Build my Dana 30 front or find a better axle

[masscj2a]

I have a 1983 CJ-8 and wanted to upgrade to 37X12.50 Ko2's. I'm running 33X1050 mud terrains right now. I can either build up the stock 30 or begin (another) winter project to replace the front 30 with a ?????? . Thats the question. The Scrambler still only has the stock 4.2, nothing crazy for power, but with the bigger tires, I want a better axle. Whats the thoughts ??

PS: This is my first posting here. Been a member for a little bit, but my 47 2a and 61 3b, take up a lot of my time, oh yeh the 53 cj and 66 cj, burn a little also.

 

[barrys]

Welcome[emoji322]
Depends on the use. Street Jeep it should survive. If any wheeling, you might as wheel build a 44 for not a lot more. After you buy stronger shafts, lockers , gears, etc.

 

[zero2wow]

I have a 1983 CJ-8 and wanted to upgrade to 37X12.50 Ko2's. I'm running 33X1050 mud terrains right now. I can either build up the stock 30 or begin (another) winter project to replace the front 30 with a ?????? . Thats the question. The Scrambler still only has the stock 4.2, nothing crazy for power, but with the bigger tires, I want a better axle. Whats the thoughts ??

PS: This is my first posting here. Been a member for a little bit, but my 47 2a and 61 3b, take up a lot of my time, oh yeh the 53 cj and 66 cj, burn a little also.

BIG Welcome! Glad you posted up....


..... so what are you doing/wanting to do in your rig for the next season...?

Merry Christmas to you and those you care about

z

 

[masscj2a]

The plan is to use it off road. I have a pretty good 47 2a that has been modded up pretty well. That's my main wheeler. This one, I want to take off road, but not sure how hard I will hit it. I know once I am there, I will probably get carried away and do what the other boys are doing. So it may be used kinda hard. I was thinking about just doing the 44 swap, but after reading articles on it, its confusing as to which 44 front axle to use. My experience with 30's are, its not normally worth the money to upgrade. I just ran a stock one on my 93 YJ with 12.50 X 15 Mud Terrains with a 4.0 and auto and had no issues and ran it on rocks all the time, but adult driven (didn't slam it around) The Scrambler is heavier, longer and will have 37's on it. So I am leaning towards the 44, but that's why I started this thread. Which 44 would you put on the front, if given a choice ?

Thanks for the warm welcome, I usually hide over on the 2a page or early cj pages. My problem is I have an addiction, that no form of counseling will help me with. I am out of control, but don't try to stop me.

 

[jims chop shop]

I believe you're going to have problems turning 37's lock to lock, and will have to adjust your steering and decrease you're turning radius

 

[masscj2a]

I'm OK with that. My daily driver is an 07 Duramax crew cab. So making big turns and backing up is the norm for me. I'm a patient person and I still have the others to go small with in the woods. I'm just going nuts trying to figure which axle will replace the 30. Any ideas out there and yes I have read a ton on it, but trying for something definitive, from guys that should know. Which axle from what vehicle will be a good replacement? I am going to change gears, so that's not too big a deal for me. Come on guys, I need help!

 

[masscj2a]

I also want to keep the same lug pattern, if that helps narrow it down. That's the only reason I considered building up the 30 in the first place, but it seems I would be throwing good money after bad.

 

[jims chop shop]

A narrowed ( 4" off the long side) Dana 44 from a wagoneer (narrow trac /fsj) will give you a width of about 57" and you will not need to outboard you springs
Ford hubs and rotors and small bearing spindles can be used to get 5x5.5

 

[jims chop shop]

If your willing to change rear axle too
Check this out
Don't Use a Wagoneer Front Axle
https://www.cj-8.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14638

 

[masscj2a]

Heres a few pictures of my two favorites. 61 cj-3b and the 83 cj-8