Based on what you optioned I'd go option #2.
Option #3 isn't much less than my HP44 cost so I wouldn't do that.
A lesson learned—keep it light and nimble!
- Thread starter Irun
- Start date
Option #3 isn't much less than my HP44 cost so I wouldn't do that.
I vote option #3 if funds allow. Time saved, warranty, stronger, and everything brand new. $1500 is a drop in the bucket comparatively speaking with a TJ build.
I would vote option 2 with the HP30. Since you plan to re-gear and get the new internals, you can sell the complete upgraded LP30 to offset the cost. The HP30 uses pinion shims instead of a crush sleeve, so setting up the gears and replacing future pinion seals is an easier job.
If time and tools are an issue, option 3 would get you on the road faster and still allow you to sell the current axle.
If time and tools are an issue, option 3 would get you on the road faster and still allow you to sell the current axle.
I vote find a used hp30 from a junkyard and build it. The improved driveline angle and ground clearance are worth it imo.
With a junkyard axle, you never know what you'll get. What if the axle is bent, added expense and hassle. Likely it'll be out of an XJ, and you know how nicely XJ owners treat their treasures.
I did spend some time looking for a used HP. Everything I saw was rusted badly or severely abused. In every case brackets were bent or torn. I know there are some good ones out there, but I'm not having luck finding one!
I have the tools and have done them before, but it's been a long time. The pinion shims versus crush sleeve is another advantage I forgot about!
There is truth here. As a data point I priced a HP 489 and it came out to $4833. I didn't consider this because the added size and weight are things I just don't need. At this point I'm confident it will between #2 and #3.
These are exactly the things that have been swirling around in my head!
OK I know it might be a little more money but what about a Currie or DynaTrack HP44?
Same or better clearance than a stock HP30. What is the weight difference between a Dana 30 and Dana 44?
Also doesn't one of the aftermarket manufacturers make a HP30? That would get you a new housing.
Buy just the housing and do the work yourself?
Same or better clearance than a stock HP30. What is the weight difference between a Dana 30 and Dana 44?
Also doesn't one of the aftermarket manufacturers make a HP30? That would get you a new housing.
Buy just the housing and do the work yourself?
You can't go wrong with either option. And I know it's against your build plans but I'd have a hard time putting in a 30 instead of a 44 for that price difference.
It's nice having a nice new axle and parts, I just couldn't do a 30.
Weight difference depends on the which one you go with. However, based on past experience a 75-100 LB difference is the norm. I absolutely get what you and @Apparition are saying, but I can say with certainty that this Jeep will never see a tire bigger than 33".
Even if I went to a 33, eventually, I'd be looking for a narrower than 12.50 tire. Having wheeled with folks who run Dana 30s, and seeing how they treat them, I feel pretty confident about them. Also, some of those have been older Cherokees, with the HP 30, and they beat the snot out of them. When I have seen failures, I know exactly why!
Keep the opinions coming. I value them and am using this conversation as a way to ensure I haven't missed something!
Weight difference depends on the which one you go with. However, based on past experience a 75-100 LB difference is the norm. I absolutely get what you and @Apparition are saying, but I can say with certainty that this Jeep will never see a tire bigger than 33".
Even if I went to a 33, eventually, I'd be looking for a narrower than 12.50 tire. Having wheeled with folks who run Dana 30s, and seeing how they treat them, I feel pretty confident about them. Also, some of those have been older Cherokees, with the HP 30, and they beat the snot out of them. When I have seen failures, I know exactly why!
Yes I've seen Dana 30's with 36" tires on them and they lived with hardly any breakage.
For what you're doing a Dana 30 either LP or HP would be more than enough.
So do you chance it and buy used or source a new housing or complete axle?
I do agree that for your application a HP is the better choice. Gets that driveline just a little higher.
Two other hp30 bonuses:
1. They come from the factory with spring retainers.
2. The lower control arm mounts don’t have those obnoxious upside down U things for cam bolts. Just a simple 9/16” hole.
UKTJ
TJ Addict
You told us you have a revised focus in life. Free time seems to be your current constraint, so the answer is easy, it has to be #3.
Yep, quit mind fucking it and get new hotness! Lol!
I'm confused...Option two is to build a used HP Dana 30 Right? Then you list the cost delta to get to HP Dana 30 over 2K and in the cons, you list that you'd still have a LP 30.
All that said...If it was ME and I was gonna build it, I'd go XJ High Pinion. I'd probably not buy the bargain basement one, but I'd start haunting Junkyards looking for a decent, non-lifted cherokee that succumbed to unibody rust. Yank the axle, and then replace EVERYTHING...You're only looking for a bare, straight housing. Brackets, coil buckets, all that stuff can be replaced (but probably won't need it). Then, everything outside the inner C's gets replaced and all the internals get replaced.
Now...that's me. In your shoes, if you really want to lighten the time burden of your Hobby...call up ECGS, 4WP, Currie, Etc and just buy a HP Dana 30, with the correct ratio, locker, etc. Ready to go, delivered to your door.
I second the junkyard route. I have a junkyard hp30 waiting in my shed for when I regear. They are plentiful in junkyards in Richmond. I would think they would be in NOVA as well. There are always some local guys who constantly part out jeeps that might save you some time from having to pull the axle yourself. I know there is one in Richmond call the jeep yard that has or had a few.
I want more time, but also take a small measure of pride in saying all the work was done by me. If I order one I'll not be able to say that. There are several folks here that can relate. Although I'm not in their class, conquering another small build objective helps keep my own mind sharp. As I've said before, the real challenge is in maintaining overall balance. I'm still struggling and learning there!
Interestingly, I talked to a buddy of mine this evening about what I want to do. It turns out he has a bare HP 30 housing he said I can have. I'm going to go take a look at it next week. If it looks okay, I'll bring it home and do a closer inspection. Going this route would mean I'd spend time on it, but I could work at it a little at a time.
Also, I checked inventory this evening and I already have:
- small hub kit
- ball joints
- a master rebuild kit
- a pair of 5-760x u joints
- knuckles that Blaine did inserts on for the tie rod flip, and
- mini skids from @Wildman
That means I'll need gears, a 1330 yoke, 30 spline inner shafts, a 30 spline ELocker, and some additional shims.