I'm thinking about swapping in a solid front axle into my 88 Bronco II, I've found a Dana 30 front a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same gears and the same side diff. I'm thinking about using leaf springs instead of trying to remake the coil spring suspension, does anyone have any ideas on whether or not his will work? Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks
The Mudslug.

 

everything works if you have time, patience and tools to do it with. If you check out therangerstation.com they have a good write up in the tech libary section on Solid Axle Swaps

 

Not sure about the front suspension on a Grand Cherokee as far as if it's coil or not, but if so, and it's like the Wrangler TJ ('96-up) and the Cherokee XJ, it'd be easier to keep it coil sprung, because if I remember right, the coil buckets/pedestals are pretty close in width. You'll just have to get taller springs than you need and cut off the smaller ends with a chop saw so the ends are both the same diameter so the bottom ends will go into the retainers on the axle easier, etc. There are other options as far as axle swaps as well, if you want to totally customize and mod your drivetrain and suspension. Just my $0.02.

 

> Not sure about the front suspension on a Grand Cherokee as far as if it's coil or not

Coil with what passes as a wimpy radius arm that bends when you lift it with a floor jack.

Leaf springs not recommended on a Bronco II because they would have to be so short, yet still support weight, they would be rather stiff. Be like using a trailer spring and at 27" eye to eye, they might fit :-)

 

You can always beef up the suspension links for the Grand Cherokee axle and adapt them to the BII frame. Leaf spring options include CJ/YJ springs or even EB rear springs, although I'd be more apt to vote for keeping it coil sprung.

 

why coil over leaf?

 

> why coil over leaf?

Better ride and a coil will flex more off road then a short stiff leaf spring pack.

FWIW: I do not think the Dana 30 is any stronger then the Dana 27. It looks smaller, maybe because the TTB makes the Dana 27 look bigger?

After upgrading the axle and components (such as the suspension links ...) what you have is a marginal axle replacing a marginal axle.

If anything I would go Dana 35 TTB or Dana 44 straight axle.

 

i have heard that the dana 35 ttb from an explorer is just as strong (if not stronger) than the dana 30, plus it should be a near bolt in swap, personally, I would rather go that route

 

I've heard the D35 TTB is about as strong as a D44. I believe the outers use the same parts. If you're set on a SAS, don't waste your time w/ a D30. D44 would be a much better choice. The D30 might be set up now the way you want, but if it grenades you're back to the drawing board. Upgrade to a D44 or if not, find a D35 TTB to swap in. I think coils w/ rad arms would work better than leafs and be easier to install.

 

Unless he's planning on going taller than 36" tires, the D30 will hold up. Worst case, he grenades it and spends the $$$ on a Super 30 kit and beefier axle shafts. My buddy's Heep Wrangler has a 30 with locker running 35" Creepy Crawlers with the axle trussed and he beats the crud out of it, and it holds up fine. OH... and since when was it a Dana 27 TTB up front? I thought it was a 28... must be thinking of an OLD Jeep CJ....