Sport Model Axle Strength

mecmar44

Jeep Newb
Ground clearance was an issue with the JKU that I had so I would like to do lift and tires first and build from there. With that being said, I would like to run a Metalcloak 3.5" lift and 37's. I know the sport will be limited but is there any word on what the sport model axles can handle? I know plenty of people have ran 37's or larger on Rubicons but I haven't heard much about the sport models. I've seen a couple pictures of sport models on 37's but nothing about the longevity. My JLU will see limited daily driving and usually only makes it to the trails about once a month right now.

I know I will need to re-gear and want to add air or e-lockers but don't want to throw money away by upgrading the factory axles if that money could go towards something better. What are your thoughts?
 

The NotARubicon

Jeep Owner
ASSUMING the JL Sport is using the same Dana 30 front axle as in the JK:
It wont last long on 37's.. This is based on my experience running 35's and wheeling hard on a D30. Even though it was sleeved and had heavy duty Cs, I still bent it and blew out the gears twice. I upgraded to a Dana Spicer Ultimate 44 before going to 37s ...

FYI/Be aware.. Some people will tell you that you can put 40's on a D30 with no problem, others will tell you a D30 with 35's will explode...
Hopefully my actual experience will give you some guidance..
 
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BUSHMASTER22

Jeep Newb
What do you think the best locker on a budget is for a D30. I have a 44 rear and I will be putting A 44 in the front when I find one. But I really want a locker for my front until then I also don’t want to break the bank for something I plan on getting rid of
 

mecmar44

Jeep Newb
ASSUMING the JL Sport is using the same Dana 30 front axle as in the JK:
It wont last long on 37's.. This is based on my experience running 35's and wheeling hard on a D30. Even though it was sleeved and had heavy duty Cs, I still bent it and blew out the gears twice. I upgraded to a Dana Spicer Ultimate 44 before going to 37s ...

FYI/Be aware.. Some people will tell you that you can put 40's on a D30 with no problem, others will tell you a D30 with 35's will explode...
Hopefully my actual experience will give you some guidance..
From what I've read, its very similar to the JK D30, it is an M186 which comes out to 7.32" ring gear vs the D30's ~7.125". A friend of mine is running 37's on his JK D30 without issues. It has been open until recently adding an ARB air locker, granted he is easy on the skinny pedal. I know a guy with a Sport like mine and he just blew out his front gears running only 35's.

What do you think the best locker on a budget is for a D30. I have a 44 rear and I will be putting A 44 in the front when I find one. But I really want a locker for my front until then I also don’t want to break the bank for something I plan on getting rid of
I don't like to spend money twice, i'd rather wait and buy once, cry once so to speak. Your best bet would be to put a selectable locker in there, but at the same time I'd hate to buy a locker for a D30, only to have to buy one for a D44, D60, etc down the road. As for the best locker on a budget, you'lI want to look at lunchbox lockers. I was looking at putting a powertrax no slip in my Cherokee.
 

The NotARubicon

Jeep Owner
A friend of mine is running 37's on his JK D30 without issues. e.
I have a friend that's been driving for 10 years, and has never been in a wreck.. This does not mean he wont be in a wreck tomorrow..
My point is: Usually there are no issues, then, there is an issue..
I think everyone would agree: 37's on a D30 is pushing it.
 

mecmar44

Jeep Newb
I think everyone would agree: 37's on a D30 is pushing it.
Its hard for me to say without having any first hand experience. It seems like the consensus is if you look at a D30 wrong its going to break. I know I want to run 37's but wasn't sure what was absolutely necessary to get there. Sure I could jump straight to 1-tons, but that's a pretty big step and one that most people wont be able to make with a new Jeep.
 

The NotARubicon

Jeep Owner
No need to jump to 1-tons.. A D44 would hold up just fine.. but, that's not cheap either..
You could put 37's on your D30 knowing/planning that it will probably break at some point and just plan on getting your 1-tons/D44 if/when that happens.. If it never happens, great.. But when it does, at least you're ready for it.
That's been my M.O. for most things.. only upgrade after I break it.. I broke my D30 2 or 3 times before I upgraded it..
 
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