clarkerussell Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Hello all, My mechanic is going to replace the U-Joints on my 1988 4x4 Comanche's Dana 30. Since he is going to be replacing the U-Joints, what other items should be replaced? I'm assuming the wheel bearing should be replaced, and the axle seals (2 or 4 of these?)... oh, and the diff oil, of course... is there anything else? Clarke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I would also say the brakes, and the unit bearings. Keep the old ones for trail spares. The axle seals mean having the guy pull the gears and they are kinda a PITA, so unless they are leaking I wouldnt mess with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepcoma Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Might want to replace the ball joints, you can get all four for about $200 through amazon.com. Check out this post: viewtopic.php?p=139216#p139216 About seals, I too was confused so I started this thread: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13917 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 :agree: with all suggestions so far...especially about leaving the axle seals alone too unless they are leaking. You do not want to take the differential apart unless it's absolutely necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 If I needed to replace all that, I'd rater go buy a later model XJ front axle that was in better shape than mine and swap it in. Last Dana 30 I bought was about $150 complete and just needed a brake job. (the brakes will be different between an 88 and the last XJs so don't expect to reuse the 88's rotors etc.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkerussell Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 Well, my mechanic is going to replace all the parts (seals, U-joints, wheel bearings, etc) for $150 in labor. I have to supply the parts though. Besides, I have all new rotors, pads, calipers, and hoses at this point... I'd hate to have to replace them all... That being said, I have put in a NP 242 so a non CAD axle would be nice... In the mean time, my mechanic just plumbed the disconnect vacuum lead to a constant vacuum source so it's always engaged... I'll probably just shim it per everyone's recommendation once I get it home. If I needed to replace all that, I'd rater go buy a later model XJ front axle that was in better shape than mine and swap it in. Last Dana 30 I bought was about $150 complete and just needed a brake job. (the brakes will be different between an 88 and the last XJs so don't expect to reuse the 88's rotors etc.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkerussell Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 I would also say the brakes, and the unit bearings. Keep the old ones for trail spares. The axle seals mean having the guy pull the gears and they are kinda a PITA, so unless they are leaking I wouldnt mess with them. Brakes have been replaced (new rotors, hoses, calipers, pads). By unit bearings, I'm assuming you mean the complete hub/bearing assembly? The seals (one or both) are leaking so they have to be done... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 By unit bearings, I'm assuming you mean the complete hub/bearing assembly?Yes...that's what he means :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Almost seems that you would have been better off buying a later model axle in better shape. Older Knuckles bolt onto newer axles :smart: so no need to worry about the brakes :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkerussell Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 Almost seems that you would have been better off buying a later model axle in better shape. Older Knuckles bolt onto newer axles :smart: so no need to worry about the brakes :brows: Well, as the axle was free with the rest of the donor vehicle, I had to work with that. Now, my assumption is that for $150 in labor, I should have a "rebuilt" axle with known good seals, U-Joints, and wheel bearings. If I bought a newer axle, it'd still have used U-Joints, seals and bearings, right? What would I be getting if I went with a newer axle vs. rebuilding my existing one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 The only benefit that I can see if the later model axle vs. what you are doing is the u-joints are much stronger in them...otherwise, you are right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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