Another D30 build. Opinions welcome

[thehoochabides]

i know everyone's opinion on the dana 30...like everyone else, i got a good deal on one and some other stuff so i'm going to do it. basically i'm looking for some opinions on my plan and suggestions (other than use a different axle). thank you much from a new user.

83' Ranger Single Cab 4x4

Build Plan:

1997 Grand Cherokee D30 3:73 Stock Gears (change to leafs)
1994 Explorer 8.8 3:73 w/ Traklok
33'' Mudders of some type

I don't do anything too intense wheeling wise, mostly snow trail runs and some light hill climbing in the snow. driving the logging roads outside of stirling city down to the river in the summer. i'm sure this has been covered but i would like to know what i need to complete the job in the front. as far as steering stuff from the jeep, leaf suggestions...basically a parts list if anyone would do me the favor. thanks a lot! i work in a nice shop and have a welder on hand as well.


oh yeah and i want to do 63'' chevy's in the rear...how would that work out with everything?

also, would there be any good reason to keep coils in the front besides that it's already set up that way?

 

[Andres629]

Well, if you're looking for lift leaves, I know Trail Gear makes some really good ones for lighter trucks, and at a very good price as well. I can't really comment on steering parts but I would assume you'll be needing to build a track bar and a drag link, and you should be able to keep the tie rod.

 

[dangerranger83]

I just did the same swap to my truck, same year and everything. Run coils, everything is already set-up for it. In the begining I was going to use leaves but was convenced to do coils and they were right about using them.

Click on my build thread in my signature, I did the 63 chevy leaves swap, shows exactly what I did along with my D30 SAS. The chevy leaves swap worked perfectly for me, I'm only and inch or so higher in the rear due to running softer coils in the front.

 

[thehoochabides]

that was an amazing help...also led me to escort's build. i am most certainly going to be talking to you. did you keep the 7.5 in the ass end?

 

[thehoochabides]

also i may end up using a '99 TJ axle...what do i need to get from it? i guess i just want to know everything i need from the jeep

 

[dangerranger83]

Yes I kept the 7.5 rear end but next year I'm going to be regearing from 373's to 456's for when I put 33's on her. But instead of putting gears into my 7.5, I'll invest it into an 8.8 rear end.

I think it was in 99 that stuff chaged on the D30. It got dual caliper brakes and high steering. Not sure if it effected all D30's and I don't know what D30's have the 5x5.5 bolt pattern either. I spent a year researching my SAS before doing it.

 

[thehoochabides]

and that's going to be the difference i can tell...time and planning. i'm going to spend this winter accumulating parts and planning. it got cold too soon and snow is already on the ground just into the hills, so i'm just gonna throw some 31's with some meat on them and spend this winter stock : (

 

[Snurfer]

i would go with an xj cherokee d30 95-99. bigger u joints and non disconnect. i did the same swap and opted to put 2003 grand cherokee dual piston brakes along with cross over steering from the wj knuckles.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80533

 

[thehoochabides]

thanks man, that's probably what i'll end up doing. your build thread is killer, thank you. i'll be talking to you more i'm sure once i get to cutting

 

[escort_gts]

YES do go with coils it will be alot easier plus better ride quality not to mention flexability

 

[dangerranger83]

I will say, 31's and a D28 is asking for trouble unless you take it easy.

My brakes are single caliper but are from an 80's jeep, much bigger brake pad cylinder size too (compaired it all at Autozone). Came that way when I got it (yet CV shafts werent on them till the 90's). I think mine is a mix and match D30. But I got it for free and was all rebuilt too.

I assume you have a 2.3 under the hood, I put a 2.8 (free too) under my hood, 3rd engine but maybe not its last.

 

[thehoochabides]

i am definitely doing coils in the front and danger i have a 2.8. danger and escort, which control arm kit should i be looking for? in both of your opinions that is

 

[RacinNdrummin]

The grand cherokee or TJ's D30 is low pinion... Might as well keep the d28 in there...

Unless you are swapping in an HP D30, dont bother, your wasting a lot of time

 

[dangerranger83]

Well not to speak for for escort, but heres the long arms that we both used. He was the first to use them on a Ranger D30 SAS, Im the second. They seem a bit pricy but nothing was spared into making them. They are worth every penny.

http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Long_Arms/XJ_LAK.html

Ya there may be cheaper ones out there but I have talked to he guy who makes them and says to this day, he has not had a failure on the trail from them.

 

[Maverick]

The grand cherokee or TJ's D30 is low pinion... Might as well keep the d28 in there...

Unless you are swapping in an HP D30, dont bother, your wasting a lot of time

I agree. The only D30 worth swapping in my opinion is a 95+ XJ that is non CAD and has the bigger u-joints. Since you haven't aqquired an axle yet, that is the one you should be looking for.

Also, why 3.73 gears? That thing is going to be a pig with 33's on it. You need at the very least 4.10's with 4.56's being optimal.