DANA 30 AXLE UPGRADES

[juggernaught]

O.K......You would think getting Spicer upgraded joints for a d-30, 1310 series front axle would be simple. Only thing avail. is a 5-260x non-greasable or a 5-260x cap greasable joint. No cold forged or H/D alternative avail.

Anyone know of any other quality choices? I have gone round and round with my local auto store and still do not have a good alternative over basically stock. I do not want to spend $100 per joint.

If I can not find a decent u-joint I need some options for an axle upgrade that will not break the bank. Just looking to increase u-joint size and strength since I am repowering my v-8.

[tufcj]

CJ or YJ dana 30? The 95-up YJ shaft used a bigger joint, and can be swapped into an earlier YJ axle.

The failure I saw on my CJ dana 30 was usually the C-clip holding the cap failed, then the cap would push out, eventually contact the lower ball joint stud, then everything would break. I carefully ground the C-clip area with a die grinder and carbide burr until I could install a full cir-clip. That eliminated about 90% of my failures. I've also seen guys use a couple of spot welds at the top of the cap, but that makes rebuilding them almost impossible if the bearings fail.

I eventually built a Dana 44 front for mine, and did the same cir-clip mod. Haven't had a failure in 5+ years with the 44.

Bob
tufcj

[ironman_gq]

I bought the Alloy USA axles from 4wd 15yr warranty against breakage and a D44 sized joint with their joints. Ended up being about $650 but after my first break with the stock joints I think it was worth it. My first one I had HD high strength stock 260 sized joints and the cross exploded, tore an ear off the shaft and stretched the other ears out.

[juggernaught]

My cj is a 1978( see sig.) and although I probably should have retrofitted with full circle clips, I just reinstalled a new spicer 260x. Not very happy about it, but it is going to do until an axle upgrade.

Still need input on moderately priced options. Everthing I read says that dana-30 upgrade from a stock 260/297 (1310 series), to a 760 (1330) series. I believe even the mighty dana 44 is only a 1330 series u-joint. And although some do not realize it, some 44's are only a 1310 series.

Just a note: The person I purchased my "78 cj7 from completed the Rubicon trail in Calif. several times. He ran 35" tires with a amc 360, and 4:10 gears. I believe that this may be first time that these dana 3o front axle u-joints (spicer) have been replaced.

[ironman_gq]

the 44's used a 760 size joint in the shafts. 1310 and 1330 are usually driveshaft joints and are easily changeable by getting a different yoke. I think pretty much every size yoke is available for a 44 up to 1410 1 ton joint

[juggernaught]

As I said........SOME d-44's are even a series 1310 (as told by a drive-line specialist).

1310 & 1330 are SERIES. A 760x or a 260x etc are Models available within these SERIES.

ALL DRIVE-AXLES are a SERIES 1310,1330,1440 etc.

ALL DRIVE-SHAFTS are SERIES 1310,1330,1440 etc.

They just have different Models....153x,260x,670x,760x etc.

Easiest way to order a u-joint whos model you are unfamiliar with: Measure cap size by over all width.

Some of these applications can even confuse the so called "SPECIALISTS", let alone parts counter people.

[ironman_gq]

the smaller 260 sized joints were only in older D-44's I think some time in the mid 70's they all pretty much went to the larger joint

[juggernaught]

I believe that you are correct about that. Just letting jeep owners out there know that not all dana axles of the same model use the same size u-joint. Also, that if you are not 100% sure of your u-joint size, it is best to go by the physical measurements when choosing an option.

[dan58]

There is no "middle ground" from the stock Spicer joint and quality joint. If you upgrade to a 4340 shaft, go with a good joint. Good parts aren't cheap. Longfield used to cryo a Spicer joint, but that's long since gone.

Chose from Longfield, CTM, Yukon, or JustDifferentials. They will all run you a solid $150 each (or more), but they carry lifetime warranties. Pair that with some chromoly shafts, and you're good to go.

[juggernaught]

The upgraded u-joints available are not to difficult to choose between, depending on what you are looking to do. I have never really seen a list of axle shafts and alloys available rating there strengths compared to stock axles/housings and diff's. It would be nice to know what the weak link in your drive-train is before it "goes"