[bdruff]

I just bought a 46 flat fender and I want to swap out my front axle to a stronger dana 30. I would like to get disc brakes if possible. I know they were an option in 76 with the cj and standard in 78. But I think I can only go up to about 1980. Can I also go with an earlier model cj and convert to disc brakes. What else should I look for. Mine is a passenger side drop but other than that I don't know much. http://groups.msn.com/bdruff

[jayhawkclint]

Don't get caught up into the mentality of doing the swap because you think you're getting a stronger axle; you can do a lot of wheeling with the D25/27 and they are pretty much the same in strength as the D30. The main advantage to doing the D30 swap is to decrease turning radius with larger diameter tires. You can put discs on the D25/27 using full size Chevy 1/2 ton caliper brackets, calipers, hoses, and '77/'78 CJ 1-1/8" rotors. There are quite a few write ups on the net about it, including the 3b page and www.earlycj5.com. You can also do Chevy brakes on the D30, or you can just find a D30 axle with discs already on it (I got one locally for $50 complete with hoses and tie rods). If you simply must swap it out, you want to get a '72-'79 CJ model as they are narrow trac and have the 6 bolt hubs. If you want a stronger axle, go with Wagoneer 44s or something of that nature.

[bdruff]

The old one broke pretty easy. I don't know if I should try to fix what is broken or to just swap to something stronger. I've only had the jeep for about a month. It has a chevy 350 and 33" tires.

[jayhawkclint]

Originally Posted by bdruff

The old one broke pretty easy. I don't know if I should try to fix what is broken or to just swap to something stronger. I've only had the jeep for about a month. It has a chevy 350 and 33" tires.

Well in that case, don't bother with the D30. Look into the Wagoneer 44 swap.

Where did it break? If it broke at the knuckle, there is a stud conversion that is pretty cheap and easy. If you broke at the shaft, they can be had used for cheap. Won't solve your problem, but can get you on the trail again until you figure out a swap that'll stand up to that V8.