WJ Vari-Lok in our Dana 30?

[SBpunk]

Is it possible or has anyone tried it? The little research I've been able to find on it leads me to believe it might be. The carrier for the HP/LP are the same part numbers from what I've read. The splines are the same and the length of the shafts shouldn't matter if its going into a HP D30 from a MJ/XJ correct? Thanks

[mikekaz1]

to my knowledge the carriers are the same HP to LP, but the R&P are different, besides that... I don't see why it wouldn't swap.  d30s a d30.

[SBpunk]

That's what I was thinking. AX15 and auto lockers don't do well in Oklahoma (ice) figured limited slip might be a bit easier and if I can get the whole set up for cheap might be worth attempting.

[Hippie66]

I drove an XJ with welded rear and auto locker in the front on snow and ice here in Oklahoma, never had any problems.

[SBpunk]

I've dealt with them in Alaska and here but never with a NP242. Everyone will say just forget about full time but then what was the point of swapping out the 231 (besides it being busted to hell)

[Hippie66]

I had a 242... Even let a 15 year old drive with me riding shotgun, she didn't have an problems.

[SBpunk]

Really? Hmmm might look into it. Was going to do this just until I could get an Eaton but if it isn't an issue I might just do a garage install on a lunchbox locker

[Hippie66]

Just have to take it easy

[Eagle]

Is it possible or has anyone tried it? The little research I've been able to find on it leads me to believe it might be. The carrier for the HP/LP are the same part numbers from what I've read. The splines are the same and the length of the shafts shouldn't matter if its going into a HP D30 from a MJ/XJ correct? Thanks

 

I often wonder the same thing. I owned a '99 WJ for a short while and the front VariLok worked well and was completely transparent. I think it would be a great match with a 242 transfer case, but I haven't had the money to try it.

[Blue88Comanche]

I thought the vari-Lok in the quadra-drive WJ used different D30 and D44, because they had a pump in somewhere that could compress a clutch pack gradually to full lock if needed.

Aside from Wikipedia i haven't actually laid hands on on so its all speculation. But i remember someone asking the same thing on here before and i thought it was decided it wouldn't work. I'd be all for it if it does!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

EDIT: Found this on NAXJA

 

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14443

 

 

 

Well, not much to say that hasn't been said. The lockers are called Vari-loc by Jeep, Hydra-loc by the units original manufacturer. There is a clutch, piston and oil pump inside the case. When one axle spins faster than the other, the pump produces pressure that applies pump pressure to the piston and then apllies the clutch and locks the diff. Very similar to a trac-loc with the clutches, but will release and not cause steering drag. This unit will not totally lock up, but is better than an open differential. The D30 in the front of the WJ's is slightly different than the average XJ D30, it is machined to accept the oil pick-up plenum that is attached to the ring gear side of the carrier. The axle size is larger, not sure about the spline count though. Custom axles would be needed to run this unit.

The Jeep website has some basic info on the Quadra-drive system.
http://www.jeep.com/grand_cherokee/4...e=left&mtNav=0

You would be much better getting a drop in locker or a full replacement locking carrier made for the XJ D30.

[SBpunk]

 

I thought the vari-Lok in the quadra-drive WJ used different D30 and D44, because they had a pump in somewhere that could compress a clutch pack gradually to full lock if needed.

 

Aside from Wikipedia i haven't actually laid hands on on so its all speculation. But i remember someone asking the same thing on here before and i thought it was decided it wouldn't work. I'd be all for it if it does!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

EDIT: Found this on NAXJA

 

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14443

 

 

 

Well, not much to say that hasn't been said. The lockers are called Vari-loc by Jeep, Hydra-loc by the units original manufacturer. There is a clutch, piston and oil pump inside the case. When one axle spins faster than the other, the pump produces pressure that applies pump pressure to the piston and then apllies the clutch and locks the diff. Very similar to a trac-loc with the clutches, but will release and not cause steering drag. This unit will not totally lock up, but is better than an open differential. The D30 in the front of the WJ's is slightly different than the average XJ D30, it is machined to accept the oil pick-up plenum that is attached to the ring gear side of the carrier. The axle size is larger, not sure about the spline count though. Custom axles would be needed to run this unit.

 

The Jeep website has some basic info on the Quadra-drive system.

http://www.jeep.com/grand_cherokee/4...e=left&mtNav=0

 

You would be much better getting a drop in locker or a full replacement locking carrier made for the XJ D30.

 

Appreciate it. I thought I read something about the housing being different but no one confirmed it. Saves me time. Now I get to just pull the hydraulic steering cooler for the MJ. Is it necessary? No. Is it over kill? Absolutely. Am I still going to do it? Yes. Same reason I'll be running an 8.8 with 31's on a daily driver hahaha