Topic: High pinion 30 and an atlas

[stan98tj]

As I begin to finalize the plans for my build , I've raised some questions about my front end. I have a high pinion Dana 30, sleeved with rcv shafts, locked with an eaton selectable and geared to 4.56. I plan on swapping that into the LJ. Will the atlas 4speed t-case be too much for the axle to handle? I plan on 35s. I really don't want to run tons. My buddy beat on this very axle without the shafts or sleeves on 35s and it never failed him. What do you guys think?

[Jeffy]

It depends on how you drive.  If you beat on them and use a lot of wheel spin then no.  Although if you're running compound low with an Atlas 4 then it would be silly to drive that way.  It's the jerking and the shock from spinning and then hooking up that will break stuff.  If you drive with finesse and like to idle up stuff then it shouldn't be a problem.

[stan98tj]

It depends on how you drive.  If you beat on them and use a lot of wheel spin then no.  Although if you're running compound low with an Atlas 4 then it would be silly to drive that way.  It's the jerking and the shock from spinning and then hooking up that will break stuff.  If you drive with finesse and like to idle up stuff then it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks Jeffy,
Just going through the usual processes of brainstorming a build. You get your idea, do a bit of research and then the questions start popping up and a little doubt creeps in haha.
I think I'm going to truss the front as well just in case. The thing that had me worried most was the amount of torque applied to the pinion. I do not romp on the jeep and I'd prefer to idle over stuff. Im running a tom woods shaft up front, I'd like to make sure the driveshaft can handle the torque as well.

[Jeffy]

Well, I think it's always best to have your U-joints as the weak link.  I don't think you'll have any issues though.  The front takes less stress since most of the weight is in the back and as you climb, the weight shifts further back.  A truss will help the housing from flexing but won't really help with the torque.  Swapping to a D44 for the larger pinion and ring gear would though.  I think it's pretty rare to be using compound low anyway and in those cases you're going really slow and basically idling over stuff.  Tires will probably break traction before anything else does.

[neale_rs]

Same here,  it depends on how you drive.   Some people enjoy being hard on the vehicle and are willing to live with breaks but for me it has always been about driving  carefully and getting back home with no problems.

[stan98tj]

Same here,  it depends on how you drive.   Some people enjoy being hard on the vehicle and are willing to live with breaks but for me it has always been about driving  carefully and getting back home with no problems.

Neale, what have you used the lowest gear on? Coming down obstacles? 10.9:1 is super low , I figure i prob won't use it much, but I like the option of having 2.72:1 and 4:1 when I want it.

[neale_rs]

Probably the best use was on a climb that required a lot of spotting (because I could not see the ground at all and had to go really slow) and it was very steep so having the Jeep roll back while using the clutch would have been pretty bad.  Another time it was on an off-camber section with a dropoff and it just felt safer to go really slow so there would be no bouncing or surprise moves.  If you have it you will find some uses at least once in a while.

[Bounty Hunter]

Many find their ring and pinion is the weak link when going to 35" tires, a locker, and low gearing.  The torque monster engine won't help any.