hello i have been reading some threads about this and im trying to figure out what i want to do...
if i beef up the dana 30 will it be as strong as a 44?
or would i have better chances going with a new dana 44 rubicon...
i really dont want to spend 4500 on the prorock...
thanks cameron

 

No a 30 will always be weak at the ring and pinion and axle shafts even the rubicon 44s are weak because they are in the same housing. your better off saving your money and getting a pr 44 or a 60

 

Gusset the c's and start saving for d60's. When it pops buy the 60. You already paid for the 30, might as well use it till it's done.

 

I think the tubes and c's are around the same size on the d30 and the d44. The d44 obviously has the bigger pumpkin and heavier looking housing all around.

I also like the looks of the Rock Jock units and they use all ford 9" third member parts. Like you, i also want to get up to 37s one day. Guess i can't decide on upgrading the housing as a whole. Definitely do gussets, and hope nothing breaks.

If you are easy on the skinny pedal while you wheel, it seems the setup would run without too many issues. There are forum members running 37s on the d30, and i will probably do the same until i can work out a plan on emptying of my wallet

 

if i get gussets, axle sleeves and chromo moly axles how long will it last?
maybe a year or 2?
and will my rear dana 44 be alright?

 

its the street im worried about because i will not really be wheeling much until im sure it wont break
and even if i did i do mud and a little rocks
i think i would be fine

 

Were all in the same boat but its all about how you wheel.. if its not locked it probably wont break and will last a couple of years but the problems come in when you do crack a housing or break something you have to be prepared its just not worth the money to build a dana 30 because it will never be strong enough for 37s in the long run a dana 60 will last and be an almost guarantee to not break something if maintained properly

 

The weakest part of the D30 will always be the small ring and pinion. You can add sleeves, gussets and chromo shafts for a nominal increase in strength. You can even add the ARB Super 30 and Superior gears for a bit more strength. In the end, it all boils down to how you drive, the trails you run and physics of each particular encounter.

I have done the above listed modifications, to include a truss on the housing, and I am still putting money away for a D60.

 

I'm eventually going to step up but for now do I have to change all of my driving habits on the street

 

I wouldn't even sleeve or chromoly. Stock shafts are cheap from a wrecker and easy to swap. And I would rather break my shaft then ring and pinion. The tune diameter is nearly the same as a 44 too. I think go easy when wheeling and just run gussets.

I'm moving to 37's in the spring and will only be gusseting. Debating a truss as I run high speed rough roads, an I'm worried about flexing at the pumpkin.