!!!!!If you don’t want to read the entire post please at least read my “important capitalized question” below! Thanks!!!!!

Hello all. I acquired a Dana 30 HP and have a few technical questions. I’m not really concerned about LP.

I’ve done my research and there is just so much information, and sometimes not enough information, which makes it difficult to figure out even the simplest things when it comes to these axles. So I’m looking for some help.

Here’s what I know about the HP I have:

First off it is a non-CAD HP Dana 30.
Second it has the smaller diameter u-joints on the axles.
Third it has two-piece steering knuckles. The brake pad and caliper bracket bolts up to the steering knuckle. The brake pad and caliper bracket that is removable as an AMC cast on it. (The guy said these are YJ knuckles and apparently can fit a Wilwood brake kit; not interested)
The guy said it came out of an 87 XJ.

I’ve read all pre-96 XJs had CAD HP 30s;
I’ve read some pre-96 have non-CAD.
Then I’ve also read ALL pre-95 Dana were HP30 CAD, and all 95-later that non-CAD HP30 (except 00-01)

This video helped a bit: https://youtu.be/EmvDHe9RJpk

So obviously parts may have been swapped here and there but, Here’s what I’m wondering:

Is there a way to identify a Dana 30 such as year and model it came out of? (There’s no tag on the diff cover but it does have 3.55 gears if that helps)

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION(s) I HAVE IS for all JEEPs that came with a Dana 30 coil spring setup, whether frame or unibody, are the control arm mounting brackets located in the exact same spot? Basically are they all interchangeable between MJ, XJ, or whatever model wrangler that had a Dana 30 w/coils? All the dimensions for upper and lower control arm brackets are the same? Track bar and steering stabilizer mounting bracket is the same and located in same spot? No need to modify anything?

 

I realized this is some what of a modified thing to do, even though it’s swapping OEM parts. If an administrator needs to move to the modified section please do so, my apologies.

 

91 and newer XJ Dana 30s didn't have CAD, 90 and older didn't have them if it came with the full time transfer case.
XJ, MJ, ZJ, and TJ front axles are all interchangeable.

 

Is there a way to identify the year and model vehicle it was pulled from?

 

Other than catching onto the subtle differences not really without an axle tag.

If I'm not mistaken TJ dana30's lower control arm mounts have a slotted bolt hole for a "cam bolt". This gives the axle a little adjustment for pinion angle. Axle works in all models listed still.

To my knowledge no XJ came with 3.73 gears while most ZJs did.

As far as year range? the brakes changed from the early renix era or 86 and older to the later model years and also the small cap vs big cap axle shaft ujoints is another early/late model deal.

All the d30s run the same spline axle shafts minus a CAD axle for obvious reasons.

 

If it is a high pinion it was pulled from an XJ or MJ.

 

Thanks for clarify that's what I was worried about. Oh well no big deal I guess. Im sure ball joints and other components will be a breeze when finding replacement parts.

Ive read later Dana 30 HP were stronger than earlier? Is this true and why? Im not sure if they just meant earlier as in CAD early Dana 30s.

 

Thanks! I was under the assumption that some wranglers had factory high pinions. Not referring the new JK stuff, etc.

 

The YJ Wranglers had high pinion front axles but also used leaf springs.

 

Are spindles interchangeable if coming off a 2wd and going into a 4wd? I’m almost certain yes. The spindles in question are a 1998 XJ 2wd, and would go onto the Dana 30 HP. I would swap over my brakes from my 2000 to the 1998 spindles.

 

2WD and 4WD Spindles are the same, the difference is just in the bearings/hubs.

The 2WD front hubs I pulled apart were basically a just like a 4wd bearing with a different stub shaft in place of the 4WD axle end. Imagine you took a 4WD axle outer end and cut off the u-joint ears and you'd have the 2WD stub shaft.