D27 to D30 front swap on 67 CJ5

[CJrider67]

I am wanting to do a front axle swap on my CJ5 from the D27 to Dana 30 with disk brakes. Just wanting to get some info on what I need to look for and what mods, if any, will need to be done with this swap. It currently has drum brakes on the front. Will there be any upgrades that need done going from drum to disk? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tarry99]

Easy swap........the early Dana 30 's through about 1984-85 or so have the same width springs. and will bolt right in. These will be narrow tracks...The axle is 1.5" wider per side......later than 85 they went to a wide track axle which is another 3" wider although spring perches should still be the same at 28" Center to Center.
If you can find a 77-78 Dana 30 out of a CJ5 that had the Big Disc brake option all the better........that is a single large piston caliper and a 6 bolt Heavy duty mount with 1.250" wide vented rotors. The same package also came with Warn premium 6-bolt hubs.........there around I see them from time to time in Jeep wrecking yards.
Or you can find a standard early Dana 30 and add an aftermarket Disc brake kit from folks like R&P out of Portland, Ore. Yes you'll need a Proportioning valve and Master Cylinder if yours is still the old version, most disc upgrades for the Jeep used the 11" drums in the back.

Steering will have to be addressed if you still have the old Ross buggy style steering.........a Saginaw gear and better yet a Power system can also be installed at the same time.........the Ross can be used but I'm sure you have already figured out the muscle it takes to steer one.

Gear ratios will more than likely have to be changed also to match as during that era most Dana 30 's had taller freeway gears...........just have to check what you have.

 

[caveman]

The last year of the narrow track axles was 1981. 82 to 85 were a little wider and in 87 they went even wider in the YJs. You will also need a proportioning valve as the disc brakes need a different amount of fluid to work than the drums on back. Inline Tube Part VML101 - Brake Proportioning Valve - Fits 1977 to 1978 CJ - 4 Wheel Drive