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In with the Dana 30

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Posimoto, Oct 5, 2004.

  1. Oct 5, 2004
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,539
    I am picking up a D30 out of a '75 CJ this weekend. I read Lynn's writeup on the swap in the Tech section. My only question is re: the spacing of the spring perches. Do they have to be moved on the axle or is it a truly bolt in installation. On another site re: the D30 they said that the spring perches were at 28" I measure my D27 perches at about 27". I know quite a few members here have done this swap, so I hope someone will chime in with the answer.
     
    Posimoto, Oct 5, 2004
    #1
  2. Oct 5, 2004
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I didn't change the location of the perches on the '74 axle. It just bolted in. :)

    The spring plates (below the spring, for the ubolts and lower shock mount) for the 74/75 have the shock mount behind the axle. You'll need to re-use your old plates or else move the upper shock mount to a location behind the front axle to match the later spring plates (maybe go to those taller Ford F250 or Wagoneer upper mounts... I didn't because I didn't want to deal with moving my hard brake lines)
    I used JKS Skid plates, but redrilled to keep my shocks in front of the axle. As purchased, they are set up for a behind the axle application. (I had quite a discussion with the owner of JKS, he didn't realize that Early 5s had the shock in front of the axle; he thought they were all behind like the Intermediates ;) )

    Your caster will likely be way off... mine wasn't driveable above 30 mph. Caster was at 1 degree. I added 5 degree shims between the springs and the perch. Made a big difference.

    Good luck, keep us posted!!
     
    lynn, Oct 5, 2004
    #2
  3. Oct 5, 2004
    mb82

    mb82 I feel great!

    Charlottesville Va
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2003
    Messages:
    2,706
    im not sure about with 27 but the diff between the 25 and 30 that i noticed was the U-bolts. you might need to get new ones.
     
    mb82, Oct 5, 2004
    #3
  4. Oct 5, 2004
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    I bolted my 73 D30 right in with no problems. It took a bit of a squeeze to get the new u-bolts in the original plates but it was no problem. I now run JKS skids and they fit the D30 great as well.

    As for the caster issue that Lynn experienced, I did not need to add any shims. I never had it professionally aligned either, just eyeballed it. Tracks so-so at speed, kinda likes to wander a tiny bit but I attribute some of that to the quick ratio steering box. Good luck :)
     
    Project71-5, Oct 5, 2004
    #4
  5. Oct 5, 2004
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Joe, did JKS reconfigure their skids to accomodate shocks in front of the axle, or did you move your upper mount for a behind-the axle application to match the JKS skids?
     
    lynn, Oct 5, 2004
    #5
  6. Oct 5, 2004
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    I'm not sure what they were originally for: either a Commando or an early '5. I won them at the raffle in May at Tellico. Sean donated them so I think they were from his Commando. Either way the shocks are in the front. Only problem is that the mount on them sticks out a bit further because of the wrench flats on the stud.
     
    Project71-5, Oct 5, 2004
    #6
  7. Oct 5, 2004
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,539
    Thanks for the input guys. I probably won't get it installed until Spring. I need to re-gear it and I'm going to put a Powerlock in it and do the disk brake conversion. That should get me through the snow season and keep me broke and out of trouble.
     
    Posimoto, Oct 5, 2004
    #7
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