t_long

Looking for input here.

I've come across a relatively freshly built LP D30 which has the locker I want (LockRight) and matches the gear ratio of the rear axle I bought (4.88). Basically it looks brand new. It looks to have fresh ball joints, and a brand new SOLID cover. The guy is asking $550, but lives about 400 miles from me. I would probably have it freighted to me and try to get it for $450 or so.

I'm being money conscious. In order for me to do the same thing to my HP D30, I would probably have to spend about $1000 or more (I'm in So Cal). I don't intend on being too hardcore with the Jeep. It's a DD / weekend warrior...

The question is: Do I just pull the trigger and "downgrade" to a LP D30? I could probably sell my HP for $150 or $200 at least which would basically pay for shipping (assuming I don't keep it for later).

thatXJguy

LP is fine as long as you're not running too much lift.

mr white

Probably be like 650ish for that axle shipped. I don't think you'd spend 1k on your current axle to do the same thing. 650 for a l.p. 30 is kind of rich... but it's your money.

ohio95xj

I wouldn't do it. 4.88's are already the weakest gear set for a D30. And LP 30's have weaker gear sets in general. So that is literally the weakest possible combo in any D30. Also. I have Seen many places especially in rocks where LP30's scrap on the yoke/pinion hardcore, and HP's have no problem. I honestly wouldn't even trade my HP30(although it is built) for a TJ rubi 44. But it is your rig, your money.

extrashaky

I think if you buy that thing, later on you'll wish you had built the one you really wanted instead.

gpXJ

This is the realist view. Listen to it.

XJlimitedx99

If anything, buy the axle, swap covers with the one you have and take the locker out then sell it again.

I agree that you will kick yourself in the *** later on down the road, especially if you break the ring or pinion.

t_long

Man, you're all right. The more Ive read, the more I don't want a LP. Especially since the gears drive from the coast side. I could buy it and take the goodies out but I don't think it would've worth it with shipping. Thanks for the responses.

Btw, the reason I said $1000 is because I'd need a locker, gears + master install, upper and lower ball joints, unit bearings, and labor for the gears. That adds up in a hurry! :/

mr white

Only 500ish in parts.

kcdt58

Plus labor for the gears. So the $1000 is a good estimate.

mr white

Yeah gear installs range pretty good. I've seen 100/axle and 400/axle.

andrewmp6

Getting all that work done shop around shops,If you catch a smaller shop that needs work today will give you a better deal on labor.

Fred/N0AZZ

^X2^ The 4x4 Jeep shop I use only charges $200 per differential to install gears and lockers in a D30/Chy 8.25 everyday in his shop. That is why I use him for so many things reasonable and fair, another shop wanted $1800 to do the same job there are rip-offs all over anymore sad to say, this was a new shop in the area.

caged

i know lots of guys running low pinions in tjs with 4.5 inches of lift on 33's and 35 inch tires and no one has complained.

but since you have a choice, hp is more sought after but i don't think you will go terribly wrong if that's the simplest choice you've got.

it's up to you.