JK Rubicon d44s in a Tj - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

B3nMJ · 04-10-2008, 08:34 AM

I've been eyeballing the jk rubicon axles that mopar is selling for seemingly dirt cheap for an idel swap for my dd/occasional trail jeep.

I've read about them in magaiznes and on the internet here and there but does anyone have real world experince doing this swap?

I know i will need new rims, blah blah blah...what i want to know is if anyone has swapped them and what they feel the outcome has been.

searched, but that shit sucks so whats the deal with these cheap rubi axles?

rudy99 · 04-10-2008, 01:37 PM

I believe you will need different brackets....it is not a bolt up application. They are probably so cheap because you get a D44 with D30 tubes. Not as heavy duty as aftermarket D44s.

Beat95YJ · 04-10-2008, 03:06 PM

There is already a thread on this and a few aftermarket mfg's are looking at kits for this.

Jorge Meza · 04-10-2008, 09:31 PM

Serach before you buy that piece of junk. Seems like the 07-08 Rubicon axles are deffective and the housing will break apart easily.

Beat95YJ · 04-10-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorge Meza

Serach before you buy that piece of junk. Seems like the 07-08 Rubicon axles are deffective and the housing will break apart easily.

How bad could they be? Have you ever run a TJ 44? Junk. (especially the d44)

Jorge Meza · 04-10-2008, 10:36 PM

Yes i've run Rubicon 44's before. They are good for a 33 in my opinion. Not good for extreme 4x4 but fair.

But here we are talking about the JK 44 wich is a pice of shit as of what i've read and pix seen.

gijoey · 04-10-2008, 11:19 PM

i was looking into this as well. the main theme has been why bother with this when you have the same concerns when getting a ford axle or dana 60... wider then stock issues, welding brackets drama, and then dealing with a new product on the road getting upgrades every month with high prices. i wonder if this will be a good idea ten years down the line?

B3nMJ · 04-12-2008, 01:53 PM

the allure of this for me is the fact that axles are new brake to brake, have selectable lockers that are easy to operate, 4.10 gears in them already 30 someodd splines front and rear, and there realatively cheap, the pair can be add for $2500, so cut the old brackets off put on new ones either throuhg a kit or make your own, lets say you get 500 dollars tied up in this somehow...then you need steering not a big deal, say another 300 there.

rims and tires im buying anyways so its a matter of ordering 5on5 or whatever it is.

the only real concern that i have is that some people are saying the houseing are weak on these, any documentation of this? or is this a matter of the internet wheelers blowing something way out of proporation again.

Jorge Meza · 04-12-2008, 02:01 PM

Good luck finding a pair of JK for $2,500 and Brackets kit for $500 and fabbing your own brackets...

If i were in your shoes i would definitely search more about these axles and the money involved on a swap like this.

Bubba_Jeep · 04-12-2008, 04:22 PM

While doing a little web surfing, I came accross a thread that showed pictures of more than on JK D44 with busted passenger side tubes. The consensus of that thread was the tubes were cast.
If I were you, I'd take whatever time it takes to determine if that's true.
I can't give you the link, because I wasn't interested in saving it. But the pictures were quite clear, showing more than one JK with an axle busted in the same place. That indicates a systemic problem.

A quick Google found this (it's so easy to search):

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528230

hitech_hick · 04-12-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorge Meza

Good luck finding a pair of JK for $2,500 and Brackets kit for $500 and fabbing your own brackets...

If i were in your shoes i would definitely search more about these axles and the money involved on a swap like this.

$2830 for the pair, JK Axle Assemblies, definitely sounds like something to look into...

hick

bardenk1 · 07-21-2008, 11:16 AM

i am also entertaining the idea of jk axles. if this is the case with these axles would a truss or sleeving that side that is prone to cracking. i mean if i were to buy them i would have to strip all the brackets off why not take the time and sleeve it or truss it? besides that factor what are they saying they are good up to 35's 37's? or is this one of many issues or just a waste of time like building the shit out of a dana 30.

