i under stand it is no good stock but if you replace all the parts with better ones(carrier, crown and pinion, axle shafts and joints) and weld on the gussets and axle tubes it cant be that bad. or can it, i only want to run 35" tires

 

For 35s it should hold up pretty well with that plan. Are you going to put in a locker at the same time, you might as well?

 

I've been running 35s for 2 1/2 years on my d30...no problems yet! Then again I've only been on all the difficult trails in this place in Utah. It's called Moab. Heard of it? I better go find some wood to knock on....

 

I don't think it's bad at all...though you are limited to 5.13 and down for ratio, no 5.38's for the D30...but if that doesn't bother you no worries

 

What makes you think it is no good stock? The Dana 30 is a great axle, unlike the Dana 35, which is a POS.

Unless you are running an extreme rig, a Dana 30 will hold up fine with a locker and 35s. The new ones need some gussets welded in, but I have not had an issue with that yet either. Then if you want extreme, some chromolly axles and your good for some really serious stuff.

I wheel with a guy in a built up XJ with a front Dana 30, and I have seen him break a Dana 44 axle, a track bar and a drive shaft (front and rear) on different obstacles and only broke a Dana 30 axle doing something he knew he should not. Broke a chromoly axle at that.

The Dana 30 is not your weak point.

 

I don't get it. THe D30 has been around a REAL long time and now since the JK has come along all of a sudden the D30 is junk.

 

i know of one Jk that runs 37's on a D30. he goes to MOAB twice a month and has yet to break it. and all he has done is put in some chromolly shafts. as long as you watch your lines and dont bounce your D30 you'll be fine.

 

most of times it's not the D30 the problem it's the driver ......

 

you will be more then fine

 

You said it!