Front Axle Restoration/Rebuild (Dana 30)

The rear axle video went really well and I'm happy with how it came out, but my restored and painted Chrysler 8.25 rear axle looked out of place next to the rusty Dana 30 front axle. I decided to try and repeat a similar process by restoring the front end.
Apologies in advance for the ugly welding on the track bar mount. At least it looks better than the one I cut off.
I'm really happy I did it, because I found out that one of the carrier bearing races was split and had destroyed the bearing. Setting up the carrier required a lot more tedious trial and error to set up than setting up the carrier in the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle restoration video. I cut out some of the shim swapping footage to make that part of the video more concise and less boring. I ended up having to buy 2 sets of bearings as well because I needed one modify one set to use as shim spacing setup bearings before pressing the real bearings on. Hopefully that part of the video is not too confusing for people.
I have a few more videos covering parts that connect to the front end of the Jeep that I've finished restoring and recording. You can probably guess what they are if you pay close attention during the end of this restoration video. They will be released as I get done editing them.
Instagram: restoration.station
Facebook: Restoration.Station.FB
TikTok: tiktok.com/@restostaysh

[@tylerbrown9835]

All that for a Dana 30

[@LittleMikeStarCraft]

They are good axles if you don't want big tires... xD

[@cablenowadays6586]

It’s a great axle. I run 35s on mine with chromoly axles and it gives me a lot of ground clearance with a lot of stuff to beef it up made these days

[@keenanp9045]

Not everyone wants to axel swap lmao

[@tylerr676]

@Jasper Dane what? why would you do that? thats like, Crappy relationship, no trust dude.

[@sukheshkumartandan7842]

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@MarkMcCabeMarkMcCabeVideo]

I could watch this all day because there is no talking just the audio of tools clinking. Amazing.

[@stevejette2329]

Mark _ YES !! Excellent lighting, camera angles, sound etc

[@serhiitaranchuk7348]

Nice men good job

[@olkeriilremengesau5461]

You are right.

[@ABZ49er]

Exactly 🤙🏼

[@JuanFlores-cm7df]

Pppp0p

[@brycegrant1]

Did i actually just watch a mechanic asmr with no swearing or busting of knuckles… this man is a god

[@bradhoff5035]

Fantastic! Nice to watch someone actually do the work without loud music, and telling everyone how good they are! WELL DONE!

[@mistersean86]

This is excellent!! I wish more how-to videos were shot so eloquently simple. This is like watching art

[@jamescole6846]

I envy your tool collection. Very nice video BTW. I watched the whole thing which is very rare on YT these days but you had no BS, no click bait, no annoying music. Keep up the good work!!

[@alphamale1717]

After 35 years with me I have a lot of tools as well.

[@pennypackmtb2542]

Gotta love that straight edge he used.

[@wyattandwill12]

Having quality basics (ratchets and sockets) is awesome. I have Snapon 1/4" and 3/8" stuff while I'm not even a professional and I wouldn't say I regret it. The 18" Matco 3/8" ratchet I have is awesome but it's broken right now, waiting to get ahold of the Matco guy or if I can't get it warrantied being a second owner the rebuild kit is only around $35

[@NamNguyen-zv7zy]

Let appreciate the amount of time and effort he put to have this detailed video .guys

[@maxwedge5683]

No annoying music (except the sound of the engine) No words, perfect video. It's nice to see another professional mechanic with an assortment of tools ranging from Snap-On to Craftsman. Unfortunately, since I retired I've added a few Harbor Freight items...Sorry. I know you're professional because I saw blood.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

Totally spellbound. Soaked up every second. The video was incredibly well done with excellent cinematography, no music, narration, etc. For me, the efficiency of the action provided a vicarious sense of satisfaction at seeing the job completed, with great care taken to ensure everything was put together right, replaced with good components and sandblasted/painted to look all new. Loved it!

