Subcategories
Dana 30
Okay, listen up folks. The Dana 30 can be a tricky beast to figure out because it's been around for a long time (since the 1960's) and came in many variations.
In order of appearance it was the...
- Dana 30 Standard Cut
- Dana 30 Reverse Cut
- Dana 30 Crush Sleeve
- Dana 30 Short Pinion
- Dana 30 HD
- Dana 30 JK
The Standard Cut model first showed up in the 1966 Bronco and by the early 1970's it was used in the front of all Jeep vehicles and the International Harvester Scout II. All Dana 30 gears up to 1984 were standard cut.
The Reverse Cut model (sometimes called the "High Pinion" or "HP") first showed up in the 1984-99 Cherokee XJ and was also used in the Wrangler YJ and Comanche MJ.
The Crush Sleeve model was used on the 1992-96 Grand Cherokee ZJ and intermitently on the 1999-04 Grand Cherokee WJ and 2001-up Explorer IFS vehicles.
The Short Pinion model first showed up on the 1997 Wrangler TJ. It was also used on the 2000-01 Cherokee XJ and mid-1996-98 Grand Cherokee ZJ.
The HD model was used intermitently on the 1999-04 Grand Cherokee WJ and 2001-up Explorer IFS vehicles
The JK model was used on non-Rubicon Wrangler JK vehicles.
These variations feature a 7.20-7.625 inch ring gear diameter (depending on version), 26- or 27-spline pinion, 10 ring gear bolts, and carrier breaks typically at 3.73 (3.73+ higher numerically requires specific carrier), with common ratios ranging from 3.07 to 5.38+ for optimizing tire size, torque, and off-road crawl vs. highway manners. Known for its lightweight design, strength in stock form (especially high-pinion reverse cut for better driveshaft angles and strength), and massive aftermarket support, the Dana 30 excels in Jeep front axles from CJ through modern Wrangler but often needs upgrades like stronger shafts, bearings/seals rebuilds, regearing for larger tires (popular 4.10-4.88+), or traction devices (lockers/limited slips) to handle abuse—high-pinion swaps remain a favorite for improved performance without full axle replacement. Browse a wide variety of high-quality Dana 30 axle components—including precision bearings, heavy-duty shafts, ring and pinion gear sets in various ratios, traction devices like lockers, and installation kits—to help you rebuild, strengthen, or customize your Dana 30-equipped Jeep for maximum reliability and trail-ready capability across all its variations.