Hello all,

I'm currently mid-build of my 1995 XJ and need some opinions from those of you who have more experience than I do. I have a stock Dana 30 frotn and am kicking around installing an air locker but wanted to know everyone's opinion; is it really worth locking a Dana 30, strength wise? I know that by locking it it will do wonders for "front pull" traction but I do not want to waste the time if the stock axles are going to be a serious weak link. I could upgrade the axles but why spend that money when I want to add a Dana 44 in the future (within the next 3 years).

Any opinions/advice?

 

What spline count is your d30
and what size tires you running?

 

Does it snow where you live? What type of wheeling do you do? Hat type of lift/tire set up are you running? Also what read end?

Brandon

 

if you're planning on switching to a d44 soon why would you even consider putting any time or money into the current diff?

 

All Jeep Dana 30's are 27 spline

3 years is a long time.

To the OP,
welcome!

D30's are stronger than some would have you believe. Lock it (Selectable) and enjoy.

 

D'oh!

I misread his post as (3 months)
my mistake

In that case I would do a lunchbox locker. Fairly cheap, easier install. As long as you don't run huge tires (35"+) and bag on it, it should do fine.

 

My stock Dana 30 has a lunch box in it and has had 33 and 35s on it and help up great. The 30 is a good axle. The 35 though really sucks. I would put a air locker in it though if u plan on upgrading. Just do a lunchbox.

 

A well built and airlocked D30 isn't a bad thing and could fetch a fair price.

And 3 years is a good amount of time.

 

E-Lockers> ARB

 

Do you sell either E-lockers or ARB lockers?

 

Lock it and rock it! The strength of a D-30 only becomes an issue if your running considerably larger than stock tires. I've wheeled with a number of guys with locked D-30's and 35" tires. Bigger than that and your looking at a whole new ballgame.

 

Both actually.

 

Save up and get a 44 it will be more worth it in the long run.

 

X2.
Mine is holding up great to 35's locked. And I do more than average wheeling.
I also agree on the e-locker. Specifically the eaton, because its open/locked. not lsd/locked

 

ARB is also open/locked.

Just not an E locker.

I really like my ARBs.