[@kevinhoodless4206]

No commentary or stupid gags, no time filler, just a quality mechanic doing quality work. Subbed 👍🏻

[@badger305]

From a retired mechanic, you did a damn fine job.

[@msc1064]

Wow great video. This guy knew what he was doing. He had all the right tools and more, and all the work was done inside, which make everything a whole lot better.

[@oldstudbuck3583]

Much respect to the incredibly talented mechanics out there. Always amazed watching this stuff.

[@JacksonGuitarsPlayer03]

Be doing FULL rebuild on a loved and much valued 2003 ram 1500 hemi with over 250k miles soon. Truck all original was well took care of and maintained throughout its life. 2 owner truck second being me obviously. Original owner a good friend that lives by my parents house. He kept maintenance up on it. Got it good tires, fluids, parts. Truck is not stock, it’s got a K&N air filter, hypertech tune, throttle kit, Gibson exhaust and headers stock catalytic converter. Powerhouse. Fast truck a lot of power. It’s got rough country 4 inch leveled. Rocking BFG all terrains with nice tread. Nothing ridiculous. Looks fantastic. Stock 17 inch alloy rims on it. No body mods. All stock body wise. Truck had rear fender and rocker panel rust (Northeast vehicle) i repaired all that. Left all the small dents it’s got it adds character. Just driving it and enjoying it. It’s more of a winter truck/ enjoyment vehicle now. Was a daily for many many years. The original owner drove it everyday. He didn’t have any other vehicle. I buy I drive it everyday. I let it chill though since it had 200k when I bought it. I basically put almost 60k on it. It still goes. I can get in it and fricken floor it and it’ll fly like a rocket. I’m driving it until it’s starting to loose power. It hasn’t been drove in a little bit. I just put high quality spark plugs in it. It’s chilling under my shed all cleaned up. Pretty soon it’ll get classic vehicle plate. Like your doing here I plan on giving that truck a full rebuild of all its mechanical bits. Everything on it still works and is good. Got plans for that old boah. Glad to see what your doing here with this ole jeep Cherokee

[@dustinlerch9272]

Best video yet of a tear down. No fluff and great angles. An ASMR quality to boot Now do the rest of it and film every bolt and connector !

[@rpbishop3079]

Obviously, something you were meant to do. No more or less than what was needed. Very well thought of and carried out. Thanks ! Now, if I can only come close ... in my driveway, in the winter, with maybe just a few flakes of snow lol. Thanks again.

[@elev8j10]

If this is a personal shop it's insane. This would be a dream shop for me. I would probably sleep in it. Cherokees take a beating and seeing bits fully restored is great.

[@dogleg6669]

You should get a brass drift for knocking out the bearing raise will prevent the possibility of damage to the bore should the punch slip. All in all a great job didn't see anything wrong with the work based on my 30 years experience as a mechanic. Love the channel.

[@RestorationStation]

Thanks

[@AvocatDude]

Enjoyable to watch these old four by fours get restored and saved for future generations. Thanks for the video enjoyed it.

[@thefamouslilyQ]

I try so hard to watch other restoration Channels but I find myself coming back to your channel and and rewatching videos because I love them so much! Every video i perfection I watch them all from start to finish it calms my anxiety and clears my head thanks for the superb content ! You’re my absolute favorite yt channel!

[@NO-background-music-in-videos.]

Love hearing the tools work. no music

[@tombair1401]

He makes everything look easy sign of a master craftsmanship

[@theshadow4292]

Nice mechanical work, nice presentation, nice commentary when needed, nice silence from all outside sources, nice video work. I am a fan already. Thank you, RS.

[@rossawood5075]

I note that appropriate rubber and brass hammers being utilised, especially to locate joints, I regret not listening to the old timers who taught me not to use my hands as hammers and not to place too much pressure on a short spanner with my thumbs, use a longer spanner, I now have thumbs thar easily dislocate and arthritic fingers, there's an appropriate tool for any job! Having said do what you have to do when caught out , oh and gloves for solvents and grease, our skin is the largest organ in the body and will absorb chemicals readily to our long term detriment. Excellent video by a well trained tradesman.

