Ok guys since I'm from socal I decided to post this here. If its in the wrong place admins please move, Thank you. So I want to go to moab and also the rubicon trail. I have an 09 jku with 3" lift and 35s and 3.73 gears. I want to know if I should build my 30 and add lockers to front and rear or upgrade to a dana 44 front ? I'm new to this jeep world. Thanks for any input.

 

I want to move up to 37 as well in the future and do 5.13 gears.

 

You have a catch 22
Build the d30 up it will handle 35s decently swap to 37s and now you should be looking for a d44...

The d30 is a lot more about then people give it credit and it will eventually break on 37s the problem is where you want to wheel and if your doing g it on 37s id go with a d44 to start no questions asked....

You have 35s now so I'd do a d44 with locker up front I wouldn't spend money on a d30 if your going 37s and plan to rock crawl its not a good combo plus breakage on the trail should be minimized no one appreciates a person under built when they are all fixing his rig and waiting...

If a built one breaks its fate not lack of build...

Just my thought....


If your staying 35s then do a locker, sleeves chromoly axles and wheel it with a bit of common sense. 35s will get you in and out of both places fine with lockers even easier.

 

Thanks for the input. I want to do things right the first time.

 

The majority of the members will say to go for the 44 because a complete 44 is comparable in price to building up a 30.

There are plenty of folks who have kept the 30, beefed it up a little and just choose their lines wisely and are easy on the loud pedal.

I guess it really boils down to your driving style.

Are you an aggressive driver?

 

Exactly what freeze said... Skinny pedal is your friend! Anything will break if your hard and abuse it over time.

 

Not aggresive at all. I do like to open up the jeep in the desert, but I take slow through obstacles.

 

Yeah I snapped a rear axle and was actually being easy on the skinny pedal...

If you are on a obstacle ie like what is found on the Rubicon and you are running 37" tires all you really have to do is get it in a award situation and have the front on a rock trying to pull the weight and the leverage will will put a ton of stress on axles etc....

I drove with a d30 and on 35s I was easier on the pedal because of worry but when I jumped to 37s I upped the front end.

Yes we say if your running bigger stuff you should probably up the drive train, no one seems to mention rear axles here because they don't show and aren't as gratifying as a lift tires cage blacked out hood etc but if you wheel swap em out, real world use will snap them....I've done it and there's a bunch of other guys as well...

Yes a d30 is actually pretty stout and yes with 35s and common sense it will be a good unit, if you jump up to 37s and wheel rubicon etc yes it would be a good idea to to do a d44......

 

5.13's on a Dana 30 ring and pinion with 37's maybe be a problem with the contact area of the ring and pinion. I would either not gear so high with a d30 or gear that high and go d44. Either way if you make a mistake or do something you shouldn't you still have the chance of breaking stuff.

 

First things first :

I see where you have an automatic trans:

Do you have an aux cooler for it ?

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/atta...8&d=1355425193

The Stock Cooler allows the trans to run hot (because of it's location ) in sand and on trails with bigger tires increases load to the trans ( no matter what gearing you have ) Mods are nice, but you have to approach your build with logic, it will save you money in the long run.

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