Dana 30 front locker question

[Jeepster78]

Hello,

I have a question regarding putting a lunchbox lockers into my front Dana 30. Is anyone running a lunchbox style locker in their Dana 30 with 35” tires and if so what is your set up and how do you like it? I’m finishing up my rear Dana 35 which I installed a super 35 with 4.88 gears and a Eaton lunchbox locker with 30 spline chromoly axles. I now want to beef up the front Dana 30 and also run a lunchbox locker with chomoly axles. I would like some input please if the setup I’m thinking of choosing is good or bad and what you may recommend. I will be running a Currie 4” lift and 1.25BL and looking to order these revolution front axles with the beefier 1350 u joints in 27 spline. Is there a better choice?
https://www.revolutiongear.com/product/97_06_tj_lj_xj_and_zj_us_made_front_axle_kit_27_spline

This is the locker I was planning on using up front as well, any thoughts?
Detroit Locker 912A585 Trutrac Differential with 27 Spline for Dana 30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XJ9UR4/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I already have the Currielync drag link and tierod setup. I will also be using a 35” tire on a 15” rim.
I like to wheel about 6-8 times per year nothing crazy but the last thing I want is to break down on the trail. This is not my DD and will only use it for light city use and mostly my off-road camping hunting vehicle.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Revolution Gear's 27 spline front shafts would be a great decision. Go for them, they will work superbly for you with 35's, a locker, and on the toughest terrain you'll be able to wheel.

But you have comingled two terms that can't be inside the same product. The Detroit 912A585 Truetrac is NOT a locker, it is strictly a limited slip differential. Lockers and LSDs are completely different things. Apples and oranges, bananas and single malt Scotch, air and oatmeal. All of those are great at the right time but they are not interchangeable with each other.

A Truetrac is great on icy or slick flat surfaces, a locker is not. A locker is incredible on tough uneven offroad terrain, a Truetrac is not.

What is it you want? It sounds like you need/want a front locker of some. Right? I'm thinking perhaps a small easily installed lunchbox locker up front like an Aussie or a No-Slip. Lunchbox lockers work fine up front.

What locker did you install with your Super 35? I can assure you it was not a lunchbox locker. Eaton E-Locker?

While you're mulling all that over, take a look at this article I wrote 20+ years ago, it may be helpful explaining some of this stuff.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/why-do-i-need-a-locker-i-thought-i-had-four-wheel-drive.38643/

 

[JMT]

I run a Powertrax No-Slip locker in a Dana 30 with 35’s and 4340 Chromoly 27-spline axles. I love it. Completely invisible in 2H. Works wonders in 4H/L. Never given me trouble and installed it myself.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I run a Powertrax No-Slip locker in a Dana 30 with 35’s and 4340 Chromoly 27-spline axles. I love it. Completely invisible in 2H. Works wonders in 4H/L. Never given me trouble and installed it myself.

That's exactly what I ran and loved in my previous TJ.

 

[Jeepster78]

Thanks for pointing that a truetrac is not a locker Jerry. Makes my decision easy, powertrax locker it is with chromoly shafts.
I do have two more questions haven’t read much on wheel bearings and ball joints. What are the recommended brands to go with when it comes to ball joints and wheel bearings with 35” tires?

 

[machoheadgames]

Thanks for pointing that a truetrac is not a locker Jerry. Makes my decision easy, powertrax locker it is with chromoly shafts.
I do have two more questions haven’t read much on wheel bearings and ball joints. What are the recommended brands to go with when it comes to ball joints and wheel bearings with 35” tires?

Spicer for ball joints and Timken or SKF for bearings. Don't get the bearings at Amazon, go to RockAuto or elsewhere. You can get the Spicer ball joints at RockAuto too if you wish. 706944x, buy 2 kits.

 

[Jeepster78]

Thanks macho!
Looking on Amazon which powertrax is the better choice for lockers the lock rite or limited slip?
Lock rite
Powertrax 2210-LR Lock-Right (Dana 30) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COMQJW/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Limited slip
Powertrax 9204302700 No-Slip Traction System (DANA 30, 27 Spline Open) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Looks like possibly the limited slip but not sure.

