Traction Control Differential For Older Dana Axles

Hi everyone:
I am going to upgrade my front and rear differentials in my 71 cj5 (Dana 44 rear Dana 27 front). I have read the many discussions already posted, but have not seen much for the front Dana 27. I am not looking at the full lockers, but think the limited slip variety would better serve my needs. Any info on the front and rear would be greatly appreciated Thanks !!!

 

Basically the only limited slip available for the 27 I'm aware of is the Powerlock. Arguably one of the best units anyway. The rub is they have been out of production for quite a long time so you will need to find a used or rebuilt unit. They show up from time to time on eBay, on here, Hermtheoverdriveguy sometimes has them as does R&P occasionally. You need to match the unit to what gear ratio you have. 4.27-1 down to 5.38-1 units are the most available.


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The best upgrade for the D27 is the D30. Multiple locker and LS choices, much better turning radius, and substantially stronger. Your JEEP is the last year for the D27, maybe the last half year. A D30 is basically a bolt up and will at least have 11" drum brakes, could have disks, and an easy swap if it doesn't. Your money would be best spent there.

 

Sound advice up above there.

"If I had only known then what I know now..."

...I wouldn't have spent a nickel upgrading my D27. The D30 are basically "throw away" axles in the "bigger is better" Pirate-type crowd. Find yourself a disc D30, throw in some gears and a locker (bazillion to choose), and don't look back.

 

Many people have said that the D27 is nearly as strong as the D30. I wouldn't know - I switched to the 30 so I could put in the lockers . . . .

Note that an "easy" swap for some people is not really that easy for others.

 

I run a Detroit in the rear and PowerLok in the front. Works pretty well for my needs but every once in a while I would like a "true" locking front diff. I would not change the rear for anything.
Randy's sells a "lock right" that I have considered. http://www.ringpinion.com/b2c/Parts...delID=372&Side=Front&DriveType=4WD&DiffID=114
I figure I could sell the power lock to fund the lock right. Seems to be a toss up at this point. I decided to wait until I grenade the D27 and build a D30 with the parts I want. (ARB, etc...)

 

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like the Dana 30 is the way to go. Any years to look for ? Also is the dana 30 wider than my 27? If so any issues?

 

It is wider (3") 1.5" on each side, but it goes unnoticed for the most part. To widen the overall stance I added 1.5" spacers to the rear wheels on Pete, but it is not necessary. You want a D30 NT (Narrow track), years '72-'83 in CJ5s maybe later in CJ7s but don't quote me on that. The best years in my opinion would be '77-'78. They have 6 bolt caliper backing plates (if disk) and 6 bolt lockout hubs.