[@JoeShopper]

Looks like such a big job, it's hard to believe it took you less than 45 minutes to do it! Wow!

[@johnnyrocket6588]

It didn’t

[@JoeShopper]

@@johnnyrocket6588 Look. The job is done and the video is 42 minutes long. All the evidence is there.

[@johnnyrocket6588]

@@JoeShopper He obviously cuts the video in parts when he is sand blasting for example. He speeds the video up in certain places. He doesn’t show him completely underhauling the underbody of the jeep before reinstalling the axle. He does an excellent job. But the whole job did not take 45 minutes.

[@JoeShopper]

@@johnnyrocket6588 Are you saying that it took less than 45 minutes? I don't understand. The video is 42 minutes.

[@tacticalty9693]

@@JoeShopperJesus Christ… after editing ALL of the footage and putting what he wanted in the video after all said and don’t the video is 42 mins long. This process will take you much longer than 45 minutes I can assure you. Just because the video is 42 minutes long don’t mean it took him 42 mins. If there were no cuts or edits and it was just a solid video from start to finish you’d see how long it took. I honestly hope you’re just joking around, or just generally don’t have an idea of how editing works and why it is done. It’s common sense to most.

[@American_Jeeper]

I know some people hate on the Dana 30, but I love mine. You did a great job restoring yours. It really sucks that Jeep owners have to rely on either Crown or Omix for replacement parts. I don't know how it is on the XJ side of the house, but every Crown or Omix part I've ever bought for my CJ has been utter crap. The last Crown part I bought was a heater switch, and it burned out (literally) after three months. I found out that Indak, the original company that made the heater switches for AMC, was still in business and ordered one from them. The kicker is that is wasn't that much more than Crown's POS switch. The Omix fuel return line I bought didn't even have any of the right bends and was too short, yet they swore it was the right part number for my CJ.

[@Joannesyoga]

One of my favourite restoration channels. Talented filming. Fascinating when you know nothing about cars. Better TV than the BBC. The A-Team are lucky to have you. :)

[@terryrogers1025]

Love the power auto torque wrench!!!!!!!!😆

[@psychocyrus2046]

Awesome work. it`s so relaxing to watch how someone rebuild thing`s from the scrap

[@40beretta1]

What so many people don't realize... rust is alive...if you can, boil...that's right. Place the parts in boiling water or a hot steam box. Its chemistry man.

[@sonofculloden2]

Beautiful job. I love how people make comments like - “All that for a Dana 30.” Point being not all people require a 12 inch lift and heavy Dana 60 or 70. Cheers!

[@jagmasters7392]

The silence is golden. Your work is art. Favorite YT vid of 2021 so far. Thanks!

[@juanlopezpolanco3400]

it's impressive that work! congratulations, you are a grand master of mechanical! i love it all your vídeo about mechanic! I'm López, from Dominican Republic?

[@mltrymn1213]

39:38 "I torqued these safely off camera".... 🤣 don't we all....

[@saidulusattu3824]

Of uih

[@Stefibiza]

Thank you very much it will be very useful to me to motivate me and to redo my dana30 more cleanly this time....... A french guy

[@jackschitt7783]

Surely anyone that took the time to do all this thoroughly tested it. Lets see what it can do! That's a wicked suspension! Show the flex crawling big rocks. The gearing...is a perfect overall! Gotta show that off! (some day?) -Bert

[@markamick5452]

Wish more diy videos were like this with not a peep and just the sound of the tools…..great video

[@freeslave8824]

Watching this guy work is akin to watching someone manicure their Zen garden - Is it the technical skill, or the science, or the art or the love or...? I don't know. But it makes me feel good!

[@williamheary1700]

Oddly satisfying, and vary helpful. My Dana 30 is basically rusted beyond reasonable salvation so I get to do all of this to a not so holy assembly from the junkyard. Between this and the book, shouldn't be too bad to get right the first time.

