First trail boo boo

[DavidBT]

I had my first trail breakage. Driver side front axle ujoint. Going to try and repair it myself. Planning on replacing both sides. Found a set of Spicer ujoints on Amazon. Is there anything else I should check or do while doing this repair? I found a set of front Chromoly 30 spline axles on Quadratic at a close out price for just under $600 dollars. I'm not planning on going bigger than 32 or 33" tires. Just wondering if I should just replace the ujoints and call it good?

 

[TheBoogieman]

Do the u-joints and check the ball joints and wheel bearings for play. I replaced everything at the same time to avoid labor charges to take it apart more than once. I have some joint issues (mine, not the Jeep) that prevent me from doing my own work now. I still would replace everything all at the same time.

 

[macleanflood]

You'll be close to brakes, front unit bearings and might want to check inner axle seals... although that would involve taking apart the front diff.

-Mac

 

[CharlesHS]

Do a thorough inspection of the pockets of each axle half where the U joint cups seat looking for stretching and deformation occurring when the U joint let loose.

 

[DavidBT]

Thanks for the replies. All information helps.

 

[JMT]

Yeah, I would definitely check the tolerances on the ears on the inner and outer shaft to make sure there was no damage. If you’re running or plan to run a front locker and run 33’s then I’d go Chromoly. Otherwise I’d stay with stock shafts.

 

[DavidBT]

Yeah, I would definitely check the tolerances on the ears on the inner and outer shaft to make sure there was no damage. If you’re running or plan to run a front locker and run 33’s then I’d go Chromoly. Otherwise I’d stay with stock shafts.

It's a 05 Rubicon.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

My bet is the u-joint only broke after its ear on the axle shaft stretched and released the u-joint allowing it to spin then break. Rarely do front axle shaft u-joints without that happening first. Replacing the axle shafts with chromoly replacements is a good decision.

 

[DavidBT]

My bet is the u-joint only broke after its ear on the axle shaft stretched and released the u-joint allowing it to spin then break. Rarely do front axle shaft u-joints without that happening first. Replacing the axle shafts with chromoly replacements is a good decision.

Thanks Jerry, I'm considering going that route. I found a set of close outs for half price on Quadratec.

 

[Superjay5]

Thanks Jerry, I'm considering going that route. I found a set of close outs for half price on Quadratec.

You don’t want those 30 spline shafts that you mentioned, stock is 27 splined. 30 spline you would need to change out your carrier

 

[DavidBT]

You don’t want those 30 spline shafts that you mentioned, stock is 27 splined. 30 spline you would need to change out your carrier

Thanks, I have the Dana 44. I believe the inner axle splines are 30 and the out axle splines are 27, correct?

 

[Superjay5]

Thanks, I have the Dana 44. I believe the inner axle splines are 30 and the out axle splines are 27, correct?

Correct, I was assuming a Dana 30, my bad

 

[DavidBT]

Took a picture yesterday