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Chromolly axle shafts

1K views 18 replies 8 participants last post by  qgcrim 
#1 ·
Is it worth putting these in a front Dana 30 with 27 splines and lunchbox?
 
#2 ·
Depends on tire size and intended usage. I ran chromolys with 35s in my old D30 and soon discovered the weak link was the ring gear. Bottom line is chromolys are a worthwhile upgrade if you wheel your rig in moderately difficult terrain with larger tires.
 
#5 ·
I realized that a Dana 44 will always be stronger but they're just so expensive and I was trying to figure out ways to run larger tires on front and rear eventually without breaking the bank. Bad pinion bearings on the 30 right now so I'm seeing my options before I rebuild and put it back together again. Any suggestions on where to get a set? I realize chromoly isn't that cheap.
 
#6 ·
You may want to consider a high pinion D30 out of a 1995-1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Not too expensive at wrecking yards, or check CL. They are somewhat stronger than the stock LP30,s, but they use the same axles so the weak point becomes the u-joint yokes. If running it locked with 35" tires on the front, you would still want a pair of chromoly axles in it.
 
#7 ·
Most Dana 30 chromoly shaft kits I've seen run $650-over $700. Right now Quadratec has a Ten Factory chromoly kit for $505. Pretty good deal with free shipping and no sales tax (if you don't live in PA).
 
#9 ·
Yes you can run the chromo's in the LP and swap them to the HP.

In a HP, The pinion contacts the ring gear at a better, stronger location. I believe there's more contact between the two also.

When all is said and done, 35's on a properly geared, locked HP30 with chromos is pretty good way to wheel. The fuse will be the u-joint, carry spare shafts on the trail for an easy swap in case of a break. You'll be good to go.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I run an hp 30 with an arb locker and 35" tires. I broke u-joint yokes twice before switching to chromoly axles. No problem since. I bought yukons (both inner and outers with new spicer u-joints) for between $400 and $500 IIRC.

The strength benefit in the hp d30 comes from the fact that the ring gear is driven via the drive side of the gear teeth rather than the coast side like the low pinion d30
 
#14 ·
x2 on this
 
#13 ·
Thanks for all the info guys. I start my new job in a few weeks so I'll wait until a few checks in to do the HP. I'll buy the axle and sit in the the shed and build it where it sits so I don't have to tear the jeep down to start on it.
 
#17 ·
I used the links off of another jeep that was setup as 3-link. I believe it's more common in one ton axle setups which is why I wanted to sleeve the tubes. Sleeving Dana 30s is a whole debate for another thread. No real advantage that I know of other than two less brackets to weld and one less control arm to build. At the expense of added torsion to the axles tubes. The 3rd link bracket is very beefed up, would not recommend on a stock bracket.
 
#19 ·
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