install a Dana 30 in place of the Dana 27, which year model Dana 30 should I look for, and what - if any, of the new bearings, seals, disc brakes, etc for the 27 will fit the 30? What would be the advantage of going to a 30?

Thanks,

g

 

30 is stronger, larger brakes, 5.38 not available. You can probably use hubs, bearings, seals. Some come with the 6 bolt discs, 79 and later come with the 2 bolt discs they need the outer knuckles to work.

 

wouldn't this gear set work? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MGR-70289-5X/

I think one of the main things that schmober didn't note is that the turning radius is significantly smaller in the dana 30 than the 27. Also, the open knuckle design has much less maintenance required/oil doesn't leak onto your brakes.

 

5:38-1 for the 30 is available from many sources. If the 30 is drum brake should be able to use the wheel bearings and bearing hubs. Locking hubs are different spline count.

 

I have a Dana 30 with disk brakes in my M38a1. I went with 4:27 gears. I found a Dana 30 / 4:27gears. PM me if you have questions.