Shopping Around For Axle Shafts

[Kon]

Hi everyone,

I was browsing around the web checking out axle shafts for my Dana 30 front axle with an Eaton eLocker.

I know that it is suggested to use 30spline shafts for 35s (and probably 33s?) however, since I have recently installed a new carrier (Eaton eLocker) that works with 27spline axle shafts along with my wish to renew my 31s KO2s with a new set of the same brand and size tires does not demand 30spline axle shafts.

I have to say that I have no issues at the moment with my current axle shafts and the reason behind me shopping around is to be proactive and replace my almost 20-year old current set that has probably seen better days. Add to that the additional stress that they now experience when the axle is locked and it seems to be the right thing to do.

So far I have had checked out the usual brands (Yukon, G2, Alloy USA etc.) and was leaning towards this set;

Yukon Gear & Axle 1541H HD Dana 30 Front Axle with 27 Spline for 84-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, Unlimited LJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ

Yukon Gear & Axle Heavy Duty Axles for Jeep Dana 30 axles are superior to factory axles due to their alloy composition. These alloys and the heat treating process they undergo create a stronger shaft suitable for handling larger tires and off-road abuse with confidence.

www.quadratec.com

Let me please know if there are specific things I need to pay attention to such as the alloy composition which is described to be different between brands (e.g. Yukon mentions 1541H while G2 mentions 4340).

Thanks!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yukon is so fucked up if they're really making front Dana 30 shafts out of 1541H steel. 1541H is only used for the rear Dana 35 axle shafts where Wrangler axles are concerned. For the front I'd go 4340 Chromoly. Revolution Gear has them. Yes 1541H is slightly stronger than the carbon steel OE shafts were made out of but not by much when they're only 27 spline. The Super 35 shafts get away with 1541H steel because they're 30 spline replacing the OE carbon steel 27 spline shafts.

 

[Kon]

Thanks @Jerry Bransford. So I guess that the main criteria I should look for should be 4340 alloy and cromoly? Regardless of brand?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yes.

 

[SvtLdr]

As Jerry mentioned, Revolution Gear is highly regarded around these parts. They offer a couple options in the 4340 variety.

 

[NskLJ]

Thanks @Jerry Bransford. So I guess that the main criteria I should look for should be 4340 alloy and cromoly? Regardless of brand?

Revolution gear is back ordered on the stub shafts for the Dana 30. I have ordered axles last month and am still waiting. I spoke with them earlier this week and they were supposed to be in this week but I have not heard anything yet.

 

[sourbluff]

Isn’t just the Dana 30 stub shafts. I ordered Dana 44 front, rear shafts and install kits from a 3rd party vendor in November. Just got rear shafts on Friday. Front shafts are showing Feb ship date, fingers crossed. Install kits were cancelled as was no estimated ship date from Revolution. Oddly enough my gears I ordered from Amazon at the same time shipped in like a week

I’m not knocking Revolution and personally plan to reorder install kits and wait as like OP my current setup works. Every Jeep should have a pending parts pile right

 

[Kon]

Thanks everyone. @Jerry Bransford Your suggestion to avoid 1541H alloy and go for 4140 alloy (I understand it's the equivalent of 4340 for rear axles shafts?) would be the same for the rear Dana 44 as well?

 

[TJim]

Thanks everyone. @Jerry Bransford Your suggestion to avoid 1541H alloy and go for 4140 alloy (I understand it's the equivalent of 4340 for rear axles shafts?) would be the same for the rear Dana 44 as well?

Yeap! 4340 for both Dana 30 and 4140/4340 for Dana 44. 1541H is only for Dana 35.

27 splines inner/ 27 splines outer for Dana 30, and 30 splines for Dana 44.

 

[L J]

Thanks everyone. @Jerry Bransford Your suggestion to avoid 1541H alloy and go for 4140 alloy (I understand it's the equivalent of 4340 for rear axles shafts?) would be the same for the rear Dana 44 as well?

I'm running Revolution 4340 front / 4140 rear axles in my LJR with Dana 44 front / Dana 44 rear.

 

[TJim]

... my Dana 30 front axle with an Eaton eLocker.

May I ask where did you install the eLocker in Greece?

Also, where did you buy it from? Did you order it straight from the USA?

 

[Kon]

Yeap! 4340 for both Dana 30 and Dana 44. 1541H is only for Dana 35.

27 splines inner/ 27 splines outer for Dana 30, and 30 splines for Dana 44.

I do seem to find 4340 for the rear Dana 44. I see 4140 instead. Do you know if it's the equivalent?

 

[Kon]

I'm running Revolution 4340 front / 4140 rear axles in my LJR with Dana 44 front / Dana 44 rear.

I guess that replies to my above question on 4340 being the equivalent to 4310 in front and rear respectively.

 

[TJim]

I do seem to find 4340 for the rear Dana 44. I see 4140 instead. Do you know if it's the equivalent?

Yeap! 4140 is the one recommended for Dana 44. Check this thread: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...d-i-buy-for-my-dana-44-rear-axle.35496/page-2

 

[L J]

I guess that replies to my above question on 4340 being the equivalent to 4310 in front and rear respectively.

I'm not sure about other suppliers but Revolution spec'd 4140 for the rear due to it's slightly different properties from 4340.

 

[Kon]

May I ask where did you install the eLocker in Greece?

Also, where did you buy it from? Did you order it straight from the USA?

Yes, ordered from quadratec.

I installed it in the garage where we service all cars of my family. Not one of the jeep-specific shops, just a general garage though I know and trust the two brothers who have it and believe them to be good mechanics. It's in Glyfada where I live. PM for details if you want.

 

[Kon]

Yeap! 4140 is the one recommended for Dana 44. Check this thread: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...d-i-buy-for-my-dana-44-rear-axle.35496/page-2

Thanks for the reference. Will check it out.

 

[NskLJ]

Isn’t just the Dana 30 stub shafts. I ordered Dana 44 front, rear shafts and install kits from a 3rd party vendor in November. Just got rear shafts on Friday. Front shafts are showing Feb ship date, fingers crossed. Install kits were cancelled as was no estimated ship date from Revolution. Oddly enough my gears I ordered from Amazon at the same time shipped in like a week

I’m not knocking Revolution and personally plan to reorder install kits and wait as like OP my current setup works. Every Jeep should have a pending parts pile right

I do have my install pile in the garage also. Are you looking for install kits for Ring and Pinion sets? You could always piece those together, bearings shims, seal and crush sleeve.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I do seem to find 4340 for the rear Dana 44. I see 4140 instead. Do you know if it's the equivalent?

Yes it's fine too.

 

[sourbluff]

I do have my install pile in the garage also. Are you looking for install kits for Ring and Pinion sets? You could always piece those together, bearings shims, seal and crush sleeve.

I’m still saving pennies for big brake kit, waiting on front shafts and for my brothers garage to be finished so I’m in no rush.