Please enlighten me, I bought a JKU with a Dana 44 rear with LSD instead of the locker.
(Hindsight is 20/20)

It's a Moab with a Dana 30 on the front. Can one add a locker on the front? Would I even want to do that?

Currently I've added an AEV 3.5 lift, quick disco's, and 35's and before I get the winch, sleeves and gussets, I would love to know what my locker options are.

Big thanks from a new jeep guy!

Tyler

 

Yes you can add a locker to the front. Should you...that's a whole other conversation. I think it depends on what type of terrain you wheel in, how you wheel and what tire size you plan on running.

When you compare the JK D30 to a D44 most of the physical components are the same/similar with the exception of the ring and pinion (D30 = 7-1/8", D44 = 8-1/2"). Even if you upgrade the axle shafts, add sleeves and gussets, truss, etc, etc you still have a small ring gear that will only handle so much stress. The harder the terrain, the heavier you are on the skinny pedal, the luck you have, all play into how long it will last.

I have a D30 up front with sleeves and gussets. I've added an ARB and 35 spline chromoly axles to my rear D44. I have over 100k miles on my JKU and I've been running 35" tires or bigger (currently on 38's) for most of those miles. I've specifically chosen NOT to put any more money into my D30 because I know I'm eventually going to end up on 40's. I also like to rock crawl and as the years have gone buy I've found myself wanting to do harder and harder obsticles. My D30 has a limited life span. It had served me well but with the setup I have and the terrain I like to wheel on I'm afraid if I locked it up and I would break it.

These are just friendly comments. I'm by no means an expert. Good luck with your decision.

 

That was well put.

 

Makes senses- so even with reinforcing the axle locking them up, (depending on luck, driving skill, terrain etc) could shorten the life span of the axle significantly.

We're you glad you at least reinforced the dana30?

 

Deciding your final plan is what justifies either bulking up the D30 or running it until it breaks. If you want to upgrade to a D44 in the future I would not spend a dime on the D30. If you feel that kind of upgrade is not in your future, the sleeves, gussets, and trusses are indispensable for pro-longing the life of the HOUSING.

Happy Jeepin!

 

Thank you!!

 

It all depends on what you really plan to do. My friend has been running 37's and an Arb on his tj d30 for years with no issues and he wheels pretty hard but knows when to back off and take it easy.

I have a zip locker in my 30 but have stock axle shafts and spares and hope any issue ends up in the ujoint which is a fairly easy trail fix.

 

Selectables in a d30, especially the 35sp variety, just don't make sense to me. If you need added traction up front, and if you are keeping the 30 instead of moving to a 44, consider going with one of the less expensive options. I personally don't care for auto-lockers up front since I do a lot of winter weather driving, but an Aussie (somewhere under $300) is hard to beat in the bang for the buck category. If you want something a bit more road-friendly, a Detroit Truetrac (somewhere under $400) would be a great option. Depending on your needs, you could even consider replacing that clutch driven stock limited with a truetrac. (You can get the pair for less than a single selectable)

If you haven't read it, this is a great over-view:

Project-JK.com - Jeep JK Wrangler Resource » Dynatrac Presents - Lockers 101

 

How do you like the Moab? Here's mine with lift and 35's. Put the Smittybuilt winch on the factory Moab bumper in the spring. I love the look of the Moab.

 

I'm definitely glad I did the sleeves and gussets. They solve very specific issues (weak tubes and thin C's). In my opinion it's cheap insurance and should be done on any stock JK front axles if planning on running tires larger than 33". I knew I wouldn't be able to afford the front axle I ultimately want in the front (D60) for some time. So sleeves and gussets with an open diff and 38's on my D30 with careful driving is my current recipe.