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The weak Dana 30 question. The fuse

Discussion in 'CJ' started by pastor scott, Jan 12, 2020.

  1. Jan 12, 2020 at 3:17 PM
    #1
    pastor scott

    pastor scott [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I'm running a 1978 Jeep CJ7 Dana narrow track 30 Detroit Locker 456 gears
    33 by 12 5015 tires
    Chrome Molly shafts

    So here is the question after reading hundreds of hundreds of posts will that the Dana 30 will blow up. And my idea is to use the stock factory 6 bolt hubs as a fuse instead of the warn ones

    I would like to Rock crawl but now upset that I put so much money into this Dana 30

    What are your suggestions I hear the gears are the weak link and does it pay to truss this

    Need your great wisdom out there thanks guys Pastor Scott
     
  2. Jan 12, 2020 at 3:19 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Personally, I think the D30 is fine on a CJ with 33" tires. As long as you are easy on the throttle in the tough stuff, and don't try to ground down the rocks with a foot full of throttle, everything should be fine. The Dana 30 has been used on heavier vehicles without issues. Only when you run larger tires (35"+) have I heard issues popping up.
     
    aggrex likes this.
  3. Jan 12, 2020 at 3:23 PM
    #3
    pastor scott

    pastor scott [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hum. Thanks for the quick reply.
    How about to truss. Worth it.
    And I will be gentle. 304 v8
     
    Billy1234 likes this.
  4. Jan 12, 2020 at 3:36 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    I think a truss wouldn't be a bad idea. I'd let someone else who may have more experience with those chime in. Maybe @aggrex has some info?
     
  5. Jan 12, 2020 at 6:22 PM
    #5
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    Fuel Injection, Dana 44s, T18, 4.10s w/lockers
    The weak point on the Dana 30 is the axle u-joints, I have watched those ears spread out and break. If you are out in the rocks and if one of your front wheels gets in the air it will start spinning as all the power is transferred to the wheel with the least resistance. When it comes down to the ground it can break the u-joint. A front locker will keep the wheels at the same speed. I think an axle truss will really cut down on the front axle clearance. I have seen a 33" tire maximum on a Dana 30 will hold up pretty good. The axle tubes are a bit on the thin side though and I have bent those.
     
    chris4x4 likes this.
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