97jeeptj · 07-21-2008, 02:52 PM

I also am thinking about this swap myself. My pan was pretty straight foward. JP mag says the front lower control arms are in the same place, so the uppers are the only difference, so why not bend the uppers to match the JK axle, using a RE LA lower. As for the spring perches, I may go with coilovers so not a big deal.
The rearend seems you could again use a stock LA lower arm, and if you build your own uppers, no problem. My local dealer quoted my $2700 picked up.

charlieboyd65 · 07-22-2008, 08:48 AM

According to the swap they did in JP, the JK 44 is much better than the TJ Rubi 44. The JK 44s have bigger 3 inch axle tubes I believe, 32 spline shafts (front outers are 30-front inners are 32), 1.4" axle shafts, and a better steering setup. I like the slightly wider stance of the axles, but I think the 5 on 5 kind of sucks, just because how many spares are there on the trail for 5 on 5? Probably more down the road

. Sounds like a good deal though for what they are. I figure most people doing this swap would want/need to regear though, so that's a big cost to add to the $2800 or so right there. If I had the choice, I think I would pull a HP44 and 9" out of a full size bronco or 8.8 plus cut down HP 44. Then regear and lock.

Zachs · 07-22-2008, 06:52 PM

You sure you aren't thinking about the Mopar D44s which are much stronger then the JK D44??? The JK d44s are prone to cracking, not the mopar ones which have a different tube.

jeeptomster · 08-12-2008, 04:05 AM

Are you shure that Mopar axles are different?

I think the came directly frome the assembly line...

Any news on this?

XZettle · 08-12-2008, 06:44 AM

not mine but I saved these on my computer a while ago...out of a jk:

[br]

Edit: I always think pics help with anything so dont shoot me for adding....please.

Snowrydr01 · 08-12-2008, 07:22 AM

Im fairly sure the Mopar axle is different, at least it carries a P part number

Lobo2055 · 09-07-2008, 08:32 AM

Does anyone know how much wider the axles are (track width, not WMS-WMS) compared to the TJ, YJ, and CJ(wide track)?

RDPrimeaux · 09-07-2008, 12:02 PM

track width? not wms? track width would be dependent upon tires/rims. wms is within a couple inches.

Beat95YJ · 09-08-2008, 08:07 AM

Tj 60" Wms
Jk ~64" Wms.

Snowrydr01 · 09-08-2008, 09:03 AM

Does anyone but me think the JK 44 is getting a bad wrap in this thread? There have only been a rare few tube breaks and they seem to be crucified? It seems like the same couple pictures are on every board and they are from over a year ago, not to mention that the mopar performance axles carry a different part number? Granted the old 44 front was a gloried 30 but these new ones are genuine 44s as far as any review i have seen that breaks down actuall stats. If you spend time on the rubicon forums people are abusing these pretty hard and dont seem to be in any rush to pull them out for other axles.

wranglerwilson · 09-08-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowrydr01

does Anyone But Me Think The Jk 44 Is Getting A Bad Wrap In This Thread? There Have Only Been A Rare Few Tube Breaks And They Seem To Be Crucified? It Seems Like The Same Couple Pictures Are On Every Board And They Are From Over A Year Ago, Not To Mention That The Mopar Performance Axles Carry A Different Part Number? Granted The Old 44 Front Was A Gloried 30 But These New Ones Are Genuine 44s As Far As Any Review I Have Seen That Breaks Down Actuall Stats. If You Spend Time On The Rubicon Forums People Are Abusing These Pretty Hard And Dont Seem To Be In Any Rush To Pull Them Out For Other Axles.

x2

04-10-2008, 08:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
B3nMJ Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 48015 Location: Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Posts: 265	JK Rubicon d44s in a Tj I've been eyeballing the jk rubicon axles that mopar is selling for seemingly dirt cheap for an idel swap for my dd/occasional trail jeep. I've read about them in magaiznes and on the internet here and there but does anyone have real world experince doing this swap? I know i will need new rims, blah blah blah...what i want to know is if anyone has swapped them and what they feel the outcome has been. searched, but that shit sucks so whats the deal with these cheap rubi axles?

04-10-2008, 01:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
rudy99 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Member # 87121 Posts: 14	I believe you will need different brackets....it is not a bolt up application. They are probably so cheap because you get a D44 with D30 tubes. Not as heavy duty as aftermarket D44s. __________________ 2006 TJ 6-speed D30/D44 w/3.73 and 33" MTRs

04-10-2008, 03:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Beat95YJ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 22176 Location: Redondo Beach Posts: 8,746	There is already a thread on this and a few aftermarket mfg's are looking at kits for this. __________________ I can break a steel ball in a rubber room!

04-10-2008, 09:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jorge Meza Trapped in the 80's Join Date: Mar 2006 Member # 70340 Posts: 1,366	Serach before you buy that piece of junk. Seems like the 07-08 Rubicon axles are deffective and the housing will break apart easily. __________________ TRADES: Want: GoPro Hero3, new iPad 3G, Galaxy Note II Have: VANCO Hydrobooster, ORO Swaybar, Robby Gordon and Walker Evan 17 Beadlocks, Swing-Out tire carriers, 2.5 Fox Bumps, TJ Windshields/Half Doors, HP D60 w/ARB-4.56, 14Bolt w/Detroit-4.56

04-10-2008, 10:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jorge Meza Trapped in the 80's Join Date: Mar 2006 Member # 70340 Posts: 1,366	Yes i've run Rubicon 44's before. They are good for a 33 in my opinion. Not good for extreme 4x4 but fair. But here we are talking about the JK 44 wich is a pice of shit as of what i've read and pix seen. __________________ TRADES: Want: GoPro Hero3, new iPad 3G, Galaxy Note II Have: VANCO Hydrobooster, ORO Swaybar, Robby Gordon and Walker Evan 17 Beadlocks, Swing-Out tire carriers, 2.5 Fox Bumps, TJ Windshields/Half Doors, HP D60 w/ARB-4.56, 14Bolt w/Detroit-4.56 Last edited by Jorge Meza; 04-10-2008 at 10:37 PM.

04-10-2008, 11:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
gijoey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 106258 Posts: 6	i was looking into this as well. the main theme has been why bother with this when you have the same concerns when getting a ford axle or dana 60... wider then stock issues, welding brackets drama, and then dealing with a new product on the road getting upgrades every month with high prices. i wonder if this will be a good idea ten years down the line?

04-12-2008, 01:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
B3nMJ Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 48015 Location: Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Posts: 265	the allure of this for me is the fact that axles are new brake to brake, have selectable lockers that are easy to operate, 4.10 gears in them already 30 someodd splines front and rear, and there realatively cheap, the pair can be add for $2500, so cut the old brackets off put on new ones either throuhg a kit or make your own, lets say you get 500 dollars tied up in this somehow...then you need steering not a big deal, say another 300 there. rims and tires im buying anyways so its a matter of ordering 5on5 or whatever it is. the only real concern that i have is that some people are saying the houseing are weak on these, any documentation of this? or is this a matter of the internet wheelers blowing something way out of proporation again.

04-12-2008, 02:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jorge Meza Trapped in the 80's Join Date: Mar 2006 Member # 70340 Posts: 1,366	Good luck finding a pair of JK for $2,500 and Brackets kit for $500 and fabbing your own brackets... If i were in your shoes i would definitely search more about these axles and the money involved on a swap like this. __________________ TRADES: Want: GoPro Hero3, new iPad 3G, Galaxy Note II Have: VANCO Hydrobooster, ORO Swaybar, Robby Gordon and Walker Evan 17 Beadlocks, Swing-Out tire carriers, 2.5 Fox Bumps, TJ Windshields/Half Doors, HP D60 w/ARB-4.56, 14Bolt w/Detroit-4.56 Last edited by Jorge Meza; 04-12-2008 at 02:01 PM.

04-12-2008, 04:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bubba_Jeep Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 37184 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,323	While doing a little web surfing, I came accross a thread that showed pictures of more than on JK D44 with busted passenger side tubes. The consensus of that thread was the tubes were cast. If I were you, I'd take whatever time it takes to determine if that's true. I can't give you the link, because I wasn't interested in saving it. But the pictures were quite clear, showing more than one JK with an axle busted in the same place. That indicates a systemic problem. A quick Google found this (it's so easy to search): http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528230 __________________ 88XJ, Chevy 5.7L, Edelbrock MPFI, NV4500, Atlas, D44's, high steer, ARB's, 7" custom semi long-arm 3 or 4-link lift, BFG 33x12.5-15's. Last edited by Bubba_Jeep; 04-12-2008 at 04:25 PM.

