A Dana 44 axle's capacity is 3 quarts of gear oil, a pittance compared to the Dana 60's 6-quart capacity ... the yoke and are secured with four nuts from the back side. U-bolts are favorable ...

You are correct in thinking that your Dana 30 front axle is living on borrowed time ... and Currie can even build a hybrid 9-inch that uses Dana 60 axleshafts and U-joints with a 5-on-5 1/2 ...