JT Rubicon Axles for Upgrade?

[CupOfJoe190]

I'm slowly looking for a pair of axles to upgrade my LJ from its current Dana 30 F and Dana 44 rear for an eventual jump to 37" or 40" tires. A set of Rubicon JT axles with gears, lockers, and RCV shafts has come up for sale locally and I'm trying to see if these could be a life-time set of axles that would stand up to a 40" tire in trail and street use.

I know the general consensus is that the Dana 44 from a TJ era rubicon would only be marginally stronger and not last past a 35" tire; but I am having more questions about the newer D44s. It seems folks are running 37"s on the JK Dana 44's when swapping over; and I know the JT Rubicon Dana 44's come out of the box beefier, with a 10mm thicker axle tube, wide track, etc; but what I cant find is any real definitive information on the ball joints and the tire size they can handle.

Now; for what its worth I do see tons of Gladiators on 37" tires being daily driven; and considering that the LJ out of the box came in around 4000 lbs stock; while the gladiator has about 1000lbs over that.

So; the real question: If I can figure out brackets and such to get a JT rubicon axle set under my LJ; would they stand up to a 40" tire under normal driving; with the potential of a repower down the road to diesel, or is the better move still Dana 60 or equivalent?

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I'm slowly looking for a pair of axles to upgrade my LJ from its current Dana 30 F and Dana 44 rear for an eventual jump to 37" or 40" tires. A set of Rubicon JT axles with gears, lockers, and RCV shafts has come up for sale locally and I'm trying to see if these could be a life-time set of axles that would stand up to a 40" tire in trail and street use.

I know the general consensus is that the Dana 44 from a TJ era rubicon would only be marginally stronger and not last past a 35" tire; but I am having more questions about the newer D44s. It seems folks are running 37"s on the JK Dana 44's when swapping over; and I know the JT Rubicon Dana 44's come out of the box beefier, with a 10mm thicker axle tube, wide track, etc; but what I cant find is any real definitive information on the ball joints and the tire size they can handle.

Now; for what its worth I do see tons of Gladiators on 37" tires being daily driven; and considering that the LJ out of the box came in around 4000 lbs stock; while the gladiator has about 1000lbs over that.

So; the real question: If I can figure out brackets and such to get a JT rubicon axle set under my LJ; would they stand up to a 40" tire under normal driving; with the potential of a repower down the road to diesel, or is the better move still Dana 60 or equivalent?

Big difference between a 37 and a 40. I personally would not run a 44 anything with a set of 40’s - especially if you are planning a repower and any type of hard wheeling.

What are they asking for the JT axles?

 

[CupOfJoe190]

Big difference between a 37 and a 40. I personally would not run a 44 anything with a set of 40’s - especially if you are planning a repower and any type of hard wheeling.

What are they asking for the JT axles?

$4000 is their list price; which is a big reason I'm considering it.

 

[CupOfJoe190]

the more I dig the more I lean towards the "not worth it" side of this debate.

Big issues:
Front axle disconnect (needs delete and truss to add strength back in)
Cast aluminum knuckles on all but the mojave package are a known issue; with big complaints about wallowed out ball joint holes

 

[macleanflood]

I could see you getting a set of Superduty Axles and a set of brackets from Barnes for less than $4000. Maybe even everything you need to regear and driveshafts.

-Mac