I just acquired a complete d30 on the cheap...What to do...I could simply pull the axle shafts for trail spares...and walk away a winner...or I could truss it-gusset it-regear it-add new shafts/arb...If I could keep the price under 2k...it may be a worthy project...any thoughts?

 

I've been going over the same dilema.

Option 1 -
Add an ARB and alloy shafts to my D30 ($1600 plus setup, give or take)

Option 2-
Buy a Mopar D44 w/ factory locker and just add gears, ($1600, give or take)

Option 3-
Same as option 2, but add alloys and possibly an ARB instead of the factory locker ($2400-$3200)


I'll likely go with option 2, and add the alloys if I ever break the stock shafts.


---I would build a truss and add gussets where necessary to any of the above.

 

I say go for it. its already off the truck and you can keep driving and get this one all the way nice. good Luck. JOE>

 

Another option to consider is Currie's Dana 44 shafts modified to fit the Dana 30.
Add some gussets and you have a pretty stout axle assembly.

 

from what i am hearing a d 30 with alloy shafts and a new locker w/ complete carrier like ard or detroit, and it is way stronger than a factory d 44 axle. i think the biggest problems people are having is the u joints and the carriers snapping. i don t know, this hole thing about the d 44 for $1400, i ve tried to get one local with no avail. i am going to wheel my 30 till it breaks than go from there.