Dana 30 Front Axle Parts Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ WG
Steering Knuckles, Ball Joints & Differential Parts for the CV-Joint Axle (1999–2004)
Why the WJ's Dana 30 Gives Way First at the Boots and Ball Joints
The Dana 30 front axle of the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ has little in common with the Dana 30 of older CJ and Wrangler models. The outer ends of the axle shafts use constant-velocity (CV) joints instead of U-joints, the hub is a bolt-on bearing unit, and depending on the 4WD system the housing carries either an open differential or a Vari-Lok (Quadra-Drive). After more than twenty years, the rubber boots in particular turn brittle. Once they tear, dirt and water get into the CV joint, which then wears out quickly. The vehicle's considerable weight also takes its toll on ball joints and wheel bearings. Typical signs are play in the steering, grinding noises when cornering and uneven tire wear. Oil traces at the pinion input or the axle tube point to hardened seals. Replacing these weak spots in time protects the differential and pinion bearings from costly follow-up damage.
From Pinion Seal to Complete Steering Knuckle Pair
- Steering knuckles & ball joints: The steering knuckle pair replaces both sides in one go. Single left and right knuckles are available too. The heavy-duty ball joint kit (upper and lower) also suits lifted vehicles and larger tires.
- Hub assembly & wheel fastening: The complete hub assembly with bearing fits left or right. Add the hub nut set with retainer and cotter pin, plus individual wheel studs.
- Axle shafts & sealing: The CV boot kit for the outer joint including clamps and the inner axle tube seal keep dirt out and gear oil in the housing.
- Differential & side bearings: The differential is available as a spider gear set for the standard axle without Vari-Lok, alongside the four-piece differential side bearing set.
- Pinion & driveshaft input: Choose from the outer pinion bearing kit with cups, the inner pinion bearing, and a single bearing and cup. The pinion seal at the input and the lock washer for the pinion nut complete the group.
- Differential cover, gasket & oil: The differential cover comes as a stock kit or as a rugged performance kit in ductile iron. Add the matching differential cover gasket and limited-slip additive for locking differentials.
Spicer Parts from the Axle's Own Maker, Backed by Crown and Dorman
Dana Spicer builds the Dana 30 itself and supplies the internals: spider gear set, pinion and side bearings, ball joints, seals and differential covers. Crown Automotive supplies the steering knuckles, hub assembly, CV boot and cover gasket, plus bearing and cup. Dorman provides wheel studs and the hub nut set. All three brands stand for proven American parts quality.
Your Partner for Bearing Preload, Seals and Differential on the WJ Front Axle
Replacing ball joints, the hub assembly or pinion bearings calls for correct torque values and properly set bearing preload. We advise you on torque specs and installation sequence. We also help you find out whether your WJ has a standard or a Vari-Lok differential, if in doubt by VIN or the axle tag on the differential cover. Your order ships from stock in Germany as fast as possible.