07-21-2008, 11:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
bardenk1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Member # 93306 Location: new jersey Posts: 760	i am also entertaining the idea of jk axles. if this is the case with these axles would a truss or sleeving that side that is prone to cracking. i mean if i were to buy them i would have to strip all the brackets off why not take the time and sleeve it or truss it? besides that factor what are they saying they are good up to 35's 37's? or is this one of many issues or just a waste of time like building the shit out of a dana 30. __________________ [COLOR="Red"]BUY MY JEEP $7000 OBO:[/COLOR][url]http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=754738&highlight=cheep+jeep[/url]

07-21-2008, 02:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
97jeeptj Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Member # 93344 Posts: 377	I also am thinking about this swap myself. My pan was pretty straight foward. JP mag says the front lower control arms are in the same place, so the uppers are the only difference, so why not bend the uppers to match the JK axle, using a RE LA lower. As for the spring perches, I may go with coilovers so not a big deal. The rearend seems you could again use a stock LA lower arm, and if you build your own uppers, no problem. My local dealer quoted my $2700 picked up. __________________ 2005 LJ Unlimited, RE 4.5" LA, 5.3, 4L60E, Atlas II, Dana 44, low mileage "cash cow". :D [url]http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=641506&highlight=97jeeptj[/url]

07-22-2008, 08:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
charlieboyd65 Wheeler Join Date: May 2004 Member # 31211 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 442	According to the swap they did in JP, the JK 44 is much better than the TJ Rubi 44. The JK 44s have bigger 3 inch axle tubes I believe, 32 spline shafts (front outers are 30-front inners are 32), 1.4" axle shafts, and a better steering setup. I like the slightly wider stance of the axles, but I think the 5 on 5 kind of sucks, just because how many spares are there on the trail for 5 on 5? Probably more down the road . Sounds like a good deal though for what they are. I figure most people doing this swap would want/need to regear though, so that's a big cost to add to the $2800 or so right there. If I had the choice, I think I would pull a HP44 and 9" out of a full size bronco or 8.8 plus cut down HP 44. Then regear and lock. __________________ 79 CJ-5, D44/9", 4 link F&R, 37's...and such. Disclaimer: My useless ramblings should in no way be taken as fact, and I will not be held liable for any carnage inflicted because of said ramblings. Last edited by charlieboyd65; 07-22-2008 at 08:48 AM.

07-22-2008, 06:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
Zachs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Member # 111417 Location: Kinston, NC Posts: 63	You sure you aren't thinking about the Mopar D44s which are much stronger then the JK D44??? The JK d44s are prone to cracking, not the mopar ones which have a different tube. __________________ Geared Low Photo

08-12-2008, 04:05 AM	#16 (permalink)
jeeptomster Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Member # 87256 Location: Heart of the Alps Posts: 160	Are you shure that Mopar axles are different? I think the came directly frome the assembly line... Any news on this? __________________ TJ4.0+AW4 - 2" K&S flex - 8.8ARB - JK D44- Bimotor 8274 - PSC cage - Q78+Stauns

08-12-2008, 06:44 AM	#17 (permalink)
XZettle Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Member # 104837 Location: East Coast Pennsylvania Posts: 161	not mine but I saved these on my computer a while ago...out of a jk: [br] Edit: I always think pics help with anything so dont shoot me for adding....please. Last edited by XZettle; 08-12-2008 at 06:45 AM.

08-12-2008, 07:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Snowrydr01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Member # 116340 Posts: 565	Im fairly sure the Mopar axle is different, at least it carries a P part number

09-07-2008, 08:32 AM	#19 (permalink)
Lobo2055 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2008 Member # 119795 Posts: 35	comparative track widths Does anyone know how much wider the axles are (track width, not WMS-WMS) compared to the TJ, YJ, and CJ(wide track)?

09-07-2008, 12:02 PM	#20 (permalink)
RDPrimeaux Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Member # 103319 Posts: 56	track width? not wms? track width would be dependent upon tires/rims. wms is within a couple inches.

09-08-2008, 08:07 AM	#21 (permalink)
Beat95YJ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 22176 Location: Redondo Beach Posts: 8,746	Tj 60" Wms Jk ~64" Wms. __________________ I can break a steel ball in a rubber room!

09-08-2008, 09:03 AM	#22 (permalink)
Snowrydr01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Member # 116340 Posts: 565	Does anyone but me think the JK 44 is getting a bad wrap in this thread? There have only been a rare few tube breaks and they seem to be crucified? It seems like the same couple pictures are on every board and they are from over a year ago, not to mention that the mopar performance axles carry a different part number? Granted the old 44 front was a gloried 30 but these new ones are genuine 44s as far as any review i have seen that breaks down actuall stats. If you spend time on the rubicon forums people are abusing these pretty hard and dont seem to be in any rush to pull them out for other axles.

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