Rubicon axle shaft recommendations

Sean B

Sean B

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Aug 15, 2023
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Winsted Connecticut
Hey guys, looking for a recommendation for good replacement axel shafts for a 2005 Rubicon Dana 44 front. I went to do U joints and the press for for the u joints is non existent. It’s my wife’s Jeep, it is not wheeled hard. Something of a stock replacement or mild upgrade would be fine. Looking to see what others have had good luck with. Thanks Sean
 
Sean B said:
Hey guys, looking for a recommendation for good replacement axel shafts for a 2005 Rubicon Dana 44 front. I went to do U joints and the press for for the u joints is non existent. It’s my wife’s Jeep, it is not wheeled hard. Something of a stock replacement or mild upgrade would be fine. Looking to see what others have had good luck with. Thanks Sean
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I've had good luck with East Coast Gear
https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-18849300-dana-44-tj-rubicon-chromoly-axle-shaft-kit.html

Or Revolution
https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti...rubicon-dana-44-4340-chromoly-front-axle-kit/

Revolution also makes a HD, 1350, u joint set but those would be overkill for your use.
https://revolutiongear.com/revoluti... 44-4340-chromoly-front-axle-kit-hd-u-joints/
 
Sean B said:
Hey guys, looking for a recommendation for good replacement axel shafts for a 2005 Rubicon Dana 44 front. I went to do U joints and the press for for the u joints is non existent. It’s my wife’s Jeep, it is not wheeled hard. Something of a stock replacement or mild upgrade would be fine. Looking to see what others have had good luck with. Thanks Sean
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What is the problem with your front axle shaft? It doesn't sound like you need anything stronger than the OEM carbon steel axle shafts, chromoly like 4340 would be way overkill.
 
Unfortunately the bore for the bearing caps is loose on both the inner and outer shaft on the left side, the right side seems usable.

Really a stock replacement would be fine.
 
I was thinking of the lower end aftermarket, like the east coast gear or revolution discovery like Irun listed. I was wondering if anyone had experience with either product. Thanks.
 
Sean B said:
I was thinking of the lower end aftermarket, like the east coast gear or revolution discovery like Irun listed. I was wondering if anyone had experience with either product. Thanks.
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Revolution Discovery, which is a great brand, is 4340 chromoly and it is still more expensive and way overkill for your needs. An OEM type replacement axle is really all you need. Your front axle already has 30 splines and is stronger than is needed for most needs.

Again what is the problem with your existing front axle?
 
Jerry Bransford said:
Revolution Discovery, which is a great brand, is 4340 chromoly and it is still more expensive and way overkill for your needs. An OEM type replacement axle is really all you need. Your front axle already has 30 splines and is stronger than is needed for most needs.

Again what is the problem with your existing front axle?
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The bores for the u joints are worn oversize, you can slide the u joint cops in by hand and the rotate in the boors, I don’t see them staying together long. I got genuine Spicer 5-760x joints, so not an issue with import u joints.
 
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Sean B said:
The bores for the u joints are worn oversize, you can slide the u joint cops in by hand and the rotate in the boors, I don’t see them staying together long. I got genuine Spicer 5-760x joints, so not an issue with import u joints.
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Pricing out OE replacements they look sorta pricy, looks like 180 or so for outer stub and 200 for inner, that is just for the left side. The right is useable but one bore is questionable.
 
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Sean B said:
Pricing out OE replacements they look sorta pricy, looks like 180 or so for outer stub and 200 for inner, that is just for the left side. The right is useable but one bore is questionable.
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Stock replacements will run equivalent or more than ECGS, which is why I put them on the list. I'm running their shafts in the rear now and have purchased from them 2X before, with zero issues.
 
Sean B said:
Pricing out OE replacements they look sorta pricy, looks like 180 or so for outer stub and 200 for inner, that is just for the left side. The right is useable but one bore is questionable.
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You may be able to find someone on here who has upgraded who would sell you their old ones. Maybe try posting in the Wanted to buy forum. Probably won't happen, but worth a try.
 
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I just did a 10-15 minute Google search for standard OEM type carbon steel axle shaft sets for your front Dana 44 axle and I was surprised I found nothing that was reasonably priced. All I found were individual shaft pieces that you'd have to put together and total pricing was right up there if not even a little higher than 4340 chromo shafts sets. I gotta say after discovering that it makes more sense to upgrade to 4340 from someone like Alloy USA or Ten Factory whose prices are pretty reasonable. Revolution Gear would be my first choice but for your needs Alloy USA and Ten Factory 4340 shafts would be good choices that are lower priced.
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
I just did a 10-15 minute Google search for standard OEM type carbon steel axle shaft sets for your front Dana 44 axle and I was surprised I found nothing that was reasonably priced. All I found were individual shaft pieces that you'd have to put together and total pricing was right up there if not even a little higher than 4340 chromo shafts sets. I gotta say after discovering that it makes more sense to upgrade to 4340 from someone like Alloy USA or Ten Factory whose prices are pretty reasonable. Revolution Gear would be my first choice but for your needs Alloy USA and Ten Factory 4340 shafts would be good choices that are lower priced.
Click to expand...

Thank you for all the information. Great to get some feedback about companies people have had good success with!
 
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