Axle Upgrade Project Help

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richardh

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Joined
Aug 25, 2023
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Location
Los Angeles, CA
I'm getting ready to make some upgrades, including: big brake kit, rear axle to 30 spline, and gears to 5.13. I would like some help validating my parts list. So, I've listed my current jeep, my changes, and a parts list. I've also listed some things that I studied and decided I don't want. Can the experts here help me to validate the parts list, point out anything I missed, and any other feedback?

I wheel in SoCal in and around Big Bear.

Current Jeep:
Changes:
  • Front and Rear: Re-gear to 5.13 final drive
  • Front: upgrade to Black Magic Brakes 16" Big Brake Kit
  • Rear: Upgrade to 30 spline Eaton elocker with 30 spline Revolution 1541H Axles
Parts List:
Things I studied and don't think I need:
  • Go down the aftermarket Dana 44 rabbit hole to get 5.38 gears
    • This is somewhere in the $12000 range...
    • Maybe if I ever want to go 37's
    • Or, If I really need 5.38 gears over 5.13 gears
  • Truss my Dana 35
    • Several threads here indicate this is not needed
  • Truss my Dana 30
    • Several threads here indicate this is not needed
  • Gusset my Dana 30
    • Seems to be a JK problem, not a TJ problem
  • Buy a new Eaton 30 spline Elocker
    • I can update instead of buy new
  • Change to RCV axles
    • While this would be nice, it's also expensive, so maybe a future update
Thanks for any advice and commentary, I really appreciate it.
 
richardh said:
Changes:
  • Front and Rear: Re-gear to 5.13 final drive
Click to expand...
I'm doing the gearing because I'm in there, and the jeep has a hard time pulling hills on the freeway.

Stock: 31" tire with 0.69 O/D and drive 3.73. RPM at 65mph is 1813.
35" tire with drive 4.88. RPM at 65mph is 2101 (which is what I see when I drive)
35" tire with drive 5.13. RPM at 65mph should be 2209
 
Are you upgrading the Dana 30 to 30 spline axles as well? Not sure if that's necessary to run 35s, but I'm sure others will weigh in on that. I think I've read that chromoly 27 spline axles would be all you'd need up front unless you're future proofing for even bigger tires?
 
GregBelleville said:
Are you upgrading the Dana 30 to 30 spline axles as well? Not sure if that's necessary to run 35s, but I'm sure others will weigh in on that. I think I've read that chromoly 27 spline axles would be all you'd need up front unless you're future proofing for even bigger tires?
Click to expand...

I'm not updgrading the Dana 30 to 30 spline. That comes with it's own set of problems, specifically, a 30 spline outer shaft is not easily matched to a unit bearing. There are a number of threads regarding the 27 spline Dana 30 as being a good option for the front axle.
 
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I trussed and sleeved my 30 when I did my elocker. Mostly because I can weld and I was already ripping it all apart anyways. I did 4.88s and wish I did 5.13s.

What about ball joints and hubs? All good there?

Didn't know you could do a spline conversion...how much does that cost?

-Mac
 
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macleanflood said:
I trussed and sleeved my 30 when I did my elocker. Mostly because I can weld and I was already ripping it all apart anyways. I did 4.88s and wish I did 5.13s.

What about ball joints and hubs? All good there?

Didn't know you could do a spline conversion...how much does that cost?

-Mac
Click to expand...

Ball joints are all pretty new. I'll check the hubs when i get it apart. The big brake kit comes with new knuckles.
 
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Funny, I lived in Eugene, OR for about 20 years. My oldest daughter and grandkids live in Springfield, OR. Pretty close to Fall Creek, OR. I visit up there sometimes, I still love the lush green Willamette Forest. And, the clear waters of Waldo Lake.
 
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richardh said:
Funny, I lived in Eugene, OR for about 20 years. My oldest daughter and grandkids live in Springfield, OR. Pretty close to Fall Creek, OR. I visit up there sometimes, I still love the lush green Willamette Forest. And, the clear waters of Waldo Lake.
Click to expand...

Everything burned. Between the Bedrock and Gales Creek fires it's all ash. Really a shame. Type my name into YouTube if you want some videos before most of it burned.

-Mac
 
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richardh said:
I'm assuming that I need a master rebuild kit for each axle anytime I pull the locker. Is this true?
Click to expand...

Not at all true. The master rebuild kits contain bearings, shims, and ring gear bolts. All stuff you typically address during a regear.
 
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