Axle Swap

I've got a 68 CJ5 (all stock)

I would like to swap out my axles. I believe a NT Dana 30 is a direct bolt in for the front. Is that true. What would be a good axle swap that does not require much mods.

I also will be swaping out my drivetrain. I have an idea of what I want. What are some swap you all have done that you were very happy with.

 

Take a look at this write-up from the Technical Library. I have plans to swap the front end from a '79 CJ-7 into my M38-A1, but haven't started yet, so have no first hand advice. Lynn's write-up is thorough, and he probably wouldn't mind answering questions you may have after you've read his article.

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/axle/lynn_model30.php

 

Heres what I did on mine.
If you have a v6 you will need to change the yoke on your transfercase to the large style that is on the 4 cylinder model, easy to find. I used the driveshaft from the same 77 cj5 that I got my dana 30 from and shortened the driveshaft. The v6 Jeeps use smaller front u joints than the 4 cylinder model and the dana 30 comes with these larger units.The front axle will physically bolt up but the stock dana 27 spring plates aren't a perfect match as the tubes on the dana 30 are slightly larger. Some guys stretch the bolts around the axle or elongate the holes. I simply made a new set of spring plates with the shock mounts on the front and the holes located in the right spot. It is a fairly easy swap and a really good one, mainly for the brakes and the turning radius is a big plus. Plus the axle won't leak on the driveway anymore.
A straight on photo after the swap:

A photo of the spring plates I made: