dana 30 to 44 conversion for a daily driver?

[casadejohnson]

My dana 30 needs some seals and probably a couple bearings. Is there any reason to convert to a 44? I know the 44 is stronger but this is on a 66 U13, its uncut and it has 31's. The bronco is my daily driver so it does not see much off road time. I'm not thinking the 44 is really necessary in this case. Any opinions on this? I'm thinking of just tearing into the 30 and rebuilding.

 

[Broncobowsher]

It might be cheaper to find a good one that someone took out.

For your needs it sounds like a 30 will be fine. It has lived for 40 plus years, I don't see any reason for it to suddenly be too weak now. Tire size is reasonable and I doubt it will get any real abuse being a daily driver.

 

[broncnaz]

X2 You dont need increased strenght for what your doing.
A bronco D30 is a lot easier and cheaper to come by than a bronco 44. I'd stick with the 30 a couple of bearings and seals are a piece of cake.

 

[airbur]

One reason to upgrade would be to get a '76 or '77 Dana 44 with factory disc brakes. That's what I just did....but admit I was lucky to find one.

 

[Socal Tom]

Keep it until it breaks.
Tom

 

[Pa PITT]

I say keep the Dana 30 ..Running Buddie says he like the feel of his old D30 better than the Dana44 we swapped into.

 

[casadejohnson]

One reason to upgrade would be to get a '76 or '77 Dana 44 with factory disc brakes. That's what I just did....but admit I was lucky to find one.

I already have disc brakes on it so I'm not concerned about that. I was just wondering if there was any other reason to make the swap. If I had a pile of money, I could put 60's under my 74 and move that dana 44 over;D .....but I don't have that much idle cash so I'm thinking I'll freshen up the 30 and call it good.

 

[br0nc0xrapt0r]

build a custom set of 609's with all new components from ballistic and spidertraxx that should do it.

 

[Madgyver]

Keep the 30 since it already has disc brakes. It is strong enough for a daily driver. Replace the bearings and seals with new parts, while your at it replace the ball joints too.
It should last you another 40 years.

 

[casadejohnson]

Keep the 30 since it already has disc brakes. It is strong enough for a daily driver. Replace the bearings and seals with new parts, while your at it replace the ball joints too.
It should last you another 40 years.

I wish it had ball joints to replace. I have done them many times. This bad boy has King Pins. I don't think they will be any harder than ball joints, I just have never replaced/rebuilt king pins before.

 

[Tito]

Keep the 30, no reason to go to a 44 that will also need the new seals, etc as well. A 30 will last a long time up there, nothing wrong with it, especially in a DD or cruiser.

 

[ol gray mare]

I wish it had ball joints to replace. I have done them many times. This bad boy has King Pins. I don't think they will be any harder than ball joints, I just have never replaced/rebuilt king pins before.

I think the king pins are easier than the ball joints, having done both.