Help me make a decision on upgrading my axles

I'm currently running 33's with 3.73 gears. It isn't horrible, but not great either.

I have done the same. It also sucks, just worse. 😂

You get used to it I guess, but a properly geared drivetrain will make you realize just how much annoyance you were putting up with and how much driving quality you were giving up.
 
Now I am in a quadrium. I found a set of new G2 Core 44's set up how I want them (4.88 & ARB lockers) that is $2,500 cheaper than the East Coast Gear Supply axles.

Does anyone have any experience with the G2 Core 44's?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ChadH
Now I am in a quadrium. I found a set of new G2 Core 44's set up how I want them (4.88 & ARB lockers) that is $2,500 cheaper than the East Coast Gear Supply axles.

Does anyone have any experience with the G2 Core 44's?

I would do a search and/or start a new thread to maximize your chance of getting feedback on the G2 setup.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mudmaster and Tob
I'm reading a few threads on the G2 axles, but nothing compares them to the other brands.

I dont think they make them anymore, if that means anything. They used to be an option I was looking at for a bolt on replacement but last time I checked with 3 or 4 vendors they weren't an option anymore. I'm sure somebody here has all the good info about them though.
 
I dont think they make them anymore, if that means anything. They used to be an option I was looking at for a bolt on replacement but last time I checked with 3 or 4 vendors they weren't an option anymore. I'm sure somebody here has all the good info about them though.
G2 still list them on their site. I've found a couple vendors that show them in stock on their sites. I plan to call a couple tomorrow to see if they have them in stock or if it is just left over.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ChadH
So I've decided to buy a new set of axles from ECGS. I'm going with Dana 44's front and back with 4.88 gears and ARB lockers. The rear I am going to go with the upgraded SET 20 bearings and disc brakes. The fronts I'm going to get new knuckles and bearings from them so they are 100% bolt in.

Stock width or JK width (65")? Apologies if this has been addressed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mjonesjr84
I'm going to stick with stock width.

Okay nice! I would verify with ECGS what brackets they are using, my son ordered one and it came with ARTEC bracketry I believe which raised the trackbar up and resulted in a shorter then stock trackbar (not ideal) amongst other steering issues. it was a headache. If you plan on using your stock style steering you will want to confirm that they are building it with that in mind and that both the axle side and frame side trackbar mounts are in the factory locations. I'm not an expert just passing on info that I think you should be aware of and verify. On the flip side ECGS customer service was excellent.
 
Okay nice! I would verify with ECGS what brackets they are using, my son ordered one and it came with ARTEC bracketry I believe which raised the trackbar up and resulted in a shorter then stock trackbar (not ideal) amongst other steering issues. it was a headache. If you plan on using your stock style steering you will want to confirm that they are building it with that in mind and that both the axle side and frame side trackbar mounts are in the factory locations. I'm not an expert just passing on info that I think you should be aware of and verify. On the flip side ECGS customer service was excellent.
Good to know, thanks for the heads-up. I plan on running the stock steering and expect the axle side of the track bar in the factory location. I have an aftermarket adjustable track bar.
 
  • Like
Reactions: shortydog33
Now I am in a quadrium. I found a set of new G2 Core 44's set up how I want them (4.88 & ARB lockers) that is $2,500 cheaper than the East Coast Gear Supply axles.

Does anyone have any experience with the G2 Core 44's?

Don't they have their own diff cover pattern specific to the g2? That could be annoying when trying to get them to play nice with the front track bar
 
  • Like
Reactions: mjonesjr84
Don't they have their own diff cover pattern specific to the g2? That could be annoying when trying to get them to play nice with the front track bar
That's what I'm reading so far about them.
 
We run a G2 front Dana 44 on my wife's JK. Track bar does like to smack the front diff with a lot of flex...but we need to fix a lot of suspension stuff on that Jeep...it clunks and sways all over the place going down the road and just needs a complete set of every end and bushing.

The G2 is reinforced in a lot of thoughtful places and I really like the axle. If I did get one for my TJ I'd seriously consider JK width... although after me and @CMBD smoked just about everyone but an occasional buggy down the Rubicon I'm really in love with small, light, nimble and simple.

-Mac
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tob and mjonesjr84
No, it won’t destroy your mpg on the highway or in town. It may even improve, but any change will be so slight it will be imperceptible. Common myth. See other thread on same topic that happened yesterday and today about same AX-15 transmission.

4.56 is not enough for 33’s and either 5-speed transmission Jeep offered (AX-15 and NV3550)
View attachment 513808
See those rpm’s at 70mph? 2500’ish? That is not ideal. You want 2750rpm at 70mph to have best shift points and be right.

Oh sweet! According to the chart, if I just leave my Jeep in 1st gear and do 70mph, it should sound like an old F1 car that has a super high revving V12! I'm gonna go try it. 😁
 
We run a G2 front Dana 44 on my wife's JK. Track bar does like to smack the front diff with a lot of flex...but we need to fix a lot of suspension stuff on that Jeep...it clunks and sways all over the place going down the road and just needs a complete set of every end and bushing.

The G2 is reinforced in a lot of thoughtful places and I really like the axle. If I did get one for my TJ I'd seriously consider JK width... although after me and @CMBD smoked just about everyone but an occasional buggy down the Rubicon I'm really in love with small, light, nimble and simple.

-Mac
G2 is out. I called and their TJ axles are on backorder. Going to go with the ECGS ones.

The reason I want stock width is I've seen TJ's with stock width go places a lot of full width or even JK's themselves couldn't go. I'd prefer to keep the stock width so it is better driving on the road and wont be throwing stuff all over the sides.
 

I currently don't plan on going any bigger than 33's that are on it now. The Dana 44's are the stock OEM Rubicon axles and would come with the factory air pumps.
The more stock drivetrain you can leave in place, the better, in my opinion.
BTDT…

We picked a rubicon for the axles and tcase for rocky terrain on 35’s max. We’re geared to 5:13’s.

for 33’s max, if you can re-gear and lock both axles and Super35 the rear, for equal or less money, than all the swaps you mentioned, i think leaving the stock axles intact is the best plan.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mjonesjr84
The more stock drivetrain you can leave in place, the better, in my opinion.
BTDT…

We picked a rubicon for the axles and tcase for rocky terrain on 35’s max. We’re geared to 5:13’s.

for 33’s max, if you can re-gear and lock both axles and Super35 the rear, for equal or less money, than all the swaps you mentioned, i think leaving the stock axles intact is the best plan.
Going to sound stupid, but what does BTDT stand for? I don't have the knowledge to regear an axle. I've never had the opportunity to learn so I've always paid someone else to do it.

I ordered the axles today from ECGS. Got the front and rear Dana 489's with 4.88 gears and ARB lockers. I opted for the beefier Set 20 rear bearings and disc brakes. I also got new spindles and bearings for the front. I figure with my axles being the OEM units and nothing probably ever being replaced other than the brake pads, it was due at 204k miles.

Now I just have to wait the 60-75 days. Of course that either puts it at the week before or after I go to the Fall Meet & Greet Ride at Red River Gorge in Kentucky.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rickyd