Anyone run this setup?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 4
From: Hammond Louisiana
I have about the same build. I have a '10 sport 2 door, 6 speed 18x9 wheels wrapped with 35-12.50 Nittos. 4" suspension lift and 4:88 gears with JKS discos. I added sleeves and C axle gussets to beef it up. sleeves and gussets are very inexpensive! I don't have lockers and wouldn't recommend lockers in your D30. Just do a better job finding the proper line to off-road your JK by trying to keep your wheels on the ground. Discos are a must for the D30 since the sport doesn't come with electronic disconnects.
Adding lockers to the D30 will cost around $1500-2000. Save that money for when the axle breaks and buy the D60 and put in the ARB air lockers. Hopefully the 30 never breaks and your good for ever.
Adding lockers to the D30 will cost around $1500-2000. Save that money for when the axle breaks and buy the D60 and put in the ARB air lockers. Hopefully the 30 never breaks and your good for ever.
Mine's been locked for almost 2 yrs. I've popped a couple dried out ass u-joint caps and replaced the joints, caught it before axle damage.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Thanks guys, yeah I guess I should have said that I am going with my original idea of getting a cheaper Sport and dropping a little $$ into the D30 (lunchbox locker, 4.88, housing strength) and run 35s for a while, then stepping into a HD44 or 60.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 4
From: Hammond Louisiana
You'll be ok, most of the naysayers on here have zero experience with it personally and are epitome of web-wheelin.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,665
Likes: 4
From: Hammond Louisiana
Depends on what YOUR definition of hardcore is I suppose.
Seems like your the one who's whining.
As there is for you.
As there is for you.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
It's all about personal experience, personal opinion, and mechanical expertise.
My experience: I didn't trust my 30 with a locker, so opted for a TruTrac. During the install, we found that the tube was bent up about 3/4". This is from 98% on-road, 2% forest service roads. No crawling, no mud, no stupidity. (I know, it's a waste of a good vehicle. Someday I'll get the time to get out there more)
Rather than dump $1000+ on straightening and new gears, then more on beefing up a housing I already know is weak, I opted for a built 44.
It just depends on 'your' preference. MK knows his 30 is weak, he indicates that he has replaced 3 joints already, and says he carries spares for when it breaks again. He obviously has the mechanical expertise to make a 30 a viable offroad axle.
Personally, I opted for over-built rather than keep replacing and repairing...
My experience: I didn't trust my 30 with a locker, so opted for a TruTrac. During the install, we found that the tube was bent up about 3/4". This is from 98% on-road, 2% forest service roads. No crawling, no mud, no stupidity. (I know, it's a waste of a good vehicle. Someday I'll get the time to get out there more)
Rather than dump $1000+ on straightening and new gears, then more on beefing up a housing I already know is weak, I opted for a built 44.
It just depends on 'your' preference. MK knows his 30 is weak, he indicates that he has replaced 3 joints already, and says he carries spares for when it breaks again. He obviously has the mechanical expertise to make a 30 a viable offroad axle.
Personally, I opted for over-built rather than keep replacing and repairing...
Last edited by nthinuf; Dec 3, 2010 at 01:11 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 0
From: Bartlett IL
I have a Locked D30 on 35's. It's holding up just fine. And that's with a V8. Tubes and C's have the EVO gussets and I braced the upper control arm mount. I am waiting to break it so I can get a ProRock 44 and get 37's. But until then I'll stick with the 35's.