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So got around to pulling the front end components off. Once I started taking the stuff apart a few problems arised... My front right steering knuckle caliper lower thread was stripped due to a hack job by PO. The caliper sleeve was never seated right causing the bolt to move around slightly, which then damaged the threads. So a new front right steering knuckle has been ordered. Whilst I was taking off the wheel hub assembly I thought I might as well pull out the driveshafts. Realized that the stock Dana 30 seals don't do such a great job of keeping stuff out of the axle, so I ordered axle tube seals. I also resprayed the inner wheel well. I was also never happy with the way the front sway bar links positioned, so I decided to install the sway bar drop brackets. Angle is a little better now and will serve as a temporarily solution.
I will need new tires soon and I am leaning towards 305/70R16 Mickey Thomson Baja MTZ
Things being replaced on front axle:
New tube seals
Front right knuckle and ball joints
Front right caliper
Timken wheel hub assemblies (left and right)
New brake pads
Last edited by adriaanvn99; 11-20-2017 at 03:32 PM.
I also need to replace my steering box. I was originally looking at going with a 99 Durango box without the snow package, but I came across the Ironman 4x4 and Fab box. Anyone have experience with these? Seems like a solid rebuilt option. Will also be adding new beefier steering box spacer
All the parts are on the way for the front axle, should hopefully be able to get it all back together in the next week.
On the other note, ordered a pair of Rubicon Express 3.5 inch front coils. From what I’ve read, they give you just over 4 inch of lift which is exactly what I was looking for. Couldn’t decide between the 4.5 and 3.5, but hoping I made the right choice. Excited to get the nose leveled out and not have the slight raked look it has at the moment!
Decided to go with XRF balljoints, so just waiting for those to arrive. In the meantime took off my drivers side steering knuckle, and the top balljoint sleeve pulled straight out of its socket, possible explanation for some highway driving speed vibes!
I managed to unscrew my oil filter adapter/housing too to try resolve my leak, and as expected the main o ring was as brittle as it could be. Contemplating whether I should replace the housing too...
Decided that whilst my front driveshafts will be out, I might as well go and swop my inner axle seals as I noticed that the passenger started leaking a little bit.
Also ordered IRO HD steering/tie rod, and a Rubicon Express pitman arm drop
Last edited by adriaanvn99; 11-27-2017 at 07:32 PM.
So my front hub assembly replacement basically turned into a full front axle rebuild! Decided that I am going to pull the whole axle off the body and give it a good clean with a wire brush and respray! Today whilst I was getting the carrier out I thought to myself why go through all the trouble again in a few months when I want to install the locker... So I decided to go with a PowerTraxx Lock-Right locker for the Dana 30!
Here is the list of what is being done:
- XRF Ball joints upper and lower, left and right
- New right hand side steering knuckle
- New right hand side caliper
- Rotors and brake pads replacement, left and right
- Inner seal replacement, Spicer #46470
- Outer tube seals, TenFactory
- Timken #513084 wheel hub assemblies, left and right
- Lock Right Dana Model 30
- Solid Diff cover (been on)
- 1 inch hockey puck on lower coil bucket install
- Full axle respray
As soon as all the parts are here it will be ready to go!
Update: Just ordered CavFab adjustable upper control arms, since I am still running stock. Next up will be adjustable lowers
Last edited by adriaanvn99; 11-30-2017 at 06:28 PM.
Front axle rebuild is done and back under the Jeep, along with the new Rubicon Express 3.5 inch springs. I will be replacing the rear springs with the Rubicon Express 3.5 inch springs soon.
I also replaced the trans mount with the Daystar Poly one so I hope to not have too much of a vibration. Still need to install my IRO steering rod and CavFab upper control arms (once they arrive).
I picked up a Chrysler 8.25 with factory limited slip, so will hopefully get that installed once I get the new springs. First need to clean it up, repaint and replace all bearings and seals.
So now the front D30 is locked with a LockRight posi locker, and the rear will have limited slip which will definitely make a difference.
Front axle rebuild is done and back under the Jeep, along with the new Rubicon Express 3.5 inch springs. I will be replacing the rear springs with the Rubicon Express 3.5 inch springs soon.
I also replaced the trans mount with the Daystar Poly one so I hope to not have too much of a vibration. Still need to install my IRO steering rod and CavFab upper control arms (once they arrive).
I picked up a Chrysler 8.25 with factory limited slip, so will hopefully get that installed once I get the new springs. First need to clean it up, repaint and replace all bearings and seals.
So now the front D30 is locked with a LockRight posi locker, and the rear will have limited slip which will definitely make a difference.
