Whad'ya think?

jeeperjohn · Jan 28, 2014

So I have been putting some thought into building a front axle that is light weight (relatively speaking) and strong enough to handle 35's all day long with no issues. I want to use readily available parts like what is stock on a D30. So..........
Here is my thought: Since the last weak point to address on most D30 builds is the ring and pinion, I Take a Toyota 8" center section and tube it with D30/D44 tubes and use D30 knuckles or maybe WJ stuff. Get a set of RCV axle shafts and truss it up nicely. It seems to me such an axle would hold up very well with 35" tires. While the cost would be perhaps more than a typical D30 build, I think after all is said and done it would come out cheaper than building a D60 with less weight. This is all assuming the ability to do all of the fabrication work myself. What do you all think?

old_man · Jan 28, 2014

D30 axle shafts are too prone to failure for me with 35's. I have even taken out several D44 front axles.

GrimmJeeper · Jan 28, 2014

well the one guy was selling an axle used in the jeepspeed series that was based on a yota center section, i've seen you drive if it can handle jeepspeed it *might* handle you. haha.

jeeperjohn · Jan 28, 2014

old_man said:
D30 axle shafts are too prone to failure for me with 35's. I have even taken out several D44 front axles.

Thus the RCV's

Vanimal · Jan 28, 2014

why waste your money and time? build a d60 and forget it. I've never had a problem caused by heavier axles, aside from a little speed. If anything, the center of gravity is lower.

blondejoncherokee · Jan 28, 2014

If you are going to go this route to do all of this work why not use a hp44 center?

If you go yota use the HP third. From what I understand yota ring gear measures 7.8" not 8", they rounded up, isn't the 30 only 7.2" in diameter anyway?

My gut is betting on the fact that after all of that work time and money you will have more work time and money into that build than just using a hp44(or a inexpensively built 60 like vanimals ) and swapping front rims than trying to save the 5 on 4.5 .

keeping dana 30 tubes and outers isn't ideal either . and WJ brakes are expensive whereas HP44 brakes are cheap (t bird calipers and decent summit rotors and some good pads) . I did the WJ swap right before blowing the 4.88s in my 30 and going to a hp44 and when I blow that it will be a hp60 or a 609 . Wj swap is Easily a 800$ or more by the time you are done.

Jays siik xj · Jan 28, 2014

You won't know unless you try it... I agree with Mike if that other axle could handle jeepspeed then your similar axle miiiight have a chance. LoL

cal · Jan 28, 2014

I've seen a lot of 8"/30 hybrids.

I've seen a lot of broken 8" carriers.

Go HP44.

Renegade XJ · Jan 28, 2014

Diamond axles offers a D60/Toyota8" hybrid housing.

souske · Jan 29, 2014

I like my 309 so far, other than blowing up a grizzly, and snapping a stub shaft no issues

Vanimal · Jan 29, 2014

souske said:
I like my 309 so far, other than blowing up a grizzly, and snapping a stub shaft no issues

so other than breaking the shit out of it, it's bulletproof?

bails85 · Jan 29, 2014

I like the idea but im a big fan of hi 9's. 60s are nice but clearance and weight seem to be give and take.

Jays siik xj · Jan 29, 2014

bails85 said:
I like the idea but im a big fan of hi 9's. 60s are nice but clearance and weight seem to be give and take.

If you can find a hi 9! None ever in our jy's

souske · Jan 29, 2014

Which high 9?

Skwerly · Jan 29, 2014

It comes down to how you drive. Every axle is going to have downfalls and weak points and drawbacks and advantages. I mean, if we are going to nitpick, the famed Rockwells are too heavy and only offer one gear ratio. BOOO!

My 30 held up fine on 35s, and I ran all the trails except the Hammers. If you *know* you are going to beat the hell out of your rig in any way, then maybe the 30 with 760 joints and chromos will fail. I drive rather tame, comparatively, because I love creeping along and dominating trails with my rig in one piece.

But if you must throttle out of every stuck and you have to go 120mph over the whoops, well...

xDUMPTRUCKx · Jan 29, 2014

if the rest of the axle lives, the rcv's will twist splines or pop bells.....screw that.

i know a place who used to be known for Costing Too Much....and now their price beats rcv......

i like 9s.....build a 44/9 hybrid and save your $ for the 60 stuff if youre breaking it.

or put d50 gears in a 44......

xDUMPTRUCKx · Jan 29, 2014

souske said:
Which high 9?

the super tru hi 9 duh

xDUMPTRUCKx · Jan 29, 2014

Skwerly said:
It comes down to how you drive. Every axle is going to have downfalls and weak points and drawbacks and advantages. I mean, if we are going to nitpick, the famed Rockwells are too heavy and only offer one gear ratio. BOOO!

My 30 held up fine on 35s, and I ran all the trails except the Hammers. If you *know* you are going to beat the hell out of your rig in any way, then maybe the 30 with 760 joints and chromos will fail. I drive rather tame, comparatively, because I love creeping along and dominating trails with my rig in one piece.

But if you must throttle out of every stuck and you have to go 120mph over the whoops, well...

dude i ran claw, sledge, wrecking ball, outer limits etc on bald 36 tsl SXs and 260 joints.....and i took man lines.

after having money rigs and broke rigs....im all about the broke j-yard spares on the trail style builds. and y'all know where i work.

GrimmJeeper · Jan 29, 2014

xDUMPTRUCKx said:
i took man lines.

:gag:

xDUMPTRUCKx · Jan 29, 2014

GrimmJeeper said:
:gag:

no, like this fool

Whad'ya think?

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