 

[JMT]

Thanks macho!
Looking on Amazon which powertrax is the better choice for lockers the lock rite or limited slip?
Lock rite
Powertrax 2210-LR Lock-Right (Dana 30) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COMQJW/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Limited slip
Powertrax 9204302700 No-Slip Traction System (DANA 30, 27 Spline Open) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Looks like possibly the limited slip but not sure.

Neither. Here’s what you are looking for.

Powertrax 9204302700 No-Slip Traction System (DANA 30, 27 Spline Open) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I'm in the process of installing a powertrax lockright to go with revolution discovery series 27 spline shafts and 35s. I'll post up when I get it working.

Word of advice-lunchbox lockers are very sensitive to exactly correct clearances to function. You will re use your side gear thrust washers and if they are worn too thin the clearances will not add up correctly. The washers are not locally available but 4wp sells them for $1.42/ea. Do yourself a favor and have new ones on hand so you don't have your rig stuck on jackstands waiting for the washers to arrive because of ten thousands of an inch.

 

[RHanna]

I installed the torq locker. Probably the easiest lunchbox locker to install. It will ratchet like most lockers. Only the no slip locker mentioned earlier doesn’t make that sound that I’m aware of.

 

[RHanna]

I ordered a used no slip locker from Amazon and they sent the wrong one. Just fyi if you go that way

 

[TRE3TOP]

I have a Spartan up front in my Dana 30. It’s been in about a year and so far I’m very happy with its performance.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks for pointing that a truetrac is not a locker Jerry. Makes my decision easy, powertrax locker it is with chromoly shafts.
I do have two more questions haven’t read much on wheel bearings and ball joints. What are the recommended brands to go with when it comes to ball joints and wheel bearings with 35” tires?

Spicer ball joints, these. One set per side. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007N6OHI0/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Timken is a common recommendation for the unit bearing hubs, just make sure to avoid store brands like Duralast.

On your front locker, I sure liked my No-Slip lunchbox locker made by Powertrax which is a step up from the base Lockrite. The benefit to the No-Slip is its smoother click-free and ratchet-free quiet operation when you're making slow speed turns like in a parking lot.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks macho!
Looking on Amazon which powertrax is the better choice for lockers the lock rite or limited slip?
Lock rite
Powertrax 2210-LR Lock-Right (Dana 30) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COMQJW/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Limited slip
Powertrax 9204302700 No-Slip Traction System (DANA 30, 27 Spline Open) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVQPMGC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Looks like possibly the limited slip but not sure.

The No-Slip is a true locker, it varies in operation from the Lockrite by it being silent and click-free during slow-speed turns.

 

[Bob.Gibson]

I have an Aussie Locker in the front of my TJ which has 32" tyres.
The lunchbox locker is incredible and has changed the way I drive.
I no longer rely on momentum to get me through tough section. I just drive normally at steady pace.
Driving this way reduces shock loads on the suspension and drivetrain which has to be a good thing.

 

[Jeepster78]

Thanks for all the input everyone it has been most helpful. I’ve ordered everything the No slip powertrax, the timken bearings the spicer ball joints which are on backorder right now will be available in two weeks, and the front revolution axles.

I have one last question about what control arm bushings should I go with on the axle side of the front differential. I was just planning on using a rubber bushing but I read a post on here this morning stating the Currie brand makes these bushings in a Johnny joint style. Since I will be installing a Currie lift with adjustable control arms would it be wise to install their bushings on the axle housing as well or is there better options?

 

[JMT]

Thanks for all the input everyone it has been most helpful. I’ve ordered everything the No slip powertrax, the timken bearings the spicer ball joints which are on backorder right now will be available in two weeks, and the front revolution axles.

I have one last question about what control arm bushings should I go with on the axle side of the front differential. I was just planning on using a rubber bushing but I read a post on here this morning stating the Currie brand makes these bushings in a Johnny joint style. Since I will be installing a Currie lift with adjustable control arms would it be wise to install their bushings on the axle housing as well or is there better options?

JJ's are great. If you don't already have aftermarket Control Arms, and you don't wheel in clay, the Currie JJ Control Arms are the best. If you do wheel in clay, you might read up on that and decide if you want to mess with the creaking problems some people have. I run MetalCloak Control Arms and bushings. People say they suck. LOL. So far they've been fine.