d44 vs d30?

[93 4x4]

I have found both, but not sure which one to buy both are complete ,the d30 has leaf springs and disc brakes, or d44 has drums with coil springs . I want to have disc brakes but I like the d44, It bolts right in. but have to convert to disc brakes for the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern to use the wheels I have. Im kind of new to this so any info would be helpful!

 

[Frank The Tank]

I'm kind of shocked to see a d.30 and d.44 mentioned in the same sentence.....

I wouldn't give 5 bucks for a d30 complete.

Frank

 

[dangerranger83]

The axle you choose depends on what your going to do with your truck. Seeing that your truck is a 93 it has the D35 TTB undr it a putting a D30 under it would be a downgrade in strength. I think you can convert the drums to disc brakes but dont hold me to it.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Hands down , D44. Easy to convert to discs and you'll be way ,way ahead on strength.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The axle you choose depends on what your going to do with your truck. Seeing that your truck is a 93 it has the D35 TTB undr it a putting a D30 under it would be a downgrade in strength. I think you can convert the drums to disc brakes but dont hold me to it.

Actually if you use the axle shafts with the larger joints and TJ passenger side shaft, it's not really any weaker than a D-35 TTB.

Yes, the D-44 is stronger than a D-30 or D-35 TTB.

What do you mean the D-44 will bolt right in? Did someone have it already set up for a Ranger? A D-44 with coils out of a fullsize truck does still require fab to mount in a Ranger, you have to move the spring perches to make it work.

 

[RangerSVT]

You can bolt on chevy spindles to those knuckles and have disc brakes without having to change out the knuckle, look around, and try ebay, you can get what you need to swap to discs for little to nothing
SVT

 

[93 4x4]

thanks all for the input, it's coming out of a bronco II the guy sounds like he knows whats up. it's does have the open knuckles. I'm going tomorrow morning to get it. the disc brake Idea was good to hear thanks to everybody for your input I'm sure I will have more things to ask about.

 

[RangerSVT]

You sure its not an Early Bronco?? It sounds really ironic someone would transplant a drum brake axle into an RBV...
SVT

 

[93 4x4]

my mistake it is coming of a early bronco,how will this work in a 93 ranger 4x4

 

[RangerSVT]

Very Very well, it is a popular swap....any chance he still has the Tcase?? how much does he want for it, I'm looking to find one for the right price...
SVT

 

[93 4x4]

I will check tomorrow when I meet up with him, will I be able to change to disc brakes with a bolt patten of 5 on 4.5 so I can use the same rims I have now

 

[Shran]

I will check tomorrow when I meet up with him, will I be able to change the bolt patten to 5 on 4.5 so I can use the same rims I have now

There is... BUT... if you are solid axle swapping a trail rig, I would strongly suggest going with 5x5.5 instead just because it is easier to find a spare tire if you ruin yours.

Supposedly you can run mid 70's Dodge fullsize D44 knuckles and everything past that which is 5x4.5. Keep in mind that MOST Dodge pickups from that era are 5x5.5 so it is hard to find the parts for the conversion, and you have to convert them over to manual hubs if you don't want drive flanges.

I don't know anything more about the Dodge swap or any other way to do it because I opted to use wheel adapters in the rear and 5x5.5 wheels for the spare tire issue.

Regarding your previous question about how well a solid axle swap will work - depends on how you do it. Mine was a lot of work and a lot of fab. But if you don't want to trash lift brackets and stuff like that in the rocks, it is by far the way to go.

 

[93 4x4]

thanks
I think I'm going to grab the d44 and work out the other issues later since it looks like these things are hard to find for $190.00 complete
I just have to take it off the frame

 

[Bent Bolt]

If it is from a EB just make sure it is indeed a D44. The early EB did come with D30's and drum brakes.

 

[93 4x4]

OK I'm home
Just got back it's a d44 for sure and I did got everything even the radius arm brackets I think 5.5 lift springs and tracking bar , It cost me 190.00 he does have another one but the gears are shot and need to be cleaned out and he has a transfer case he'll sell for 75 dollars it is a dana 20.it will be a little while before I can start the fun part of stipping sand blasting and painting I have another project I have to finish first