Ultimate Dana 30! Steering, Brakes and Axle Shafts! - Episode 3

[@bobbynate4271]

This is seriously the best axle video on these Jeeps I've ever seen thank you Nate 🤘😎.

[@95Z28A4]

I ran drilled WJ rotors on a HP Dana 30 in a 1998 XJ for over 100K miles. I had no issues with cracking. I used an XJ wheel bearing as a jig to drill the WJ rotors. I dissembled the wheel bearing with a press, drilled two 5/8" holes on 5 on 5" bolt pattern and bolted to the WJ rotor with 5/8" studs. I then drilled through the XJ wheel bearing holes with a 5/8" bit to make the 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern. I saved my "jig kit" to easily drill new replacement rotors.

[@fomocoloco7172]

This is literally the best channel on KZbin for all types of technical knowledge on 4x4 and fabrication

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@jakebmorgan696]

For real! I just started looking at building something a couple weeks ago and I'm probably 6 hours deep in content from this channel alone.

[@1unkn0wn]

I love the content on this channel. In the last couple years it was discovered that 2002 explorer sport trac rotors fit the WJ conversion without drilling.

[@SWBCrawler]

I love how you just build everything you need as you need it.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother 👍

[@colt_walker]

@@DirtLifestyle how is this axle holding up 2 years on?

[@cpthillbilly]

Coming at you from the future. Your skills and channel will have grown tremendously in 5 years! Well done.

[@jonaathansimons7938]

Nate & others attempting the WJ knuckle swap: Use an '02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac rotor, correct offset and bolt pattern. Saves a step if you're buyin new rotors anyway.

[@silverfang2372000]

Jonaathan Simons Came here to say this. Glad someone else knows this as well!

[@tomschuh6301]

4WD or RWD Sport Trac? Looks like they have different numbers.

[@slappygilmore5040]

thats awesome! much better than drilling rotors

[@jeepersoutpost1150]

@@tomschuh6301 2nd this question. Got any answers yet?

[@tomschuh6301]

@@jeepersoutpost1150 Nope. I just went with WJ rotors and drilled them.

[@subculturenm]

I enjoyed the video. I get so tired of hearing people say “tons, tons, TONS!” when most of them aren’t even ‘wheeling hard enough to break stock axles.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I have the same opinion. One tons have a time and a place but most people don't need them👍

[@tylerdubois9020]

Not only that, depending on your rig, 1 ton axles will make it harder to flex, and you will loose ground clearance because the differential housing hangs lower from the larger ring gear. Unless you are running massive tires, like 40"+, dana 30 with some truss and beefing up will do most people fine.

[@p8nflnt]

I agree, but part of the fun is building your rig. Just depends on the type of person and their priorities.

[@benbilling4268]

Very good. The reasoning is sound and well explained , and I really appreciate the cost rundown. Keep up the good work.😊

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@MrDudeCZ]

HI Nate, It's quite a bit to put together for your viewers so thanks for all this effort. Honestly, I made my xj a very similar way in february this year. A "built" HP30 and a "built" 8.8 combo. I have been testing the 30 since then without any locker. We'll see how she handles 35"s in long term and in different terrain. Anyway, not a bad setup at all, I'm quite happy so far. I would be less cautious with a 44 but at least it makes me stay away from the really stupid stuff. In regards to brakes, I was actually able to fit akebonos in and keep my sweet 15" alu's. I only had the use 1,25" spacers and they clear fine. Thanks again and keep on rolling :) Cheers, martin

[@DirtLifestyle]

You welcome brother! You can do alot in an xj on 35s 👍

[@EvanMoon]

So what you are saying is it’s really nice to have you as a brother because if you have to buy and get someone to build an axle it’s really expensive

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol pretty much

[@littlesteve855]

When you come back form the future, the shop has changed so much!

[@Joe-Mamasixtyninefourtwenty]

You forgot one thing when adding up your costs. Time. Your time is worth money, if you are having to build the whole thing your looking at alot of hours to do everything in your series on this. Add that to the mix and your looking at well over 6thou for the dana 30. Really cool series amd love the vids! Keep em up bro 👍

[@andresvalverde5069]

Josef Berns that's a good point but the best apples to apples comparison is to not include the time price because it will be different for a lot of people.

