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Dana 30 install in rwd


scrapper

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
513
City
central IL
State - Country
IL - USA
Vehicle Year
1994
Drive
2WD
Engine
302
Transmission
Automatic
Total Lift
6+3
Tire Size
33/12.50/15
I was wondering if a dana 30 hp front axle would be hard to bolt in a rwd 94. I notice a lot of flack about not doing it. I'm not looking for anything but a little muddy ,dirt and rock roads. The truck is a hunting fishing truck,dd. The axle is coil setup from a Cherokee. Will it bolt up as is or would stuff need moved? I have found a lot of stuff but for new trucks with rack. I don't need heavy duty just want a bit more for rough roads and snow, on occasion. I'm not interested in why I should go with a 44 or a 60. I'm running 33" tires.
 
Anything is possible. But axle pumpkins are placed (geometrically designed) to eliminate driveline angle vibrations. or something like that.
 
There would be fabrication work to get it to mate up right. Differential placement would have to be looked at to make sure it’s in the correct place for the drive shaft. You would have to look at the gears and make sure they are cut properly to be turned in the direction they need to be turned in that positions as well. You may have to regear the axle if they aren’t.

If you really want to run a Dana 30, you might be better off finding one for the rear instead of making one for the front work.
 
I think he's talking about adding one to the front... which is doable but needs fabrication, although I think James Duff or someone made a swap for it?
 
i would even be interested in leaf springs. i havent found much info for a 2 wheel drive sas swap. i have been reading and it was said frames are crooked from rear spring mount to front spring mount.
 
i would even be interested in leaf springs. i havent found much info for a 2 wheel drive sas swap. i have been reading and it was said frames are crooked from rear spring mount to front spring mount.
What?



It's a fairly easy swap

Stupid easy with leaf.

Your situation is ideal for d 30. And one I am clearly on record of being in favor of.

Look up Cherokee long arms....if you want coils.

Or run a yj wrangler axle with wagoneer springs.

Ruff stuff has bracketry
 
is there a problem with tires hitting springs if you go leaf?
Im just trying to find out how much work to keep the coils i dont need any more lift than the 6" lift i have now. I am looking at dangerranger83 build but photos are gone. I have been looking for how to on both types but no luck.
 
Do your tires hit the frame now?

That said.

If your using the Wrangler foot print....do tires hit the leaf on those? Or wagoneers.



If you simply do a bolt in swap of say an EB system from a 74.....then hell yeah the tires will rub like mad on the radius arms....that is because the rbv frame is much wider ...

But it is literally a few hour deal ..so living with that compromise is usually worth it at first...

There are always compromises unless budget is unlimited
 
What?



It's a fairly easy swap

Stupid easy with leaf.

Your situation is ideal for d 30. And one I am clearly on record of being in favor of.

Look up Cherokee long arms....if you want coils.

Or run a yj wrangler axle with wagoneer springs.

Ruff stuff has bracketry

I’m with Bobby on this one...

33s on a D30 should be fine. Just remember anything can break with enough abuse.
 
Yeah....it's tough to decide.

These days I can get a set of useable super duty axles for 3 to 600....both.


A decent set of shafts and joints can cost more for a Dana 30.

But....use is key. The big axles come with severe weight penalty...and you need all new wheels ect.....


The Dana 30....can be nickle and dimed over time and be perfect for a 33 in tire ranger....even abused. The ability to keep the wheels and low weight are a good place to start.
 
Ok but no how to do it? I have replaced the whole front end, replaced the rear end but have wanted to 4x4 it since I bought it. I go hunting and fishing where the roads are rough in the winter and spring. I'm not into doing any more than driving there fishing or hunting and driving home. I have a problem trying because after you go down the rabbit hole and start reading everyone seems to say different things. You read oh I have a problem with this or that. I just was looking at something easy. I wasn't sure about the coil buckets lining up if I could use radius arm brackets already there. If there was a leaf spring kit for both spring mounts and shock mounts
 


just idea.....i would not track bar or run that high
 
so your needs seem to justify 4x4.



can you weld?....and run a grinder?...use a cut off wheel 4 out of 5 times without the need of the ER or in the shop basic 1st aid?























or....







 
with what i listed....i can adapt that to a ranger with just a drill and a grinder.....



some people shouldnt be near power tools.....i cant judge that from the net with such short exposure.
 
seems like most thing were done and links photo bucket and they are dead
 

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