[@datswhatiwastrynatellyall7062]

Not 1 word said. Still highly informative and entertaining to watch💯

[@jorgem6261]

When the torch was pulled out, I knew the struggle was real with that rust 🥲😂

[@ethanmcleod8819]

All the guys in the comments bashing the Dana 30, but don’t know how to wheel, pick terrible lines, treat their rigs like rock bouncers, and ideas of getting through something is using more skinny pedal. Listing to them diss the Dana 30 is like taking relationship advice from a bum who beats his wife.

[@hotshtsr20]

I wouldn’t go thaaaat far… But I have wheeled nearly every trail in the SW on a Dana 30 with stock shafts (welded caps), and have never had a failure. Treat it with respect and it’ll serve you well

[@RedRabbit4230]

Wow

[@RedRabbit4230]

, I'm not a Jeep guy here, but I do have a question to ask. I have a 3rd generation 4RUNNER. Mine is a 97. I recently got a lunch box locker. I'm not REALLY SURE, whether to place it in the front or the rear. Front is IFS. OF COURSE...WHERE WOULD YOU GUYS PLACE IT. NEVER EVER USED A LOCKER B4

[@ethanmcleod8819]

@@RedRabbit4230the lockers are generally differential specific but if you only have one, I’d go with the rear diff. Your rear axle is generally stronger and is less likely to twist or snap an axle shaft.

[@KingdomTrader]

I bought XJ with 2.5TD VM. Peoples bash same way that engine. But those who bash it drive it like they drive on 4.0l Gas, when diesel engine gotta be driven whole different way. Also they dont let engine balance temperatures before shutting it down. I have no cracked heads or any mixed fluid even tho i drive quite aggressive offroad, with slightly bigger turbo than stock.

[@بهمنسلامیزواره]

با سلام وغرض ادب از این همه سلیقه ودقت و تمیزی در کار بسیار خوشحال شدم ای کاش با این زحماتی که کشیده شده صدای استادکار محترم نیز بود به هرصورت ممنون بسیار از دیدن کار شما لذت بردم خودم هم در کارهام همینطور هستم .ممنون خست۷ نباشید

[@samiam7]

Watching the boots fill up with grease is very satisfying

[@calireelfishing2361]

Makes me want to go back to school for this

[@danaschoen432]

This was great. If you're up too it the Dana 60 would be a great project. Plenty of those out there as well! Thanks for the excellent videos.

[@ГретыйТумблерг]

Ааааааа !!! Аргоно-дуговая сварка неплавящимся электродом !!! Когда-то умел. Столько воспоминаний навалилось !!! :-) Aaaaaah !!! Argon arc welding with a non-melting electrode !!! I used to be able to. So many memories piled up!!! :-)

[@ДмитрийФакухин]

Nice work, thank you for video! I often use powder coat for my axle details, when rebuilding it. Looks nice and strong surface, but covering unpainted areas are pain in the ass:) Ford Dana 35 particularly:) Greetings from Russia!

[@ricksnowden8408]

Did this on my back at 65, no fun, great video

[@covid-20lit41]

I’m about 997% uncomfortable with the fact that you were nearly able to install the u joint caps by hand.

[@genoory5090]

This gave me so much insite when I do my solid axle swap project on my 2011 ford ranger fx4. I really appreciate this video. Its well put together, the editing is phenomenal! Shows all of every detail, as if you was right there. Excellent guys!

[@ГретыйТумблерг]

Хорошо поработал ! Может при очистке внутреннего пространства, где валы, нужно было добавить густой искусственной смазки ? Потом промыть консервирующим составом. Это бы значительно увеличило срок службы моста. Well done ! Maybe when cleaning the internal space where the shafts were, it was necessary to add a thick artificial lubricant ? Then rinse with a preservative composition. This would significantly increase the service life of the Front Axle. Сейчас выпускается столько полезной автомобильной "химии" но мало кто её использует и вообще знает о её возможностях. Прошу прощения за автоматический перевод, английский учил в школе. Сдал экзамен и забыл язык напрочь. There are so many useful automotive "chemicals" being produced now, but few people use it and generally know about its capabilities. I apologize for the automatic translation, I learned English at school. I passed the exam and forgot the language completely.

[@humantribe]

Nice job. Did the same about 20 years ago on my XJ because I bent the original D30. I'm still driving the XJ.

[@pqworks9019]

That was awesome!!!!! You did a crazy good job sandblasting and restoring all of the parts!

[@gerhardvanstaden389]

"click".... I love it. You make a new part feel ashamed. Keep it up. Remind me of BMW dealership days in the past

[@mr.zelice6924]

A masterpiece of a video! Well done. Could watch for hours.

[@DeanG55]

Great video! I could never even come close to any mechanical skills and work done here. But, it is a joy to watch!! Keep the videos coming!!

[@Максим-б9м5ь]

Смотрю второе видео по восстановлению мостов и не могу понять -- заливную пробку на редукторе вижу, а сливной пробки нет??? Хорошая работа! С нетерпением жду продолжения! I am watching the second video on the restoration of bridges and I cannot understand - I see the filler plug on the gearbox, but there is no drain plug ??? Good job! I look forward to continuing!

[@BBslider001]

Just WOW....elbow grease and ingenuity. Love it.

[@jaybee6970]

I would love to work for or with this guy. Master restorations!

[@Jpassione58]

This shit just fascinates me. When you have the right tools to do the job, it makes it so much easier.

[@cybergoth665]

I am in the beginning stages of starting mine. Going to be adding a truss, chromoly axles, and just over all beefing the whole thing up. Everyone tells me to just do one tons. Im just trying to clean up a Dana30/8.25 and beef them up. I dont do any crazy rock crawling and what not. mainly lite trails and mud. If I ever do rocks though I should be ok with what im doing.

[@hillbillyhicks8102]

I would at least jump up to a Dana 44. But a Dana 60 would be ideal. The Dana 30 and 35's are so fragile and weak. We also see the knuckles bow in words at the top giving you negative camber. We all ways are putting off set ball joints in to correct camber. They are just week axles in general same as Dana 44. What's strange Is the Ford f250 and f350 we hardly ever have to put cams in them for camber. But a dodge 2500 and 3500 which I believe is close to the same axle assembly will need off set ball joints just like the jeeps. At least ford's you can use can bushings.

[@sergegasteuil7843]

TRÈS BEAU TRAVAIL.BRAVO

[@toddperry9860]

Excellent video, I loved the no talking just good workmanship!

[@waltersempticowski1794]

first video I watch from this channel. This was the most amazing restoration video I've ever seen in my life. From Brazil.

[@jhonnySpecail]

very good work, everything was professional

[@mumzly1]

Ah the Jeep in its natural habitat, on a lift being fixed ;)

[@orgonomix]

A good job done there and very nicely shot and edited too well done man.

[@EricAbbottTri]

Videos like this make me think I can do my own car work. I absolutely can NOT

[@bakDp]

Все отлично выглядит. Регулировка редуктора заслуживает уважения. Но смазка опор ступиц и наконечников рулевых тяг портит общее впечатление. Четко видно как во время смазывания выдавливается пыльник верхней опоры. Из за избытка смазки пыльник наконечников рулевых тяг значительно раздувается что приведет к его быстрому разрушению.

[@dougwestphal7003]

Dude, You gotta really awesome tool box. Not 1 single tool used incorrectly. And you fabed some parts better than new! Awesome 😎

[@Dfull86]

That Xj is going to be mint! Great work!

[@udi112]

Im more impressed with the level of logistics and organizing you did

[@evan_alexanderr]

I’m jealous of the lack of rust on this jeep

[@gamingtheorigin6639]

he's probably doing a complete build that's probably why hardly any rust

[@stefanitha]

I really enjoyed every bolt, nut and shim of it!