[@greghubert4968]

One of the best youtube film I have ever watched,thank you

[@fotomotoxxiii]

In 2015 I fully built a dana 30 and Ford 8.8 and it cost a lot to do it right. I'm running 37s in a super lightweight YJ. RcV shafts were out of my price range so I opted for g2 chromoly shafts. I'm also running true trac instead of locker again to save money and keep things from breaking. I wish I trussed it but I did not.

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

That’s the best Dana 30 I have ever seen, love the steering set up on it

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! Definitely bullet proof on my bros TJ 👍

[@mr.caceres305]

Could you run 37s on it??

[@boatsandjeeps780]

@@mr.caceres305 If you have experience wheelin then yes , just can't hit everything wide open , and gotta know when let off or go neutral when tryin obstacles that u don't make on ur 1st shot , gotta b off gas and on brakes to stop wheel spin b4 jeep comes to a stop when sliding back down , that cause most breaks that I've seen , also I been runnin 37s on stock d30 except 4.88 yukon gears and arb locker , I n very near weeks I plan on doin c gussets, truss and ball joints , and 1 ton steering, cause I feel my steering joints wearing out and I'm positive ball joints r to. We do run places like windrock and adventure offroad park, hard trails , hp d30 r stronger than people put on

[@stevedavis9909]

After watching all 3 parts of your videos. I just purchased a Dana 30 High pinion that I'm going to build for my TJ. Thank you for the videos and helping me make my mind up!

[@ProjectXJ]

I don't have an ultimate dana 30, but I am pretty close. I have spent far less than the $4700 like the video. Here is what I have done and how much I paid: 4.10 gears and master install kit $180 lock right locker $90 Chromoly axle shafts $360 Artec truss with Johnny Joints $258 Solid diff cover $81 C-gussets $79 1 ton aluminum steering $412 Synergy Ball Joints $200 Grand Total: $1660

[@onetruebob_tj]

Excellent series Nate! You and Muddy Beard setup your brother nicely. He owes you both big time. 👊👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! I'll be moving soon so I'll get my time back one way or another lol! He is family, its what you do 👍

[@jasonlenihan9854]

Doing a lot of building myself. Excellent video. Thanks from Snohomish WA.

[@Vorhizzle]

Have RCVs in my TJ Rubicon and that's about the only thing I haven't broken.

[@sewerratt47]

My only Jeep Fab Channel !

[@danbemman2271]

Always enjoy you technically information and your creative editing.

[@austinadventure]

i used an inner axle seal installed backwards as an outer axle seal on my 79 ford hp dana 44, works decent

[@johnsmind]

Like what you're doing. Wish I had a garage. Apartment car ports don't cut it. You have no idea how lucky you are. Good stuff guys.

[@thecatalyst7743]

I love how detailed you are with your videos. Good job!!!

[@GoatOffroad]

Drooling over that D30! Goals! ❤️🐞

[@ProjectXJ]

I have a similar setup, without the RCV's, but I have chrolomolys. I have only spent about $1650.

[@tedhargiss1056]

Awesome build Nate! I appreciate the details. I wish I had seen this before I built my D30.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy!

[@moabwheeling]

Hi Nate , I really enjoyed this build series and I'm looking forward to your next video . Thank you for sharing . Until next time take care .

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Glad your still enjoying my content!

[@4x2WagonFamily]

Thanks Nate… Very helpful on my Dana 30 build.

[@larryjanson4011]

love what you are doing here. on my 1984 cj-7 i had the tapers for the steering drilled from top down, bottom up on the pit-man arm. and re-tapered for 1/2 ton chevy parts. drag link is level. NO bump steer. no death wobble, runs tru down the hy. 4 1/2 in lift, 35 tires. added machined steel (NOT cast crap) tapers to put the steering back into correct castor, camber. I need to use my jeep on the street. heim joints are not legal in ca. D30 4:10.1 arb locker "supper" 30 axle shafts has larger u-joints. basically a D44 stuffed in a D30 housing. never failed me on the trail. no talk about a hydraulic brake booster? factory parts just junk the vacuum booster get 1000 times better braking. but must get a better ps pump. and this gives you a ram to help work the steering.

[@exhaustfumes927]

The Bloomberg add at the beginning could def go away

[@VintageOffroad]

Awesome work and great info.. wish I could find a channel where people are doing this for an old world jeep..loving my cj7

[@zoexj4872]

Nate, Almost ready to rebuild my axles in my XJ. You answered pretty much all of my questions with this video! I'm leaning toward a similar Dana 30 build and a Ford 8.8 swap. Thanks again. You have a great channel.