I like it looks really good so that a 3.5" lift all around? I know you put RE 3.5" coils and they say those are firmer than RE 4.5" coils.
I originally had a Rough Country 3 inch lift all around with full leaf pack. I am in the process of replacing it all with a mixture of components. Right now it has Rubicon Express 3.5" coils in front, with the Rough Country 3 inch full leaf pack in the rear. I will be swapping them out too with the Rubicon Express 3.5" leaf packs very soon.
Interestingly, the Rubicon Express and Rough Country coil springs were exactly the same height, but the RE springs had about a 1/8 inch thicker coil (decently noticeable side to side). I originally did this because the Jeep had a slight nose dip after installing the RC kit, and I thought the 3.5" RE springs would make it perfectly level, but now I am sitting with a slight, very slight squat in the rear. So I decided going with the RE 3.5" full leaf in the rear would be best.
In the end it should have these list of components:
Rubicon Express 3.5" coil springs (installed)
Bilstein 5100's with BPE's all around (need to order)
CavFab adjustable upper control arms (ordered 2 months ago, still waiting)
CavFab adjustable lower control arms (might order, if it does not take 2 months to ship)
IRO steering rod with Moog TRE's (received, installing this weekend)
Rubicon Express RE1600 trac bar (installed)
Rubicon Express pitman arm drop (received, need to to install)
Rubicon Express rear 3.5" full leaf spring (need to order)
Durango Steering box (need to order)
Posi Locker for Dana 30 (installed)
Chrysler 8.25 rear with limited slip (received, needs to be rebuilt)
Daystar Poly Trans mount (installed)
NP242 SYE with Tom Woods driveshaft (need to order)
JCR Crusader front and rear bumpers (need to order)
Napier V2 fender flares (need to order)
And so the wishlist carries on growing...
Last edited by adriaanvn99; 01-12-2018 at 12:21 AM.
I originally had a Rough Country 3 inch lift all around with full leaf pack. I am in the process of replacing it all with a mixture of components. Right now it has Rubicon Express 3.5" coils in front, with the Rough Country 3 inch full leaf pack in the rear. I will be swapping them out too with the Rubicon Express 3.5" leaf packs very soon.
Interestingly, the Rubicon Express and Rough Country coil springs were exactly the same height, but the RE springs had about a 1/8 inch thicker coil (decently noticeable side to side). I originally did this because the Jeep had a slight nose dip after installing the RC kit, and I thought the 3.5" RE springs would make it perfectly level, but now I am sitting with a slight, very slight squat in the rear. So I decided going with the RE 3.5" full leaf in the rear would be best.
In the end it should have these list of components:
Rubicon Express 3.5" coil springs (installed)
Bilstein 5100's with BPE's all around (need to order)
CavFab adjustable upper control arms (ordered 2 months ago, still waiting)
CavFab adjustable lower control arms (might order, if it does not take 2 months to ship)
IRO steering rod with Moog TRE's (received, installing this weekend)
Rubicon Express RE1600 trac bar (installed)
Rubicon Express pitman arm drop (received, need to to install)
Rubicon Express rear 3.5" full leaf spring (need to order)
Durango Steering box (need to order)
Posi Locker for Dana 30 (installed)
Chrysler 8.25 rear with limited slip (received, needs to be rebuilt)
Daystar Poly Trans mount (installed)
NP242 SYE with Tom Woods driveshaft (need to order)
JCR Crusader front and rear bumpers (need to order)
And so the wishlist carries on growing...
IRO steering what did you pay for that? IRO I hear is top notch.
Durango box what year and how much do they run?
Mine is going to be 4.5" RE I got just about everything I need just the time to get under and do it.
Mine also has a 3" rough country lift. It looks decent now especially once I out 33" rubber on it soon but its sitting on worn 32" now no rub.
IRO steering what did you pay for that? IRO I hear is top notch.
Durango box what year and how much do they run?
Mine is going to be 4.5" RE I got just about everything I need just the time to get under and do it.
Mine also has a 3" rough country lift. It looks decent now especially once I out 33" rubber on it soon but its sitting on worn 32" now no rub.
Yeah the IRO steering rod is a solid piece of equipment. Paired with the Moog TRE's I think it will be quite a decent upgrade from stock. I got it on Black Friday for just over $50, and then $24 x2 for the Moog's. All in all just under $100.
You need to use the 99 Durango Box without the snow plow feature. It has exact same bolt pattern as the XJ box, but it is a bit beefier.
11-20-2017, 01:19 PM
