I swapped the front axle in my ‘98 as it was rusted out pretty good, mostly the coil spring perches (see photo). I’m considering rebuilding it, that is new perches, bushings, seals, knuckles, bearings and a selectable e-locker to put in my ‘89 as an upgrade. I know the ball joint bores are enlarged on at least one side as I had to put in oversized Moog units when I first got it about 4 years ago. Even so I had to shim in the top ball joint. I know I can tack in new ball joints, but I’m wondering if there are better fixes like a sleeve or if it’s more advisable to get a different axle assembly with “normal” sized ball joint bores.

Thank you👍🏻

 

Is the dana 30 worth rebuilding...Yes... Is THAT dana 30 worth rebuilding... I would say NO... Too many good housings out there to waste time on that rusted POS...The boneyards are littered with them around here... Start with a good core not something that's already been swapped out because of rust and known issues....

 

Thanks for the reply. I’m in New England so probably most of these in JYs are going to have a fair amount of rust damage. Even if I did get one out of a junkyard, I would probably replace the perches anyway as the design tends to collect debris and road salt. I’m more concerned about the ball joint bores.

The way I see it. This one has two things in its favor.; I know the gears and bearings are good, and it’s already in my possession. Going to a junkyard I could end up with another one with the same issues. Perhaps I’ll call junk yards for prices before I get too deep into this one.

Thanks again👍🏻

 

Try www.car-part.com to search junkyards in your area...

 

where do you buy the perches?

I could use new ones..... even though I dread installing them...

 

Dorman makes OEM style replacements that cost around $80 each. I have some ordered made by Apex industries that are in the $100+ each range.

If you are a capable welder, install is pretty straightforward.