[@davyleupz]

That axle cost more than my XJ. 😂

[@onetruebob_tj]

Of course it did! 🤣

[@RedRockCrawlers]

haha sounds about right ;) @@onetruebob_tj

[@posjoey]

Lol same

[@David-rj1ru]

My Xj's axel cost more than your xj.

[@2S1L3NT]

Lol, well my XJ was purchased for 1700, but I'm 10k into it now with the upgrades 😭

[@MonzaTom]

Good 3 part series! Well done!

[@ChatanikaRoosting]

Great video. Thanks for keeping it real with the pricing! -an XJ driver

[@corbancocanour1229]

Another high quality production! Great job Nate!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@rustyshackleford9685]

Great video, always enjoy the new uploads. One point that I learned myself, when you put bends on any kind of link one side needs to be non adjustable (Welded DIY sleeved bushing) to keep that link from twisting. On my one ton TJ I had to make a Z bend on the pan hard so on up travel the diff wouldn't hit it, I put heims on both ends just like you did but mine is a bend in a vertical orientation not in a horizontal so it cant really twist too much and its natural gravity state is the position its supposed to be in. I still regret that decision a little but it's seemed to hold up and not twist.

[@Dino30ish]

Ford Sport Trac front rotors are the 5x4.5 bolt pattern and the same diameter of the wj rotor . Can also use mustang cobra calipers to fit a smaller wheel .

[@Xtremeamput]

Cobra calipers from what year?

[@WildBillFlysRC]

Yes! Thanks for making videos. Cool stuff. 👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you buddy 👍

[@btemp855]

Great video man, looks like imma build up my axle

[@drummerboy3377]

Dude, I don't know how I've missed it, but you're freakin jacked. 💪🏼😂Love the video like always

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol 😂👍

[@foxrace0985]

just found your channel the other day, been watching old ones and all the new ones. keep it up, your videos are not only very educational but the editing, music and cinematography is fantastic. i hope this channel grows huge! i like your dl flag shirt, might have to pick one up next pay.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I put alot of work into these. As I grow as a teacher, photographer and editor I hope this channel will grow as well 👍

[@shahargree]

You are the best!! Keep uploading vids!!!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Motoman714.]

Very helpful with dana 30 axles and xjs!

[@troyscottstevenson]

my new favorite channel!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@CFairNH]

Awesome video!! Love your channel!

[@mikaelwise807]

Another great video I really enjoyed the steering montage...keep it up Nate

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@kevinengland4675]

Great video Nate 😊 would love to see a 8.8 rear diff cost and truss build. Also the process of building a custom truss and cost versus off the shelf truss kit. Just ideas for us newer guys 😊

[@thecherokeechannel688]

What a badass build.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy!

[@kevinthouvenell1750]

Awesome video 👍 love the rcv axles

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! We do too!

[@nicolettelowenthal8868]

I enjoyed the build videos . Thank you for your advice on my sport s build with the 5.7 HEMI and 3/4 ton axles that I already own .

[@DirtLifestyle]

Awesome! Happy to help 👍

[@bjbyrd6194]

Love the channel brother! Great info and some awesome builds!

[@morganbarber2461]

Just a note, Jeep actually had a big problem with the wj teves brake calipers. They were centered poorly and caused the rotors to warp. About midway through 2002 all grands got the updated akebono calipers to solve the warping issue. If you guys ever get bigger wheels might be good to swap the teves calipers out for the akebonos 👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Definitely something we considered, and still will consider in the future!

[@ProjectXJ]

@Troy Becker Just swap in a ford 8.8 with disks for about the same money as a disk conversion kit. I did mine for $583, including truss and diff cover with a set of spare shafts, new brakes included. :)

[@ProjectXJ]

@Troy Becker But you still have the chrysler 8.25. :)

[@ProjectXJ]

@Troy Becker I hear you. The 8.25 isn't a bad axle at all. Make sure to swap internals of your distribution block when you do the disk conversion. It greatly improves braking. It didn't cost me anything either and only took a minute to install!

[@94Discovery]

Sometimes it is the pleasure of building ,not the price ,👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Agreed! And most of the time I trust my build quality better than some aftermarket companies because I took the time to make it right!

