Suspension

[Straight6]

I have always wanted and am now looking for an EB, but this time I'm doing a little research before I buy. If I'm going to be doing only mild wheeling, mud and hills no climbing, with a tire size of no more than 32" is it necessary to change to a Dana 44 from a Dana 30? Will I need to lift the EB if I put 32" tires on it?

Also, I have heard that Ford used ball bearings on the rear axle if so is it an easy swap to go to roller bearings? Any other advice would be welcome.

 

[S_bolt19]

If I'm going to be doing only mild wheeling, mud and hills no climbing, with a tire size of no more than 32" is it necessary to change to a Dana 44 from a Dana 30?

Theroretically, no you shouldn't have to change out axles. Realistically? Yes you should change out axles. I had a 68 w/the D30 and 30" tires and shattered the front gears on a dirt road with very little throttle. The D30 has about 1/2 the strength that the 44 does. Personal opinion, but I would find a rig w/a 44 instead of a 30. It will save you about $500 worth of parts & headaches. 71 is when they started putting 44s under them.

Will I need to lift the EB if I put 32" tires on it?

Yeah, you will. A 3.5" lift will get it done and you shouldn't have to cut the fenders. BUT you sacrafice axle articulation if you keep the fenders stock.

Also, I have heard that Ford used ball bearings on the rear axle if so is it an easy swap to go to roller bearings?

Never heard of that one before. Even my 48 Willys Jeep has roller bearings on all 4 corners. Unless I missed out somewhere or they used a "Japanese Model" :^o 9" rearend, you got roller bearings to deal with. But hey, stranger things have been done before and I have been wrong too.

 

[Bully Bob]

I know this suprises Bolt but,.....I've been runn'n ('66 EB) a stock Dana 30 for 14 yrs. here in this rough & rocky desert. (the prev. owner ran it for at least 10 yrs. Prior) To date, not even a loose kingpin.... /

I've opened many a can of "wup-ass" on Jeeps, L. Cruisers & now the Rubicons. Oh, I run 456's in the pumpkins & that's supposed to be somewhat harder on the axles.

When I got it, it was NOT lifted & had 32's on it. The back has flares & the front is stock except the wheel-well front & rear inner lips are cut-back & trimmed to stop tire rub in tight turns. BUT, some EB's just sit lower in the front than others. Mine was level so the tires cleared.

Sooooooo, If you end up with a rig with a D-30 & it's in good shape....run it..! If it ever gives you a problem, then it's decision time.

(When my front bushings all rotted & blew out, I went ahead did a 2-1/2" lift as the rear spgs. were history as well)

No, there is no 9" rear axles with ball bearings. However, there is small bearing & large bearing (HD) axle shafts/housings.

HTH

Go for it....

Bob

 

[Broncoholics]

The D30 holds up ok with 33's or less. A few friends run 35's but do break axles and king pins here and there.

If you can find a Bronco with a D44 on it you will be much happier. Look for Disc brakes, pwr steering as it will save $$$ in the long run. The 9" small or large bearing will hold up fine. Don't worry about what lift is on it cause most out there need to be replaced with more modern style coils anyhow. Also look for rust on the floor boards, rockers, wheel wells, body mounts etc. Most any Bronco is a good starting point it just depends on how deep your pockets go. Once you get one you will find yourself in the "Broncomaddness" mode. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />