Dana 30 swap ?

I am working on swapping in a front Dana 30 in place of the Dana 27 in my 67' cj5 and would like to hear form folks that have done a similar swap. I have read all about Lynn's experience and was wanting to know if I am to include shims under the springs. I currently run a shankle reversal with no shims and I want to retain the good road manners. Will swapping in the D30 without shims affect the caster? Because the axle tube diameter is larger than the D27, it looks like I will need to purchase new ubolts and spring plates. One problem that I see is that later year spring plates for the D30 have the shock mount behind the axle. This is no good since I want to retain my shock location in front of the axle. I suppose I could simply oval out the rear bolt holes on my D27 spring plates to match the new u bolts, but I don't want to risk safety. Any thoughts or recommendations?

 

I swapped in a dana 30 from a 77 cj5, it had disk brakes. I did make new spring plates for mine though.

You can buy the spring plates that are made for dual shocks and just cut the rear bolt off. Some guys just get new u bolts and drill the holes out in there dana 27 plates as you mentioned though. I had to add castor shims to get my jeep to track nicely down the road and keep it from wandering. With a shackle reversal I have no idea if you will need them though.

 

Wow! Those look just right. How about you drop them in that box there sitting on and ship them to me. I'll even pay for shipping!!!

Really though, thanks for the info. I'm not apposed to fabing my own, I am just limited on time, steel, and a torch to heat and bend the plate with.

 

When I did my swap. I didn't use any shims under under the axle. I even used the stock spring plates without having to open the holes up.

I did have too lengthen the front driveline. Did anyone else have this problem? Or did I just not measure right when I built it when I put in the SM465.:?