BigUgly95

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?

UsmclovesXJ

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

btm24

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

Coastal

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

SeriousOffroad

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.

Coastal

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.

Gatchmo5710

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.

Gee oh Dee

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.

SeriousOffroad

E-Lockers> ARB

Gee oh Dee

Do you sell either E-lockers or ARB lockers?

Desert Rat

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.

SeriousOffroad

Both actually.

xjpettit99

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

ct67_72

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

Gee oh Dee

ARB is also open/locked.

Just not an E locker.

I really like my ARBs.