[@metaldog7128]

Nice work 👍 tougher stronger better 👌

[@hillbillyhangover]

Another awesome vid!!! Keep them coming!!!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Can do!!!

[@stevezickefoose8563]

Excellent presentation makes me want to upgrade from my 1983 CJ-7 to a JK [I'm 3rd owner 70K miles California no rust stock everything except tires, bumpers]

[@TheoneDragon51]

Yj 4cy high pinion D30 cromo warn hubs with 36" swamper's. 4.88 I don't flog it serving me well. Thinking about sleeveing the tubes and a truss. Great build I have enjoyed watching this.

[@DirtLifestyle]

The truss is a must! I'm not a fan of sleeves. They don't add the kind of strength a truss will provide. Not enough leverage. But it sounds like you have put together a sweet build! Light weight and low horsepower power is actually a great combo for automotive performance. Heavy rigs just don't handle as well 👍

[@FMJeeping]

freaking awesome series Nate. I am hopefully heading down this road this winter. Maybe not as full blown as you went, but the 30 is plenty capable for the wheel size I want. Also if you break stuff easier to source.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@tw9676]

Always enjoy your videos keep em coming

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@brianfedie8046]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@dorsk84]

JK D44 swapped under. Artek makes the conversation kit. Adds 5" width. But we are now talking about having to do both front and rear now.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I like the JK 44s for a swap! Wouldn't be practical in our situation unfortunately. His ford 8.8 is pretty well bullet proofed now so bailing on it wouldn't be beneficial lol. Not to mention the added costs of 5 new rims, no cheap high steer options and JK 44 axle parts are more than dana 30. But if we were starting from nothing I think the jk dana 44 axles are a great starting point! I recommend them all the time!

[@Giraffefistfight]

Awesome video man. Hope we get to see some more of the low buck diesel truck soon.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I wish! I've been invited to a pretty cool experience to wheel in a few different states with other folks in the industry! I'll be focusing most of my energy on getting the tj 100% ready for that for a the next month or two. Unfortunately, I won't be getting to the next lowbuck diesel truck until after that madness is over

[@Giraffefistfight]

@@DirtLifestyle no worries man. Burn out is a real thing, so don't do too much. Especially working a full time job and trying to make videos.

[@brentohara9471]

Thank you for a great and informative video...

[@ruggedindsoup2135]

Frickin’ awesome video. Thanks!

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Great lookin axle

[@m.perfekt3055]

CHEEZUS CHRIZE! Thats a lot of money!!!

[@benbutler7391]

Good info Nate. Thanks.

[@reedjack6564]

Dude, loving the axle break down. Exactly what I needed to put things in perspective. I'm looking at upgrading my current stock axles 30/35 for my TJ rather than do a full swap to Dana 44s. Still pricey but I think it will be better regardless. Awesome stuff. Keep it up!

[@jinoby1]

Thanks for the video! Badass!

[@stevenadelhoch6811]

great as always!!!!

[@RedRockCrawlers]

you said Bung... haha. But seriously, great looking axle and should be a great set up for that Jeep.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks buddy

[@kg2995]

Great info. Thanks brotha!

[@humzilla707]

This channel is awesome

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@bmaxTJ]

Thank you

[@JeepJeep234]

I still have my stock HP30 under my JK, running 37's. No locker or truss and I haven't broke it yet.

[@charlesbickel4295]

I killed a 30 on 35s. I then killed a rubicon 44 on those same BFG 35s. Now I’m ordering a pro rock 44 let’s see how it does.

[@middle-fork]

@@charlesbickel4295 What do you do when an axle breaks on the trail?

[@charlesbickel4295]

Erik Clineschmidt try to rig it up enough to get off the trail. Or hope your buddy can drag it off.

[@JeepJeep234]

@@charlesbickel4295 I recently swapped my hp30 for a Rubicon 44, and beefed the rear 44 axle up. Front and rear RCV shafts with Teraflex hubs running 39-13.5 BFG KM3's.

[@charlesbickel4295]

JeepJeep234 it’s probably fine if you don’t jump it. I go hard. It’s a toy.

[@chester1013]

Great video of the cost. Don't think I will be spending that much. I do have the hi pinion Dana 30 stock except for a zone 3 in lift and 31" on stock wheels. Maybe one day.

[@tylerm97]

Great info!!! Thank you!!!

