Wanted: Dana 30 locker

[lilblackjeep]

Hey guys, finally getting around to getting locked. Anyone have some type of selectable locker laying around for an 02' Dana 30 (putting 4.10s in). I'm not entirely sure what I want to put in it yet but I figured I'd see if anyone has a nice used one. Any info/opinions on a front locker would also be appreciated (brands, on road/ off-road manners, ect.) Thanks

[mudnrox]

Do not use the Auburn Ected for a dana 30 front.

[1Hickey]

If you're talking selectable, you're talking money. Stay away from the Auburn. Not a bad product, but the D30 version sucks. I have an OX locker for my front D30. It's brutally strong and extremely reliable. It may be a sophisticated manufacture, but it's operation is not as sophisticated as my Eaton Elocker in the rear. I love my Eaton. Worth every penny. The OX is 100% reliable since it's stronger than your shafts and U-joints and it is operated by just throwing a lever, but it can bind up if the front axle is loaded in a turn. It's either open or 100% lock like a spool. Same with the Elocker, but it operates more smoothly in engage and disengage. ARB is a good choice as well for the front axle, but it requires an air system of some kind to operate. I think I have a D30 lunchbox locker down at the farm....:rolleyes:

[Yngvar]

question I know with 10 bolts you don't want to put a locker in it because they like to blow up and isn't a D30 weaker then a 10 bolt so don't D30 blow up really easily with a locker? Because I know a guy that blow up a locked D44 just going up a hill but he did have a 454 behind it

[Bo Duke]

Just curious, but I was always under the impression that you don't want a full time locker in the front of a vehicle that doesn't have lockouts. The reason being that the axle shafts are always spinning and it will cause poor handling. Maybe it's different for YJ's with the vacuum disconnect, but TJ's and I think Cherokee's don't have that. If I'm wrong, teach me :D

[Muddy90XJ]

I have a Lock Right in the front of my XJ but I also the vacuum disconnect D30 so it doesn't even ratchet when I'm in 2wd. If I swap to a one piece passenger side axle then it will ratchet and click in 2wd but won't hinder turning. Now in 4wd is a different story. I drove it a couple times this winter on the snow covered streets in 4wd and when you hit the gas going around the corner it tends to want to go straight instead of turning. I'm considering adding a Posi-Lok so I can manually disconnect the passenger side and essentially make it a 3wd when I need to be able to turn.

[lilblackjeep]

Keep the info comming! I guess my main question was whether or not one could put a locker such as a lock-rite or a powertrax in the front on a DD and not have it bug the hell out of you. I have a lock right in the rear of the javi and could see how it might be annoying and maybe a bit squirrly in the front of the tj. I know selectable is the best option, but like Hickey said they are expensive. On another note would I notice a locker in the front at all in 2wd? Not 100% sure how that works to be honest.

[1Hickey]

You'll hear different things. Some people say that TJs drive like crap and make noise even in 2WD with an automatic locker, others say it doesn't bother them. Obviously, your best choice will be selectable or open in the front. You'll just get more wear and tear otherwise. You won't have the option of the virtual selectable locker b/c of no CAD on your TJ's front end. Something else to consider is the squirrelly handling on snowy streets is one thing, but what happens when you are under power in 4wd around a corner in the winter and you get into a dry spot? Lots of stress on the shafts and Ujoints.

Unless you have a mostly trail rig, I would seriously try to convince you to stay away from an automatic locker in the front of your rig. Just not worth it for having some extra traction the times you do go offroad. Unless you need that locker at least once a week, I wouldn't bother and just do something good in the rear. A rear locker on a multipurpose rig will still get you pretty much anywhere you need to go and then some. No lockers may be frustrating off road sometimes, but they can also be a safety net. It's REAL easy to break stuff when you have lockers.

Like Tyler said, I wouldn't want an auto locker up front without lockout hubs. You'll spend nearly a grand putting some on your TJ.

That's not to say that lots of folks don't run lunchbox or full lockers in the front end of thier Jeep. You just need to consider if it's really necessary for the primary use of your rig and if you are willing to change your driving habits on road accordingly.

Oh, and BTW, an auto locker in your application=increased tire wear.:-(

[1Hickey]

question I know with 10 bolts you don't want to put a locker in it because they like to blow up and isn't a D30 weaker then a 10 bolt so don't D30 blow up really easily with a locker? Because I know a guy that blow up a locked D44 just going up a hill but he did have a 454 behind it


Too much power for a particular drivetrain is always your enemy. I don't know that I would want even a marginal 454 behind anything smaller than a Dana 60 front...even with stock tires.[scratch]

A late model D30 is comparable in strength to a D44. The only real difference is the ring and pinion is marginally stronger. Typically, you break shafts and joints before gears, though. The D30s from 1995 on have the same Spicer 297X joint as the D44 1/2 ton. IMAO, the thing that sucks the most about modern Jeeps is the unit bearing and generally crappy outers. Wish they still had replaceable full float hubs and better brakes.

[fmstruck]

Too much power for a particular drivetrain is always your enemy. I don't know that I would want even a marginal 454 behind anything smaller than a Dana 60 front...even with stock tires.[scratch]

A late model D30 is comparable in strength to a D44. The only real difference is the ring and pinion is marginally stronger. Typically, you break shafts and joints before gears, though. The D30s from 1995 on have the same Spicer 297X joint as the D44 1/2 ton. IMAO, the thing that sucks the most about modern Jeeps is the unit bearing and generally crappy outers. Wish they still had replaceable full float hubs and better brakes.

I was there when Hillbilly broke his D44 front. He failed to mention that the truck was bouncing off the ground under throttle when it broke. I run an open D44 in front of a fairly healthy 427 and have had no trouble in the rocks or even at the truck pulls. I had a Lockright in the front of a D44 in my K5 and had no trouble with it. I have a pretty light throttle foot though too. That being said, those vehicles all had lockouts. I wouldn't want to run a lockright or anything like it in a full time front.

[fmstruck]

You might consdider these depending on what direction you're going with your build.

http://www.reidracing.biz/DANA30.php

They aren't cheap, but they open up a whole bunch of possibilites.

[Dirt101]

I have an Aussie in the front, love it, no chatter, binding or noise. I cant even tell its there unless I do a super tight u turn, then I can hear it unlock...maybe..if the radio is turned down, and the windows down... Maybe mines the exception..? I so rarely use 4wd in the snow its not an issue. Install was a piece of cake, about 4 hours and that included setting it up with TJ thrust washers first and checking tolerances and then disassembling again and using the JK washers..

my .02 cents

Heres a good article on a TJ Dana 30 Aussie install...

http://www.4x4xplor.com/aussielocker.html

[Dirt101]

Bang for the buck I think its the best thing ive done, itll get tested in Moab. It would have been nice to have a selectable but couldnt see dropping that money on a d30, Ill run this for now and if I tear it up...oh well, ya gotta upgrade sometime..;)

[lilblackjeep]

Thanks for all the info guys. As of now I'm rethinking the locker in front for the time being and maybe spend that money elsewhere on the Jeep. Feel free to move this post to an appropriate area Sam.