I just recently shredded the teeth on my ring and pinion on front dana 30 axle with 5.13 gears. I plan on getting new gears and while it is torn apart I would also like to install a locker, diff cover and anything to help strengthen the ring and pinion. I was curious as to what would be the best locker for the front, I currently just have limited slip in the stock rear diff. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

Check out Eaton E-Lockers I had one on my Colorado and I never had a problem.

 

For me i would not lock it but go with a Tru-Trac. Better choice for gears would be 4.88's ring not as thin as 5.13's

 

What tire size are you running? Also I would think about getting a Teraflex or prorock 44

 

The only way to prevent sheering the teeth again would be to go numerically down on the gears or don't drive so hard. Putting a locker in the front is definitely not going to help things. It sounds to me like it is time to upgrade the axle, i'm thinking a 44 or 60 may be in order.

 

You are best off going with a 4:88 or lower to get some extra meet in the ring and pinion as that is your weak spot right now. As for a locker and Eaton or Detroit should work for you.

 

X2. I wouldn't lock a D30, just not durable enough

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I am only running 35" tires so I think an axle swap might be a little unnecessary and too expensive for me. Also I already have 5.13's in the rear diff so I am trying to keep the same gears to avoid tearing in to the rear diff again. Sounds like I just need to drive a little easier and use less pedal while in 4 low. I know other people are running this set up with no problems so it must just be my driving (gonna have to work on that). Leaning towards the TrueTrac right now but all great advice.

 

I run cryo treated 5.13's and a TrueTrac in my little D30.

 

The one thing to really try and avoid is bouncing your front end under power. The releasing of traction lets your tires spin and when they grab again it puts a lot of strain on the gears, ujoints and shafts. It's is just a matter of time before something gives. Think light throttle. It's called crawling for a reason.