[@BigMikeRobinsonFJB]

That rusty axles looks exactly like a brand new axle on a 2021 Ford F-150.

[@firstdaddy]

Antiseize is not an addiction, it is a way of life. 👍

[@pakautowheels]

Amazing work

[@jonesallu]

OTC tools - the absolute best! Wow. Top notch work.

[@LittleMikeStarCraft]

It is amazing what sand blasting can take off; damn.

[@AsitShouldBe]

Very nice work , collaugue, greetings from Italy!

[@larrybutner3826]

0 m7

[@larrybutner3826]

8

[@HBButler01]

What a beauty!

[@pakautowheels]

Amazing work

[@124marsh]

That OTC tool that looks like a clamp is a real time saver!!

[@edgardopanameno3828]

Sorprendente todo el trabajo que se lleva, algun dia quiero hacer reparaciones asi por ahora estudio 2º año de mecanica automotriz

[@BlaserTactical]

Beautiful work. As cherry on top, I would recommend cutting zip-ties flush with a Knipex Superknips.

[@NotSoGoodGamer18]

He got the rear axle done now it’s time for the front. And then he’s gonna get the rest of the Car done

[@mikolajrychlicki4866]

@@ghostlylurker8353 naw it’s a xj gotta patch the rust holes first

[@truesurf]

Quality tools make quality sounds

[@evan__kumar]

La Jedi master’s technology

[@catchulater7483]

It only took a cpl of minutes of watchin the video to tell i had found someone that knows what the hell they’re doin. Seems like now-a-days every idiot that has a cell or camera thinks they know what the fk they are doin. Most of the time that is NOT the case. Refreshing! Thanks.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

Sure is nice to have the proper tools to pull all the ball joints and bushings instead of pickle forks, big hammers, and chisels. I might not have minded taking them off the old rust buckets I owned if I hadn’t had to beat them like rented mules.

[@charlescastillo8870]

Those ball joint pullers were awesome, sure saves a lot of busted knuckles and F bombs.

[@scottcates]

Looks like a fun afternoon

[@patdino222]

you have a great talent.

[@juanlopezpolanco3400]

wow, master, I don't get tired of seeing him! you are very good at your job!

[@locomike102]

Great video--the only question is why you didn't upgrade to a locker when you had it all apart?

[@Ancient_Souls]

Maybe the man wants to keep it “Originale”

[@Zoofactory]

Great Teacher does this on a silent sacred mountain top high in the Himalayas. 🙏

[@brodybud]

"should have done this, should have done that" but for real. aftermarket outer axle seals are cool :p

[@MegaItso]

I really liked your way of working champion ...... excellent mechanic

[@adailtoncamposrochacamposr8759]

Excelente trabalho! Ótimo Profissional!👋👋👋

[@pamelasteburg6006]

That is now a thing of beauty.

[@WatchWesWork]

Jeepers, what the F stop on that lens?

[@RestorationStation]

A comment from Wes? The last thing I need is someone who actually knows what they're doing watching one of my weirdo ASMR videos... It's a Panasonic GH5 camera with the Vario II 12-35mm lens (F 2.8) and lots of lighting. You need a low f stop and/or lots of light to shoot at 60 frames per second

[@WatchWesWork]

@@RestorationStation Nice. I run the same lens on my G85 at 30 FPS, but I don't think it looks nearly as good! These videos are pretty enjoyable. I just like poking fun at the ASMR weirdos!

[@RestorationStation]

Thanks! I will say the cheap (compared to the camera) 96 CRI light stands I got on amazon make a huge difference in color quality, but they're a pain in the ass to move around and I frequently knock them over and have to cobble them back together

[@kaankaskara6448]

Hamama gitsem böyle rahatlamam heralde. İçim rahatladı saol koca yürekli sanayici.