Dana 30 truss

[Baseshakers]

So I'd like to beef up my Dana 30. who's installed an axle truss? Do I need to go to an experienced welder or could I do it myself? I'm looking at this one: http://tntcustoms.com/dana30nondisconnect.aspx

or do I go cheap? http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.m ... ode=BP-B_S

[Hoodoo Man]

Id go for the TNT. the price and fab on the Rustys make it look like it wont do too much and that looks like it only covers one side of the axle housing... TNT is much beefier looking...

[ZAEDOCK]

It looks like either would need experienced welding. The cast weld on the centersection would need a high nickle rod and pre/post heating.

Have you had the urge to jump your Jeep? Just curious why you need the truss. I know the 30 isn't the strongest axle on earth, but unlike a typical semi float rear axle whose shafts are the inner race for the outer bearings (and thus support weight), the shaft isn't affected by slight deflection of the housing during flex. In fact, the shaft moves fore/aft slightly when you turn.

All this crap said; I would go with the TNT truss simply because it looks more badass.

[Baseshakers]

maybe...



i don't plan to do that again anytime soon. that being said, i've heard that the dana 30 tube is the weak point, and flexing/bending of the tube can lead to other damage. any idea what it would cost to get it welded up? I'm assuming I would have to strip the axle (including carrier?)

[DDewar53]

Lou has mentioned to me in the past that he didn't care for Rusty's stuff. Besides, it looks like the Rusty's only covers the long side. I'd go with the TNT, looks better and stronger.

Like Joe said - you're technically welding dissimilar metals - Cast Iron center case to steel truss. You'll want an educated, experienced welder for that. I don't know where you live, but if you're on the South Shore there's a voc-tech school in Hanover that might take it on as a demo for students. I know the instructor, he's GOOD

[johnsxj]

The TNT truss doesn't weld onto the cast center section!
But you'll be spending about $290 once the upper mounts are added to the cost.

[Baseshakers]

i'm wondering if i can get away with buying just the basic truss, and then maybe adding some scrap to further beef up the current mounts. i'd also obviously like to weld the whole thing up myself if i can same some $.

[norstar]

Spend the money and buy the TNT with both upper mounts. It'll come to you in one piece and all you have to do is weld it to the tube. Oh wait, you have to cut off both factory upper mounts first. I'll be buying a complete TNT setup for my HP44.

BTW, if you want to weld it yourself and need a strong 220V welder with C25 setup. You're welcome to come by my house.

[ZAEDOCK]

If it were mine, I'd definitely weld to the center section. It will be stronger.

[ZAEDOCK]

I was doing some digging on the site.

Yummy: http://tntcustoms.com/dana44cvaxlesetno ... indle.aspx

[norstar]

I think the gap at the center section is too big for welding on the HP44. Don't know about the D30.

If it were mine, I'd definitely weld to the center section. It will be stronger.

[ZAEDOCK]

Fill the gap silly.

[Frank]

Dont you guys think they thought of that when making it . There might be a reason to leave a gap. I know you have to pay attention to the amount of heat in any area as it will pull things out of line. The newer Mig machines will do a fine job. We have certified welders in the club . To bad he lives in my state. Road trip ! FjR68

[nostaw]

Dont you guys think they thought of that when making it . There might be a reason to leave a gap. I know you have to pay attention to the amount of heat in any area as it will pull things out of line. The newer Mig machines will do a fine job. We have certified welders in the club . To bad he lives in my state. Road trip ! FjR68

I realize you're certifiable, but I didn't know you were certified...

JW

[Frank]

Actually, for several things. One Im proud of is a plaque from the National Trucking Inst. for logging a million safe miles with an 18 wheeler . FjR68