A four door X, 35s and 4.88s, how sturdy is the front D30 for infrequent, but serious off-roading.


I am considering an X – I know the rubi is the way to go, but the X, with a rear locker, is about 6 grand less. That’s a good chunk of change for upgrades.

 

HP 30 is just fine for 35's.

 

your d30 should hold up alright, so long as you don't slip off something, and it's your front wheels that spin and catch. the TJ's wheel the d30 with 35's all the time. for a little added insurance, go chromoly.

 

Does anyone offer chromoly shafs yet?

 

A D30 will hold up just fine with 35s. 37s seem to be their breaking point. But like anything, it's all in how you treat it. Slipping/catching aren't great for any axle, but it's part of their duty. When the rig starts to hop on you, get off the gas. That's the achilles tendon for axles.

 

As mentioned, a HP D30 with 35's will do fine and with the addition of chromo shafts once they come out, they'll be pretty tough. I run 35's on my TJ with a front D30 with AlloyUSA chromoly shafts now and haven't had any problems.

 

Can you explain what you mean by the rig hopping? I'm only running 32's right now, but I'm just curious about that....

 

Happens when you're trying to get up an obstacle, usually rocks here in NH, and forward progress is impeded. Still on the gas, the tires seek traction, and begin to "hop". Vewy vewy bad for axle shafts. heheh

 

Meaning, when you're trying to throttle your way up a ledge, get a little heavy footed and start to get traction but then loose it in quick succession creating a hopping effect, eventually, your tires that are spinning really fast may grab just enough that something needs to go - SNAP!!

 

It's very similiar to the green smiley in your signature.