i finally got my ol' carb'd yj running like a raped ape. i plan to replace the rear axle with with a ford 8.8, but i need some ideas for the front as my d30 is extremly rusty and could literally break in 2 at anytime. for what i'll be doing with 33's, a d30 should be more than strong enough. what i'm wondering is, are there better years than others to get a second hand yj d30 from? i know i should avoid the vacuum disconnect, but did they make them without for yjs, or just xjs? i can weld and fabricate, but i'm not interested in doing more then moving spring perches and shock mounts. i don't have the time or means to shorten axle tubes. this is my daily driver and i only have 4 days each week to work on it before it must be driven. i'd just like to get the best bang for my buck. does anyone have any suggestions? what works for you?

I would keep it as simple as possible.. First I'd wait till I was sure and certain I needed another front end... Then I'd make sure of what gear ratio I had... Then I'd look for an EXACT copy of my 30 and install it.
For sure if your axel is about rusted thru then your frame is already gone..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

89, as far as I know a dana 30 is a dana 30. I put the Ford 8.8 (4.10's, Ford limited slip) in my 88 Ranger to replace the 7.5. Got her out of an explorer...heck, since Ford stopped making the best rear axle ever manufactured (9-inch), that 8.8 is about as close as you can get to a bulletproof rear.

Four days a week to work on my own junk, christ!!! I'm in heaven!

The old yj d30 is the same width as a 2005 TJ d30 the shafts switched to a stronger u joint in 97.

Just to keep it simple...get a used axle that is not rusty and bolt it in (after rebuilding it).

SD