D30 Bearing / Knuckle options

[yyc_tbird_sc]

I picked up a HP D44 from a '79 Bronco for $50. Had it shortened for a case of beer (shortened exaclty 6"). Picked up a set of chromoly axles for $400 (okay, so they're chinese chromoly...). E-Locker for $630. Gears and rebuild kit was probably $250. All new ball joints, u-joints, bearings, seals, brakes, etc...probably $400. Time to setup it all up and get it ready to go in...not sure, never tracked my time. Total cost...probably around $1700-$1800. Of course I'm also going with a radius arm suspension (Cage radius arms), and it's going into my ranger....

I'm sure that with alot of people going with D60's in their rigs, that their existing D44's are available for a decent price....

[tubby]

I'm getting pretty set on the 44 swap, despite what Noel was trying to tell me

Ahhh ! The ol' Dana30 vs Dana44 debate !

I bust my little thirty and go to the wrecker and get another for $50 and bolt that puppy back in. I carry spare shafts and unit bearings(and Holy Water) Minimal downtime and back to wheeling. The 44 swap that you are considering makes sense since it'll go well with that spooled Ford 9" that I sold you. Good luck with your build my friend !

[FiEND]

that about sums it up.  HP D30 beefed up is close enough to D44 for strength that when you add the PnP option for parts and stuff, it's worth it for a lot of people.

[rws]

I have done a conversion similar to the 5x5.5  Warn package on my very polished Turdy.    So far so good.

As to the HP30 vrs D44 debate.    By the time I had done my axle I had several thousand dollars into it with gears,locker,truss,etc and I am quite happy with it. HOWEVER if I was to do it again I would also look hard at the D44 options.