[@randallbernard2074]

I'm loving your channel just wish I had a ton $$$ to build.

[@rustybarbacles355]

Amazing insights time and time again Nate. I found you through bleepin Jeep. SUB’D for sure

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy 🤘 happy to have you aboard

[@gzrgldr8288]

I am using the Akebonon calipers on my xj swap with 15" wheels and have clearance, but they have 3.75" backspace, which I thinks makes a difference.

[@kenskens69]

My friend that tube bender is the one from HF

[@jarredmay7496]

such an awesome video

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@WPowell420]

A Wagoneer D44 is easy to swap in.

[@middle-fork]

Please help with info before I build up my D30 on a '05 TJ. THX!

[@brianfedie8046]

Great Stuff!

[@adventureeverymile8135]

First off the cinematography b-roll for the off-roading was great! I’m glad you are busting the myths of the Dana 30 being garbage and also the true cost of building quality parts for an off-road vehicle. Any chances for a contest to come work in the dirt lifestyle shop for a weekend? Asking for a friend 😆 keep up the great videos. They really have a ton of value for those who know what they are watching.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I've thought about this! I might do something in the future but my only concern is letting folks know where I live. I've had a couple creepy situations already so it makes it tought to trust bringing people to my house. I'm sure you understand! But I might still put something together in the future. Build a fan a bumper or something 👍

[@adventureeverymile8135]

Dirt Lifestyle true that. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how weird some people can be.

[@DirtLifestyle]

@@adventureeverymile8135 😂 absolutely! Not sure if your local but I'll be putting together a meet n greet sooner than later. It would be cool to meet some of you guys 👍

[@adventureeverymile8135]

Dirt Lifestyle unfortunately I’m a Florida boy and quite a ways away. But maybe when you guys are out at an event in Moab I can find my way out there 😆 I have really wanted to go wheel out west. It’s cool to do meet and greets to meet like minded people in the world of off-roading!

[@jimlayhey1965]

i wish you were my brother good job

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man!

[@matthewlamb3207]

Great video! It really helped me come to peace with upgrading my D30 for my 35s. I don't see the Amazon list anymore. I was looking for more information on the WJ knuckles and brake kit upgrade as well as the RCV and other parts to help me understand the costs of a rebuild today.

[@LonersGuide]

Yeah, that Dana 30 could handle 37s all day long on those fire roads you were driving ;)

[@matthewroach5637]

Being in Washington there is a ton of used parts to do a budget building on a dana 30. I got a hp dana 30 for 100$ almost brand new truetrac for 100$, a free dana 30 from a wj to steal the hubs off of. Rebuilding the brake calipers myself for less the 40$, 250$ for the pads, rotors, ball joint and hubs. Then 1400$ for axle trust, sleeves, 4.56 gears, rebuild kit and axle shafts.

[@DANGERTASTIC]

Teves and Akebono are the same size. The difference is mounting bracket vs spring tensioner. People claim warping with teves but I’ve been running them for years with zero probs

[@DirtLifestyle]

Interesting. We had a set of both in the shop and the akebono calipers definitely looked like they had a bigger footprint. The teves barely clear as it is! About 1/16 away from touching the rim. Everybody keeps saying the teves aren't good but It never seems like it's from personal experience. Time will tell 👍

[@randythompson1957]

I think I am going to stick with the swapping the D30 for a D44 plan.

[@pjh5337]

“Because my brother is related to Nate, dirt lifestyle”

[@egpc13]

Good job 👌👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you 🤘👍

[@tripleseven8361]

Your level of knowledge and skill is most impressive...For us normal folks, the cost of labor would (will) add substantially to this...(and in Canadian dollars too...Ouch!)

[@tripleseven8361]

Great video and editing too...Thanks!

[@gero195]

Didn't think harborfreight bender could take dom thanks !

[@tylerdubois9020]

You can fit the akebono calipers with 15" rims, there are people that have done it on WJs. I think you need to grind off a small amount off of the caliper, but it is possible.

[@robertsmith3697]

Love the video! Im pretty certain that the 2001 ford explorer sport trac actually have a rotor that will fit the wj calipers and knuckles with the tj lug pattern, it's something I've seen in a forum, just something to look into because you said you were skeptical on drilling rotors! Keep the awesome videos up man!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I believe your right! I had a hard time getting concrete info in time so we just drilled the rotors to match. Possible upgrade in the future if we have issues 👍