Yukon Gear Replacement Standard Open Carrier Case For Dana 30 / 3.73+

When a Dana 30 front axle starts eating spider gears, clunks every time the hubs or the axle disconnect engage, or the ring gear bolts will not hold torque, the carrier case is often the real problem. The Yukon Gear and Axle YC D706008 is a new standard open carrier case for Dana 30 axles geared 3.73 and numerically higher. It is the case-only version: you get the machined case, and you move over or buy new spider gears, side gears, carrier bearings and hardware. It suits Jeep owners rebuilding a Cherokee XJ, Wrangler TJ or YJ, CJ, Grand Cherokee or Liberty front axle, and anyone with a Dana 30 that has been regeared deeper for bigger tires.

What the carrier case does in a Dana 30

Everything in the center section hangs on the case. The ring gear bolts to its flange, a carrier bearing presses onto each side, and the cross shaft runs through the middle carrying two spider gears that mesh with the side gears on the axle shafts. In a straight line the whole assembly spins as one piece; in a turn the spider gears walk around the side gears so the inside and outside tires can turn at different speeds. Dana 30 cases are made in two carrier breaks. Lower ratios use a thicker ring gear on one flange position, while 3.73 and deeper gears use a thinner ring gear that needs a case with a taller flange. Yukon lists this case as 1.943 in. tall, a handy number to compare against your old case before you order. Put the wrong break under your gears and the pattern will never set up.

Symptoms that point to the Dana 30 case

• Repeated spider gear or cross shaft failures because the shaft bore in the case is worn oval
• A sheared roll pin and a cross shaft that has slid out and gouged the pinion or housing
• Ring gear bolts that keep loosening or bolt holes with damaged threads
• A scored bearing journal after a carrier bearing seized and spun on the case
• Front axle clunk or knock in 4WD that does not go away after new U-joints
• Large metal chunks on the drain plug or fill plug magnet

How to confirm before you order

Drain the oil, pull the cover and check the ratio, either from the axle tag or by counting ring and pinion teeth, because this case only works with 3.73 and up. Rock the carrier and look for slop at the cross shaft and side gears, then pull the carrier and check the journals, flange and threads. If the case is clean and only the gears are damaged, a spider gear kit is a cheaper repair. Our Dana 30 front axle problems and rebuild cost guide covers the other common wear points, and the carrier break explainer shows how to tell which break you have.

Fitment

Yukon's fitment table for YC D706008 lists the Dana 30 front in the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ, 1987-1995 Wrangler YJ, 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ, 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee ZJ, 1999-2003 Grand Cherokee WJ Super 30, 2002-2007 Liberty KJ, 1986-1992 Comanche, CJ5, CJ6, CJ7, Scrambler, Grand Wagoneer and Commando, plus the 1980-1988 AMC Eagle, 1966-1971 Ford Bronco, International Scout 800 and Scout II, and the Dana Super 30 front in 2001-2005 Ford Ranger 4WD and Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Aviator 4WD and AWD of the early 2000s. It also lists the Dana 30 rear in the 1986-1989 Ford Aerostar and several CJ models. For a 2007-2017 JK non-Rubicon front, Yukon notes that JK spider gears do not fit; you need the early Dana 30 internal kit, the YPKD30-S-27 spider gear set, or the dedicated JK Dana 30 carrier case. Axles get swapped and regeared, so match your ratio and old case, or send us the year and VIN.

Install notes

• This case ships bare with no spider gears, shims, roll pin, ring gear bolts or cover gasket. If you want the hardware in the box, order the YC D706008-X version or a Dana 30 minor install kit.
• Press new carrier bearings onto the case; old bearings pulled off a failed case are not worth reusing. A Dana 30 master overhaul kit covers bearings, seals and shims.
• Use new ring gear bolts with thread locker, torque them in a cross pattern, and re-check backlash and the gear pattern because a new case can shift the ring gear position.
• Fill with 75W-90 gear oil to the bottom of the fill hole.

Will this case work with 3.54 or 3.31 gears?

No. YC D706008 is for the 3.73 and up carrier break only. Lower ratios need the 3.54-and-down case because the ring gear thickness and mounting position are different.

What is the difference between YC D706008 and YC D706008-X?

Both are the same Dana 30 open case for 3.73 and up. The -X version adds carrier shims, a roll pin, ring gear bolts and a cover gasket. This version is the case only.

Does it come with spider gears?

No. Spider gears, side gears and the cross shaft are not included. Reuse good parts or order a Dana 30 spider gear kit.

Can I use it in a Jeep JK Dana 30 front?

Yukon lists it for JK non-Rubicon fronts, but notes the factory JK spider gears do not fit. You must use the early Dana 30 spider gear set YPKD30-S-27.

Does it fit the Ford Super 30 front axle?

Yukon's table lists the Dana Super 30 front in early-2000s Ford Ranger 4WD, Explorer, Mountaineer and Aviator. Confirm your ratio is 3.73 or higher before ordering.

Do I need to re-check gear setup after swapping the case?

Yes. Re-shim the carrier bearings for correct preload, then check backlash and the tooth contact pattern before final assembly.