Rubicon Axle question on compatability

[tj_wrangler_sc]

Quick question is what I’m shooting for but not sure how this will land.
I’m looking at changing out my axles on an 06’ TJ X with a set of Dana 44 Rubicon axles and I’ve come across a good deal for a set from an 08’ JK Rubicon.
Is there any reason that I can’t use these axles?
I’m thinking they may be a bit wider but haven’t had any luck with locating specs that help me definitively know the answer.
Any help on this and then why or why not would be great.

 

[jjvw]

JK axles are not a direct bolt on to a TJ.

Once you get past that obstacle, then JK axles are no more difficult to install than any other non -TJ axle. Many have done it with varying degrees of functional success.

 

[GregBelleville]

Is there a resource anywhere on here from anyone who has swapped jk Dana 44s into a TJ? I would guess the axles would need all of the suspension and control arm pickup points removed and relocated and I'm not sure about whether the extra width would require the axles be shortened?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

X2, the mounting brackets are mounted in different locations. You'd have to be able to remove the existing OE brackets and solidly weld new replacements in the right locations.

 

[GregBelleville]

X2, the mounting brackets are mounted in different locations. You'd have to be able to remove the existing OE brackets and solidly weld new replacements in the right locations.

I figured as much, it's too bad because jk Dana 44s are a dime a dozen compared to TJ Dana 44s

 

[sam53]

Everything about a JK is a dime a dozen. That is why an old hammered tj will bring as much or more than a average old jk. And remember, jk axle is 5" plus wider than a tj

 

[macleanflood]

Barnes and others make prefabricated brackets. Barnes has excellent instructions.

JK axles are wider and you get access to disc brakes on all four corners.

JK axles have a different bolt pattern...so you might need new rims...and often have trouble running 15s...so you might need new tires.

-Mac

 

[jjvw]

Barnes and others make prefabricated brackets. Barnes has excellent instructions.

...
-Mac

This is also the quickest way to bump steer because there isn't a JK to TJ axle kit that doesn't screw up the track bar.

 

[tj_wrangler_sc]

Everything about a JK is a dime a dozen. That is why an old hammered tj will bring as much or more than a average old jk. And remember, jk axle is 5" plus wider than a tj

Seems like that would replace some wheel offset or backspace

 

[jjvw]

Seems like that would replace some wheel offset or backspace

Yes. What you would do with your wider axles is get yourself new wheels with backspacing that improved the steering axis inclination. JK wheels would be a good choice.

 

[Wildman]

JK axles are 65" WMS to WMS & TJ axles are 60.5" WMS to WMS

As Mac said there are kits sold by more than one vender who sells kits to do the swap.

https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep...65880&pr_ref_pid=7582097506520&pr_seq=uniform

https://barnes4wd.com/products/jeep-jk-dana-44-rear-axle-to-jeep-tj-or-lj-swap-kit

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/129-0908-jeep-tj-jeep-jk-dana-44-axle-swap/





There are people on here who have done the JK axle swap also. You need to do some searching and reading or watching some YT videos.

https://www.google.com/search?sca_e...IHZ7EBLYQ8ccDegQIERAJ&biw=2552&bih=1326&dpr=1