This is the first I have read of this post or I would have Said something sooner..... Sorry about that.
Anyway, Here is the deal.... It all depends on what your gonna do and what you want to accomplish. I do agree that a dana 44 or bigger would be a better choice than a 30 Obviously. That's why I have a dana 44 front and a Dana 60 rear waiting to go into my truck. BUT......
If you are smart about how you drive and throttle application, you can make a dana 30 last. I am proof. Mine is still in and has been for about 6 or so years, with 37" tires none the less, and a V8..... My axle is bone stock also with a lunchbox locker. I have jumped my truck about 6-7 times also. I even Stuffed the front end so hard I broke a motor mount and I am pretty sure I slightly bent the axle housing where the knuckles weld on. It still works like a champ.
Here is the really nice thing about using a dana 30
wrangler.
-only 2" wider (you cant even tell)
-SAME bolt pattern as your wheels!!
-Readily available.
-Its a Cheap install.
-You dont have to get out to engage 4X4 (with 4X4 posi-lok)
-Readlily available (lots of jeeps are stepping up to 44
-its already set up for leaves.
-* I cant remember, I think the driveshaft bolts right up to the axle.
Here is the bad side....
-It is weak you gotta be carefull
-The "vaccum actuator" gets in the way of leaf mounting
*you have to offset your leaf mounts on the frame a couple inches*
The only way its worth it in my opinion is if you can do the work yourself or with a freind. Get a good deal on a Wrangler axle with
your gearing already . Then Get a "4X4" Posi-Lok" off ebay or wherever... (This allows you to engage the axle manually from inside the truck. via a cable)
Then install it and when You can save the money up for bigger you will already be setup for it. It will be a much easier project.
Here is the bottom line....
-axle...................300?ish hopefully
-Posi-lok..............180
-4 longer shocks...300?
-2 Leaf springs......300 or less?
-Driveshaft modifications? Probably wont need to...
*depending how high your going you could probably use Jeep springs*
-SOA in the rear....Free (well I guess maybe 30$ for weld on perches.)
-Locker.................Free-200$
Here is another cool thing.... The wrangler axle has a two piece passenger side axle with a disconnect. The nice thing about this is if you want a CHEAP locker You can Weld the spider gears, buy a spool, or get a cheap lunchbox locker like I did. When you disconnect the axle for 2wd the tires can turn completely independent from each other. Just as if you have no locker. So the streetablilty is like stock. No need for an expensive locker.
This is getting wwwaaayyyy long so let me know if you have more questions or need pics!!
-Tim
