Skip to main content
Reference
In 1980, the Jeep Universal changed to the Dana 300 transfer case. This was a great improvement over the Dana 20, and it seems to handle V8 horsepower without any problems. All Jeep Dana 300s are a right-hand drop. They have a circular bolt pattern, 23 tooth input spline, and main case material of cast iron. The length of the Dana 300 is 12". The transfer case uses an aluminum retainer that indexes this transfer case to the transmission. The stock low gear ratio is 2.62:1. The power to the rear axle is in line with the transmission.

This is a good gear-driven transfer case to retain when doing an engine or transmission swap. Jeep Dana 300s all use a 23 spline input. Some of the adapters we manufacture include a new Dana 300 input with a different input spline and other adapters retain the stock input. The various Dana 300 input shafts we manufacture include a 10 spline, a stock 23 replacement, a long 23 spline which is .750" longer spline engagement than stock, a 27 spline, a 21, 29, 31, 32, and 35 spline. Therefore, if you obtained a Dana 300 from a salvage yard, please verify the input spline.

The aluminum index retainer incorporates a front seal to protect the transfer case fluid from entering the transmission. The transmission adapter housing normally has a seal that is installed with the open side towards the transmission. This seal can be omitted on transfer case adapter installations, provided a gasket or silicone seal is used in between the adapter and the transfer case. The original Jeep adapters have a small bleed hole that is located between the two seals. This bleed hole is an indicator that one of the seals has gone bad and needs replacing.

Dana Model 300 Transfer Case

Top Jeep Articles

  • September 28, 2026
  • 6 min read
Jeep Hardtop Q&A: Top Questions Before You Upgrade
Hardtop Questions, Real Answers — Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Hardtop
READ MORE
  • September 25, 2026
  • 3 min read
Jeep Vehicle 2 Letter Model Designations / Model Codes
From wartime Willys prototypes and early CJs to today’s JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator, this guide decodes the letters behind Jeep’s most familiar vehicles.
READ MORE
  • September 24, 2026
  • 3 min read
Five Small Jeep Adventures You Can Have Today
You do not need a new lift kit, a week off, or a famous trail to remember why you bought it. Start with an afternoon and take the long way home.
READ MORE
  • September 23, 2026
  • 5 min read
Why Are My Jeep Seat Covers Fading And How Can I Prevent It?
Sun exposure gets most of the blame, but cleaning products, salt and everyday wear can also change a cover’s color. Here’s how to spot the cause and slow the fade.
READ MORE
  • September 17, 2026
  • 6 min read
How To Do An Oil Change On A 2018 And Newer Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L Pentastar V6
How to do an Oil Change on a 2018 and newer Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L Pentastar V6
READ MORE
  • September 15, 2026
  • 5 min read
Which Jeep Wrangler Axles Do I Have?
For anything from simply changing out the differential covers, to replacing the entire axle, it is always good to know exactly what you have under the vehicle. But not everyone knows, especially if you bought the vehicle used.
READ MORE