Dana 30 axle shafts

[Lee21490]

Okay, I'm sure this has been asked a bunch of times before, But google is failing me atm..

 

So i want to throw a locker in my front axle, Figured while i was in there i'd upgrade the two peice vacuum disconnect shaft to a one peice..

 

And while i'm at that, I might as well swap both to the later model bigger ujoint shafts.

 

Thats where I'm stuck, What years came with the larger ujoint shafts? I heard you have to use a different seal then stock for the one peice shaft?  If anyone could link me to a good write up, That would be great.

 

 

[Jeep Driver]

If you're going to that much trouble....why not just get a newer XJ axle?

[onlyinajeep726]

If you're going to that much trouble....why not just get a newer XJ axle?

 

The older axle housing is stronger than the new axle due to the extra casting for the CAD.  As far as as the seal goes... you have to install an additional seal within the CAD opening.  The seal part number is 11800 from Napa.

 

 

[Eagle]

As far as as the seal goes... you have to install and additional seal within the CAD opening.  The seal part number is 11800 from Napa.

I've always read that people who convert to the one-piece shaft remove the seal at the CAD and install a seal at the diff housing -- where there isn't one from the factory with the CAD. Some have found a seal that fits there (possibly the NAPA part number you cited) and others reported that they had to modify the diff housing to accept a seal at that point.

[Incommando]

The long side f a CAD housing may be marginally stronger but I would question whether the ease of just bolting in another unit versus this process makes that upgrade worth it?

[86FUBAR]

When I did this swap I just cleaned out the axle housing from the cad to the knuckle and installed outer axle tub seals ! And then I just over filled the axle a smidgen to off set having to fill part of the tube I ran it like that for a couple years with out any problems.

[skerriltj]

As onlyinajeep726 posted, watch the bleepin jeep vid. It gives you exact play by play and is in 2 parts. The part # is 11800 for the seal in the diff. I did the swap and it's super easy and doesn't take much time. You will also need to make a plate for where the vacuum shift motor used to be and get some vacuum plugs or some duct tape. You can buy a kit from Rusty's offroad that includes both the seal and plate but I found it to be rather pricey. Just remember to mark your bearing caps before you remove em so you remember how they go back in. You're not limited to XJ/MJ shafts either. I ended up using TJ shafts.

[mvusse]

TJ shafts are the same as the 95+ XJ shafts. 4.0 ZJ shafts are the same as well.

 

5.2/5.9 ZJ shafts are CV shafts, but they fit as well. It is what my daughter runs in her XJ, and a buddy runs one in the driver side of his YJ with outer axle seals.