Do I need to upgrade the axle shafts when installing a lunchbox locker?

Zorba

Zorba

"The Veiled Male"
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Eventual plans for a lunchbox in my front Dana 30. I'll be running 31s - do I need to upgrade the axles? I'm reading things here and elsewhere, but I don't know if that's pretty much an "always" like it would be with a Dana 35, or just for running larger tires.

I guess I could swap it out to an Eaton HO-72, but that might be overkill! ;)
 
The Dana 30 axles with that size tire are more than up to the task of handling the load.
The only thing I would recommend would be inspecting the condition of the U joints.
IF you are really concerned; I would replace them with Spicer U joints.
 
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No issues running a lunchbox locker with 31s. Could you break something? Anything is possible, but with that setup it's highly improbable. Enjoy yourself.
 
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Zorba said:
Eventual plans for a lunchbox in my front Dana 30. I'll be running 31s - do I need to upgrade the axles? I'm reading things here and elsewhere, but I don't know if that's pretty much an "always" like it would be with a Dana 35, or just for running larger tires.

I guess I could swap it out to an Eaton HO-72, but that might be overkill! ;)
Click to expand...

Are you going over to Hard Rock offroad park over in Ocala?
 
Grab a set of Dana 30 axle shafts next time you see some for a reasonable price. That makes for a little peace of mind on the trail, as long as you remember to bring them.

What I'd do is get the cromo shafts and take the OEM shafts as spares. Best of both worlds, but adds quite a bit of weight to your camping trip if you try to take every spare part you own :D
 
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Another option....
Years ago before I upgraded the Dana 30 axles to alloys on the '98 XJ I removed the axles to replace the U joints. While I had the U joint cups removed; I cut the remaining 90* where the C clip resides to complete the 360* groove in the ears and installed full circle clips to support the U joint cups better. This way they don't flex and move around under load. Took several hours with a Dremel and small abrasive cutting wheel.
 
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the dana 30 is pretty stout on up to 35 inch tires. Have had u joint failure , twisted a front drive shaft by launching the front end off the ground and standing on the skinny pedal. When I went past 400 hp I had a pinion go. It gets to be a pain alot of problems can be saved by driving style and caution . Dont go full wheel lock in reverse and 4 low and stand on the skinny pedal. Pull a cable if you are in doubt , If I am on the trail I will gladly lend a hand . I live in the Panhadle of FL so you might right into me whenever the vendors can get my jeep porn collection to me.

they key thing is that quote from Clint Eastwood
" man needs to know his limitations ..... "

is it a trailer queen jeep ?

are you going to be very far from a base camp ?

are your friends expert trail repair gurus ?

do you bring more tools than camping gear ?

do you have hold my beer and watch this moments frequently?

if you are conservative on the skinny pedal and keep the u joints at shallow angles you will probably be fine.

If you hold my beer and watch this I pray you have expert trail repair gurus or alot of spares and more tools than camping gear :ROFLMAO:
 
Shwiftypickle said:
Last month I ran a stock dana 30 over the rubicon with 4.56s a spartan locker and 35s. Just dont drive like a pecker. You will be f
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True, it took a much more difficult trail than I had ever been on to finally break my stock Dana 30 axle shafts with a locker and 35" ties. And it probably wouldn't even have broken then if I hadn't cranked the steering wheel hard over and given it a bit too much gas while I was in 4Lo.
 
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