Axle swap questions and other junk

DBenz · Dec 3, 2006

Hey guys,

I'll explain my situation to you first. I have a 97 XJ, hp D30/D35. Obviously, I'm wanting to swap out the rear. I found a guy with a hp D30 and a 27 spline 8.25 regeared to 4.56s for dirt cheap (8.25 also has ZJ discs).

Catcher is that the D30 does not have axles or hubs, and needs a new carrier and pinion bearings. My question is, would it be worth it to swap all of my good parts from my working d30 to this d30 in order to have a functioning front axle with 4.56 gears? Is is possible to change the pinion bearings without taking it to a shop?

My other option would be get the axles, takes R&P out of the 30 and pay $200 to have those gears put in my complete d30. Let me know what you guys think,

Derek

Starboard M · Dec 4, 2006

Id look for a 29 spline 8.25. Unless you want to get a new carrier and shafts and all that jazz to upgrade, Id shy away from it just because while it is an upgrade, there are better out there.
To swap out the carrier bearings you might have to reset up the gears, so unless you have the knowhow to do it, it might not be that
Id buy some gears and have them set up for your 30, because you know its hopefully in good condition, and you wouldnt have to swap anything.

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

Very true that the 29 spline > 27 spline, but it is regeared and has the ZJ disc brakes...

Still not sure about the 30

Gaius · Dec 4, 2006

If you are replacing the carrier, it would only be a tad more work to regear your 30 with the 4.56s from the new axle. Because you would still likely have to setup the new 30 with the carrier and pinion bearings. WHat you'll lose in extra gear setup you save in not having to swap everything over.

Starscream · Dec 4, 2006

Depending on how cheap it is, run it until it breaks then upgrade. If nothing else just piece together the 30 for later. It's still probably cheaper then having yours geared.

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

He wants $300 for both axles. I was thinking about working on them for the winter, but do I want to dump money into locking a 27 spline 8.25? Are they that bad?

I've got a friend with a 27 spline, locked, 4.56s, 35s, hasn't broken anything and hes been wheeling hard for a while, exo cage and all...

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

Worst case scenario, I have reverse cut 4.56 gears, 8.25 gears (for a future 29 spline), ZJ disc brakes for the future 29 spline, etc.....?

CanMan · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
He wants $300 for both axles. I was thinking about working on them for the winter, but do I want to dump money into locking a 27 spline 8.25? Are they that bad?

I've got a friend with a 27 spline, locked, 4.56s, 35s, hasn't broken anything and hes been wheeling hard for a while, exo cage and all...

I don't have the 27 spline, but IXNAYXJ(member on here) has one, and has been punishing it with a lockrite for 2 years or so, and no problems, no broken shafts, no bad locker so far. Hes ran 33x10.50 and 33x12.50's. Has an AX15 and 4.56 gears, FWIW.

Starscream · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
Worst case scenario, I have reverse cut 4.56 gears, 8.25 gears (for a future 29 spline), ZJ disc brakes for the future 29 spline, etc.....?

I'd think so. 27sp isn't terrible, but it isn't the best. $300 for all of the parts is at least reasonable if you end up not wanting to use the complete unit.

CanMan · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
Worst case scenario, I have reverse cut 4.56 gears, 8.25 gears (for a future 29 spline), ZJ disc brakes for the future 29 spline, etc.....?

All you need for for the 8.25 is a new carrier, spider gears, (Or a locker of some sort) and axle shafts to upgrade to 29 splines. The housing is the same.

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

But getting a new carrier would mean regearing the axle, which is why I was interested in these axles to begin with....already geared, save some cash...

CanMan · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
But getting a new carrier would mean regearing the axle, which is why I was interested in these axles to begin with....already geared, save some cash...

Well, doesn't the 8.25 already have 4.56 gears?

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

correct...both axles have 4.56s. I believe I will get them, in the end it will most likely be a frankenstein of axle swaps and what not, but please keep the opinions and comments, etc. coming.

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

How much do carriers and axles form a 29 spline run usually? I would have to regear with a new carrir and the old 4.56s from the 27 spline, correct?

Starscream · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
How much do carriers and axles form a 29 spline run usually? I would have to regear with a new carrir and the old 4.56s from the 27 spline, correct?

You could look into having your carrier machined and opened. The difference in the opening size is very small. It may end up being cheaper.

CanMan · Dec 4, 2006

DBenz said:
How much do carriers and axles form a 29 spline run usually? I would have to regear with a new carrir and the old 4.56s from the 27 spline, correct?

Carriers are $50 to $70 bucks. Summit Racing sells Superior shafts for $105 each. You can use the 4.56 gear set you already have, but they might need setup again. You will also need new side spider gears if your keeping it open.

DBenz · Dec 4, 2006

Machined open huh? That would be nice, has anyone ever done this? I would almost bet that to machine it open would be cheaper than $50-$70. I would definetly lock it and not waste money on spider gears, most likely a lunchbox powertrax. But if I would have to regear, it might be smarter to sjsut buy a 29 spline and regear it if I will have to anyways....

Starscream · Dec 5, 2006

Machining my carrier was the advice I was given here when I asked the same type of questions. I'm sure if you search you could find something about it. The differences are very, very small - within the ~0.25" range IIRC. Definitely cheaper.

DBenz · Dec 5, 2006

Yea, i guess I could have the carrier machine out, get a 29 spline locker, and then upgrade to some AlloyUSA shafts and get the 29 splines. By maching out the carrier, I wouldn't have to regear most likely either, correct?

CanMan · Dec 5, 2006

DBenz said:
Yea, i guess I could have the carrier machine out, get a 29 spline locker, and then upgrade to some AlloyUSA shafts and get the 29 splines. By maching out the carrier, I wouldn't have to regear most likely either, correct?

You keep saying regear? Do you mean setting up the gears for the proper pattern? Yes, you would somewhat on the 8.25, as it has the adjuster nuts on each side.

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