I have a buddy looking for an XJ. He is looking at a 2000 right now and has plans to build it up. What should he know about the front axle?

According to some research: One downside is that from ’00, the front axle reverted to the low-pinion, standard rotation D30, a`la the Wrangler TJ. This increases front driveshaft angularity and decreases ring gear strength by about 15 percent.

What does this mean and what are the steps for correcting it (is this the cause of the increased chances for driveline vibes with any lift or what)?

Thanks for any help you can offer,
s

 

There aren't really any ways to correct it other than swapping in a high pinion Dana 30. It will bolt right in. By swapping in a high pinion it will give better drive shaft angularity and it will have a stronger ring gear strength.

 

If he buys the 00 model and wants to do the D30 high pinion swap make sure to get a 95 or newer D30. It will have the larger stronger 297 u-joints. The 94 and older models have the 260 u-joint that is more prone to break off road with larger tires.

 

Thanks for the replies. How big of a problem is the the low pinion issue on the newer models?

s

 

The low pinion D30 was only used for the 00-01 XJ. Jeep started using it in the TJ in 97. Also the high pinion D30 is not reverse rotation, it is reverse cut.

 

if hes not planning on lifting it there isnt a problem with it but if he wants to lift it you will run in to some issues with driveshaft angles

 

2nd half of 1999 as well ...... be careful & pay attention.



You can swap all your existing stuff over to the new housing (knuckles, calipers, bearings, shafts, etc). Best bet if you are not 100% sure ... is to swap everything and not try to mix & match.


I'd advise new axleshaft seals & balljoints while it's all apart.




Joe