Overview
The Crown Automotive J8120831 is a Dana 30 pinion gear thrust washer for the Dana 30 front axle. It fits Jeep CJ5, CJ6 and CJ7, Scrambler, Cherokee XJ, Grand Cherokee WJ, Liberty KJ and Wrangler TJ models across the years covered below.
It is a direct fit washer. Thickness, material and quantity are not covered here, so measure the old washer as a reference before fitting a new one.
Key features
- Dana 30 pinion gear thrust washer
- Front axle application
- The washer is a direct fit for the vehicles covered here.
- Covers older CJ and XJ models along with the WJ, KJ and TJ in the list
- Crown Automotive part number CROJ8120831
Pinion washer setup
The pinion thrust washer sits behind the pinion head and controls how far the gear can move. Its job is simple, but a washer of the wrong thickness changes the pinion depth and can upset the gear mesh. For that reason the washer should be sized from the old part or from measurements taken during the teardown, not guessed from the size of the box.
Thrust washers wear as the pinion turns against them. Look for a glazed, grooved or scored surface, and check whether the pinion head shows marks at the same spot. A washer that has worn unevenly often points to a bearing that has been running loose, so inspect the bearing preload while the axle is open.
Clean the mating surfaces before assembly and keep the washer flat against the housing. A small grain of grit can tilt the washer and shift the pinion setting.
Specifications
| Brand | Crown Automotive |
|---|---|
| Part number | CROJ8120831 |
| Part type | Pinion gear thrust washer |
| Axle | Dana 30 front |
| Fitment type | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
It fits 1984–1996 and 1999–2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ), 1972–1983 Jeep CJ5, 1972–1975 Jeep CJ6, 1976–1986 Jeep CJ7, 1999–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ), 2002–2007 Jeep Liberty (KJ), 1981–1985 Jeep Scrambler, and 1998–2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ). Confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
The list does not include the Wrangler JK (2007–2018), the Liberty KK (2008–2012) or the Grand Cherokee WK. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
Pinion thrust washer work happens during pinion gear service, which normally calls for a professional to set gear mesh and preload.
What’s included
Only the washer is included with this item. Check the count against your pinion work before starting.
